BVA... worth it?

Re: BVA... worth it?

Bob Russell — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 09:20:09 GMT

I feel the representation of small animal vets has been decidedly poor so overall not that sure of value for money. Where were they when cascade was being discussed? Not contacting/supporting the bulk of the profession that is for sure. With the RCVS pratting about in some ways. pushing their sometimes dubious agenda, we really need a good, strong form of representation.

BUPA savings do more than outweigh cost but I have never tried to get a quote independently.

Lloyd & White have always been efficient but I wonder if they would offer similar prices for non-BVA members if you push it!

Disappointing really.

Re: BVA... worth it?

Ian Mostyn — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 19:21:28 GMT

I also quit this year. It was over £400 for the two of us and I didn't see any benefit. If the price gets silly, more and more people will pull out when they lose the new grad discount. I haven't missed it yet.

Ian

Re: BVA... worth it?

Hannah Gritti — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 16:40:10 GMT

I just quit this year actually, having been a member for 8 years? I've got BSAVA for CPD, already got a financial advisor, got health insurance, VDS cover, no issues with employment....can't see how it benefitted me.

Re: BVA... worth it?

Glenn Hodgson — Thu, 13 Feb 2014 22:53:21 GMT

Bva. Bupa cover is very cheap. The discount pays. For my membership.

Re: BVA... worth it?

Linda Filshie — Thu, 13 Feb 2014 19:00:40 GMT

Not been a BVA member since I started having to pay full whack - IMO it's simply not worth it. VR rarely had papers which interested me (except once a fantastic one from some academics from Glasgow around Burns night on the subject of breeding haggises (haggi?) and I get enough useful articles through the Vet Times, JSAP and Companion to keep me going that I don't miss In Practice. Never used the financial advice services, think I pay enough in tax that I'll continue to use the NHS rather than BUPA, and if push comes to shove and I need legal advice then I guess I'll just have to stump up for it.

Re: BVA... worth it?

Martin Atkinson — Thu, 13 Feb 2014 18:11:24 GMT

I was thinking about cancelling this year then forgot and the direct debit went through so that kind of made the decision for me. However I will definitely (probably possibly) remember to cancel next year. I'm close to retirement so the legal help is not much use for me, I'm sure if you asked Lloyd & White nicely they'd give you a free meeting anyway if they thought they'd get some business, Vet Record is a waste of trees and so It is only worth it IMO for In Practice and now I know that can be obtained separately that may be a half way house.

Re: BVA... worth it?

Anthony Dennison — Thu, 13 Feb 2014 12:57:26 GMT

I think it is more worth it for myself, being that I am still in the Young Vet Network so have lower fees.

Some of the perks are also quite useful. Recently my girlfriend and I took advantage of the free meeting with a Lloyd and White financial advisor. From this we have got a better deal for our income protection and critical illness cover. He also went through pensions and investments, and produced a 40 page document outlining all our options.

He has also been at the end of the phone many a time, and is now being very helpful now our previous (shady) financial adviser is asking for a load of money because we cancelled his policies. There is also a small amount of free legal advice available, which me may be using in the near future!

For anyone looking for financial advisers, AVOID MORTGAGE ADVICE BUREAU. Bunch of crooks.

Re: BVA... worth it?

Chris Barker — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 19:35:11 GMT

Still good value for me In Practice = heart of my self-directed CPD And the legal help line (employment law etc) is invaluable