After hearing about a lot of 'horror' stories regarding E&L insurance I was a bit worried because my insurance is with Animal Friends who are basically E&L.  As Bali had to under go a cruciate ligament op 5 weeks ago I was worried because I had to fork out £2.5k for the op as the vets did not do direct claims.  Well I am pleased to say that yesterday I received a cheque in the post for the amount agreed (once excess taken off) so am very pleased with the outcome.  Just wanted to share it with everyone so those of you who are with E&L need not fear, I just kept in contact every week and hey presto :)

I am super pleased and so will my bank manager :)

Good for you.  I too am with E & L.  Never had a problem with them.  Had a clain for over £300 paid to me recently, they even paid for some Stronghold that happened to be on the same receipt (£60 worth) so that covered my excess!  I had mine paid to me within 3 weeks which I think is pretty good.  My sister uses Sainsbury's after hearing brilliant things about them and had to wait for over three months just to hear whether they were going to pay or not, the cheque arrived some time later.

I'm sticking with E & L for now, in my experience they are cheap and pay out, but I am aware that others don't feel the same. 

just glad that they arnt as bad as they was made out to be as £2.5k is alot of money,im sure hes worth everypenny tho just to see him well again! :) how is he now,is he fully recoverd yet ? :)

Well I am sticking with them too as I get discount for having 4 pets (well 3 at the mo as my cat has been missing for about 5 1/2 weeks) and like you say they pay, to get the money in about 5 weeks was pretty good and my vet held things up taking ages to write the claim form, after they charged me £5 to do it! 
Bali is doing ok ish cheers Sarah, took him back to the vets as he is not using the leg too much when at home although on a walk he uses it ok - I just wanted to check that no infection had set in etc but the vet was happy with it and once he has started swimming I am sure he will be ok :)