People usually take out a Pet Insurance policy to cover the bills for serious vet treatment as this can become very expensive. So expensive in some cases that the animal is "put down" as the owners cannot afford the treatments. Pet Insurance ensures this does not happen as the insurance company pays the medical expenses, which leaves you time and energy to nurse your pet back to good health.
What Is Pet Insurance?
Pet Insurance is an insurance policy that provides cover for your household pets and is mainly used for cats and dogs. Most Pet Insurance will pay for the veterinary costs if your pet is ill or has an accident. Pet insurance can also provide third party protection for any damage your pet may do to other people’s property and cover other expenses such as emergency kenneling costs, theft, travel and even death. Pet insurance also provides you with peace of mind, knowing that your pet will always receive the best medical treatment available.
On average one in every three pets require treatment from a vet each year following illness or injury and more than half of the visits to the vet are unplanned due to an accident or sudden illness. Treatment for broken legs, hip treatments, spinal injuries and internal complaints can quickly run into thousands of pounds, especially if medication or x-rays are needed. There are also the unforeseen associated costs that may be incurred like holiday cancellations and court costs (you are liable if your dog causes an accident). All of these quickly add up.
Many Pet Health Insurance companies only cover cats and dogs as a rule. However, there are some companies that also provide cover for other animals such as exotic birds, horses, reptiles and rodents.
What Types Of Pet Insurance Policies Are There?
Most pet insurance companies offer a variety of policies from the basic through to premium plans that provide cover for every aspect of your pet’s medical care. You need to decide what level of care is right for your pet and then choose a plan that closely matches your requirements. As with other insurance policies, the higher the premium, the more cover that is provided.
It is important to look out for the following main points in the pet insurance policy:
1. Cover for life or fixed term
2. Vet Fees
3. Death from illness
4. Accidental Damage
5. The policy excess
6. Dental treatment?
7. Third Party Liability & legal expenses
8. Death from accident, theft or straying
9. How much of the vet bills are covered. 70 - 100%
10. Emergency treatments, X-rays, lab fees etc
Like with humans, some pet insurance companies require your pet to have a medical exam before any cover is provided. This is so the insurer can manage their risk and keep premiums down as they are not providing cover for animals that are on deaths door and having to payout on an animal that were known to be dying. The insurance companies will often put a cap on the total amount they will pay on a policy either in any given year or on any one type of illness. If your pet has a pre-existing medical condition, you may struggle to find an insurance company that will provide cover.
In order to save money on your pet insurance you need to compare providers. You can get a FREEbest pet insurance plan
quote from our hand picked insurance companies. We are constantly reviewing pet insurance companies that are in the UK market place to ensure we showcase only those insurers that offer exceptional terms and value for money.
