If your pet becomes ill or injured, you want your pet to have the best care without worrying about the cost of treatment.
Veterinary medicine has become increasingly sophisticated, able to accurately diagnose and safely treat most conditions. Current laws restrict veterinary surgeons to prescribing licensed veterinary medicines rather than their cheaper generic counterparts. Many medical conditions, especially the treatment of chronic diseases (common in older pets), can be expensive. Pet Health Insurance has become increasingly popular, and the British Small Animal Veterinary Association recommends its principle.
Types of Pet Health Insurance:
- Life Cover - The most comprehensive cover. Your pet is fully covered for life, with no additional exclusions added for conditions previously claimed for under that policy.
- Limited payout cover – This covers a maximum limit per condition, without time limits. Once the limit is reached, that condition will no longer be claimable.
- 12 Month cover – This covers a maximum limit per condition within a limited time (usually 12 months). Once a claim is made, regardless of whether or not you have reached the maximum cover limit, your pet will no longer be insured for this condition after 12 months. This cover is least suitable for chronic conditions.
When choosing a policy, note the different levels of coverage. Be careful to check whether or not life cover applies or a time limit exists and the maximum veterinary fees covered. Read the small print carefully and take particular note of the terms and conditions, which explains what is covered, what is excluded and what incurs excess payments. Premiums tend to vary according to risk. Lower premiums usually provide less coverage. It might be worth shopping around.
Generally, consultations, diagnoses and treatment for illness or injury will be covered. Pre-existing conditions, vaccinations and neutering are usually not covered.
It is a good idea to take out a pet health insurance policy whilst your pet is young, before any problems arise.