Pet insurance

What pet insurance options do I have?

Pet insurance in the UK is divided into four types of policies:

• Time limited. This type of policy covers your pet for accidents and illnesses for a fixed period of time (usually 12 months).
• Accident only.This covers veterinary expenses related to accidental injuries, such as broken bones. Be aware that it does not cover illness unless it is a result of an accident.
• Maximum benefit This covers accidents and illnesses up to a maximum amount per condition.
• Lifetime. This is the most comprehensive type of pet insurance, covering veterinary conditions or accidents over the course of your pet’s life.

Reading the fine print: Questions to ask when you are comparing pet insurance

• Maximum vet fees. Pet insurance policies have a limit on the amount they will pay out in vet fees per year. Whilst most people never reach their limit, it’s important to be aware of how much you can actually claim if the need arises.
• Excess payments. Most policies require you to pay an excess (claim contribution) when making a claim. Ensure you understand how much you will be paying in the event of a claim. Typically if you have a lower excess you will have a higher premium (regular contributions). Likewise, if you opt for a higher excess your premiums will be lowered.
• Age limits. Unfortunately, finding cover for your pet after they hit their eighth birthday is difficult. Unless you take out cover for your pet before this, you will usually only be able to cover them for accidents.
• Co-insurance for pets. Co-insurance may be a way of keeping premiums at an affordable level especially as your pet ages. In the event of a claim the insurance provider will meet the majority of the cost but the policyholder will also be charged a percentage of the claim after excess (usually 10%-20%).
• Pre-existing conditions. Ensure you understand whether pre-existing conditions are covered. Some insurers will automatically limit the level of cover available if your pet has a pre-existing condition.
• Policy renewability. Having a policy that is renewable is especially important for older pets. Ensure you’re with an insurer that offers this or your pet could be without cover as it enters its senior years.
• Multi pet. If you have a few furry friends then insurers are more likely to offer you a discount on your policy. Be sure to shop around first to see who will offer you the best deal.
• Waiting period. Some policies include a waiting period once the policy has been taken out, this means it can be a few days, a couple of weeks, or even months until your pet is fully covered. Make sure you are aware of your insurers specific waiting period.

Ensure you compare pet insurance policies and read insurer reviews whenever possible.

How to find the perfect multi-pet insurance.

Pet insurance tips and tricks

Pet insurance policies generally provide good value, but you do need to pay attention to some details:

• Do not underestimate limits. Limits, combined with the excess, can considerably reduce the reimbursement percentage of pet insurance. For example, if you claim £2000, your compensation consists of 80% of the medical bills and you have an excess of £500, you will be reimbursed £1100.
• Confusing policy information. Make sure you know exactly what you will/won’t be covered for. Some provider websites and product documents tend to be overly confusing with no clear explanation of the terms and conditions. Make sure you know when a claim will/won’t be paid before signing up for cover. A good idea would be to get in contact with providers with any questions/clarifications before you sign on the dotted line.
• Cheap cover. Whilst it’s great to find a cheap deal, it’s important not to sacrifice good cover to bag a bargain as it can turn out to be more expensive in the long run. Work out the right cover for your pet and compare different pet insurers to make sure you’re offering the best care for your pet.

Frequently asked questions

• Is pet insurance worth it?

  Every dog or cat owner is well aware of just how expensive vet bills can be. As advances in human medical care and technology trickle down to the animal world, vets now have more options than ever before to treat illness and injury in our furry friends. But with no NHS in place for pets, owners can find themselves unable to afford the cost of expensive treatment.

  Pet insurance can cover the cost of vet fees for treating illness or injury to your pet. Most vets recommend that owners take out pet insurance as they’ve witnessed first-hand when treatable animals have to be put down because their owners can’t afford the vet bills.

• Can't I just put money into a savings account?

  This certainly is an option. If your pet is fortunate enough to only require minimal treatments throughout their lifetime then setting aside money may be just fine in maintaining their care. However, pet insurance is beneficial for those high-cost, unexpected ailments which could occur at any time in any pet.

  With the rising costs of vet care and the unpredictability of accidents, your pet might be in need of serious medical treatment before you have saved up enough money to cover for it. And should your pet develop an ongoing, chronic illness, looking for an affordable insurance policy at that point would be very difficult.

• Can I use my usual vet?

  Most policies will let you use any vet that is licensed to legally practice in the UK, but it might be worth double checking your vet with your insurance provider.

• Do I have to provide a copy of my pet's medical history?

  You generally won’t need to provide a full medical history, but will need to disclose any illnesses or injuries your pet has suffered prior to taking out the policy.

• What if I own a rescue pet?

  You will need to provide a copy of the documentation provided by the pet shelter.

• Can I get cover for multiple pets at once?

  Yes. Most companies will let you get cover for multiple pets, with some offering multi-policies discounts when you do.

• What happens if I can't remember how old my pet is?

  Most companies will let you provide an estimate of your pet’s age when applying for cover. Some insurers might ask you to consult a vet for a more precise estimate.

• Does pet insurance cover spaying or neutering?

  It is important to check with your individual provider, but usually this is not covered.

• Can my pet insurance pay the vet directly?

  Yes. When you make a vet fees claim, many insurance brands can pay them directly. You should check with your vet first as they will need to complete the necessary paperwork.

• How do I renew my cover?

  Most pet insurance policies will require your pet to be under eight years of age when starting the policy. The policy is then renewed automatically each year provided there are no gaps in cover.

• Will my pet insurance premiums increase?

  Your pet insurance premiums are likely to increase each year to keep pace with advances in diagnostic, medical and surgical procedures, and the increased chance and cost of claims as pets get older.

• Should I get specialised dog or cat insurance?

  A specialised policy for dogs or cats is not inherently preferable to general pet insurance. Consider cat or dog insurance policies on their own merits, just as you would compare other policies.

• Can I get pet insurance for horses?

  Yes. Specialised equine insurance has cover more suited to horses.

Written by

Danny Butler

Publisher

Danny is a publisher at Finder specialising in insurance and investing. He previously worked at the global insurer Aon and has appeared in national media giving advice on insurance. Danny holds a BA in International Business from the University of Plymouth and has undying loyalty to his average-poor football team, Portsmouth FC. See full bio

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