What does Pet Insurance cover?
It is important that you choose the pet insurance policy that best suits your needs now and in the future. Always read fully the policy terms and conditions to ensure that you understand the scope of the cover. For example, most new policies won’t cover the cost of treating any pre-existing medical conditions that your pet has, so choosing the most suitable insurance from the start helps ensure your pet will be covered.
Pet insurance policies will generally specify a maximum amount of money that they will pay out under each policy section.
Policies can include cover for:
- Veterinary fees - The cost of diagnosing and treating illnesses and/or injuries. This is the core cover provided by pet insurance and normally includes the cost of consultations, examinations, tests, x-rays, MRI/CT scans, medication, bandages, surgery, and hospitalisation. Often included are the cost of being referred to a specialist vet, and complementary treatments such as physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic and hydrotherapy. Alternative therapies like acupuncture, homeopathy and herbal remedies may also be covered.
- Third party liability - If your dog injures someone or damages someone else’s property, and you are found legally responsible for the injury or damage caused, the policy can cover any compensation you may be liable to pay.
- Loss of the pet - If your pet is lost, stolen, or dies as a result of an injury or an illness before a specified age, you will be paid the purchase price or its market value.2
- Advertising costs - Advertising costs to help find your lost or stolen pet and the cost of a reward if someone finds or recovers your pet.
- Boarding / Hospitalisation Costs - If you have to go into hospital for an unforeseen emergency medical treatment, the cost of looking after your pet. There is usually a policy condition that you must be hospitalised for a certain number of days (usually 4 consecutive days) before costs are covered.
- Holiday cancellation - The cost of your holiday if it is cancelled because your pet needs emergency lifesaving treatment close to the start of your holiday.
- Overseas vet fees - The cost of emergency veterinary treatment for your pet if you take it abroad. Some pet insurance policies will cover additional costs such as loss of pet travel documents or emergency expenses abroad if you’re delayed returning to the UK due to your pet going missing or needing emergency vet treatment.
Common Claims
Some of the most common conditions claimed for are:
- Skin problems
- Bone fractures
- Wounds
- Arthritis
- Muscular skeletal issues
- Gastro intestinal issues
- Hip dysplasia
- Cruciate ligament ruptures
- Tumours, Lumps and Growths
- Viral infections
- Foreign bodies
- Chronic illness such as diabetes