Ask the expert: help me find the right dog insurance policy

Chris contacted me after researching the dog insurance market for his King Charles Spaniel. He narrowed it down to Homebase Platinum policy but wanted some reassurance that he made the right choice before buying cover.

Hi,

I am looking to insure my 1 year 2 month old female King Charles Spaniel. She is Chipped and due to be neutered next month. There is a minefield of differences between insurance companies.

My priorities are:

1. Pay vets Direct
2. Approx £6k/year per condition
3. One time excess per condition
4. No quible payments
5. No massive hikes in price on renewal.

I seemed to have narrowed it down to Homebase pet insurance, but would love to hear your thoughts on both them and other options you may recommend.

Homebase quote £15/month. Thanks in advance for any help

Hi Chris

Thanks for contacting me. Researching pet insurance can be a nightmare with so many providers and types of cover available in the UK. However, it’s great that you’ already decided what you’d like in a policy so that will make it easier.

Looking at your requirements, it seems you’re after a lifetime pet insurance policy and Homebase definitely offer ”lifetime” but only with their Platinum policy. The other two dog policies – Silver and Gold – are 12-month covers. The excess seems to be per condition and not per claim which is great news.

£15 a month for a lifetime dog cover seems like good value for money. In comparison, Vets Medicover offer lifetime cover with £10,000 towards vet fees and a £80 excess but the premium is £28 per month. Your Homebase premium is likely to increase year on year especially after your dog reaches 5 years of age but it definitely looks a good option.

In terms of claims processing and payment, it’s always difficult to comment as you can only really find out when you put one through. However, Homebase policies are administered by BDML Connect Ltd which administers pet insurance for many other companies and brands in the UK, so they’re definitely familiar with pet insurance claims, animal illnesses and veterinary treatments.

I hope this helps. You can also look for other lifetime pet insurance companies if you’d like more options.

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