Pet Insurance Guide

Pet Insurance - Claims

Tip 1 - Look into the claims procedure of the Pet Insurance Company.
Tip 2 - Look at the number of times you are allowed to claim and the duration.
Tip 3 - Chose a large and reputable insurance company.

Cheap Pet Insurance

The cost of your Pet Insurance is obviously a very important factor but like everything in life you often get what you pay for!

Be sure that you understand; the amount of cover you are receiving for your premiums, the level of insurance excess you will be expected to pay under any claim, the maximum amount that the insurance company will pay in one year for Vets bills.

Tip 4 - Cheap Pet Insurance is great, but ensure it is sufficient for your Pet's needs

Life long Pet Insurance Cover

Be sure that policy will last the life of your pet. This is vital as it is often difficult and expensive to obtain Pet Insurance for older pets. Typical polices will not insure a pet older than 9 years old. However (and this is the important thing) be sure that if you insure your pet before it is 9 years old that the cover can remain in place for the rest of your pet's life.

Tip 5 - Ensure that your pet is covered for life - it is extremely often difficult and expensive to insure older pets, so beware.

What is not covered under a typical Pet Insurance Policy

As with any insurance policy there will be certain risks that will not be covered. Whilst these risks differ between individual Pet Insurance Companies, typically the following things are not covered;

• Any illness or condition that happens early into the policy (e.g. 14 days from taking out the Pet Insurance Policy).
• Any illness or condition that was present before the start of the Pet Insurance Policy.
• Preventative treatment.
• Non-essential treatment and routine treatment or tests (these include dental, neutering, flea treatment and pregnancy).

Tip 6 - Understand what is not covered under your Pet Insurance Policy

Will hereditary and/or congenital be conditions covered under the Pet Insurance policy?

This of course is down to the individual Pet Insurance Company and you should check the policy carefully before applying however, in general terms hereditary and congenital conditions are covered providing that you were unaware of your pet's condition at the time you took out the Pet Insurance Policy.

Tip 7 - If your pet has any existing condition or illness before you take out the policy, you must declare it to the Pet Insurance Compnay when you apply

The Types of Cats and Dogs Covered

Again, Pet Insurance Policy details will vary between Pet Insurance Companies however in general terms most types of cats and dogs will be insured expect for;

• Working animals.
• Dangerous dogs.
• Pets with health problems at the start of the Pet Insurance Policy.
• There are usually aged limits for insuring your pet - for example; Pets under 8 weeks of age or over 9 years old (less for some for some breeds) will not usually be covered.
• You and the Pet must reside in the UK.

What about Third Party Liability Cover

Pet Third Party Liability Cover is usually applicable only to dogs and it will cover you for legal liability should your dog cause injury to another person or damage their property. Usually the amount of cover is up to £1 million but you should check the individual Pet Insurance Policy before you apply.

Tip 8 - Dog Owners; ensure your policy includes Third Party Liability Cover

What if my Pet gets lost or is stolen

Again, the ability to claim for stray, lost or stolen pets depends largely on the individual Pet Insurance Company however, in general terms most cover this unfortunate event. A typical Pet Insurance Policy would cover;

• Advertising and reward costs up to £500 if your pet strays, gets lost or is stolen.
• Reimbursement of the purchase price of your pet (up to £1500) if you lose your pet through theft, straying or death due to accidental injury.
• If you have to go into hospital for more than a set number of days, some polices cover Pet boarding and kennel – typically up to £500.
• Some polices also cover you against the cost of having to cancel a holiday (typically up to £1000) if your pet becomes ill or is injury forcing you to cancel your holiday.

Tip 9 - Consider a Pet Insurance Policy which pays out for loss or theft of your Pet

Taking Pets abroad

Some Pet Insurance Policy risks include Overseas Travel Cover. This is usually restrained to countries which are included in the government's Pet Travel Scheme. In addition to the standard things which your Pet Insurance Policy covers, you may find the Pet Insurance Company offers additional benefits for taking pets abroad such as;

• Quarantine costs
• Loss of you Pet Passport
• Repeat tick and worming treatment
• Emergency expenses while overseas
  

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