Author Topic: More bad news for those with M&S insurance...  (Read 11709 times)

Offline Millys Mum

  • Purrrrrfect Cat
  • ******
  • Posts: 11930
Re: More bad news for those with M&S insurance...
« Reply #27 on: November 23, 2007, 12:24:58 PM »
Thanks Gill, they seem like a reptuble company, having been around for some years. I have a couple who will have to stay with M&S as wont take the risk of losing future cover but may move over to AXA with the rest if thats the only way of getting life cover.
I shall see what the letter says when it arrives...... :waiting: :waiting: :waiting:


Offline Gill (sneakiefeline)

  • Rainbow Bridge/Rescue/Moderating Staff
  • Purrrrrfect Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 73567
  • Misa at 4yrs old and new with me
  • Slave to: Misa, Sasa, Franta Napoleon RIP, Ducha RIP and Lupin, Kocka RIP
Re: More bad news for those with M&S insurance...
« Reply #26 on: November 23, 2007, 11:33:53 AM »
This is what you need to know about Sun an Royal Alliance

http://www.morethan.com/Pages/Products/Pet/PetHomepage.aspx

Their own pet insurance is like Sainsbury and up to £7000 per condition.

I did a quote for Franta a 14yr old birman and its  less than M&S but £10 more than my current AXA which is life cover.

They may be doing a special deal with M&S for life cover but who knows and if they do it will be more expensive than Suns own.

However Sun?Royal are well known for loss leader quotes, which means like M&S they start of first year with low quote and then it zooms up from then on.

Offline Den

  • Honorary Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 6423
Re: More bad news for those with M&S insurance...
« Reply #25 on: November 23, 2007, 10:23:30 AM »
Well i have it confirmed, I can advise that we are moving our Pet Insurance from AXA to Royal Sun Alliance in the new year, customers details will be transferred over to Royal Sun Alliance

Sooooooo.......what do we know about this new company?  :scared: :scared: :scared:
Oh dear  :scared:
I don't know why, but I'm not liking the sound of that.

lay me down, let me go, feeling heavy the ground is cold,
lay me down take it slow I'm ready to stumble, sing & then swing low
~Use your mutant powers, just talk people to death~

Offline Millys Mum

  • Purrrrrfect Cat
  • ******
  • Posts: 11930
Re: More bad news for those with M&S insurance...
« Reply #24 on: November 23, 2007, 09:55:36 AM »
Well i have it confirmed, I can advise that we are moving our Pet Insurance from AXA to Royal Sun Alliance in the new year, customers details will be transferred over to Royal Sun Alliance

Sooooooo.......what do we know about this new company?  :scared: :scared: :scared:


Offline tab

  • Super Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 2246
  • Slave to Amber
Re: More bad news for those with M&S insurance...
« Reply #23 on: November 22, 2007, 08:38:51 AM »
I just find it infuriating that you insure with a company, make a claim no matter how bit or small and then are stuck with them leaving them free to charge whatever price they want because if you go somewhere else the chances are any illness would be refused as connected to a pre existing illness.
love
Tab

Offline Gill (sneakiefeline)

  • Rainbow Bridge/Rescue/Moderating Staff
  • Purrrrrfect Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 73567
  • Misa at 4yrs old and new with me
  • Slave to: Misa, Sasa, Franta Napoleon RIP, Ducha RIP and Lupin, Kocka RIP
Re: More bad news for those with M&S insurance...
« Reply #22 on: November 22, 2007, 00:13:36 AM »
Ah right so he has no existing condition then cos he was all clear  ;D

Somehow I think they may say try a named company but I think people are leaving M&S in their droves and you will probably find that you will be better of chossing your own company.

Offline Tiggy's Mum

  • Save a life draw/Commercial Assistant/Moderating Staff
  • Royal Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 9376
Re: More bad news for those with M&S insurance...
« Reply #21 on: November 21, 2007, 19:36:54 PM »
I cant remember what Rileys problem was, heart murmour?? Or was it something that did not really show, or will not affect him in later life?

If it was just investigative tests that showed nothing then there is no condition and I would be tempted to jump ship now.

That's just it, the symptoms were panting after heavy play but £500 worth of tests showed him to have nothing wrong with him!  Susanne has expressed very well what I was trying to say about a future insurer wriggling out of any claims for different conditions on the basis that it's linked to this non-existant pre-existing condition  :innocent:

I'd hope that M&S being such a large company would make alternative arrangements to transfer policies to a different insurer if they were to stop doing insurance.


Offline Susanne (urbantigers)

  • Moderating Staff
  • Purrrrrfect Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 26705
  • PA to Mosi & Kito
Re: More bad news for those with M&S insurance...
« Reply #20 on: November 21, 2007, 11:17:30 AM »
I'm inclined to agree with Gill, Helen, although I can understand your concern as I have a similar situation with both Jaffa and Mosi.

Although there was nothing found, the fact that your vet ordered tests could be used by an insurer in the future to claim that he was exhibiting symptoms prior to taking out a policy with them.  If he developed a heart murmur in the future, for example, (Magpie was diagnosed with a mild heart murmur age 6 of 7), then an insurer would ask when symptoms were first noticed and/or investigated.  Even though his panting was not found to be due to anything abnormal, they might consider the panting and subsequent investigations as relevant to the later condition.  I wouldn't agree with that decision, but it could make claiming difficult.  I suppose the best thing would be to discuss it on the phone with a new insurer and explain that it was only investigated in case it was a symptom of something, and that all the tests were clear.  They may be fine about it and not class it as a pre-existing condition.

Offline Gill (sneakiefeline)

  • Rainbow Bridge/Rescue/Moderating Staff
  • Purrrrrfect Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 73567
  • Misa at 4yrs old and new with me
  • Slave to: Misa, Sasa, Franta Napoleon RIP, Ducha RIP and Lupin, Kocka RIP
Re: More bad news for those with M&S insurance...
« Reply #19 on: November 21, 2007, 11:11:40 AM »
As far as I know unless another company took over M&S pet insurance, which I think is unlikely as they are losing there underwriter, no other company would take on that pre-existing condition, so effectively for that you are left uninsured.
Way back when with Kocka she was insured by a little compmany call Dog Breeders Association and ythey paid out an enourmous amount of money for her but all the stuff was a one off, they were taken over by Cornhill who costs were enormous and they would vitually take my money but give me no cover at all. She was aslo about 15yrs old by then.

The insurance world had an agreement that companys would take on older animals who had been with Dog breeders and I eventually ended up with Sainsburys , whos cover was not as good, cost more but she was covered for everything.

I cant remember what Rileys problem was, heart murmour?? Or was it something that did not really show, or will not affect him in later life?

If it was just investigative tests that showed nothing then there is no condition and I would be tempted to jump ship now.

Offline Tiggy's Mum

  • Save a life draw/Commercial Assistant/Moderating Staff
  • Royal Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 9376
Re: More bad news for those with M&S insurance...
« Reply #18 on: November 21, 2007, 07:08:14 AM »
Bit of a random question but does anyone know what would happen if M&S stopped doing pet insurance?  How would those of us that claim for an existing condition stand - if we had to go elsewhere the condition wouldn't be covered as it would be calssed as pre-existing.

I can't switch Riley when the renewals are due as I claimed for the tests for his non existant illness so even though he's been declared perfectly healthy I don't want to risk a new insurer cliaming that any potential future illness is linked to the mystery panting and therfore won't be covered.  Then there was his random back paw skin infection that came from nowhere, they may try to exclude any skin conditions  :innocent:

Offline Millys Mum

  • Purrrrrfect Cat
  • ******
  • Posts: 11930
Re: More bad news for those with M&S insurance...
« Reply #17 on: November 20, 2007, 20:47:08 PM »
I put £50 for my lots market value as thats what it would cost me to get another rescue moggy, they paid it back for George too  ;D

Den, i wouldnt move Molly as if she does get a problem in the future the new company would get out of covering it, as your vet must have had a reason to to go through £800 of tests in the first place?

Im not sure il move as AXA have already put prices up once so far, whose to say they wont do it again  :Dont know: :Dont know: :Dont know: :Dont know:
Has anyone had to claim from them yet?

Unless people take crappy policies that offer cover for 12months or so much per condition we have to accept its gonna cost us, its probably a knock on effect from when pet insurance became popular and the companies are now carrying these animals through old age.
Look at the thousands people have claimed on here and thats just a small amount of customers  :Crazy:


Offline Gill (sneakiefeline)

  • Rainbow Bridge/Rescue/Moderating Staff
  • Purrrrrfect Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 73567
  • Misa at 4yrs old and new with me
  • Slave to: Misa, Sasa, Franta Napoleon RIP, Ducha RIP and Lupin, Kocka RIP
Re: More bad news for those with M&S insurance...
« Reply #16 on: November 20, 2007, 16:23:42 PM »
M&S price hike was not directly to do with AXA as far as I know, it may have been forced on them by AXA because the M&S pet insurance lost a lot of money over the last year due to the NIL excess scheme and presumably what ever M&S are doing is not recouping the losses and AXA are dumping them.

One thing I do know is that AXA have a record of anyone who was with Sainsburys and possibly anyone who was with M&S, so if you are going to move to AXA do not give out false info!

Value of  a pet really only aplies to pedigrees and I know when I asked Sainsburys and M&S about it, they just wanted the amount I paid for my cats............Ummmmmmmmmmm pedigrees x 2 NIL and Misa and Sasa £12.50 each!

Offline tab

  • Super Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 2246
  • Slave to Amber
Re: More bad news for those with M&S insurance...
« Reply #15 on: November 20, 2007, 15:54:35 PM »
I have Mogs with more than and her premium went up from £15.99 a month last year to £19.99 a moneth this year. I wouldnt mind but I havent claimed a lot of money from them and by the time they take the excess off and then the 20% because of her age I dont get much back.
I changed Amber to M&S this year because I want happy with more than. Ive obviously missed something whats happened with M&S?  Should I be looking around again?
love
Tab

Offline Den

  • Honorary Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 6423
Re: More bad news for those with M&S insurance...
« Reply #14 on: November 20, 2007, 12:33:23 PM »
ok - just having a quick look around and have found the most nasty question ever - pets value (£)   how on earth do i answer that? any help much appreciated  :shy:
Is the pets value not the price paid for the pet?

lay me down, let me go, feeling heavy the ground is cold,
lay me down take it slow I'm ready to stumble, sing & then swing low
~Use your mutant powers, just talk people to death~

Offline hannah (weeny)

  • Honorary Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 6077
  • JASPER!!
Re: More bad news for those with M&S insurance...
« Reply #13 on: November 20, 2007, 12:29:24 PM »
anyone with more than?

Offline hannah (weeny)

  • Honorary Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 6077
  • JASPER!!
Re: More bad news for those with M&S insurance...
« Reply #12 on: November 20, 2007, 12:21:41 PM »
ok - just having a quick look around and have found the most nasty question ever - pets value (£)   how on earth do i answer that? any help much appreciated  :shy:

Offline hannah (weeny)

  • Honorary Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 6077
  • JASPER!!
Re: More bad news for those with M&S insurance...
« Reply #11 on: November 20, 2007, 12:18:17 PM »
oh i dont understand thing like this!!!!  jasper is with m&s.  but who should we swap to?? who isnt pants in some way?!?!?!?!?  :Crazy:

Offline Schmew

  • Distinguished Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 805
Re: More bad news for those with M&S insurance...
« Reply #10 on: November 20, 2007, 12:06:27 PM »
Oh dear....I switched dogs insurance to M and S this year as they were better cover than Tesco.......Just made a £700 claim for an emergency with my Charlie dog, guess that wil affect my premiums anyway so looks like we might be shopping aorund again in April!

Offline Den

  • Honorary Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 6423
Re: More bad news for those with M&S insurance...
« Reply #9 on: November 20, 2007, 11:05:24 AM »
I really like all M&S offer and love the quick direct payment to the vet.

Paying the vet direct is not an M&S thing - it's more a vet thing.  Most will pay your vet direct if your vet is willing.
Oh, I just assumed it was an M&S thing since it has a pay direct to the vet box which I tick.

I just looked at pet plan and to get full coverage I'd be paying £372 a year for Molly  :Crazy: Or £266 cover for life which is A LOT more than what I'm paying at the moment. Plus their excess is £30 more than M&S.

Oh this is depressing  >:(
« Last Edit: November 20, 2007, 11:06:55 AM by Den »

lay me down, let me go, feeling heavy the ground is cold,
lay me down take it slow I'm ready to stumble, sing & then swing low
~Use your mutant powers, just talk people to death~

Offline Cheesecat

  • Honorary Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 4577
  • Slave to: Cheese, Gerti, Doc and Wizzles
Re: More bad news for those with M&S insurance...
« Reply #8 on: November 20, 2007, 10:55:49 AM »
Right I think in the new year we will look for someone else then - you can leave part way through if you haven't claimed can't you?

I just remember we all used to rave M&S and that was why I went with them... I will have to do my research again now! Damn them  :tired:
Cheese, Gerti, Doc and Kitty Von Bizmark (Wizzles) ^Lucas^(??/97 - 21/11/07)
To think I might not see those eyes, makes it so hard not to cry, and as we say our long goodbyes, I nearly do.

Offline Susanne (urbantigers)

  • Moderating Staff
  • Purrrrrfect Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 26705
  • PA to Mosi & Kito
Re: More bad news for those with M&S insurance...
« Reply #7 on: November 20, 2007, 10:52:02 AM »
It does seem to just get more and more complicated.  I feel a lot better about just sticking with petplan now though, given that M&S and even Axa seem to be less bargainous than they were.

I really like all M&S offer and love the quick direct payment to the vet.

Paying the vet direct is not an M&S thing - it's more a vet thing.  Most will pay your vet direct if your vet is willing.

Offline Den

  • Honorary Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 6423
Re: More bad news for those with M&S insurance...
« Reply #6 on: November 20, 2007, 09:39:25 AM »
I don't know what to do any more  :(
Memphis is currently on 6 weeks free Pet Plan insurance, then I was going to switch him to M&S which is what Molly's policy is. I want them to both be with the same company. Molly's runs out in March.

I was annoyed that they did away with the 0 excess, but was going to stick with them. I don't understand all this insurance malarky.

I have claimed about £800 this year for Molly, we had her x-rayed up the wazoo for potential hip problems. The specialist couldn't find anything, so I was thinking about going down the chiropracter/hydrotherapy route .. I guess if I do that it makes it an ongoing condition  :-: I really like all M&S offer and love the quick direct payment to the vet.

Insurance is so important, it's not something I like to mess about with ......  and now don't know whether to stay with M&S or switch to AXA and hope they don't start messing around. I know that M&S's recent price hike was due to AXA.

I'm confused  :shocked:

lay me down, let me go, feeling heavy the ground is cold,
lay me down take it slow I'm ready to stumble, sing & then swing low
~Use your mutant powers, just talk people to death~

Offline Rosella moggy

  • Fundraising/Moderating Staff
  • Purrrrrfect Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 17191
  • Popeye & Elsa
  • Slave to: Noni Baroni, Dinah, Ruby, Groucho, Bobby. Popeye & Elsa
Re: More bad news for those with M&S insurance...
« Reply #5 on: November 20, 2007, 09:29:18 AM »
Thanks again Helen.  I hope M&S never track you down lol

Whilst I moved Tom and Freddie to Axa recently, I had left Billy Whiz with M&S due to nil excess but am moving him too now, mainly due to Desley's comment.  Just got quote for £72.50 compared to £100.60 with M&S. Pity I didn't move a couple of months ago when AXA was cheaper. Ho hum...

Have to say I'm def no fan of M&S anymore due to on line shopping problems  last year (wrote them long letter of complaint and no reply) and the messing about with pet insurance cover.  Glad to be rid of them.

Offline Desley (booktigger)

  • Cat Rescue
  • Purrrrrfect Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 18095
  • Molly, my wonderful babe
  • Slave to: Lucy
Re: More bad news for those with M&S insurance...
« Reply #4 on: November 20, 2007, 07:57:46 AM »
I feel sorry for the people who cant move due to preexisting conditions, and I do hope it doesn't go the same way with Sainsbury's.
Please spay your cat



Offline bluecat

  • Senior Cat
  • ****
  • Posts: 292
  • m
Re: More bad news for those with M&S insurance...
« Reply #3 on: November 19, 2007, 23:25:35 PM »
Saw this on another website....

http://www.labradorforums.co.uk/ftopict-31965.html

I've just seen this post and I can confirm that the AXA cover is 'For Life'

I actually work for AXA Insurance so I promise this information is correct.

Just thought I'd also let you all know this: AXA currently underwrite the M & S policy. At the end of this year AXA will be pulling out of that scheme and M&S will have to find another insurance partner. This may mean you find your M&S renewal premiums increasing somewhat.


Switching to a semi  local vets scheme next year 24 hr emergency surgery and booster  flea and worm included  ;D

Offline Gill (sneakiefeline)

  • Rainbow Bridge/Rescue/Moderating Staff
  • Purrrrrfect Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 73567
  • Misa at 4yrs old and new with me
  • Slave to: Misa, Sasa, Franta Napoleon RIP, Ducha RIP and Lupin, Kocka RIP
Re: More bad news for those with M&S insurance...
« Reply #2 on: November 19, 2007, 21:01:17 PM »
My goodness M&S have messed up big time and I am now with AXA.......so glad I cashed my ticket a month or so ago. :Crazy:

Offline Tiggy's Mum

  • Save a life draw/Commercial Assistant/Moderating Staff
  • Royal Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 9376
More bad news for those with M&S insurance...
« Reply #1 on: November 19, 2007, 20:58:43 PM »
Saw this on another website....

http://www.labradorforums.co.uk/ftopict-31965.html

I've just seen this post and I can confirm that the AXA cover is 'For Life'

I actually work for AXA Insurance so I promise this information is correct.

Just thought I'd also let you all know this: AXA currently underwrite the M & S policy. At the end of this year AXA will be pulling out of that scheme and M&S will have to find another insurance partner. This may mean you find your M&S renewal premiums increasing somewhat.

 


Link to CatChat