Direct Line Pet Insurance Review

“Overall: generally coverage has been good (policy...”

Written on: 17/03/2009

Good Points
Quick response with paperwork. Pay direct to vet (who seems happy).

Bad Points
Don't cover expensive prescription food (does anyone?). Massive (sneaky) rate increases

General Comments
Overall: generally coverage has been good (policy details / context below). One cat has had over £2K of treatment and medication (cat IBD is the vet's view) and they have paid the vet directly without issues (after excess). Big complaint is the drastic increase in costs every year



Context: we had insured 2 cats with direct line for over 4 years. We have a premium policy (lower excess, no 12 month treatment limit, many £Ks max cover, etc). Cats are both 10 this year.



Customer service: They will only send out one claim form at a time (a pain as our cat seems to chronic and is therefore constantly having prescription refills and we have to call each time). Positives though - they always answer the phone, and are quick to approve treatment over the phone.



Value for money: Policy started out at c. £6 per month per cat. Higher than benchmarks, but we wanted premium cover. Even without any claims during the first 2 years on either cat and none at all on one cat to date, out premium is now up to £27 per month per cat - over 50% increase per on average (this year alone was an increase of almost 75%).

Conclusion: good coverage and service but for this price it better be. I will not use them ever again.