Hi All,

Just to let everyone know that Petplan will pay for DAP. 

History:

I have a golden retriever called Ollie.  Ollie was/is an axious dog and around two years ago he becamse extremely anxious for no obvious reason.  The vet prescribed Selgian and DAP.  After some time Ollie was removed from the Selgian but continued with DAP.  Petplan happily paid for the DAP for around 18 months and six or so claims in total. 

Then in June last year they stopped paying, claiming that they had previously paid in error (six times) and it was outside their own T&Cs to pay for DAP as it was not a medication; and was not treating anxiety but preventing it and therefore outside their own T&Cs.  Ollie had been referred to a behaviourist and they advised that Ollie was generally anxious, to try some behaviour modification but in conjunction with the DAP. 

After going through Petplan's own internal complaints process, they continued to decline the claim for DAP.  I therefore took the complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service.  After some six months I have now received a final response.  Petplan will pay for the DAP until my policy renewal in March 2007; at which point they intend to change their Terms and Conditions so that DAP is not covered.  Ergo DAP must be included/covered now. 

I am thrilled at having "won" this argument,. but needless to say would be much happier if Ollie was not anxious.  Despite following the behaviourist advice Ollie is still anxious without the DAP.  (He reminds me of the kid from Sixth Sense - you know "I see dead people".  Sometimes he freaks for no discernable reason).  He's lovely and is much happier and relaxed on the DAP.

I think it is a pity that Petplan can change their T&Cs part way through the treatment of an illness and makes a mockery of their "Cover for Life" guarantee... but at the moment I am just pleased that they are finally doing the right thing.

Thought I would share with you all - and special thanks to someone on this forum - you know who you are!  (Sorry, thought I had won an award for a moment there!!)  Seriously though, thank you.

tim

Well done for winning! Insurance companies are there for peace of mind, but in reality as we all know, will do anything to avoid paying up. I guess they were worried that pauing up for the DAP  would set a precedent for so many others ... :P

Good for you anyway, and thanks for letting us know.

Lindsay
x

Thanks Lindsay...