Why you need it, how to choose a policy, and things to be aware of

What is Pet Insurance?

Pet insurance is health insurance for your furry family members. It will help to cover the cost of treatment when your pet is ill or has an accident. Insurance can provide cover for one-off emergencies such as a broken bone
or sudden illness, or it can help pay for long term health conditions that need ongoing treatment like arthritis or diabetes.

Why you need Pet insurance

None of us likes to think about our pets being poorly, but it is important to think about how you will manage if they are. A good pet insurance policy allows you to plan treatment based on what is best for your pet, with less worry about how you will pay for it.

How much does Pet Insurance cost?

The cost of pet insurance will be determined by the type of pet you have, what breed they are, how old they are, whether they have ever been poorly before, and what type of policy you choose. As vets we advise owners to choose the best policy you can afford that meets your needs.

Choosing a Policy

Consider what type of policy will suit your needs. Vets often recommend a lifetime policy. However, the age of your pet, any pre-existing health conditions, and the sort of treatment you are likely to consider if your pet was ill will all influence which type of policy you want. Research the cost of veterinary care so that you know how much coverage you need. If you know that your breed of pet is prone to a particular condition, research how much treatment could cost and make sure you get adequate cover.

LIFETIME

Provides cover up to the policy limit year after year, as long as the policy remains in place, with the maximum benefit renewed each year.

TIME-LIMITED

Provides cover for each illness or injury for a limited time, usually 12 months. After either the time or policy limit is reached the condition is no longer covered.

ACCIDENT ONLY

Provides cover up to the policy limit for accidents and injuries only. There is usually a time limit for the policy as well.

What ISN’T covered?

Routine preventative health care

Vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, neutering, nail clips etc are not covered by pet insurance.

Pregnancy and Breeding

Most pet insurance policies will not cover the costs of breeding from your pet. This includes fertility treatment,
pregnancy diagnosis, c-section, or complications from having offspring.

Pre-existing Conditions

Any health condition that was present before the insurance policy started will not be covered, even if
There was no diagnosis or treatment required at the time.

Research the costs of veterinary care, especially for any conditions your pet may be prone to, and ensure
you have appropriate cover.

Have a think about how much excess you are able to pay. Be aware that excess charges may be a flat fee, or calculated as a percentage of treatment cost. You are more likely to claim on your pet insurance than your car or home insurance. It’s worth taking the time to choose the best policy that meets your needs.

Check the Small Print

Check all of the policy details regarding premiums, limits, excesses and exclusions. Make sure you know how and when to renew the policy as well. It may be tempting to skip this part but it’s important to know the details BEFORE your pet is ill or injured: You don’t want to waste time checking that your insurance is up to date when you want to be looking after your pet.

Insure Your Pet as soon as possible

Did you know that you can insure your pet before you even bring them home? Pets can get sick or have an accident ANY time, even when they’re brand new. Also, any condition that shows signs before an insurance policy starts will be considered a pre-existing condition and will not be covered. Taking out an insurance policy as soon as possible is the best way to protect against potential unexpected costs.

SAY WHAT? PET INSURANCE JARGON EXPLAINED

The words used in pet insurance policies can be confusing and there is a risk that you may choose a
policy that isn’t suitable if you misunderstand the terms used. Here’s some common terms used in pet
insurance documents explained in plain English!

Accident Only Policy

An insurance policy which provides cover for pets that have been injured in an accident. These policies
will not cover things like vomiting and diarrhoea, skin conditions, cancer, diabetes, kidney disease etc.

Congenital Condition

An illness or disease that is present when an animal is born.

Continuation

A request for payment for further treatment for the same condition after an initial claim

Complementary Treatment

Additional treatment which is usually non-medical, including physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, acupuncture
or behaviour therapy. Complementary treatment may be carried out by a vet or another professional
such as a physio or behaviourist.

Direct Claim

Payment for treatment made directly from an insurance company to the treatment provider (vet practice
or referral centre). Many vets do not accept direct claims. If your insurance company suggests a direct
claim you should discuss this with your veterinary team.

Excess

The amount that you contribute to the cost of treatment for each condition. An excess maybe a fixed
value, or it may be a percentage of the cost of treatment. An excess is usually payable per condition per
year, so if your pet needs treatment for something long term then you may be expected to pay an
excess each year.

Exclusion

Conditions which are not covered by an insurance policy. Standard exclusions include conditions
related to breeding and conditions which were present before the insurance policy started. Also,
conditions which have been covered by a time-limited policy will be listed as exclusions after the time or
insurance limit has been reached.

Lifetime Policy

A plan where conditions are covered year after year, as long as the policy is in effect. The insurance limit
is renewed each year as long as the policy is in effect.

Pre-Authorisation

Assessment of a future claim before treatment is carried out. The insurance company confirms that
proposed treatment will be covered by the policy.

Pre-existing Condition

A condition that was present before an insurance policy started. Pre-existing conditions are not covered
by insurance policies.

Key Points

• Pet insurance helps pay for treatment if your pet is ill or injured.
• There are several types of policy with different benefits. Vets usually recommend LIFETIME policies.
• Research potential costs and read the small print to make sure that a policy meets your needs.
• Insure your pet as soon as possible in order to avoid exclusion of pre-existing conditions.