Could I please consult the wisdom of the other EF pet owners, with regard to pet insurance?
Following a lot of positive comments on the EF, I am planning to take out insurance with Animalia.
However, I got a bit stuck on the choice between their Classic and Comfort options. The difference is whether or not "Erbkrankheiten und Geburtsgebrechen" (hereditary diseases and birth defects) are insured.
As our two lovely cats are not pedigree animals, I somehow assume that they are not so likely to suffer from hereditary diseases. But to be honest, I'm not sure how this is defined.
If I get philosophical, we all have a birth defect, in that as soon as we are born, we are destined to die... but I'm not sure how it works with cat insurance.
The price differential between Classic and Comfort is quite high - around 60-70% more, so I would appreciate some advice on this.
I have two Norwegian Forest Cats, a breed that is at higher than normal risk of developing HCM, a kind of heart disease. There was no option include or exclude cover for this when I insured my cat (might have to check whether I can now), it simply states in the contract that HCM-related problems will not be covered.
If someone opted for a Scottish Fold (please don't, it's cruel to breed for genetic defects and you don't want to know what your veterinary staff think of you for making this choice), then there is a very high probability of early onset arthritis or othe joint problems. It would cost a fortune to cover while being completely unnecessary in the first place. My understanding is that insurances are simply protecting themselves from having to foot the bill for things like people stupidly thinking a flat-faced cat is cuter than a normal one.
There is no way of knowing whether your moggies may some inbuilt "defect" you currently know nothing about but you would have to discuss with your vet how likely that is - before they know whether there is something wrong. I guess if you already know of an issue, you won't be able to upgrade them.
I went for the full cover for my dog, there are numerous diseases I figure that could be "hereditary" and I want to be covered for everything that might come up. It's 144 francs a year more, but if it saves me tens of thousands should he get sick, it's worth it (I have the worst luck).
We’ve been with them for 18 months and have no complaints but we haven’t made any complex claims. What we have claimed for (vaccines and sterilisation) have all been reimbursed very speedily.
I am very embarrassed to admit I could never learn how to put pictures on the forum perhaps a kind soul can volunteer to be my buddy? I do want to show off the puppy