Pet Insurance claims

demon9374 · Spanner Monkey Joined: 01 May 2011 Karma :

I am new to pet insurance & how it works. Yesterday morning whilst I was getting ready for work my puppy managed to break her leg.

I went to the vets, paid a whopping £272 for Consultation, 3 xrays, anastetic & pain killers. He said it could cost upto or over £1000 for surgery.

I didn't get round to taking out insurance when I got her & wasn't sure if RSPCA will do it (vets won't take payment plan).. He referred me to RSPCA who I was going to contact later today. (PDSA won't help as I am not on benefits or in their 'area').

However I've been having a clear out and the breeders took her to get vaccinated & chipped for me a couple weeks ago & I've just found a letter in my draw that I have 4 weeks immediate cover. (A deal you get with the microchipping, I had no idea, I just put the letter in the draw).

Anyhow, how does the claim process work? I've already paid my vets, do I contact the insurance & they'll pay me that back? Or do I get the vets to claim it & the vets pay me back?

I really hope there isn't any stupid terms & that they will cover the cost of her surgery.

I was going to take cover out yesterday, but there's a 14 day waiting period for claims, so I wouldn't be able to claim on an existing injury/illness. But this 4 weeks is in effect & lasts till 27th August (in which I can upgrade and get a month free aswell, which I will probably do).. Just dunno how to go about this claim with already paying the vets.

Dazbo666 · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Jun 2004 Karma :

From our own previous experience, we got the vet to fax/email the invoices to the insurer (PetPlan, iirc), but since you've already paid the vets, you may need to get a copy of the invoice and receipt etc to your insurer yourself.

As you already mentioned, a new policy would have an exemption clause which would not cover a pre-existing / current treatment.
I guess it's time for you to check thru the small print t's & c's on the existing paperwork... Good luck with that one Thumbs Up

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Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

They're all different, some will pay vets up front, some will only recompense you, but you'll have to be very lucky to have one who will pay out for treatment that they haven't agreed to.

We don't know though, you're going to have to read your documents and then get in touch with them. No answers here.
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demon9374 · Spanner Monkey Joined: 01 May 2011 Karma :

Aye. Rang them today she's covered. Filled out a form at the vets to recoup the fees from yesterday.

Have to wait for the vet to get back to me about referral for surgery then fill out another form & tick the box to direct pay the vets/surgery. Covered for upto £4000.

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

Awesome result, glad they're seeing your right.
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Recluso · Brolly Dolly Joined: 16 Mar 2011 Karma :

How did she manage to break her leg? o.O

And yes, normally when an animal is covered you just need to give the vet your insurer's details after filling out a bit of paperwork. It's a bit confusing but once you realise how it all works you realise it's actually pretty straight-forward.
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Kwaks · I'm not a fast rider Joined: 28 Jan 2006 Karma :

demon9374 · Spanner Monkey Joined: 01 May 2011 Karma :

She fell. Took her in to the referred vets for surgery today. Just under £1500. They're taking direct payment from the insurance. Also took out a policy with them today so she's still covered for ongoing treatment.

Thank god I got an English guy this time, my vets, he talks super fast, mumbles, the foreign accent & woffles/side tracks when he's explaining something. You can't keep up with him lol

She's having or should of had done by now, a pin & screw. Transferred to a 24/7 place for monitoring & pick her up tomorrow.

My vets said I could bandage it, but recommended surgery. The surgeon said she definately needed surgery otherwise it wouldn't set right due to the nature of the break & would lose use of her leg.

Thank fuck for that free insurance. I was worried, insurance wouldn't pay out as it's free cover & an expensive claim so soon. Should heal up in 4 weeks and full recovery by 6-7 weeks.

Polarbear · Super Spammer Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Karma :

I wouldn't be without pet insurance for my dog now. It's not just for injurys or illness either, you have public liability included. So if muttly runs out into the road and causes an accident or knocks someone over you won't be left with a big bill from someones lawyer.
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Pol Anorl · Banned Joined: 13 Apr 2010 Karma :

Great advice given, just need rec to come in and blame the owner for this now.

edit: just saw she has been here questioning how it broke its leg.

irony.
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Efes123 · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Sep 2011 Karma :

Be wary of PetPlan pricing. They've been putting the price up every year for my two dogs, and just realised this week I'm paying over £70 a month, that's more than my bloody house insurance. A quick meerkat compare later, and I get quotes ranging from £22 to £50 a month for pretty much the same cover.
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JonB · Afraid of Mileage Joined: 03 Jun 2004 Karma :

PetPlan have never been famous for being cheap. They do however have a reputation for being the best.
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