After looking at various pet insurances, I'm still none the wiser.   Some seem so expensive, especially having 2 dogs.   One I'm considering is Direct Line, which is £20 for two of them, although this is an annual insurance.   Can anyone recommend Direct Line - or would you choose an insurance company which insures the condition for life?

thanks - sarah

If you are looking into insuring your dogs Personally I would insure "For life" say your dog gets a condition which will be a lifetime problem, hips, elbow, arthritis etc, and needs medication for his'her entire lifetime, then the companies which offer just the 12 months cover will of course not cover you for your dogs problem from month 13 onwards :-( and then you will be faced with the financial worries each month.

Just my own opinion though :-)

Yes, I can see your point.  I've found a reasonable quote with Pinnacle Pet Healthcare which offer a lifetime cover - may try these.

Hi
Just wondered if you'd tried Sainsburys?
http://www.sainsburysbank.co.uk/insuring/ins_whatyouget_pet_skip.shtml
They offer lifetime cover and my local vets have advised that they are fast and efficient at paying claims (not that I've had 1st hand experience of this though-thank goodness)

Jo
:)

We went with Pinnacle,they were very efficient in getting the policy up and running and offer a discount for online and life time cover,we got 12month for the cost of 11months.
Haven't had to use them luckily,but who knows what the future may bring,especially with our bouncy border collie :D but I would always insure for life.So many friends and family have had terrific vet bills because they only insured for annual cover.

My sisters boxer cost her thousands for his joint and then heart condition because of the cover she chose which only did annual and even when she changed companies the new 'life cover one' excluded all previously diagnosed problems and any other problem that could have been as a result of the pre-diagnosed ones.It's a real minefield going through insurances and what they do and do not cover :(

Some people on the threads choose not to cover,but set up a 'doggy fund',that's ok if you have a lot in there or are able to meet the costs in an emergency,but I personally like to play safe and have my dog insured.

Jacqueline :)

Completely agree with you.  I am with Pinnacle as well.  Again have Border Collies and so far havent had to claim but I do find their range of insuranced offered and their service is second to none so far.

I think you should remember that most pet insurances also cover for third party damages (particularly important for dogs as you areliable for what he/she does). I have a fund instead of medical insurance for the people in our family but we have insurance for the animals for this reason.

Just had a look at Pinnacle, and was put off by their excess.  15% subject to a minimum of £50.  For an expensive condition that could still be big bucks out of pocket:(

Wendy

Hi Sarah,

Would thoroughly recommend Direct Line - and they do have two levels of policy, my dogs are insured with them with life cover for conditions.  This is a relatively new addition for them, but they do have it.  Just ask about the higher level policy.

Marina

Id definately go for life cover . Mine only covers for 12 months which isnt a long time really. Will be looking to renew with someone else when it comes to renewal time.
Also look at the age they cover to as well
Some will only cover til age 8 or 9 but others will cover for life - and they will probably need it more in old age

All my dogs are with petplan and insured for life, I am so glad we did this because one of them has eye problems and has just had surgery costing £3000. Pet plan paid up with no fuss.
Sandie.