Owning a pet can be very expensive these days. It’s not just the food that will cost you an arm and a leg, it’s those crippling vet bills that can really take their toll. The best way to avoid those high cost vet bills is to take out pet insurance.

More and more folks are insuring their pets to help cover those unexpected high vet costs, and our pet insurance guide is here to tell you everything you need to know about pet insurance if you’re not yet insured. You’ll learn about the types of cover that you can get, as well as finding out about those insurance pitfalls too. So, if you’re looking to find out more about insuring your pet, read on…

Save Money with Pet Insurance

Many pet owners still don’t bother with pet insurance, but when those costly vet bills soon start adding up, they wish that they had taken out insurance to help cover those high costs. If you’re not already insured your pet, you could end up spending thousands of pounds on vet bills. Even the most basic of treatments can cost hundreds of pounds, but it’s those operations and scans that really start to add up, and could end up costing you a small fortune.

The great thing about taking out a pet insurance policy is that it’ll save you a ton of money in the long run. You’ll easily be able to find a low cost plan that costs a lot less than £10 a month to cover your pet. If your pet then needs treatment, your insurance will help you cover the cost, and you won’t have to pay out hundreds of pounds for expensive operations and procedures. Many insurers now offer to pay your vet direct to save you from paying out and then being refunded by the insurer.

Pet Insurance Cover Types

Lifelong cover

– This is perhaps the most comprehensive cover option available for your pet. Whilst lifelong pet insurance plans although often more costly, you’ll find that the level of cover far exceeds the cheaper plans. Your pet will be covered for life, but there will often be a maximum amount your insurer will pay out each year. Like most cover options you’ll be expected to pay a excess, and as your pet ages the cost of your premiums will steadily rise.

Annual or Year long cover

– With an annual cover your insurance will need to be renewed every year, but it will only cover conditions or illnesses for one 12 month period. If your pets illness continues after the one year period your pet will no longer be covered. Again, there will be a maximum yearly payout for your pets illnesses and an excess will be required. This type of cover is less expensive than life long cover and better suited to minor illness and treatments resulting from accidents. This type of cover is not recommend for pets with long term illness or conditions, as these will be excluded from the policy after 12 months.

Individual / Per condition cover

– Like most insurance policies this pet insurance type will need to be renewed annually. Individual pet insurance will cover your pet per illness or condition. Like most pet policies there will be a maximum amount that you will be covered for, and once this amount has been exceeded, your pet no longer be covered for treatments. Like the annual cover option, this policy type is often a lot cheaper, but again it’s not suitable for pets with long term illness of medical conditions.

What’s included in Pet Insurance

Each individual policy plan will vary from insurer to insurer, but with most policies you’ll find that they cover anything from emergency cover all the way to physiotherapy based treatments. Be sure to check out what’s included in your policy, to make sure you’re getting the very best for your pet.
Below is a list of the common features that may be covered in your pet insurance policy –
- Emergency treatment
- Hospital treatments
- Liability
- Loss of pet
- Operations
- Vet fees

What will be excluded from my Pet Insurance?

When it comes to pet insurance, you’ll often find that there may be quite a few exclusions, and it’s essential that you check these out before you sign up for your cover. Otherwise you may find that you’re not properly insured, and you could end up being stuck with those expensive vet bills. Below is a list of the most common pet insurance exclusions, again they may vary from insurer to insurer –
- Certain dental treatments
- Certain high risk breads of animal
- Hereditary conditions
- Home vet visits
- Number of treatments in a year may be limited
- Older animals
- Pre-existing conditions or illnesses
- Pregnancy and post birth treatments
- Treatments within the first 30 days of cover
- Working pets (racing or guard dogs etc.)

Where can I find Pet Insurance?

The range of companies now offering pet insurance policies is vast, that’s why it’s now essential more than ever to compare pet insurance. When it comes to pet insurance, make sure you shop around. But, as with most insurance policies, the cheapest isn’t always the best level of cover. Instead try to find a policy that suits you and your pets individual needs at the lowest price possible.

Compare Pet Care Tip

Before you commit to a policy, make sure you have a clear idea in your mind exactly what your need to be included. Always make sure that your policy covers the important basics like emergency treatment, dental work and third party cover (especially important for certain dog breeds). Some insurers include extras as part of your cover, so always find out exactly what they are offing throughout your entire policy, even when your pet starts to age.