Not the right question, Jane! The day you ‘make a profit’ out of insurance premiums is the day you dread, as you will understand. But if that day comes, you won’t half be glad of the help. A couple of scans, and some major surgery and B&B at the vets, and you will be bragging to everybody “That was money wisely spent!”
Our pup is accident prone, but vet’s fees seem so reasonable here that we have yet to spend more than the annual premium for a mid-top range policy. I of course cross my fingers that nothing evil transpires that requires major interventions.
Not with SantéVet - there is no ‘medical’; the only limitation is that they won’t take on dogs over 7 years old - but once they are covered, they are covered for life. The key is, I think, that the quote that they send you is based on the breed of the animal. They are therefore able to take account of known likely problems (such as hip joints in labradors, for example), and factor that in. There is therefore no ‘flat rate, one size fits all’ premium structure.
You are right about the reasonable vets fees in France, Jane - but the problem comes when your little puppy gets older, and needs specialist veterinary care. Our 2 beloved blonde labradors both reached their 14th year. That’s when you cash in your investment in the insurer!
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I’d also note that many vets in our area (South-West) are developing specialities, and getting the necessary equipment - I assume that this indicates that this is the way they build their businesses beyond general practice for local customers.
Little puppy is reaching his 10th birthday….still our little puppy tho’! We have luckily never had a dog with serious later life problems, but most of ours have been mutts which are generally pretty healthy. I had wanted a bouvier, as I love them and did doggy day-care for a friend for years, but we decided health problems were too much of a risk. So little pup is a berger, and carefully checked genetics for dysplasia.
But very much something to consider in getting a dog.
Thanks @SuePJ and @rendi60 , that has set my mind at rest for Jules, the only time he has shown any discomfort has been twice in the last couple of months when he has twisted it accidentally, otherwise he does not have a problem.
Nice looking dog btw @mcmayhem , photos on here are so much easier than other forums I have tried over the years. 
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