abbeyVET

Pet Insurance - Questions to Ask

Which important points do I need to consider closely when choosing my pet's insurance policy?

The premium.
The basic level of cover costs less than you may think.  The more comprehensive the level of cover, the more expensive the policy is going to be.

 

Take care however that you are not paying for cover that you are never going to use; for example paying for travel cover under the pets passport scheme if you will never be taking your pet abroad!

 

Premiums are usually set in the following ways:

· Rated by the species, breed, age and where you live; ie. tailored to your circumstances.

· A standard rate whatever your circumstances, which may mean that high-risk animals are subsidised by low-risk animals.  

 

You can usually tell how a company sets it’s premiums by the questions it asks.  If you are asked for more details about your pet and where you live, then you are probably being rated on an individual basis.

 

Premiums will generally rise as your pet gets older.

The level of veterinary fees cover.
Some pet insurance policies offer a maximum amount of cover for all conditions in a year.  Others offer a maximum amount for each and every condition separately.

The policy excess.
This is the amount you pay when you make a claim.

The excess is set to prevent pet owners claiming for minor conditions.

There are various ways in which the excess can applied

· Fixed excess regardless of the size of the claim.

· Percentage excess e.g. £40 Plus 20% of the sum claimed for.

· Annual excess.  If the single condition spans two policy years the excess will be claimed twice.

· Variable excess, depending where you live and age.

Most companies will ask you for a bigger excess payment once your pet reaches a certain age.

Exclusions

Make sure you check the exclusions to ensure the cover provided meets your needs.

Possible exclusions

· Preventive/elective treatment e.g. neutering and worming.

· Pregnancy.

· Behaviour problems.

· Illnesses arising in the first 10-30 days of the policy date.

· Home visits.

· Congenital/hereditary conditions

· Pre-existing conditions.

· Working dogs and dogs restricted under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

· Certain dental treatment and diet foods.

Is 3rd party cover automatically included?

· Most pet companies offer 3rd party liability cover for damage to dogs for which you may be legally liable.  

· Some companies offer 3rd party cover as an optional extra.

· With some companies 3rd party liability carries a higher excess.

· Some companies only charge an excess for veterinary fees and boarding fees.

Does the policy provide cover for Euthanasia?
Not all companies will provide cover for euthanasia.

Does the policy cover veterinary fees for whelping & kittening?
Some pet insurance companies offer cover as standard for such costs.

Does the policy cover Death from Accident or Illness?
Many pet insurance policies do provide cover for Death from Accident or Illness.

What other cover might be provided?

· Holiday cancellation.

· Hospitalisation of the owner- cost of boarding fees if you are hospitalised for a specified time.

· Cover abroad if travelling under the Pet Travel Scheme.

· Retrieval cost if your pet goes missing.