VetsMediCover ridiculously high renewal premium

[drh1]

Here's a warning to anyone thinking of taking out a policy with this company.....

 

I trawled the Internet in 2011 and found the 'best pet insurance' to be VetsMediCover with plenty of positive feedback.

 

The company advertised pet insurance policies on the basis of 'One Pet, One Price' and for dogs, was not breed or age related other than the dog had to be under 8 years old at the started of the policy.

There was one price for small dogs and another for large dogs and this was the reason why I chsoe the company to insure my dog.

 

I took out a 'lifelong' policy for my dog at £252 or £21 a month in 2011.

I made one small claim during the year and renewed the policy ay £384 or £32 a month in 2012.

My dog developed heart failure earlier this year and now requires medication for the rest of his life, his prognosis is six months. VedsMediCover has paid for the medication to date with no problems.

 

 

Just before renewal next month....

I received an apologetic letter from the company stating that my dog was now classed as a 'select' breed (whatever that is) and the premium would rise to £720 on renewal.

I received a second letter the following day stating that my premium would now be doubled again from £720 to £1440 or £120 a month. In addition, as my dog was over 7 years old, I will have to pay 20% of any future vet treatment in additon to the £95 excess.

 

The have complained to the company, and received the offer of a small reduction to £1332 or £111 a month.

 

I believe the company is trying to deter me from renewing my policy to avoid paying for the ongoing medication that my dog needs.

The new premium is actually more expensive than the cost of the ongoing drugs he has received over the last few months.

It seems bizarre that the first renewal figure of £720 has been *exactly* doubled to £1440 and the company can offer no explanation for the arbitrary doubling (think of a number, then double it, perhaps).

 

The point I am making is that I was sold a 'lifelong' policy in 2011 and was told at that time that the basic terms and conditions of such a policy could not be changed in future years.

A new underwriter (Qudos from Denmark) has taken over as the insurer and has retrospectively introduced 'select' breeds and an age limit where formerly (at the time of taking out thte policy) there was none.

I believe this is not withing the law (i.e. to sell a life product, then significantly change the basic terms and conditions).

 

This is going to be refered to the Financial Ombudsman.

 

A 400% increase in premium renewal on a 'lifelong' pet insurance policy is unreasonable, unfair, unrealistic and great for bad publicity.

 

My advice to anyone thinking of buying pet insurance is to AVOID VetsMedicover at all costs as an insurer, as they most likely will change the terms and conditions AFTER you buy it.

Edited September 26, 2013 by drh1

[H.Hughes]

Hi OP, can you message me? Same issue here, but due to post count cannot PM.

 

Regards

 

Helen

[SabreSheep]

OP has not been here since 2013, I think you may be waiting a while.

 

Regards

 

SS