There are several different levels of pet insurance cover available from different pet insurers. Some insurers offer just one level of cover whilst others are more flexible, allowing you to choose the exact level of cover you consider necessary. All pet insurance policies cover the basic cost of emergency veterinary treatment and third party liability, if your pet is a dog. Most policies also provide additional benefits which could include: emergency boarding fees, holiday cancellation, travel-abroad cover, accidental death, behavioural and alternative therapy.
Pet insurance covers nearly all types of emergency veterinary costs, such as cuts, abscesses, bites, ear infections and tumours. However, you are only covered for a limited amount of claims: some policies provide up to seven thousand pounds worth of cover per year, whilst others offer you just one thousand pounds. Ensure you compare the maximum cover offered by several policies before making a final choice. For more details see Types of Cover.
What is Third Party Liability Cover?
Most good pet insurance policies will include third party liability cover if your pet is a dog. This covers you for any injury or damage to other people or their property that is caused by your dog. For instance, if your dog bites your neighbour, or runs out in front of a car and causes an accident, you are legally required to pay the injured party some form of compensation. This could include medical costs and/or expensive repairs to the car.
Additional Benefits
If you become ill or are seriously injured, you may need to recover in hospital for a number of days. While you are there, a good pet insurance policy will pay for your pet to be looked after in a kennel or cattery. Typically, your stay in hospital must be longer than four consecutive days to qualify for the cover.
If your pet requires life-saving treatment or goes missing, you may be covered for certain costs you incur if you have to cut short or cancel your holiday. Usually, you are only covered if your pet goes missing or requires emergency life-saving treatment within seven days of the start of your holiday, or whilst on holiday.
Many insurers give you the choice of extending your cover to include incidents that occur while you are travelling overseas with your pet. Some insurers automatically include 'travel abroad cover' in their standard policy, but others may charge you an extra fee if you choose this option. Further unexpected costs, such as loss of your pet's passport, or fees if your pet must be quarantined, may also be covered. Usually, there are special conditions that apply to overseas cover, perhaps extra documentation you must obtain before your claim is accepted; ensure you read any policy documentation carefully.
Most good pet insurance policies will pay out if you pet dies or has to be put to sleep because of an accident. Some policies will offer you the purchase price of a replacement pet, whilst others have a fixed payout amount.
Lastly, a small number of pet insurance providers cover behavioural and alternative therapy. Your pet is usually referred to a behavioural therapist if your vet considers this to be in its best interests, for example if your dog is very disobedient. Similarly, your vet may wish to offer your pet alternative therapies, such as acupuncture or chiropractic treatment, both of which can help increase mobility and reduce pain.
