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Protect Yourself Against Rising Vet Bills With a Pet Insurance Policy


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If you get ill or injured, you can head to a hospital where you'll be treated free of charge by an NHS doctor. Unfortunately, there is no such equivalent for our furry friends. To make things worse, vet fees can get eye-wateringly high in some cases.

Pet insurance provides peace of mind by helping pet owners manage the financial burden of unexpected veterinary expenses. With coverage for accidents, illnesses, and sometimes routine care, pet insurance ensures that you can make decisions based on what’s best for your pet’s health rather than worrying about vet fees.

Pet Insurance can be particularly valuable if your pet needs emergency surgery, treatment for a serious illness, or ongoing care for chronic conditions. By paying a monthly premium, pet owners can protect themselves from potentially high out-of-pocket expenses, ensuring their beloved pet gets the medical attention they need without delay.

How does pet insurance work?

 

Pet insurance works by providing financial coverage for a range of vet expenses from minor illness to major surgery. Here's how a pet insurance policy works:

 
1

Choosing a Policy: Pet owners select a policy based on the level of cover they need. The types of pet insurance include accident-only, time-limited, maximum benefit, and lifetime cover. Each type has different levels of coverage and limits on how long or how much you can claim for a condition.

2

Paying Premiums: You pay a monthly or annual premium to maintain the insurance policy. The cost of premiums varies based on factors such as the pet’s age, breed, and health history, as well as the type of cover chosen.

3

Making a Claim: If your pet requires veterinary treatment, you can claim the cost back, subject to your policy’s terms. Some insurance companies pay the vet directly, while others reimburse you after you've paid the bill.

4

Excess and Co-Payment: Like many other forms of insurance, you may need to pay an excess, which is a fixed amount you contribute towards the claim. For older pets or more comprehensive policies, a co-payment may also be required, meaning you cover a percentage of the remaining costs after the excess.

5

Policy Exclusions: It’s important to note that most policies have exclusions, such as pre-existing conditions, routine or preventative care, and certain hereditary issues. Reviewing these details helps ensure the policy meets your needs.

Overall, pet insurance provides protection against the financial impact of unexpected medical expenses, giving pet owners peace of mind and the ability to prioritise their pet’s well-being.

Types of Pet Insurance

 

Lifetime Cover

Lifetime cover for pet insurance is the most comprehensive type of policy available. It provides ongoing coverage for chronic or recurring conditions throughout your pet’s life, as long as the policy is renewed each year without interruption.


Key Features:

Annual Coverage Limits: Lifetime policies typically set a maximum amount you can claim per year for vet fees. Once you reach this limit, you won’t be able to make additional claims until the policy renews. However, the coverage resets every year if you continue to pay your premiums.

Chronic Conditions: If your pet develops a long-term illness, such as diabetes, arthritis, or allergies, lifetime pet insurance cover will continue to cover treatment year after year. This is different from other types of pet insurance, which might only cover conditions for a limited time or up to a certain financial limit.

Consistent Renewal: To maintain the benefits of a lifetime cover, you must renew the policy each year. If you fail to renew or cancel the policy, any conditions your pet developed while insured may be excluded if you take out a new policy.

Lifetime cover is often considered ideal for ensuring you have financial support for your pet’s ongoing medical needs, but it usually comes with higher premiums compared to more limited types of insurance.
 

Per Condition Cover

Per Condition Cover, also known as Maximum Benefit Cover, is a type of pet insurance that provides a set financial limit for each medical condition your pet might develop. Once you claim up to this maximum amount for a specific condition, that condition will no longer be covered, even if your policy is still active.


Key Features:

Set Financial Limit Per Condition: The insurer specifies a fixed amount of money you can claim for each condition. For example, if the per condition limit is £5,000, you can claim up to £5,000 for treating that particular illness or injury.

No Time Limit on Claims: Unlike time-limited policies, Per Condition Cover does not restrict how long you can claim for a condition, as long as the financial limit hasn’t been reached. This means you can continue to claim over several years for the same condition until you hit the maximum pay out.

Coverage Stops Once the Limit is Reached: When you reach the financial limit for a condition, you must cover the cost of any further treatment for that condition out of pocket. However, other new or unrelated conditions remain covered up to their individual limits.

This type of policy is suitable for pet owners who want more comprehensive coverage than a time-limited policy but don’t require the ongoing protection of lifetime cover. It provides a good balance between cost and the level of coverage, especially if your pet doesn’t have conditions that require long-term treatment.
 

Time Limited Cover

Time Limited Cover is a type of pet insurance policy that provides coverage for a medical condition for a set period, usually 12 months from when the condition first appears or is diagnosed. After this time frame, coverage for that specific condition stops, even if you haven’t reached the maximum financial limit specified by the policy.
 

Key Features:

Coverage Duration: Time Limited Cover only pays for treatment of a condition for a maximum of 12 months from when the condition starts. Once this time period ends, the insurance will no longer cover that condition, even if you renew your policy.

Financial Limit: There is also a fixed financial limit for each condition. If you reach this limit before the 12 months are up, the cover for that condition will end immediately, and you’ll have to pay for any further treatment out of pocket.

No Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions: Once a condition has been claimed under this policy and the 12-month period has passed, it is considered a pre-existing condition and won’t be covered by the same or any future policy.
 

Suitability:

Time Limited Cover is usually one of the more affordable options for pet insurance and can be helpful for dealing with short-term health issues or accidents. However, it may not be suitable if your pet develops a chronic or long-term illness, as the ongoing treatment would not be covered beyond the initial 12 months.

Frequently asked questions about Pet Insurance

Am I covered for veterinary fees as soon as I take out cover?

Whether you are immediately covered for veterinary fees after taking out a pet insurance policy depends on the terms set by the insurer. Generally, most pet insurance providers have a waiting period before coverage begins.

Typical Waiting Periods:

Accidents: Coverage for accidents often begins immediately or within a short period, such as 24-48 hours from the policy start date.

Illnesses: Coverage for illnesses typically has a longer waiting period, usually around 10-14 days from the start date. This waiting period helps prevent fraudulent claims for pre-existing conditions.

Exceptions

Pre-Existing Conditions: Any condition your pet had before the policy start date or that arose during the waiting period will not be covered.

Routine and Preventative Care: Routine care, such as vaccinations and flea treatments, is not typically covered under standard policies unless you have additional coverage for wellness or preventative care.

Routine and Preventative Care: Routine care, such as vaccinations and flea treatments, is not typically covered under standard policies unless you have additional coverage for wellness or preventative care. It’s important to read your policy documents carefully to understand when your coverage becomes active and what exclusions may apply.

Could I ever run out of Pet Insurance cover?

Yes, you could potentially run out of pet insurance cover, depending on the type of policy you have and the policy limits. Here’s how it can happen:

1. Policy Type Limits:

Time Limited Cover: With this type of insurance, each condition is covered for a maximum of 12 months from when treatment starts. Once the 12 months are up, or if you reach the financial limit for that condition (whichever comes first), you can no longer claim for it.

Per Condition Cover (Maximum Benefit): This policy has a fixed financial limit for each condition. Once you have reached the maximum amount for a particular condition, you cannot claim any further for that condition, even if your policy is still active.

Annual or Lifetime Cover: Even with a lifetime policy, there is an annual financial limit for vet fees. If you reach this annual limit, you won’t be able to claim more until the policy renews and the coverage resets for the next year.

2. Lifetime Limits:

Some policies may have lifetime limits or exclusions once a condition has been claimed for over several policy years, so it’s crucial to understand the fine print.

3. Claim Caps:

Certain treatments or conditions may also have specific claim caps within your overall policy. For instance, coverage for dental treatment or specific surgeries may have their own maximum limits.

How Can I Avoid Running Out of Pet Insurance Coverage?

Choose a Policy with Sufficient Limits: If you’re concerned about running out of coverage, consider opting for a comprehensive lifetime policy with higher annual limits, especially if your pet is at risk of chronic conditions.

Review Your Policy Regularly: Check whether your pet’s needs have changed and if your policy continues to provide adequate cover.

In summary, running out of cover is a risk if your pet needs extensive or long-term medical treatment, and your policy has limits that can be exhausted. It's important to select a policy that aligns with your pet’s potential healthcare needs.

Will My Pet Insurance Cover Dental Treatment?

Whether your pet insurance covers dental treatment depends on the specifics of your policy. Dental coverage can vary significantly between insurance providers, and it is often subject to certain conditions.

Types of Dental Coverage:

Accidental Dental Injury: Most pet insurance policies will cover dental treatment if it is required as a result of an accident, such as broken teeth from an injury.

Dental Illness: Coverage for dental illnesses, like gum disease or tooth infections, is less common and may only be available under more the most comprehensive pet insurance policies. Some policies require you to have your pet’s teeth checked regularly and maintain good dental hygiene to qualify for coverage.

Common Exclusions:

Routine Dental Care: Procedures like teeth cleaning, scaling, or routine check-ups are generally not covered.

Pre-Existing Dental Conditions: Any dental issues that were present or diagnosed before taking out the policy are usually excluded.

Lack of Preventative Care: If your pet’s dental issues are due to neglect or lack of routine dental care, the pet insurance provider may not cover the treatment.

Requirements for Coverage:

Many insurers require proof that you are maintaining your pet's dental health, such as regular veterinary dental check-ups, in order to qualify for dental illness coverage.

Checking Your Policy:

Always review your policy details to understand what is covered under dental treatment and any conditions or exclusions that apply. If dental health is a concern for your pet, consider choosing a policy that includes broader dental coverage.

Does My Pet Need to be Vaccinated?

We advise that your pet receives vaccinations and boosters as recommended by your veterinary surgeon. However if your pet isn't vaccinated for whatever reason, your Pet Insurance policy should still be valid except for those conditions vaccination would have prevented. Keeping your pet vaccinated is crucial for several reasons:

1. Policy Requirements:

Vaccination Requirement: Insurers generally stipulate that you must keep your pet’s vaccinations current to be eligible for claims, especially if your pet contracts an illness that could have been prevented by a vaccine. Failure to do so may result in the insurer refusing to cover treatment costs.

Commonly Required Vaccines: For dogs, required vaccinations often include protection against diseases like distemper, parvovirus, and rabies. For cats, vaccines typically include those for feline leukaemia, panleukopenia, and calicivirus.

2. Preventative Health Care:

Vaccinations are an essential part of preventative health care, protecting your pet from serious, sometimes life-threatening diseases.

Some policies also require other preventative treatments, such as flea and worming treatments, to ensure coverage remains valid.

3. What Vaccinations Mean for Claims:

If your pet develops an illness that could have been prevented with a standard vaccination, your insurance provider may deny your claim for related veterinary costs.

However, conditions unrelated to vaccinations would still be covered, as long as all other terms of the policy are met.

Bottom Line:

To keep your pet insurance coverage active and comprehensive, you should ensure that your pet receives all necessary vaccinations and that you maintain a record of these for your insurer. Always check your policy’s requirements for specific guidance on vaccinations and other preventative care.

Is there an excess to pay when I claim?

Yes, most pet insurance policies require you to pay an excess when you make a claim. The excess is the amount you must contribute towards the cost of your pet's treatment before the pet insurance company covers the rest. The specifics can vary based on the policy.

Types of Excess:

Fixed Excess: This is a set amount that you must pay each time you claim for a condition or each policy year. For example, if your policy has a £100 excess and you make a claim for £500, you would pay £100, and the insurer would cover the remaining £400.

Percentage-Based Excess (Co-Payment): In addition to the fixed excess, some policies (especially for older pets) may require you to pay a percentage of the remaining cost of treatment. For example, if your policy has a 20% co-payment, you would pay 20% of the vet bill after the fixed excess has been deducted.

How It Works:

Per Condition: Depending on your pet insurance policy, you may need to pay the excess for each condition you claim for or once per policy year per condition.

Annual Excess: Some policies apply the excess once per condition per policy year, so if your pet needs ongoing treatment that spans multiple years, you would pay the excess each year.

Things to Consider:

Adjustable Excess: Some insurers allow you to choose a higher excess in exchange for lower monthly premiums or vice versa. Selecting a higher excess can reduce your premium but will increase your out-of-pocket expenses if you need to make a claim.

Older Pets: For senior pets, insurance companies may add a co-payment percentage to the excess, increasing the amount you’ll have to pay for claims.

Be sure to check the terms of your policy to understand how much excess you will need to pay and under what circumstances it applies.

If I insure more than one pet is there a discount?

Yes, many pet insurance providers in the UK offer multi-pet discounts when you insure more than one pet under the same policy or with the same insurer. These discounts can make pet insurance more affordable for households with multiple pets.

How Multi-Pet Discounts Work:

Discount Percentage: The discount is typically applied as a percentage off the premium for each pet insured. The percentage varies by insurer but is often around 5% to 10% per additional pet.

Single Policy or Separate Policies: Some insurers offer a single policy covering all your pets, while others keep each pet on a separate policy but still apply the discount.

Shared Benefits: In some cases, a multi-pet insurance policy may have shared benefits or limits, while others keep coverage benefits separate for each pet.

Benefits of Multi-Pet Insurance:

Cost Savings: The primary advantage is the reduction in cost compared to insuring each pet individually.

Convenience: Managing all your pets' insurance under one provider simplifies renewals, payments, and claims.

Things to Consider:

Coverage Options: Make sure the level of cover offered under a multi-pet discount still meets the needs of each individual pet. Some pets may require different levels of coverage based on age, breed, or health.

Exclusions and Limits: Check if there are any exclusions or combined limits on claims for multi-pet policies.

If you have multiple pets, it’s worth asking your insurance provider about multi-pet discounts or shopping around to find the very best pet insurance deal that fits your needs.

Why do Pet Insurance premiums vary according to species, breed, location and age?

Pet insurance premiums vary according to species, breed, location, and age due to the different levels of risk and expected costs associated with each factor. Here's why:

1. Species:

Dogs vs. Cats: Insuring a dog often costs more than insuring a cat because dogs are generally more likely to experience health issues and accidents, leading to higher veterinary bills. Cats, especially indoor ones, typically have fewer claims related to accidents.

2. Breed:

Health Predispositions: Certain breeds are more prone to specific genetic or hereditary conditions, which can be expensive to treat. For example, larger dog breeds like Golden Retrievers or German Shepherds may be more susceptible to hip dysplasia, while flat-faced breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs are at higher risk of respiratory problems.

Size: Larger breeds often require higher doses of medication or more expensive treatments, which can increase veterinary costs.

3. Location:

Veterinary Costs: The cost of veterinary care can vary significantly between regions. For instance, urban areas like London tend to have higher veterinary fees compared to rural locations, which impacts the premium.

Risk of Accidents or Theft: In some areas, pets may be at a higher risk of theft or accidents, which can also affect premiums.

4. Age:

Higher Risk with Age: As pets age, they are more likely to develop chronic illnesses or require more frequent medical care. Older pets are also at a higher risk for conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and cancer, leading to higher pet insurance costs.

Increased Likelihood of Claims: Pet insurance providers account for the increased likelihood of claims as a pet ages, so premiums tend to rise over time.

Insurance companies calculate premiums based on the likelihood of your pet needing veterinary care and the expected cost of that care. Species, breed, location, and age all play a role in assessing risk, which is why these factors influence the cost of pet insurance.

Would previous problems be covered?

No, most pet insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions. A pre-existing condition is any illness, injury, or health problem that your pet had or showed symptoms of before the insurance policy started or during any applicable waiting period.

Types of Pre-Existing Conditions:

Chronic Conditions: Long-term conditions like diabetes, arthritis, or epilepsy that were diagnosed or had symptoms before taking out the policy are usually excluded from coverage.

Past Illnesses or Injuries: If your pet has previously recovered from an illness or injury, some insurers may also consider these as pre-existing and may not cover any future related issues.

Possible Exceptions:

Treatable Conditions: Some insurers may cover conditions that your pet had in the past if they have been symptom-free and treatment-free for a specified period, such as 12 or 24 months.

Specialized Policies: A few insurance companies offer policies specifically designed to provide limited coverage for pre-existing conditions, though these typically come with restrictions on what they will pay out for.

Declaring Pre-Existing Conditions:

When applying for new pet insurance policy, you will need to disclose your pet’s full medical history. Failing to declare known conditions can result in claims being denied or your policy being invalidated.

Alternative Options:

Savings Plans: If your pet has significant pre-existing conditions, you may want to consider setting aside savings for their medical needs.

Insurers Covering Some Pre-Existing Conditions: Research providers that may offer coverage for certain conditions after a symptom-free period, though this is less common.

In summary, pre-existing conditions are generally excluded, so it’s important to be aware of your pet’s medical history and discuss it with potential pet insurers first before taking out a pet insurance policy.

 

Disclaimer for savings claim:

You could pay from £3.35 per month* *Price per month for cover based on a dog, Penelope, aged 4 months, no known medical conditions, up-to-date vaccinations, and microchipped. Based on quote data provided by Seopa Ltd during August 2024. The quote price you could achieve is dependent on your individual circumstances. You could pay from £3.35 per month*

*Price per month for cover based on a cat, Teddy, aged 7 months, no known medical conditions, up-to-date vaccinations, and microchipped. Based on quote data provided by Seopa Ltd during August 2024. The quote price you could achieve is dependent on your individual circumstances.