Petplan insurance declined payment of new health issue

[cockapoo_Owner]

Hi

We successfully claimed from Petplan insurance to have a biopsy on a small-ish Lipoma (fatty lump) on our Cockapoo in March 2019.

This resulted in an exclusion being added to our policy doc (which I've  only just noticed) : "excluding claims resulting from or connected to Lipomas from 08/03/20".

Winnie developed a NEW mass (probably a Lipoma) Aug 2022. This is growing rapidly and the vet is concerned that it will ultimately effect her mobility or other generate other health issues and advised it should be removed. Its currently the size of a grapefruit, but could potentially grow to size of a watermelon.

It feels unfair that because we had a biopsy (not treatment) on a previous small lump, we are not allowed to claim for something more problemlematic, even though it is a New issue. 

Our policy is a '12 month' type - restricting only treating one condition for 12 months.

Can I appeal, and contest that the quoted exclusion imposed is too big an umbrella ie too big a penalty.

We have paid £400/Yr for 8.5years and feel that the small print is stacked against the customer unfairly.

Or am.i wasting my time trying to convince Petplan, this new issue is not related to the past biopsy.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[unclebulgaria67]

Standard way of operating for pet Insurances. Each 12 month policy is totally separate. Make a claim for any condition and it does not matter if treatment is actually completed, the Insurers for the next 12 month period onwards will exclude further cover for the condition.

Not much you can do. You could complain and then continue this with the FOS, but very unlikely they would uphold the complaint in your favour.

[cockapoo_Owner]

Hi

Thanks for taking time to give me advice.

Heartbreaking,  but perhaps I'll have to accept the painful and very expensive outcome.

So frustrating, as even our vet thinks its a New health issue. Just cant convince Petplan.

Think we'll cancel the policy - lessons learned

[honeybee13]

Hi.

Sadly, a lot of people are caught out by this and I've seen the same with human health insurance.

For what it's worth a lifetime policy is the best one to have but it wouldn't cover pre-existing conditions. It could be worth considering even now at renewal time, depending on Winnie's age.

Here's a link to a comparison website I picked at random. Others are available.

Lifetime Pet Insurance | GoCompare

WWW.GOCOMPARE.COM

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Lifetime cover is the most comprehensive pet insurance available as it continues cover for a condition, year after year. Compare quotes with us...

 

HB

[cockapoo_Owner]

Thanks HB

Winnie is now 8.5 , so perhaps entering a vulnerable phase of life. I'll reconsider our insurance options.

A quote of £1700 for a small routine operation has come as a shock

Ho hum ... We will try to get a second quote.

 

[honeybee13]

That does sound pricey but then I don't know what's involved. And I haven't had to pay for a vet operation recently.

Comparison websites let you look for cover for older dogs.

HB