does anyone else have argos pet insurance?my collie is on painkillers permanently,but its never seemed worth claiming because theres a 60pounds charge for each claim,and you can only claim back 6 weeks,the painkillers are only about35pounds.I just wondered if i was missing something!(quite possible!)ive never bothered before,as theyre not that expensive,but moneys tighter now ive retired.thanks in advance!

Hi

I don't have this cover but I had a quick look at it.  Which policy do you have, Silver, Gold , Platinum? 

At first glance it seems that the reason it doesn't cost very much is that it isn't very good.  There is an online policy doc here but it doesn't say what the excess is.  I can see that you are covered only for 12 months following the incident so presumably that rules out repeat claims after that period but I can't find anything about the £60 you mention.   That sounds as if it's the excess and payable only once for each incident (condition).  So in essence you'd have paid the £60 excess when the condition was diagnosed but for the following 12 months the insurer would have paid out for repeat claims.

Does that help?  I'll have another look at it if you can tell me which policy it is.

If you cannot claim for painkillers via insurance have a look at online prices for the same medication.  Even if your vet charges for prescriptions you may find it costs you less to buy from an online chemist.  What painkillers do you have?

Finally - perhaps now is the time to change insurer?  You won't get cover for existing conditions (but it sounds as if you don't have that anyway).  How old is your dog?

thankyou for your reply!my dog on painkillers(trocoxil)is 14 and its the silver policy,i also have a platinum for my 11month old.i must admit i hadnt realised id only have to pay the excess once with an ongoing condition,so thanks for that,maybe it would be worth giving them a ring!thanks very much!

make sure your vet marks the claim form or at least the second one "ongoing"  to indicate it is the same condition.  My cat is being treated for a broken leg and so far we have put in three claims but you only pay the excess once.
I don't know what the policy conditions say but they may only pay out for a year but at least thats a start and maybe your vet wouyld be prepared to give you more than a months supply which would help also as dogs a babe suggests you may beable to get the meds cheaper on line if you cant claim.
Insurances I hate them but a necessary evil in my opinion
Just looked at it it appears that they will only pay for 12 months unless you have the platinum.

Hi - glad it was helpful

Looking at your policy - this is where you are likely to come unstuck
In the event of any possible claim under any sections of this insurance You must notify the claims helpline on 0845 602 6764 or by e-mail: claims@argospetinsurance.co.uk as soon as possible and not later than 60 days after any Incident occurring that is likely to result in a claim. Failure to comply with the listed procedures may result in Us being unable to assist with Your claim.

If you haven't already informed them within this timeframe they may refuse to pay the claim.  Also, your policy states
* Cover limited to 12 months after the incident

You may not get back dated bills paid, but you ought to get the most recent and future ones paid if you are still within 12 months of the original diagnosis.  If you get no joy with the insurers, have a word with your vets to see if they are willing to give you several months worth of pills on one prescription.  Then shop around - although I googled this drug and I've never seen such an expensive one! (£8.32 for one 30mg tablet) Fingers crossed for you :)

> I googled this drug and I've never seen such an expensive one! (£8.32 for one 30mg tablet)

'Trocoxil (mavacoxib) is another new product in this group, which relieves pain and inflammation and can be used to treat chronic pain associated with arthritis. The novel thing about this medicine is that it remains in the blood for a very long time, so that daily dosing isn't necessary. Instead a dose of the tablets is given twice, with a two-week interval between, and then dosing is continued monthly for up to six months. Due to the unusual nature of this chemical the duration of action is extensive, but the potential for side effects is low, and it promises to be a helpful and convenient drug for those dogs for whom daily dosing isn't possible."

quote above was in March 'your dog' so maybe cost isn't so bad compared to 1 or more tabs every day
Chris

thanks everybody .yes,she has just had two tablets two weeks apart,and from now on,its monthly,two tablets cost 22pounds,so if its only 22 pounds a month itl actually work out cheaper than the old ones.,but its possible she may need other medication as she ages,must remember to get onto the insurers quick if so!thanks again,much appreciated!

Trocoxil seems to be an extremely useful new product; it's only been available for about 4 months. Back in November a client was sure she was going to have to put her dog to sleep because he'd been on Metacam, Rimadyl and Previcox for his arthritis, but he was still in a lot of pain and had very restricted movement. As a last resort the vet suggested the new drug Trocoxil, and now the dog can go upstairs again, and put his feet up on the kitchen table, and do all the other nuisance things that pain had stopped him doing for a couple of years. The owner's thrilled because, as she says she's "got her dog back again".

thats lovely,ive heard similar stories,my vet and veterinary nurse have their old dogs on it,andthey seem improved.ive not noticed much difference in flyss myself,in fact last week i thought she was limping more,BUT shes quite a bit livelier on walks,and not limping this week,so im quite pleased.if what i remember is right,the strengh of pain relief will increase for a couple more weeks yet,as well,shes been on it 6 weeks fingers crossed!

> shes been on it 6 weeks

As well as hopefully positive news about this drugs effectiveness for your girl, this timescale means you are probably just within your 60 day notice period.  Ring them, and get a claim in quick!

:)

shes been on capreive(i think,but the vet told me it used to be called rimadyl)for over a year before the trocoxil,so theyl class it as an existing condition,wont they?thanks loads for your help,it might still be worth a call.

Don't let the insurers confuse you.  A pre existing condition will be one that she had prior to her insurance cover starting. 

Although they may refuse to pay backdated claims because you hadn't notified them within 60 days they cannot say her current condition is pre existing.  They may however say that she is no longer elible for a claim because of the 60 day notice period and/or because the initial incident (diagnosis) was more than 12 months ago.

Whatever they say when you ring them (and do ring them) ask them to confirm exactly what rules they are using to deny payment.  You may be able to get your vets onside too.

right,i will!and thanks very much!