Tesco Pet Insurance - Any Good?

[Peaspeculiars]

Hi All,
I'm thinking of signing on the dotted line for the Tesco extra cover Pet Insurance for my hound at £16 p/m (£120 excess) with no time limit for treatments - Could anyone advise if they have had any issues with Tesco Pet insurance (this policy or similar) or can perhaps recommend a better one?
(The little man in the avatar has cost us nearly £1k over the last 3 weeks with an injured foot, - I know any policy I sign up for won't cover the rest of the treatment for this injury, but we definately need to insure him asap just in case)
Many Thanks in advance, Pea x

[237SJ]

See if you can find out who the underwriters are and research them because they are the people who make the decisions regarding payouts

[Baldric]

Used them for a few years now, with no probs, they did try to put a big increase in premiums on last year, when I said I was going elsewhere they reduced it.

[Peaspeculiars]

Cheers Guys,
Baldric - when I phoned their hotline to ask a few questions they confirmed that there is no 'cut off' age for the insurance policy to continue year by year - i.e. when my dog reaches 14 they won't suddenly turn round and say I can't renew the annual policy. I don't know how old your pups are, but is this your understanding too?

[wolf63]

I use Tesco for my two moggies and have had no problems with them. I have an ongoing claim for Frankie (my avatar) and his asthma.

[FredPuli43]

These insurances vary a lot in the small print and all should be read carefully. some exclude dogs above a certain age, or certain breeds above a certain age, some require the illness or injury to be reported to them within 48 hours of it happening or being first noticed, some have long lists of excluded conditions, some demand substantial payment like an excess in motor insurance, and so on.

All of them cost a lot for cover which is properly useful; I am not impressed by £10 million public liability against £5 million, as one firm touted as a benefit, when that firm has ridiculous restrictions on other matters !

[Ellipsis]

We use Petplan and have had very good experience with them. Vets also seem to like them, saying things like "Oh good" when our response to their question about who we're insured with is Petplan.

[Peaspeculiars]

Thanks Wolf and Fred,
My heads swimming after wading through so many terms and conditions pages, so thought I'd ask the trusty AB'ers for help!
Luckily as a labrador x Harrier Hound, he is insurable, but you are right Fred - so much small print to consider! x

[pixie373]

I used Petplan, but they refused to pay out for an injured leg, because they'd put the date down wrongly. Thinking about Tesco as well, now.

[Peaspeculiars]

Thanks Ellipsis,
Yes - My parents recommended Petplan with the cover for life policy - But Tesco is so much cheaper, there surely is a catch? - so thought I'd ask if anyone has had any massive issues with it?

[Peaspeculiars]

Hiya Pixie,
What a pain, this is what I'm worried about with any policy (not being able to claim if I need due to a technical hitch or mistake) - hope you aren't too out of pocket on that claim :-/
xx

[pixie373]

It was about £850. The dressing gave him a pressure sore, which then needed treating too. That wasn't covered because the original injury wasn't. The vet wrote to them and i sent in forms to prove i hadn't even bought the puppy on the date they had, but they refused to change it .

[Peaspeculiars]

Blimey, sorry to hear that, an awful lot of money lost on their clerical error seems very unjust.
Hopefully the pup's all well and good now?

[pixie373]

He is, thanks, which is all that matters in the end. Did lose his toe from the pressure sore, but doesn't seem to have noticed.

[rockyracoon]

I used Tesco for my dog's insurance, the last couple of claims have been paid out within a couple of weeks. The premiums have gone up a bit as he has arthritis so I can't go anywhere else as it won't be covered.

[rockyracoon]

Sorry I use not used.

[pixie373]

Do you have "cover for life" rocky? I've had that because i have cavaliers, which can be prone to heart problems. But it is expensive .

[rockyracoon]

Yes Pixie, I have the whole of life cover, couldn't be without it really :)

[Peaspeculiars]

Cheers Rocky, yes, I thought the premiums might go up a bit, as long as it's not a huge jump though I guess it shouldn't be a problem.

Thanks All for your help on this, :-)

[pixie373]

Thanks rocky, too. Maybe i should stick with it, then.

[Ellipsis]

Sorry to hear of your experiences pixie. In our case, Petplan have paid out over £1000 for various bits and pieces.