The Importance Of Pet Insurance & Where To Find Cover Contributed by: Gocompare.com
What is the point of pet insurance? In recent years there have been significant advancements in veterinary medicine, and most veterinary practices also have access to better equipment allowing them to detect and diagnose problems that might have gone undiscovered in the past. However, these potentially life-saving advancements come at a price with vet bills, depending on the condition and treatment, often costing owners hundreds or even thousands of pounds. Indeed many pet owners are left with difficult decisions about their pet's future when faced with spiralling bills. This is where pet insurance comes in. It allows owners to explore the treatment options available for their pet and provides peace of mind that they will have support in dealing with their associated costs. What does it cover? Cover for veterinary bills is the primary reason for taking out a pet insurance policy. Most policies carry a limit on the amount you can claim per condition and/or over a set time period - typically in the region of 12 months. However, some policies offer lifetime cover meaning that a pet is covered through its lifetime providing the insurance is renewed - meaning they can get vital treatments for on-going conditions such as diabetes. Anyone taking out pet insurance should examine the terms and conditions of a policy carefully and look out for exclusions - these are circumstances in which a pet will not be covered. Some policies, for example, will cover behavioural conditions, cosmetic treatments (such as teeth de-scaling etc) and even the provision of a special diet - while others will not. Also look to see if your policy covers complementary therapies such as acupuncture, hydrotherapy and physiotherapy. In addition to medical treatments, pet insurance may also offer the following features depending on the policy you take out:
In addition to the level of cover you receive, consider the policy excess - this is the amount you will pay towards a claim and is fixed by the pet insurance company when you take the policy out. Some insurers will allow you to adjust this amount and agreeing to a higher excess will usually lower premiums - however, you should only set it at a level you can comfortably afford. Consider whether your pet has any pre-existing conditions - most insurers exclude pre-existing conditions from their cover. Also bear in mind the age of your pet as most dogs and cats over the age of eight are classified as 'older pets' by insurers. As such they may increase the excess or insist that additional contributions are made towards a claim. Examine the terms and conditions carefully so you know exactly what your pet is covered for. Where can you find pet insurance? To save money on pet insurance, use a comparison website to compare quotes from a range of insurers. Comparison websites list the cheapest policy first but it's important to examine other policies in the listings to ensure your pet will receive the standard of cover you require at the right price. If your pet is not undergoing treatments for any ongoing conditions then shop around during each renewal period - you may be able to save money by taking advantage of introductory discounts offered to new customers from other providers. |
