Types of Pet Insurance
Lifetime Pet Insurance
Also called lifelong insurance, this is designed to cover your pet for the whole of its life. This cover could be particularly helpful if your pet develops a chronic, long-term or recurring illness, such as arthritis. With this type of cover, you should be able to make several claims year-on-year for the same condition if necessary. There will probably a maximum amount you can claim for with any one condition.
Ongoing veterinary costs can be very expensive, which is why a lifetime policy can give you the peace of mind that your pet's covered throughout its life. Due to its comprehensive nature, this can be the more costly pet insurance - but it can offer the highest level of cover. It's normally renewed annually.
Time Capped Insurance
Again, this can provide valuable protection for your pet, but unlike lifetime cover, this insurance will only cover your pet for a limited period of time after an illness or injury is discovered. This is typically for 12 months after the health issue was first treated. Some pet insurance may also cap the maximum amount you can claim over that specified period.
Condition Capped Pet Insurance
You can also choose something called condition capped pet insurance (also known as per condition insurance) for your pet. With this type of cover, your insurer will set a fixed, maximum amount for each claimable condition your pet might experience. Therefore, you're able to make as many claims as are necessary - provided each claim is for a condition not previously claimed for and you haven't hit your maximum amount. Normally, amounts are fixed for a set period of time (usually 12 months).
Exotic Pet Insurance
Most pet insurance policies you'll come across are tailored for cats and dogs. However, there are specialist pet insurance policies out there that are designed for rare and unusual pets. These animals may have different insurance needs from other domestic animals.
Here are some examples of animals you may want to cover under an exotic pet insurance policy.
Birds - such as parrots or birds of prey
Mammals - such as ferrets and chinchillas
Reptiles - such as snakes, lizards and tortoises
Why you need it
Just like feeding, grooming and exercising - you could regard pet insurance to be an essential factor in caring for your pet. It can help give your four-legged friend the cover they deserve, while giving you some peace of mind at the same time.
If your pet is ill or injured, it can be very worrying and upsetting. It can also be very expensive if you don't have adequate pet insurance in place. If your pet needs medical attention, the cost of vet bills could be a real strain financially. Pet insurance can help to pay for these vet bills and for the cost of treatment.
Having pet insurance in place could also help you cover other unforeseen costs, such as kennel/cattery expenses or any damage that your pet causes to a third party.
What does it cover?
A pet insurance policy will normally cover the following as standard or an optional extra:
Vet fees
Typically, this forms the main basis of a pet insurance policy. This cover could help you meet veterinary bills if your pet becomes ill or gets injured.
Third party liability
This could help cover compensation costs if your pet causes damage to property, a member of the public or another animal.
Legal expenses
It's possible you might need legal support to defend yourself against a pet related claim.
Boarding fees
If you're unexpectedly taken to hospital, this could cover the cost of a cattery or kennel stay.
Theft or straying
Sadly, if your pet is stolen or lost, no insurance policy can return them, but it could help cover costs. You may need to offer a reward for the safe return of your pet or fund advertising to help find them. If your pet is not returned to you, your pet insurance could reimburse you with your pet's market value.
Death from illness or injury
This can be very upsetting, and again, insurance can't bring your pet back. We wish it could. However, if your pet does die, your insurance could cover the price you paid for them.
Quarantine expenses
If the documents required to allow your pet back into the UK go missing, this could help cover the cost of duplicate certificates and the cost of quarantine.
Handy hints
Prevention rather than cure
Having a pet insurance policy in place can give you financial peace of mind that your pet is protected. However, keeping your pet healthy and happy is the best way to keep them safe. Alongside a good diet and regular exercise, make sure all their vaccinations are up to date. Weekly grooming and monthly flea treatments can also help combat skin and ear diseases. Regular dental checks are a must, as well as frequent teeth brushing for your pet. Also, be aware of potential dangers around your home and garden - for example, some common plants can be poisonous to cats and dogs if eaten, so keep an eye out.
Think about all the benefits
Aside from helping with medical costs for your pet, there's a whole range of different circumstances pet insurance could cover. If you lost your pet, you may need money to help advertise for its safe return and potentially give reward money if it's found. Also, should you fall ill and need to stay in hospital - your pet insurance could cover the cost of kennels or a cattery for your pet.
Third party liability cover
You may wonder why this is necessary, but as a pet owner you are responsible for the actions of your animal. For example, if your dog scratched a neighbour's car or injured your neighbour's cat - you'll probably be asked to foot the bill. Pet insurance could help you meet these unexpected costs.
Be honest
Make sure you tell your insurer about any past illnesses or injuries that your pet has suffered. If you don't disclose your pet's medical history, you could risk invalidating your policy.
Maybe micro-chipping?
It's possible to keep track of your pet by having them micro-chipped. This is a simple procedure that can be done by your vet. A microchip with a unique number is inserted under the skin of your pet. This number then indentifies you as the owner of the animal. It's standard procedure for vets to scan animals for microchips if they are brought to them without their owners.
Pets abroad
If you plan to take your pet out of the country, there are certain regulations you must follow. Leave plenty of time before you travel to make the necessary arrangements for your pet - such as a blood test, vaccinations and micro-chipping. You should inform your pet insurance provider if you are travelling abroad with your animal and check that your policy extends to this destination. For more information on DEFRA regulations, click here.
Know-how
Take a browse through some of our helpful pet insurance articles: