Ask The Expert: Petplan excess increase

I received a question from Susie regarding the recent increase of the excess on her Petplan policy. Remember, if you need help, just click here and fill in the form.

Cavalier KC Spaniel – 10years old, usually healthy, well-behaved, trained etc.

I see from my renewal information that Petplan have changed my excess from £95 to £105 + 20% – they have also increased my premiums to £35.

I have only claimed 3 times in 10 years.

Is this a standard increase or do you think are they penalising me for a recent claim? My dog caught Parvo 2 months after his booster this summer.

Thanks, Susie

Hi Susie,

I hope you’re well. Thanks for getting in touch.

I’m really sorry to hear about the condition your dog has developed. I hope he/she’s going to get better.

With regards to your insurance question, I believe that the increase is pretty much standard. As pets get older, they become more likely to get ill and claim. Therefore, insurers usually increase premiums and excesses over the years. So, it’s certainly not nice to see such an increase, especially at a time when you will need to claim, but it’s definately common practice, especially on comprehensive policies.

There is also a current trend pet insurance where companies start charging % excesses on top of the usual fixed excess for pets of all ages. In the current climate, companies review the profitability of their insurance books and one way to increase profits is to curb the amount paid out in claims. Pet Protect and More Than have already made such changes to their policies, and I believe that others will follow soon.

Now, as far as the premium is concerned, some insurers will indeed give you a bigger increase at renewal if you have claimed recently. Some may also adjust the increase depending on how much you’ve been claiming for.

Has your vet said anything about treatment for parvo? Is it likely to be ongoing and do you know roughly how much it will cost you this year? Also, ask your vet to give you an idea of costs in worst case scenarios. That way you can estimate how much your excess will be when you will make a claim and whether it is worth staying insured or putting money in a savings account.

Either way, you don’t really have the option to switch pet insurance provider as your pet would have what they call a ”pre existing condition”.

I would give Petplan a call and see if they can reduce your premium this year. Use your loyalty with them and if you have any other pet insured with them too. It’s always worth a try.

I hope this answers you query. Please, feel free to be in touch if you have further questions, I’ll be happy to help.

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