People do not hesitate to buy insurance when it comes to protecting their homes, cars, holidays and prized possessions. It is surprising, therefore, that more people don’t consider purchasing pet insurance in order to help protect the animal members of their family should the worst happen.
If your cat or dog becomes ill costs can quickly escalate. Just as with human illnesses, medical treatment for animals can be expensive. Without insurance, these costs may hit your pocket hard.
Pet cover can give you great peace of mind; knowing that your pet may be treated safely, quickly, and without you having to spend your life savings may allow you to get on with enjoying the company of your dog or cat. And with many companies now offering inexpensive policies, insuring your pet may not break the bank.
Finding cat or dog insurance can be a difficult and time-consuming task. There are a large number of providers around and all offer slightly different policies. Here are some useful points to consider and questions to ask when searching for pet insurance quotes.
What do you need and what don’t you need?
· It is important to think carefully about your policy. Basic cover may be a cheaper option, but it may pay out less towards vet fees and other costs; while a more expensive policy may include options that you don’t want, or will never use, such as extensive pet travel insurance.
· By reading up carefully on what each policy includes and doesn’t include you can ensure that you get a deal that suits you.
· When choosing your dog or cat insurance policy it’s worth remembering that there are a number of policies available. It is possible to get policies that either rate your pet’s situation individually (based upon factors such as where you live and the species, breed or age of your pet) or flat rate premiums that do not take individual pet or personal details into consideration.
What is the excess?
· The vast majority of pet insurance policies will require that you pay an amount of money when you make a claim; this is called an excess.
· It can be a fixed amount per year for each condition, a fixed amount plus a percentage of the vet’s fees or simply a percentage of the veterinary fees.
What is normally excluded?
· Some common exclusions are:
o Any illness, injury or condition that your pet had before you took out the policy
o Preventive or elective treatment (such as vaccinations, neutering/spaying and worming)
o Pregnancy or related treatment in connection with giving birth
o Behavioural problems
o Illnesses or injuries that either happen or begin to show signs shortly after the policy is set-up
o Normal feeding costs
o ‘Notifiable’ diseases such as rabies and avian influenza
o Certain dental treatments
o Travelling abroad: this varies from policy to policy, It is important to check that the policy you take out has adequate coverage for your needs
o As this is not a complete list and all policies are different, it is important to read all the terms and conditions of your policy
· In addition to these, dog owners should consider whether their policy includes third party cover for any damage done by their dog for which they may be found liable. While the majority of insurers will cover third party liability up to £1million, it is an area that is worth investigating before you purchase a policy.
How will you be reimbursed by the insurance company?
· It is also worth looking at the claims process for each insurer that you are considering using. The last thing anyone wants when they are trying to sort out medical care for their pet is a complicated claims procedure.
· Most companies will run a dedicated claims line
· To minimise paperwork insurers may pay the vet directly once you have made a claim. If they are unable to do this they will send you a cheque.
It is now easier than ever to find pet insurance; whatever policy you opt for, it is important that your may pet be covered so that they (and you) can enjoy a happy, worry free life.
