Owners with experience of LP surgery...

[Lucy]

I wanted to ask anyone with experience of LP op's in the UK, did you have to pay the cost of the surgery and wait to be reimbursed by your insurer?

I'm shopping around for insurance and I've read that its usually up to the vet whether or not they will take direct payment from an insurer (where as I was under the impression it was up to the insurance company!).
I know that a specialist is advised for these sorts of operations, therefore im wondering if they would require up front payment?

I am pretty certain that Chaos has LP. I am absolutely devastated and very disappointed, but after so many issues with him, I can't say I'm surprised.

Anyway, to be completely honest I do not have £2,000 (or however much the op costs) and I dont have any credit cards so appear to be in a bit of a pickle, to say the least. I havent gone to the vet about it yet and wont until we're insured again and have been for a few months to be safe. Chaos is only 14 months so I'll probably wait a while before we do the op anyway but I need to get organised and plan. He'll definitely have the op though, even if it means some sacrifices for me for a while!

I guess I also need to find out which insurers are faster at paying out too!

[rosiesmum]

Hi Lucy,
I believe we paid and then were reimbursed by Petplan, but that was about 9 years ago, not sure what happens now, but I believe they now pay direct to vet.

(Just checked site and they say they are happy to do so if vet agrees ... or similiar wording!)

Just to add Petplan payout fast.

x

[lisajazz]

Yes but check petplan and if the exclusion for the first six months for LP applies in this country.

I paid upfront and then got paid back - was by M&S and I was paid within 2 weeks of sending off the form, maybe a bit quicker. Was fast.

Sorry to hear about Chaos, it's devastating but sortable.

[Sarah]

Lu sainsburies pay up front and Desmond will take payment from the insurance company. The orthopaedic surgeon is in Wimbledon by the way.. Not far from me. And when bracken shattered his leg he went there and were paid directly... Asda do too I think who is who I am with.

[Lucy]

Yeah I was looking at Sainsbury's so once I get back I will look for a few quotes.

I know you said Desmond accepts direct payment but if going to a specialist, they might not?

I was with M&S before but the premium doubled when I went to renew. I'll just have a look around.

Do you think the policy will specifically say LP? Just want to know what I should be looking out for.

[lisajazz]

M&S didn't - as far as I have heard from people on here only petplan exclude for 6 months and that ould only be a USA thing even - worth checking though.

Yes I did wonder what M&S would do come renewal for us - I am expecting a big rise and moving - but then I know they will exclude LP because of her history. It's going to make it tricky when I do move.

[Kristi]

Petplan's 6 month exclusion is universal no matter where you live.

[Sarah]

The specialist in Wimbledon went through the insurance Emma didn't pay out in advance!!! Just the excess.

So I'd suggest take him Desmond, and if he says yes when the time comes ask for the referral to the orthopod in Wimbledon (obv I will take u and cry with you) and for brackens leg shatter all Inc hundreds of x rays pins etc was £3,700 I think and the cover covers anything else with it so each year u get £7k towards it