How Pet Insurance is Different to Human Health Insurance

If you are a UK citizen you might expect to get your healthcare for free if you fall ill or have an accident. You can't say the same for your pet.

Veterinary costs are rising which means that you could end up spending hundreds, if not thousands, caring for your pet, particularly as it gets older.

If your eye gets infected, you don't think twice about going to the doctor – but what about if the same thing happens to your dog? You don't want to be worrying about the cost of getting your pet the very best treatment, or failing to give your dog the right care because you can't afford the vet bills.

Pet insurance is ideal if you want the peace of mind that should your pet get sick or injured, the vet bills are covered. The best insurance quotes for dogs in the UK are usually found online and you may get a discount if you buy your home or health insurance from the same provider.

Pet insurance differs from human health insurance in that you and your vet are responsible for determining what type of care your pet should receive. You make the claim after your pet has received care and are reimbursed, just as you would be on your home insurance if your property was burgled or damaged through flood or fire. Your insurance company has no part in deciding how your pet should be treated.

Your insurance usually covers 100% of the vet bill if your pet is injured or sick, but check the details of the policy you are buying and make sure you understand what is included in the cover. Some policies will include different levels of excess (the amount you need to pay when making a claim) for different health conditions. There will usually be a limit on the amount you can claim for.

You may find there are a number of things that are not included in your policy, including flea control, vaccinations, spaying and castration, and treatment for pre-existing illnesses or injuries. You may have to pay for additional cover if you intend to take your dog out of the country and not all policies include dental cover.

Most insurers will cover you for emergency board should you unexpectedly need to go to hospital or are unable to care for your pet due to an emergency such as flooding or fire. You may even be covered for help finding your dog if it goes missing or is stolen, for example with advertising costs and offering a reward. Micro-chipping your dog is always a good idea but may also reduce your premium.

Some policies also include third party liability insurance if your dog causes an accident or injures someone. Pet insurance may come with additional advantages such as supporting charities which help abandoned and abused animals. You may also get customer rewards and special discounts on pet-related products and services.