PET INSURANCE
People tend to think it’s only older pets that get ill and therefore younger pets don’t need pet insurance but we know from the patients we see each day that that is not the case.
The younger your pet is when you insure them, the less likely it is, that they will have any medical conditions. Any pre-existing medical conditions may not be covered by your insurance company.
It is important to note that not all pet insurance policies are the same. There are many different types of policies available and the level of cover provided can vary considerably.
The four main types of policies are:Accident
Provides cover for accidents only and do not cover for illnesses
Maximum Benefit
Provides cover up to a maximum amount of money per condition. Once this limit has been reached, the condition is then excluded
Time-Limited
Provides cover for a set amount of time (usually 12 months),after this period the condition is excluded
Lifetime
Provides a set amount of money each year, which is restarted when you renew your policy each year. This allows you to continue to claim for ongoing conditions
The type of policy you choose can have implications on the veterinary treatment your pet receives and the costs you will face. Therefore, it’s important to choose the right cover for you. Sometimes, the cheapest insurance policy can cost you more in the long run.
When shopping around for a policy, the following questions should be asked, to allow you to compare the overall value you are getting – not just the price!
Does this policy cover congenital, hereditary, hip-related, dental and behavioural conditions?
Is there a time or monetary limit on how long this policy will cover ongoing conditions for?
If I claim, will my premium increase?
Unlike other forms of insurance, it is not easy to switch pet insurance in the future as any pre-existing conditions are likely to be excluded. It is important to do your research and choose the right cover from the start.