Mark, there is a 14 day waiting period for AXA, I have just had to ring to see if Mabel will be covered, due to only having her for 3 weeks - she is covered as her vet visit was about 5 days after the 14 day period, but they did work out the dates before confirming it.
Rosella - Sainsbury's do the same, and they also say a nice comment on a 'final' letter, but that makes me cry.