Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 13th February 2012
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel
BVA warns on Pet Insurance cuts
Lloyds TSB and Halifax leaving market

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has objected to allegations that rising veterinary fees are causing insurers to pull out of the veterinary market. Lloyds TSB and Halifax have both recently left the Pet Insurance market, citing the fact that it was no longer deemed profitable. Although pet insurance claims have risen, the BVA argues that veterinary inflation has remained 'relatively stable' and that the increase reflects improvements in technology and medicines.

Lloyds TSB stopped renewing policies on February 1st 2012, while Halifax stopped on September 24th 2011, leaving more than 50,000 policy holders looking for cover according to some reports. 
The BVA has recommended that pet owners whose policies are affected should speak to their own vets as soon as possible to discuss existing treatment, alternative treatment options, and future insurance cover.

Commenting, Carl Padgett, President of the BVA, said “This is a huge blow to thousands of responsible owners who have pet insurance but are having it taken away from them through no fault of their own. We advise owners to speak to their vet as soon as possible to discuss the treatment of ongoing conditions and, if necessary, alternative treatment options. Clients may also be eligible for support from one of the animal welfare charities.”

“Rather than blaming veterinary practices for increasing the levels of treatment available, these insurance companies should do everything they can to ensure their policy holders are not left high and dry.”

President of the Society of Practicing Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS) Richard Holborow added “Over recent years many insurance companies have come into the pet insurance market and there is a huge amount of choice for owners. Price comparison websites are not able to distinguish between the many different variables associated with pet insurance so owners should talk to their vet about the right type of policy appropriate for their pet before shopping around.”

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New form for online veterinary medicines retailers

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has produced a new online form for retailers wishing to sell veterinary medicines on the internet.

The form replace the previous Word version and is part of the VMD's ongoing commitment to digitise its processes. Anyone retailing prescription medicines online, including POM-V, POM-VPS and NFA-VPS categories, is lawfully required to register with the VMD before trading.

The change only applies to new applicants. Retailers already listed on the VMD's Register of Online Retailers or registered under the Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme (AIRS) do not need to do anything.