Comments on: Ask The Expert: Unfair pet insurance exclusion, what can I do?

By: Frenchie

Frenchie — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 21:22:21 +0000

Hi Carolyn

You can’t really ask the insurance company to review your premium because you didnt query it at the time. Going to the ombudsman won’t help either.

Since your Dobermann has arthritis, which is an ongoing condition, you may be better off staying with your insurer. Just think how much the premium is and how much you’re claiming for the medication. If you’re better off, then keep the policy.

Switching policy may not be an option as your dog’s arthritis will be excluded and you’ll have to pay for medication yourself.

You could always threaten to leave your current company to see if they would give you a discount but because you’re going to carry on claiming, it’s unlikey they’d do much.

It’s really a case of asking yourself whether it’s financially better for you to pay the premium and excess and let the insurer pay the treatments.

By: Carolyn

Carolyn — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 14:55:22 +0000

My pet insurance renewal premiums have doubled when the insurance was renewed in August 2010. This is in respect of my Dobermann dog who has arthritis and needs medication to keep the arthritis under control. She is 6 and half years old. I queried it with the insurance company who queried why I had not questioned this earlier – this was due to 2 family deaths in close succession in the latter part of the year. They informed me that had I queried it earlier they would have offered me a non financial incentive, i.e. free dog hamper or night in a hotel!!!! I said I would not have been interested in this, only a reduced monthly premium. Do I have any comeback with the insurance company or can I go to the insurance ombudsman and would this help.

By: Frenchie

Frenchie — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 15:41:31 +0000

Hi Jessie,

I think any insurance company will try to get it excluded. There’s always a small risk that the infection re-occurs or that it may be the cause of future problems. Horse insurance companies won’t take a chance but try and speak to them over the phone first and explain your situation. If they agree to cover it, then get a confirmation in writing to be safe.

Hope this helps

By: Jessie

Jessie — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 00:19:32 +0000

I am trying to purchase horse insurance. 7 months ago my horse was diagnosed with a bone infection in his coffin bone. It was treated with antibiotics and he made a full recovery. I had final xrays taken 5 months after diagnosis that proves the bone completely healed with no damage. I’m now worried that the insurance company will try to exclude that foot from coverage. Do you think this is a problem and if they do try to exclude it can I argue with them to change their minds? It was an infection that after clearing up should have no risk of re-occurance.
Thanks!