I've got to say that I've tried insurance for my dogs over the years and always been out of pocket. I'd have been better off paying for any treatment and saving the premiums. So that's what I do now. Of course it's a bit of a gamble, but over the long term, it pays. Else those insurance companies wouldn't do it.
Hmm. I think really I've been lucky. Four Labradors over a 35 year period (still got two, 11 and 4) and nothing major. Ear problems with one operation, a hysterectomy, some medication to alleviate creaking bones in old age and of course those final costs.
Although I gamble and have won to date, but Wingy and jamesbilling's posts above tell a different story. It's a personal thing really and what you're comfortable with. The main thing is that the dog's welfare is paramount.
Very simply, you have a legal and moral obligation to an animal under your care. If you cannot afford vets bills, should they occur, and you do not take insurance then you shouldn't have a dog.
Every single day we are forced to cut corners or give suboptimal service because people have animals they cannot afford to properly care for.
I'm not going to mince my words, this gets on my nerves.
I must be unlucky then having lost 2 dogs this year. Both insured with John Lewis
1) dog aged 7 years never ill no claims thoughout his life, insurance payed out the cost of the dog as he died before he was 9. So we were in pocket
2) bitch age 6 1/2 years numerous claims £450 after being attacked by a terrier, £2,500 heart operation, then 6 months between £1,000 - £1,200 per month heart medication etc. then the cost of the dog as she died before she was 9.
They never quibbled about costs and even payed vets direct and it was a "true" life policy. Be carefull some will insure for life but will exclude pre existing conditions when you come to renew and £12,000 per year, it's surprising how quick that's eaten up when something goes wrong.
Got another bitch now and she's insured with John Lewis
Choose wisely
Wingy
I must be unlucky then having lost 2 dogs this year. Both insured with John Lewis
1) dog aged 7 years never ill no claims thoughout his life, insurance payed out the cost of the dog as he died before he was 9. So we were in pocket
2) bitch age 6 1/2 years numerous claims £450 after being attacked by a terrier, £2,500 heart operation, then 6 months between £1,000 - £1,200 per month heart medication etc. then the cost of the dog as she died before she was 9.
They never quibbled about costs and even payed vets direct and it was a "true" life policy. Be carefull some will insure for life but will exclude pre existing conditions when you come to renew and £12,000 per year, it's surprising how quick that's eaten up when something goes wrong.
Got another bitch now and she's insured with John Lewis
Choose wisely
Wingy
+1 for John Lewis. The only one that seems to cover a condition "for life" not until that specific pots runs out and then you're on your own...
Hi Iain
My insurance with More Th>n has cover for life.
Brgds
T'other Iain