Hi. OK. Many thanks for your reply, and your advice.

Hi. We recently made a claim through Tesco Pet Insurance which they declined because their contention is that the condition in our cat was pre-existing to the start of the policy. We disputed this through their complaints department, but the refusal was upheld. We have now taken our case to the Financial Services Ombudsman and are waiting for the outcome of their investigation - which we understand can take up to nine months. In the meantime, the veterinary practice concerned have asked us to settle the bill because out dispute is with the insurance company and not with the practice. If we do settle the bill with the practice and then the FSO finds in our favour, can Tesco still be compelled to pay us the value of the claim? The original claim form was submitted direct to Tesco by the veterinary practice.