We have been having conversations recently about how we would proceed if our lovely 13/14 year old puppy got sick again. The thing is, even if we could claim back for expensive treatment, I am not sure I want to put her through hugely invasive procedures to extend her life, when really I think she should have palliative care, and die with dignity.
She is as well as she has ever been right now, long may this last. However, we can afford Vet bills. Thankfully as the minimum excess is now £90, and as she is over 7 years old, we would only get back 80% of our expenses for her.
After a long conversation with the insurer, I managed to cut the cost to just under £500, by removing two elements of the insurance. Also by increasing the excess to £190. This means for a £500 vet bill, I would get back £250. For any minor stuff, nothing at all. So as far as I am concerned this plan still does not offer value for money. I would rather work on the premise of my opening argument.
The element I do want though is Liability Cover, which in my opinion should be a legal requirement for all dogs and cats. Cats running across the road cause more accidents than dogs on leads I am sure.
I pointed out to my Husband that if we could just get the Liability cover, we would be better to cover the vet bills ourselves. He agreed, so I googled it and found that simply by becoming a member of DogsTrust, which is a great charity, you get a fantastic little package of benefits all for £25, or £12.50 if you are over 60, so my Husband is going to apply as he has passed that benchmark!
Its £1,000,000. Liability cover both at home and abroad (up to 6 months). Vetline, phone call centre for advice, and the peace of mind that DogTrust will ensure your pet is re-homed in case we both exit the mortal coil before her.
I am stressing this is not a Vetinary bill plan, but for us makes whopping sense. £12.50 v £500 for the element I actually want is a great difference. At the moment we probably spend nearly this much on her heart medication. The Boiron Rhumatyl lasts a lot longer than I thought it would, so that works out fairly reasonable.
I pointed out to my Husband that we could afford to pay £25 for this, but he said he would rather pay the £12.50 and make a donation.
A good half hours work on my part! Saving money is one of my favourite hobbies...