Choosing pet insurance can be daunting, there are so many options and a bit of jargon to learn. We’ve put together a basic guide to the main types of policies out there, how they will cover your pet in certain situations and things to look out for in the small print.
What policy types can I choose from?
Time limited
Covers your pet for up to 12 months from the onset of their illness and up to a certain amount of money.
Maximum benefit
Covers your pet up to a maximum amount for each condition for the duration of your policy, as long as you renew your policy each year.
Lifetime
Covers your pet up to a maximum amount each policy year, which refreshes each year as long as you renew your policy.
How would these policies cover some of the most common pet ailments?
Your cat has been diagnosed with arthritis after x-rays and a blood test (these cost around £900). They will require lifelong pain medication which comes to around £1500 per year.
You have a 12 month time limited policy up to £2000. This means the initial diagnostics and some of the first year of ongoing medication are paid for by your insurance company, minus your policy excess. All subsequent treatment for arthritis is excluded, so will not be covered by your policy.
You have a maximum benefit of £4000. The initial diagnostic workup and first year of treatment use £2600 of the policy limit; this leaves enough to cover another year of treatment. Your fixed excess is deducted each year. Subsequent treatment will not be covered.
You have a lifetime policy up to £4000. This condition is covered in full each year, minus your policy excess as long as the policy remains in effect.
Your dog has seasonal skin allergies which started a month ago, the treatment costs around £300 every Spring/Summer.
You have a 12 month time limited policy up to £2000. Your policy covers the first year of treatment, minus your policy excess, but 12 months from the onset of symptoms, this condition is now excluded. Any further treatment for skin conditions will not be covered.
You have a maximum benefit of £4000. This treatment will be covered each year, minus your policy excess, as long as you continue to renew your policy. Once you have reached the £4000 limit, you will no longer be able to claim for skin related conditions.
You have a lifetime policy up to £4000. This treatment is covered in full each year, minus your policy excess as long as the policy remains in effect.
You have a time limited policy up to £2000. This treatment is covered in full minus your policy excess.
You have a maximum benefit of £4000. This treatment is covered in full minus your policy excess.
You have a lifetime policy up to £4000. This treatment is covered in full minus your policy excess.
How is my excess deducted?
For most policies your fixed excess will be deducted once per condition, per policy year.
What is a co-payment?
A co-payment is a percentage of the claim that will be deducted by your insurance company. This is usually applied for older pets and will vary from 10-30%.
There are limits on certain things on my policy, what does this mean?
Some policies may limit certain treatments or conditions, such as placing a £50 cap on consultations. It’s important to bear in mind that whilst this may not impact your cover now, in years to come when prices inevitably increase, it may drastically reduce the amount your insurance company will pay. Here are some common caps we have seen, and the current average price of the item.
Cruciate disease (often capped at £1000-£2000) – A cruciate repair could cost upwards of £4000.
MRI/CT scan (often capped at £1000-£2000) – Specialist diagnostic imaging like CT or MRI may cost upwards of £3000.
Histology and cytology (sometimes capped at £70-£80) – A diagnostic tests used to diagnose lumps and bumps, around £120-£250 depending on the test.
Out of hours care (we have seen this capped at £100-£150) – Out of hours emergency care is expensive, consultations can start at around £300.
Hospitalisation (sometimes capped at £100 per day) – Hospitalisation can run between £100-£250 per day.
If you are unsure if a policy has any capped items, be sure to specifically ask before taking out a policy.
How do I make a claim?
The claiming process will vary between companies, most have moved their process online without the need for a paper form. If you are not sure how to claim, speak to a member of our team or contact your insurance company.
Call us on 01435 864422 if you have any questions about insurance or how to make a claim.
