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Pet Insurance pledges

Pet Insurance Pledges

The Covid-19 pandemic is an unprecedented, and difficult time for everyone. Insurers understand that this is a very worrying time for all pet owners, who will be concerned about the health of their pets, and access to veterinary treatment if they need it. To reassure pet owners, ABI member pet insurance companies are offering enhanced help and support to all their customers who may be affected by the impact of Covid-19 and have pledged to:

  1. Support those who need to make a claim. Insurers have implemented business continuity plans and work closely with service providers to do everything possible in these challenging circumstances to continue to handle claims and support their customers.
  2. Work with vets to help customers. Insurers recognise that access to veterinary surgeries is limited and have agreed that being unable to access veterinary surgeries in person due to Covid-19 restrictions will not invalidate your policy. Insurers will work with veterinary practitioners to do all they can to ensure pets receive the treatment they need now and in the future.
  3. Provide support if your pet needs a vaccination or health check. Insurers have agreed to provide support to customers wherever they can to ensure pets receive the care they need including by being flexible on policy conditions, in particular the requirement for pets to have up to date vaccinations and regular dental examinations.
  4. Ensure that customers are provided with, or directed to, the most up-to-date information around the COVID-19 outbreak and publish clear information around the effects, if any, of the outbreak on customers policies through FAQs and direct communications. 

These pledges will remain under review, with the next review taking place 30 April 2021.

You can read the full news release on the pledges here 

Frequently Asked Questions

If vets are not currently doing routine vaccinations, could failure to get these invalidate my policy?

No. Insurers have agreed that being unable to access veterinary surgeries in person due to Covid-19 restrictions will not invalidate your policy. Insurers are offering increased flexibility on these policy conditions and are continuing to cover conditions that pets are usually vaccinated against. We recommend contacting your vet todiscuss access to surgeries and routine vaccinations.

If I have treatment booked in, and it is postponed and my policy is due for renewal in the meantime, will my current policy still cover the costs of this treatment?

Yes. If your treatment has been postponed, your current policy should still cover the costs of this treatment. Many insurers are extending the time limit to allow for the treatment to be completed at a later date. We recommend contacting your vet to discuss any changes to treatment and your insurer to discuss policy coverage.

Will any ongoing treatment be affected?

Following Government advice on social distancing, some veterinary practices have reduced the treatments they offer and are only carrying out essential treatment. Insurers are committed to working with their customers to ensure pets receive the treatment and care they need. Many insurers are providing flexibility on claims that arise during the current crisis. If you have started a claim that has a time limit but are unable to visit a vet, many insurers are extending the time limit to allow for the treatment to be completed at a later date. Contact your vet to discuss in more detail how your pet can access the treatment it needs.

It is important to note that ongoing treatment costs are dependent on the policy remaining in force and premiums must be received at the time the treatment costs are incurred.

If vet treatment is restricted, then what additional benefits are pet insurers offering?

Insurers are offering a range of additional benefits to customers during the current crisis, including access to dedicated 24/7 helplines, allowing flexibility on claim submissions and organising online/phone consultations with vets. The additional benefits will vary between insurers so contact your insurer for more details on what is currently being offered by them.

I have a young pet that has not yet received any vaccinations. What should I do?

If you have a young pet, such as a puppy or kitten, and their routine vaccinations have been delayed, keep them inside your home until they have had a full vaccination course. It is important to follow the Government advice for those with pets and animals: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-people-with-animals Access to some veterinary surgeries and the services available has now improved so we recommend contacting your vet to discuss access to surgeries and routine vaccinations.