I first insured with Animal Friends about 3 years ago, and have tried to claim recently. I chose a high end level of cover, and with a single claim limit of £2000, I felt comfortable with the cover. I was not aware of the "co-funding" clause, until pointed out by the vet. However as the treatment is £3,600, I was expecting to pay the extra over £2,000. It came as a bit of a shock that the nett result of the policy is that the single claim limit is in fact £2000 less the 35% co-funding, so the most I can expect is about £1300, less the excess. If you compare this true level with other companies, I think you will find that this is very poor value for money. I intend to take this all the way, as it is set out to mislead.
Breed
Boxer
Species:
Dog
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The same thing happened to us almost three years ago. Our dog was 11 years old. I was aware of the £99 excess and the co-funding clause but understood my contribution would be the first £99 then 35% of the total bill which would then be offset by an insurance payout of £1901.The final bill was £4000 and we received £1200. We then had four lovely months together before she died - three years on we joke about it but it wasn't funny at the time.
I am currently in communication with AFI.They sent me a policy renewal notification yesterday for my dog who has just reached 8 years of age. Their quotation for the next years cover for my dog has increased from £47 per month to £141.73 PER MONTH + 35% CO-PAYMENT. I contacted their customer service department today who stated that AFI do not calculate premiums, that it is their insurance underwriter who does this. I am informed that I can speak to underwriters if AFI do not respond with a reduced monthly premium. I am also informed that pet insurance companies cannot increase monthly premiums based on claim history. I am just beginning this nightmare journey and if anyone has any advice I would greatly appreciate it.