| People normally take out pet insurance to | | | | plans that provide cover for every aspect of |
| cover the bills for serious veterinary | | | | your pet's medical care. You need to decide |
| treatment as this can become very expensive. | | | | how much care is right for your pet and then |
| So expensive in some cases that the animal | | | | pick a policy that closely matches your |
| has to be put down as the owners cannot | | | | requirements. As with other insurance |
| afford the treatments. Pet insurance ensures | | | | policies, the higher the premium, the more |
| this does not happen as the insurance company | | | | cover that is provided. |
| pays the medical expenses, which leaves you | | | | |
| time and energy to nurse your pet back to | | | | It is important to look out for the following |
| good health. | | | | main points to see if they are covered in the |
| | | | pet insurance policy: |
| What Is Pet Insurance? | | | | |
| | | | 1. Cover for life or fixed term |
| Pet insurance is a policy that covers your | | | | |
| household pets and is mainly used for dogs | | | | 2. Vet Fees |
| and cats. Most pet insurance will pay for the | | | | |
| vet costs if your pet has an accident or is | | | | 3. Death from illness |
| taken ill. Pet insurance can also provide 3rd | | | | |
| party protection for any damage your pet | | | | 4. Accidental Damage |
| cause to other people's property and cover | | | | |
| other expenses such as travel, emergency | | | | 5. The policy excess |
| kenneling costs, theft and even death. Pet | | | | |
| insurance also gives you peace of mind, | | | | 6. Dental treatment? |
| knowing that your pet will always get the | | | | |
| best possible medical treatment available. | | | | 7. Third Party Liability & legal expenses |
| | | | |
| On average one in every three pets need | | | | 8. Death from accident, theft or straying |
| treatment from a veterinary each year | | | | |
| following injury or illness and more than 50% | | | | 9. How much of the vet bills are covered. 70 |
| of the visits to the veterinary clinic are | | | | - 100% |
| unplanned due to sudden illness or an | | | | |
| accident. Treatment for broken legs, spinal | | | | 10. Emergency treatments, X-rays, lab fees |
| injuries, hip treatments and internal | | | | etc |
| complaints can quickly run into thousands of | | | | |
| pounds, especially if medication or x-rays | | | | Like with people, many pet insurance |
| are needed. There are also the unforeseen | | | | companies require your pet to have a medical |
| associated costs that may be incurred like | | | | exam . This is so the insurer can manage |
| court costs (you are liable if your dog | | | | their risk and keep premiums down as they are |
| causes an accident) and holiday | | | | not providing cover for animals that are on |
| cancellations. All of these can quickly add | | | | deaths door and having to payout on an animal |
| up. | | | | that are known to be dying. The insurance |
| | | | companies will often put a cap on the total |
| Many pet health insurance companies only | | | | amount they will pay on a policy either in |
| cover dogs and cats as a rule. However, there | | | | any given year or on any one type of illness. |
| are some companies that also provide cover | | | | If your pet has a pre-existing medical |
| for other animals such as horses, exotic | | | | condition, you may struggle to find an |
| birds, reptiles and rodents. | | | | insurance company that will provide cover. |
| | | | |
| What Types Of Pet Insurance Policies Are | | | | The best way to save money on your pet |
| There? | | | | insurance is to shop around and compare |
| | | | prices. Check at least 3 separate insurance |
| Most pet insurance companies provide several | | | | companies to compare pricing and terms to |
| policies from the basic through to premium | | | | make sure you get the best deal. |