Dog - Pet Health Insurance

Approximately 33% of pet dogs and cats visit a veterinary practice due to illness or accident every year. The unexpected is always just around the corner! Veterinary procedures and techniques are rapidly becoming more specialised and unfortunately few of us are aware of the true cost of medical or surgical procedures. Our elation in finding that our 15 year old, much loved pet can undergo exactly the same CT scanning procedure as Granny following a minor stroke, quickly turns to despair when a bill of several hundred pounds for the diagnostic procedure alone is mentioned. It is at such times that pet health insurance makes sense.

What does pet health insurance cover?

Frequently vets and owners have to decide on alternative diagnostic and treatment methods solely because of cost involved. Pet health insurance is designed primarily to cover these unexpected situations.

This does not mean that insuring your dog will provide an inexhaustible source of funding for every possible veterinary cost. For example, routine vaccinations and general ‘maintenance’ health care such as dental check ups are not ordinarily covered. The aim of pet health insurance is to provide for the unexpected expense; the road traffic accident; suspected poisoning episode or the sudden onset of illness. Because of the cost of drugs and equipment alone, in many cases the cost of treatment can run into several hundreds, or even thousandsof pounds.

How do I find out about pet health insurance?

Britain leads the world in the field of pet health insurance. The veterinary profession, the Kennel Club and most breeders advocate insuring your dog or cat. Many well known companies today offer pet health policies and in addition there are specialist pet insurers. Many breeders offer 4-6 weeks free insurance when a puppy is sold or registered at the Kennel Club.

If you would like further advice, please do not hesitate to contact us. We keep brochures from selected companies but others are available and we can advise according to your needs.

How does pet health insurance work?

The principle is similar to our own private health insurance. Different levels of cover carry differing premiums. It is cheaper to start insuring when your pet is young and healthy than when older and more prone to illness. Premiums can be paid monthly, quarterly or annually and many companies offer discounts for direct debits. There is usually an excess to pay on each condition and some companies also charge a percentage of the total cost of treatment if the pet is above a certain age. Many policies have the premium rate linked to the age when first insured. Premiums and the excess payable tend to increase as the pet gets older.

Is there any way I can compare premiums?

As with any insurance it is difficult to compare like with like. All the leading companies offer additional benefits in addition to veterinary fees insurance. Some offer a range of options which allow owners to choose the benefit most suited to their needs. The level of cover and efficiency of service is usually reflected in the premium.

Do any companies offer a comprehensive policy?

Few companies cover routine health care such as neutering and dental care. However specialist companies are available that do offer such services albeit on a limited basis.

What other factors affect premiums?

Certain breeds are more prone to particular problems. Skin conditions are an example. Insurance companies are aware of these problems and premiums are set accordingly.

One third of health insurance claims are for illnesses that have been ongoing for more than 12 months.

Does this mean that on renewal of the policy the premium is likely to be increased or cover restricted in respect to that condition?

Insurance is a business and has to be profitable. In the case of chronic conditions cover may be restricted, particularly with policies carrying low premiums. It is important that you read the small print with any quotation if your dog has a chronic problem or is elderly.

If we can help in any way, please contact us.