Urgent insurance advise

blurch

Need some advice, my wife is on life support since Thursday we have insurance on our two dogs with Allianz for years. Rang them today and because I pay the bills and the policies are in my name the f*ckers won't cover the kennels leaving us in a bad way. Is there a way to appeal this

cocker5

Good god OP I am truly sorry to hear your wife is soo ill - I hope things work out for you XX

With regard to Allianz here's what the policy states:

What We will pay


The following costs for the

duration of Your hospital stay:

1. The cost of boarding Your Pet

at a kennel or cattery; or

2. A daily rate towards the cost

of someone looking after Your

Pet but only where this person

does not live with You. The

amount of this daily rate is

displayed on Your Schedule.

The Maximum Amount Payable

under this section is displayed

on Your Schedule.

What are the saying when you call? what is their reasons?

cocker5

Sh*te is it because your wife's name is not on the policy??

If it is that's fairly crap -I would call them back and DEMAND to speak with a supervisor.

blurch

Thanks they are saying only the policy holder is covered. This leaves us in an impossible position

JoeySully

Sorry for you trouble but this is the same for house insurance too.
I recent call on Joe Duffy highlighted that some house insurance policies give a daily rate for Jury duty but only if your a policy holder. If your partner is the policy holder and you are not named then they will not be covered.

Maybe you can add you partner to the policy today and start claiming from today?

cocker5

blurch wrote: »

Thanks they are saying only the policy holder is covered. This leaves us in an impossible position

Ahh OP that's dreadful... I am so sorry.

Dunno why but we have all our polices in both names... just so we could both call up etc- so maybe we are lucky.

Do you have any neighbours / family that could help?

Pumpkinseeds

Jesus, that's awful OP. As someone else said you could try phoning them and changing the policy details to a joint one with your wife named on it and hopefully that might solve the problem. I really hope your wife pulls through.

Alun

I can't recall ever having the option to put our pet insurance policy into joint names to be honest, but I'll certainly look into it now!

Pumpkinseeds

Alun wrote: »

I can't recall ever having the option to put our pet insurance policy into joint names to be honest, but I'll certainly look into it now!

My husband and I did it when we first took out our policy with Allianz about 6 years ago. They must be able to change it to a joint policy over the phone and then send a form out to confirm it.

Prisoner6409

looking for pet insurance at the moment, thats Allianz crossed off the list as a potential. Are all insurance companies the same, glad to take your money but as soon as you have a claim they are looking for ways not to pay out. Your case is particularly nasty, you would think in the circustancies you find yourselves in they would do the right thing and not add to you troubles.

Sorry to hear your wife is so ill, I do hope she recovers, all the best.

blurch

Alun wrote: »

I can't recall ever having the option to put our pet insurance policy into joint names to be honest, but I'll certainly look into it now!

I am the same, when I get a chance I will look again.

Diane Selwyn

That's really rotten OP - a pathetic excuse of a way to do business! Please try not to worry about the kennelling costs - your friends/family/workmates will chip in if needs and maybe you can arrange a payment plan with the kennel to spread the costs or something - everyone is not as devoid of compassion and focussed on profit as the insurance companies. I hope it all works out ok!

Alun

I've emailed Allianz asking them how to change the policy to a joint one, and at the same time expressing my disgust at the way they handled this situation. I'll get back to you all if I get a reply.

DBB

Hi blurch,
I've nowt to add to this, I just wanted to express my horror at what's happening to you and your wife, and to thank you for drawing this loophole to people's attention during what can only be a deeply distressing time for you.
I can understand insurance companies needing to make sure people aren't trying to pull a fast one, but for crying out loud... there's surely scope for them to take stock of horrendous situations like yours, and to make exceptions on the grounds of decent humanity. If it's only kennelling fees you're looking to claim for, it's only a few hundred quid we're talking about :mad:
I hope Allianz read this thread, and do the decent thing.
But much more than that, I hope your wife pulls through.
All the best blurch, I think you've a lot of people rooting for you here

blurch

Thanks everyone for the good wishes, I am trying to find someone to look after them but that is easier said than done.
I have one policy for 11 years old and the other 8 years, I am sure that there was no option to have a joint owner option back then maybe it is my fault for not double checking when renewing.
However I am sure I am not the only one who believed that they would be covered in this situation.
I am now stuck in the ICU of a hospital worrying about what to do with the dogs and this is the last thing I need.

Jesus Christ, I just looked back over your posts to see where you lived and you've been through an awful lot in a short time

I'm in Dublin/north Wicklow. I work full time, my mam looks after my mutt while I'm at work, and she just got a new dog yesterday herself, but if I can help in any way, taking your dogs over night or anything like that. I don't even know, but anything at all, please just ask. I know I'm a total un qualified stranger but I can't bear the thoughts of someone struggling like you are

forgodssake

Jesus u would think allianz would exercise a bit of leeway in a situation like this. hope all works out for you OP.

blurch

Thanks whoopsadaisydoodles for the kind offer, Yeah we are getting smacked about a bit all right.
I would just love to have a peace of mind that the dogs were somewhere for the next week maybe a little more and I foolishly believed I had that with allianz.

on_my_oe

Whereabouts are you blurch?

muddypaws

When you have paid the policy, has it come out of a joint bank account in both you and your wife's name? That could be a loophole. Also, whose name are the dog licences in? Whose name are they registered with at the vet? I'm just assuming that if you can prove joint ownership, they can't not pay up.

ABajaninCork

So very sorry to read of your troubles, blurch and I hope your wife soon recovers to full health.

I just looked at our policy documents for the dog, and it is in both names, so thank you for highlighting this issue.

But - in view of what's happened, it might be worth getting in touch with the Financial Ombudsman. Give them full details of what's happened, including names, dates and times if you can. If you want help in drafting the e-mail/letter of complaint, please PM me.

Hope you soon get sorted.

blurch

A little update on this, Allianz have agreed to pay up. A special thanks to one boardsie.
A lesson learnt now how many relatives can own a dog.

cocker5

blurch wrote: »

A little update on this, Allianz have agreed to pay up. A special thanks to one boardsie.
A lesson learnt now how many relatives can own a dog.

Glad to hear it OP one less thing to worry about.

I hope your wife is doing well XX

take care of yourself

Alun

I did get a reply from Allianz regarding the policy wording and asking me if I wanted to add another policy holder, so it is possible to do it on an already existing policy.

They made no comment regarding what I said about how disappointing I felt their behaviour was in this case, but who knows, maybe it prompted them to seek out this thread and see the error of their ways.

Cocolola

OP, hope you're doing ok?

I'm just off the phone to Allianz there, pretty irritated actually. Ollie's renewal letter came this week, it's gone up to €194 now despite never having claimed once in 4 years. They said it's due to his age (he's 5...) and would only knock it down to €184. I asked to put my partner on the policy but because we don't have a joint bank account the answer was no :mad:

Frigga_92

blurch wrote: »

A little update on this, Allianz have agreed to pay up. A special thanks to one boardsie.
A lesson learnt now how many relatives can own a dog.

Oh that's great news.
I have insurance for my dogs with Allianz and was watching this thread with interest to see how it panned out.

I hope your wife is doing okay.

tk123

Cocolola wrote: »

OP, hope you're doing ok?

I'm just off the phone to Allianz there, pretty irritated actually. Ollie's renewal letter came this week, it's gone up to €194 now despite never having claimed once in 4 years. They said it's due to his age (he's 5...) and would only knock it down to €184.

€194 - is that for a dog or cat? Lucy's is €230 with no claims, Bailey's €420 with loads of claims. Bailey was in for xrays last week and it was €140 so €194 isn't that bad imo? Every insurance policy I've had has gone up each year without a claim.

Cocolola

tk123 wrote: »

€194 - is that for a dog or cat? Lucy's is €230 with no claims, Bailey's €420 with loads of claims. Bailey was in for xrays last week and it was €140 so €194 isn't that bad imo? Every insurance policy I've had has gone up each year without a claim.

He's a crossbreed dog tk. Lucy's seems a little high for such a young dog, although my perception of these things is clearly not great I won't complain now, I thought Ollie's was high but I see now it's not too bad. I'll always pay it anyway, I think it's essential to have.

cocker5

My cocker is nearly 10 and his policy is €340 per year now..

After seeing some vet bills I don't find it unreasonable at all!!

IF something were to happen to him (god forbid) his treatment could be thousands... so for me its worth the price.

Tranceypoo

Cocolola wrote: »

OP, hope you're doing ok?

I'm just off the phone to Allianz there, pretty irritated actually. Ollie's renewal letter came this week, it's gone up to €194 now despite never having claimed once in 4 years. They said it's due to his age (he's 5...) and would only knock it down to €184. I asked to put my partner on the policy but because we don't have a joint bank account the answer was no :mad:

Mine are 156 each per year, think I'm with <snip> (I'm definitely not with Allianz anyways), it's pretty much stayed the same the last few years since I've had it, no claims.

tk123

cocker5 wrote: »

IF something were to happen to him (god forbid) his treatment could be thousands... so for me its worth the price.

Bailey's op 6 months ago was something like €440 from our vets and then €2500 at Ucd! :eek: :eek:

cocker5

Tranceypoo wrote: »

Mine are 156 each per year, think I'm with <snip> (I'm definitely not with Allianz anyways), it's pretty much stayed the same the last few years since I've had it, no claims.

But as far as i know (forgive me if im wrong) but Allianz give the best cover in terms of max claims per year? ie vets bills max of €4k .. not sure what <snip> is....

To be honest we have claimed a fair amount over the last few years for xrays... last year €390+ in blood tests (and other stuff) and we've never had a problem with Allianiz.

Dubl07

cocker5 wrote: »

But as far as i know (forgive me if im wrong) but Allianz give the best cover in terms of max claims per year? ie vets bills max of €4k ..

To be honest we have claimed a fair amount over the last few years for xrays... last year €390+ in blood tests (and other stuff) and we've never had a problem with Allianiz.

That's really reassuring. I signed up with Allianz last July on the same day Pup arrived and have yet to claim. I must read the plan carefully - do they cover antibiotics and visits over a certain threshold per annum?

cocker5

Dubl07 wrote: »

That's really reassuring. I signed up with Allianz last July on the same day Pup arrived and have yet to claim. I must read the plan carefully - do they cover antibiotics and visits over a certain threshold per annum?

Well there would be a excess on your policy ie €100.. Per claim That you must pay, anything after that they pay - this only applies if your dog is sick / requires treatment doesn't include vaccinations, neutering etc.

Ie if your dog has an eye infection and the bill comes to €150 (which it wouldn't but just giving you an example) .. You oay the excess.. Then the insurance pays the balance. If your dog gets another eye infection in the same eye again during the same year... As you've already paid the exceed for the claim.. You pay nothing , insuance pays.

Also check with your vet lots of bets now have a direct payment agreement with the insurers.. Ur Allianz pays your bet directly - way harder than you paying out and reclaiming etc.

As my guy is over 7, I have an excess per claim and I must pay 30% of the overall bill - just an fyi!

Maximum is €4,000 per year with Allianz I believe!

cocker5

cocker5 wrote: »

Well there would be a excess on your policy ie €100.. Per claim That you must pay, anything after that they pay - this only applies if your dog is sick / requires treatment doesn't include vaccinations, neutering etc.

Ie if your dog has an eye infection and the bill comes to €150 (which it wouldn't but just giving you an example) .. You oay the excess.. Then the insurance pays the balance. If your dog gets another eye infection in the same eye again during the same year... As you've already paid the exceed for the claim.. You pay nothing , insuance pays.

Also check with your vet lots of bets now have a direct payment agreement with the insurers.. Ur Allianz pays your bet directly - way harder than you paying out and reclaiming etc.

As my guy is over 7, I have an excess per claim and I must pay 30% of the overall bill - just an fyi!

Maximum is €4,000 per year with Allianz I believe!

Sorry spelling so bad! Posting from my phone!

Gael23

I think the excess of €100 with allianz is very steep. I know everyone here is usually full of praise for them but having to pay out that much yourself takes away much of the benefit of having insurance I would think

cocker5

Gael23 wrote: »

I think the excess of €100 with allianz is very steep. I know everyone here is usually full of praise for them but having to pay out that much yourself takes away much of the benefit of having insurance I would think

Every insurance company has an excess.. My sister is with another pet insurance company and get excess is more... My house insurance excess is €250.. Vhi is €75, personally i think its unjustifiable!

If your dog had an accident with treatment costing.. €1500.. €100 is nothing

That's just my opinion anyway!

the beer revolu

cocker5 wrote: »

. My house insurance excess is €250.. Vhi is €75, personally i think its unjustifiable!

Hardly comparable.
Your pet is insured up to about €4000.
Your house is insured up to its rebuild value probably somewhere between €100 000 and €200 000.
Your house insurance probably also covers liability for visitors.

Does your pet insurance cover you if your pet bites someone? I very much doubt it.

tk123

the beer revolu wrote: »

Hardly comparable.
Your pet is insured up to about €4000.
Your house is insured up to its rebuild value probably somewhere between €100 000 and €200 000.
Your house insurance probably also covers liability for visitors.

Does your pet insurance cover you if your pet bites someone? I very much doubt it.

Well you're very much wrong because Allianz does to the tune of €250k..

the beer revolu

tk123 wrote: »

Well you're very much wrong because Allianz does to the tune of €250k..

I was going by what Cocker5 said.

I see I was wrong about the liability thing, it is covered to €250k but vet bills are only covered to €4k. Hardly comparable to the cost of a house rebuild.

The level of cover compared to the cost of policies seems completely out of whack with any other type of insurance (apart from phone insurance which any insurance expert will tell you is a waste of money).

cocker5

the beer revolu wrote: »

I was going by what Cocker5 said.

I see I was wrong about the liability thing, it is covered to €250k but vet bills are only covered to €4k. Hardly comparable to the cost of a house rebuild.

The level of cover compared to the cost of policies seems completely out of whack with any other type of insurance (apart from phone insurance which any insurance expert will tell you is a waste of money).

Well that's your choice, don't get insurance, and if your dog get seriously unwell you'll pay the consequences.. Or else the dog will suffer!

They also cover other things not just vet bills!

I've made a good few claims over the years - that have far exceeded what I pay in a year so for me and my dog it's an expense Im willing to pay for piece of mind...

the beer revolu

cocker5 wrote: »

Well that's your choice, don't get insurance, and if your dog get seriously unwell you'll pay the consequences.. Or else the dog will suffer!

They also cover other things not just vet bills!

I've made a good few claims over the years - that have far exceeded what I pay in a year so for me and my dog it's an expense Im willing to pay for piece of mind...

Not everyone owns a dog, Cocker5.
And yes, it is my choice to not purchase pet insurance, just as it's your choice to do so.
I'm just pointing out the high cost versus what is covered compared to other insurance policies.

I think it's the emotional element, as typified by the "or else your dog will suffer" comment that has people so willing to pay over the odds insurance prices for their pets.

Maybe if more providers come into the market, prices will become more in line with other types of policy.

tk123

the beer revolu wrote: »

Not everyone owns a dog, Cocker5.
And yes, it is my choice to not purchase pet insurance, just as it's your choice to do so.
I'm just pointing out the high cost versus what is covered compared to other insurance policies.

I think it's the emotional element, as typified by the "or else your dog will suffer" comment that has people so willing to pay over the odds insurance prices for their pets.

Maybe if more providers come into the market, prices will become more in line with other types of policy.

The thing is we don't really need you to point it out for us and wreck another thread on insurance like last time? We're all able to decide if we want to get insurance or not, if we can afford to pay bills without it etc. Everyone posting here already has it so we don't need to hear why you think it's crap. I'd be the guts of 10k out of pocket without it at this stage or have a dead dog so I'm glad I have it. I don't feel hard done by having never claimed **touchwood** on my other dog's policy - it's there to fall back on if we ever need it.

the beer revolu

tk123 wrote: »

The thing is we don't really need you to point it out for us and wreck another thread on insurance like last time? We're all able to decide if we want to get insurance or not, if we can afford to pay bills without it etc. Everyone posting here already has it so we don't need to hear why you think it's crap. I'd be the guts of 10k out of pocket without it at this stage or have a dead dog so I'm glad I have it. I don't feel hard done by having never claimed **touchwood** on my other dog's policy - it's there to fall back on if we ever need it.

It was gael23 first suggested that the excess was unreasonable, not me. I'm simply agreeing with that poster.
Why does someone having a different opinion to you seem to upset you so much? How am I "wrecking" another thread by giving an alternative view.
Do you speak for every poster on this forum?
You don't speak for me. Am I not a poster here?
I do not have pet insurance.
Who are the "we" and "us" that you speak for?



Having saved lots of money, of course you think pet insurance is great value. By your reasoning, if someone paid €1000 premium and then claimed €2000, it would suggest that €1000 is a good value premium, despite it being way above the market value. They would have saved €1000, so it must be good value.?? Right?
That is the reasoning you have applied.

Just because you saved money by having insurance doesn't mean that the premium is fair, or reasonable.

I'd love to hear an insurance analyst's view on pet insurance costs.

The fact you don't agree with or like my opinion does not give you the right to silence me.

DBB

Okay folks,
This is a debate for another thread, NOT this one given the gravity of the OP's first post.
I don't see much point in keeping it open any longer, as the OP's situation appears to be sorted.
Murchu, might I take this opportuity to (a) thank you for drawing this loophole to everyone's attention, and most of all (b) wish you and your wife all the very, very best. We'll be keeping everythign crossed for her recovery.
Thanks,
DBB