Jane Dotson
Petplan is a pet insurance company with over 40 years of experience and a rating of 4.7/5 on Trustpilot. They offer a range of insurance policies, including lifetime cover and 12-month cover, which provide protection for various conditions and veterinary costs. The company has a good reputation for its claims process and speed of payouts, with many customers expressing satisfaction with the service they received. However, some users have criticised Petplan for its high costs, with premiums and excesses increasing over time. So, is Petplan insurance worth it? This paragraph will explore the pros and cons of Petplan insurance and help you decide if it's the right choice for your furry friend.
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What You'll Learn
Petplan's high cost
Petplan is generally considered to be one of the most expensive pet insurance providers. While some customers are satisfied with the value for money, others have complained about the high cost of premiums, excess, and additional charges.
For example, one customer reported that their premium had increased by £50 despite having no claims or new conditions. Another customer, who had been with Petplan for a year, stated that their premium had increased by 50% and that they were considering alternative providers.
The cost of Petplan's insurance can be influenced by various factors, including the age and health of the pet, as well as the type of policy chosen. Petplan offers both Lifetime and Essential 12-month cover policies, with the former being more comprehensive and, consequently, more expensive.
The Lifetime policy covers any illness or condition for the duration of the pet's life, provided that the policy is renewed without a break in cover and remains within the policy limits. This policy has a variable fixed excess and introduces a 20% co-pay at certain ages, depending on the breed.
The Essential 12-month policy, on the other hand, covers any illness or injury for a period of 12 months or up to a limit of £3,000, whichever comes first. After this period, the condition is no longer covered.
It is worth noting that Petplan's premiums may also be influenced by location, with some customers reporting higher premiums in London.
Despite the high costs, some customers have praised Petplan for their claims process, speed of payouts, and direct payment to vets. However, others have expressed concerns about the affordability of the insurance, especially for older pets, and have suggested that Petplan may be pricing customers out of insuring their older pets.
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Petplan's coverage
Petplan offers two types of pet insurance policies: Covered for Life (Lifetime Cover) and Essential 12 Month (Time Limited) cover. The Covered for Life policy covers any illness or condition for life, provided that the policy is renewed without a break in cover and within policy limits. The policy limits for vet fees are £4,000, £7,000, or £12,000. The Essential 12 Month policy covers any illness or injury for a 12-month period or up to £3,000 in vet fees, whichever comes first. After this period, the condition is no longer covered.
The Covered for Life policy covers congenital, hereditary, and behavioural conditions, as well as vet consultations, diagnostic tests, prescription medications, surgery, specialist care, physiotherapy, pet therapies, dental injury and illness, and cancer treatments. They also offer multi-pet discounts.
Petplan's customers have generally positive things to say about their claims process and speed of payouts, with some reporting that Petplan pays vets directly without the need for customers to pay and claim back. However, some customers have found the insurance expensive, with year-on-year increases in premiums and policy excess.
In summary, while Petplan's coverage appears to be comprehensive, it is important to consider the cost of premiums, excess, and potential increases over time when deciding if Petplan insurance is worth it for your specific needs and circumstances.
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Petplan's customer service
Petplan is rated "Excellent" with 4.7/5 on Trustpilot, with 19,303 customers providing reviews. Customers have praised Petplan's customer service, describing it as "outstanding service – truly worth it!". One customer review mentions that Petplan processed their claim without any delays and covered the full cost, resulting in a stress-free experience. Another customer mentions that they have claimed a lot from Petplan and that they pay out every time without any issues.
However, some customers have expressed concerns about the increasing cost of Petplan's insurance plans. Some reviews mention that the premiums and excess have increased significantly over time, making it challenging for pet owners to continue their coverage. There are also mentions of rude customer service representatives and challenges with amending policies.
Overall, while Petplan's customer service has received positive feedback for its promptness and ease of claims, there are concerns about the rising cost of insurance and the potential for challenges when interacting with customer service representatives.
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Petplan's claims process
One of the standout features of Petplan's claims process is their willingness to pay out. They pay 97% of all claims received, and there are numerous testimonials from customers who have received payouts without issues or delays. This is a significant advantage, as it provides peace of mind during stressful times.
The speed and convenience of the claims process are also notable. Petplan deals directly with vets for payments, and their digital services keep customers informed without requiring constant contact. This efficiency is further enhanced by their prompt payments, with some customers receiving payouts in as little as two days.
In terms of requirements, Petplan typically asks for detailed medical records, including medical history and lab results, to process claims quickly. They may also require an itemized invoice from the veterinarian, showing the treatment provided and the associated charges. It is worth noting that Petplan does not require customers to call and notify them of a claim, and they do not charge higher premiums for claiming.
Overall, Petplan's claims process appears to be a significant strength of the company, offering a seamless and stress-free experience for customers during challenging times.
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Alternative pet insurance options
While Petplan insurance is rated as excellent on Trustpilot, it is considered expensive by many users. Therefore, it is worth exploring alternative pet insurance options.
One alternative is to pay for veterinary expenses using your personal savings account. However, this may not adequately cover expensive vet bills. Another option is to use financing tools like Care Credit, which allow you to defer upfront costs and pay off the balance using reimbursed funds. If your pet is older or has pre-existing conditions, you can explore alternatives such as veterinary networks, medical organisations, community pool funds, or crowdfunding. Pet Assure, for instance, covers pets with pre-existing conditions and offers plans for pets of all ages.
Additionally, financial assistance from loved ones or animal charities can be helpful. Some charities that offer financial support for veterinary care include Pets of the Homeless, The Pet Fund, and The American Veterinary Medical Foundation. Remember to research each charity's rules to determine which one best suits your needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Petplan insurance is rated as "excellent" with 4.7/5 on Trustpilot, with many customers reporting satisfaction with their claims process and speed of payouts. However, some customers find their insurance expensive, with premiums increasing year on year. Ultimately, the decision to choose Petplan insurance depends on individual needs and budget.
Petplan insurance offers a range of benefits, including lifetime cover, 12-month cover, and essential policies. Their insurance covers vet consultations, diagnostic tests, prescription medications, surgery, and specialist care. They also provide advertising and a reward if your pet goes missing or is stolen, legal fees if your dog damages someone else's property, and cattery or kennel fees if you have to go to hospital.
Petplan is considered one of the most expensive insurers, but also one of the most likely to pay out. They have over 40 years of experience in protecting pets and offer a range of insurance options to suit different needs. However, it is important to shop around and compare different providers to find the best value and coverage for your pet's health needs.
When choosing pet insurance, it is important to look beyond the headlines and compare the details of different policies. Consider factors such as additional limits within vet bills cover, the duration of coverage for behavioural conditions, and whether you will be charged more for claiming. Research different types of pet insurance and the range of vet bills covered. Lifetime insurance, for example, is one of the most comprehensive types of insurance but comes at a higher cost.
