Veterinary science has advanced dramatically in recent years with investigations and treatment now on a par with human expectations. These new developments can be expensive but adequate pet insurance will allow you to provide the best treatment available for your pet whenever required.
Type of policy
- Lifelong policies will cover your pet for conditions that may recur or continue throughout its life, such as arthritis; diabetes; skin disease, kidney disease; up to the maximum cover limit per policy year
- Other types of policies, may exclude these conditions after one year
Cover Limit
- Very few policies offer unlimited cover
- Look for the maximum benefit level you can afford
Exclusions
- Make sure you know what is and what is not covered as this varies widely from one company to another.
- Expect any pre-existing conditions to be excluded
- Preventative or elective treatments such as vaccinations, flea and worm control, neutering and costs associated with pregnancy will not be covered
- Dangerous dogs and some other specified breeds are excluded from pet insurance
Excesses
- This is the amount you have to pay towards each condition, per policy (not calendar) year. It may be a fixed amount or a fixed amount plus a percentage of each claim
- Excesses may increase as your pet gets older and a percentage of each claim may be added as well
Renewals
- Be aware that if treatment continues into the next policy year you will have to pay a new excess towards each condition
- This applies to all policies
Dental Treatment
- Some companies do not cover dental treatments such as extractions or a scale and polish
- Treatment for accidental damage such as a tooth fracture, may be covered
- Most companies also require evidence that vaccinations, annual health checks and an annual dental check are up to date
Complementary Treatments
- Some policies cover treatments such as hydrotherapy and acupuncture however there is usually a separate cover limit and another excess to pay
Transferring to another insurer
- Expect any pre-existing conditions, and possibly unrelated but similar conditions, to be excluded. For example: occasional gastric upsets could lead to any condition of the gastrointestinal system being excluded
- When upgrading your policy with the same insurer, check that pre-existing conditions will continue to be covered and that other exclusions will not be added
Claiming
- Please bring a claim form with you each time your pet comes for treatment
- Ensure the client section is completed and the policy number is included
- Do not fill in the veterinary surgeon’s section – we will do that
- Please also phone your insurance company and give them authorisation to speak to us about your claims, otherwise if there are any queries they will not discuss them with us
Direct Claims
- We only agree to your insurer settling directly with us in exceptional circumstances and following prior agreement with a member of the management team
- You must first settle any amounts relating to policy excesses or exclusions and you must pay for any non-insured items
- You will also be liable for any part of the claim which the insurer declines to pay
- Direct claims also require a claim form to be handed in prior to treatment
Time limit
- Check the time scale for claiming
- Some policies require claims to be made within three months of the start of treatment
- 4 Weeks Free insurance usually has a shorter time limit for claims
Contract
- Pet insurance is a contract between the insurance provider and the pet owner
- We can assist by completing claim forms quickly and accurately but we cannot guarantee payment will be made
