Pet insurers are compelled to honor claims after incorrectly rejecting them based on the weight of the animals, according to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). Numerous complaints were filed this year by pet owners who faced unjust denials due to their pets‘ size. In all instances reviewed by the Ombudsman, insurers attributed illnesses or injuries to the animals being obese.
Despite vet reports stating that weight wasn’t a factor in the treatment, the FOS directed insurance firms to compensate claimants. For example, one case involved an insurer denying financial assistance to a dog, claiming the injury resulted from being overweight after jumping off a sofa.
A report by ManyPets in October revealed that, on average, owning an overweight pet could lead to £1,500 in veterinary bills per visit. Of the 2,000 surveyed, 51% of cat and dog owners expressed concerns about their pet’s weight.
The contested claims involved various ailments, including leg injuries, cruciate ruptures, diabetes, and spinal surgery. Seven out of ten cases presented to the FOS were against Casualty and General Insurance, with the remaining three against Building Block Insurance.
In a specific case, owners of a Golden Retriever were wrongly informed that their £2,000 claim for surgery to fix a dislocated leg wouldn’t be paid due to the dog’s alleged overweight condition. Another case involved the refusal of payment for a Border Terrier‘s cruciate ligament repair, and a Boxer‘s claim for a similar injury was also rejected.
Upon FOS intervention, the insurance firm not only had to pay the original claim but also an additional £150 for the owners’ distress. A spokesperson for the FOS emphasized the importance of insurers maintaining transparency in policy terms and adhering to conditions when assessing claims. Consumers dissatisfied with their insurer’s treatment were encouraged to contact the independent service for investigation.
The rising cost of vet visits, particularly with private equity-backed chains acquiring independent surgeries, has contributed to soaring annual pet insurance premiums. The Association of British Insurers reports that the average cost of insuring a dog or cat for accident and injury is approximately £10 a month or £125 a year. Horse insurance costs around £50 a month.
Building Block Insurance clarified that claims involving them were for pet policies distributed by Perfectpet, which used its in-house claims handlers and ceased coverage at the end of 2021. Casualty and General Insurance were approached for comment.
