FAQs: Insurance
Why should I get pet insurance for my pet? Pet insurance helps protect you financially from unexpected veterinary bills. With the rising cost of veterinary care, especially for emergencies, surgeries, and long-term treatments, having insurance ensures that you can provide your pet with the best care without the worry of high costs. It covers a range of treatments, from routine check-ups to complex surgeries, depending on your policy.
What types of pet insurance are available? There are different types of pet insurance plans to choose from, including: Accident-only cover: Covers accidents like broken bones, poisoning, or injuries from accidents. Time-limited cover: Provides coverage for a set amount of time for specific conditions (e.g., 12 months of coverage for treatment of an illness). Maximum benefit cover: Offers a fixed amount for each condition, which can be used until the limit is reached. Lifetime cover: Provides ongoing cover for a specific condition for your pet’s life, as long as the policy is renewed. This is ideal for chronic or recurring conditions. We recommend discussing the different options with your insurer to choose the best policy for your pet’s needs.
How much does pet insurance cost? The cost of pet insurance cover varies from company to company, based on factors such as: Your pet’s age, breed, and health The type of cover you choose (accident-only vs. lifetime cover) The level of coverage (e.g., £2,000 vs. £10,000 annual limit) As a rough guide: Dogs: Insurance for dogs can range from £15 to £60 per month, depending on age, breed, and cover type. Cats: Insurance for cats generally ranges from £10 to £30 per month. Older pets or those with pre-existing health conditions may have higher premiums.
What’s typically covered under pet insurance? Most pet insurance policies cover a variety of veterinary expenses, including: Accidents and injuries (e.g., fractures, lacerations, poisoning) Illnesses (e.g., infections, cancers, or respiratory conditions) Diagnostic tests (e.g., blood tests, X-rays, ultrasound) Surgery (e.g., emergency surgery or planned surgeries) Hospitalisation and overnight care (e.g., if your pet needs to stay in the hospital for monitoring or treatment) Policies may also include coverage for other expenses like prescription medications, dental treatments (in some cases), and alternative therapies. Always check the T&Cs of a policy and what it covers, before committing. Please note that preventative medications, vaccinations and administration fees are not covered by pet insurance.
What are common examples of veterinary costs without insurance? Here are some typical examples of veterinary costs to help you understand the potential expenses without insurance: Overnight Care / Hospitalization: Around £300 per night, depending on the level of care required. If your pet needs round-the-clock monitoring, the cost could increase significantly, especially for more intensive treatments or special care is needed. Abdominal Surgery (e.g., for ingestion of foreign object or internal issue): Abdominal surgeries can range from £1,500 to £4,000 or more, depending on the complexity. This includes diagnostics (X-rays, ultrasounds), the surgery itself, anaesthesia, and recovery care. Dental Treatment: Routine dental cleanings (without extractions) can cost around £300. However, if your pet requires dental surgery (e.g., tooth extractions, gum disease treatment), the cost can rise to between £600 and £2000+. Emergency Care (e.g., trauma, poisoning, or accidents): Emergency care can range from £500 to £2,000 depending on the severity of the injury, required treatment (e.g., stitching, diagnostic tests), and whether your pet needs to be admitted to the hospital for ongoing treatment. Cancer Treatment: Cancer treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and follow-up care, can be expensive, ranging from £2,000 to £8,000 or more, depending on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the treatment required. Referral to a Specialist: Specialist care at a referral centre will cost significantly more than the costs at a general practice
Will my insurance cover pre-existing conditions? Unfortunately, most pet insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions (illnesses or injuries that your pet had before the policy started). However, some policies offer continuous cover for conditions that occur after the policy begins, as long as the insurance is renewed each year. Some insurers may offer limited cover for certain pre-existing conditions if they’ve been resolved for a period of time (e.g., more than 12 months). It’s important to read the policy details and speak to your insurer about their specific rules.
Are there any exclusions in pet insurance policies? Most policies have some exclusions, including: Pre-existing conditions Routine check-ups or preventive care (e.g., vaccinations, neutering) Certain breeds may have breed-specific exclusions or limitations (e.g., some policies exclude hereditary conditions common in certain breeds like hip dysplasia in larger dogs). Be sure to check the terms and conditions of your policy to understand what’s covered and what’s not.
Can I switch insurance providers if my pet is already insured? Yes, you can switch insurance providers if you’re unhappy with your current policy, but be mindful of: Waiting periods: There may be a waiting period before certain benefits are activated with a new insurer. Existing claims: A new provider may not cover any ongoing claims or pre-existing conditions. Policy continuity: If you switch policies, make sure your new insurance starts before your old policy ends, to ensure there's no gap in coverage. It’s always a good idea to compare different policies to ensure you’re getting the best coverage for your pet’s needs.
What should I look for when choosing a pet insurance policy? When selecting a pet insurance policy, consider the following: Coverage limits: Check annual or lifetime limits to ensure adequate coverage. Excesses: Understand the excess (the amount you must pay before the insurer covers the rest). Policy exclusions: Be aware of conditions or treatments that are excluded from coverage. Customer service: Look for insurers with good customer reviews and easy claims processes. You may also want to compare premiums, benefits, and policy terms to find the best fit for you and your pet.
Can I claim for everything? No, some costs such as vaccinations and most referral fees are not covered. However, you can claim for medicines, consultations, and procedures. Please remember to check your policy excess, as you can only claim back costs if it is over your excess.
What's the difference between a continuation and a new condition? A continuation refers to ongoing treatment for a condition that has been previously diagnosed and covered. A new condition is one that arises after the policy has started or after a break in coverage.
Do I pay two excesses if my pet continues treatment at another vet or referral? No. Providing the treatment is carried out within the same policy year, you will typically only pay one excess per condition. It is always best to check with your pet insurance provider to clarify.
How does the insurance process work if I go for a referral? If your pet is referred to another vet, please contact them directly with any questions regarding your referral and insurance process, as every practice will have different rules for insurance processing.
How long does it take to process a claim? As a small business, our claims typically take about 4 weeks to process. Please only contact us for updates if it has been more than 4 weeks.
How do I make a claim with pet insurance?