I would advise everyone who has a policy with Animal friends to read their policy REALLY REALLY carefully.

I knew my excess is £99 which actually isnt too bad but was not aware of the "Co Payment" policy they have. This is applied to all claims for cats over the age of 10 years and dogs over the age of 8.

I discovered this after making a claim last year. I had to look very hard to find it in their written details as it is not right at the front in big print where in my view it should be. In the end I actually had to ring and ask where it was in the policy.

What this means is that on top of the £99 excess I have to pay on any claim I also have to pay a WHOPPING 35% of any balance to them.

I have had to make another 2 claim for one of my cats who is now 16yrs 8 mnths old.

One was for £484.75. less the excess of £99 and the 35% co-payment meant I only received £250.01 of that sum.

The second was for £131, after the excess and co payment was deducted I received just £21.21. It`s a good job I love my old cats.

This co-payment is excessive and just does not seem right or fair given that I am not getting the insurance free I am paying a monthly premium !

I assume this co-payment goes to them as my vets have said they dont ask for this. I cannot find a reason for this in any of the paperwork. Who does get it ??

I am unable to change policies now because of the age of my cats but I am considering cancelling the policies and putting a lump sum aside to cover any other vets fees.

I would suggest owners ring and ask any insurers they are considering using about this co-payment before they use them.