as a vet myself hope i can help:
-any treatment should be an informed team effort, agreed by owner and vet together
-any client is free to choose another practice-there is consumer choice to move to another practice if you are not happy with an estimate
-costs vary depending on service, equipment and expertise-these cost more than a basic service-you choose. the program highlighted however that sometimes poor treatment CAN come with high prices-avoid by personal recommendation, RCVS standards, visit a practice and ask to look round, plus common sense
-charges should be displayed and transparent-yes
-estimates are often just that though, as each pet is unique and illness is individual-our practice treats as individuals
-vet salaries are easily googled-a survey gives 30-50k as average depending on experience.ie a third to half a GP salary.
-second opinions or referral to a sepcialist centre-always available if requested. Caution-may be OTT for a simple problem, and involve more expense.
-insurance-'bumping up' would be unethical. however many owners rightly take out insurance so that their pet can have good treatment without worry-ie if there are 2 treatment options and the cheaper one is less safe or effective, then its right to go with the other option.
Hope this helps. Most vets are committed, caring and not in the job for finacial reward-the program highlighted that there are a few 'bad eggs', which is very sad-vote with your feet and use the good practices, but remember in all sectors (and vets are no exception) you GENERALLY get what you pay for.