Many animal lovers today are finding the costs incurred when their pets receive veterinary care quite prohibitive.  Vet bills can be expensive and are usually unexpected.  As there is no option but to pay for treatment if a pet gets ill, more and more people are taking out pet insurance.  Unlike medical care for humans where the NHS will treat people for free if they do not have medical insurance, there is no equivalent service for pets.

Pet insurance does not only cover drug treatments for sick animals, it also covers surgery following an accident.  The insurer will reimburse the sum that was paid to purchase the pet, should it get lost or stolen; the cost of advertising if a pet goes missing, and the reward if the animal is recovered.  Cover is also included for liability should your pet cause harm to a third party or damage their property; costs incurred if an owner is taken ill and their pet has to be cared for in kennels and emergency medical care if a pet is taken ill whilst abroad with its owner.

As with all insurance, there are conditions attached to most pet insurance policies.

All Pet Insurance claims are usually subject to an excess that is payable by the insured before they can be reimbursed for expenses. In general, the higher the excess the lower the monthly premium will be. Excess is calculated per calendar year. If a vet’s charges do not amount to the excess, the insured cannot claim against their insurance.

The most obvious benefit of pet insurance is that it will cover the costs of any treatment that pets may need throughout their lives. Vet bills are increasingly expensive, and as a pet approaches the end of its life illnesses become more frequent and insurance premiums will increase. Pet insurance is particularly beneficial if an animal develops a lifelong illness like diabetes, which needs constant treatment and examinations.

There are also policies that cover the costs incurred if an animal gets lost or stolen, or if it needs to be taken care of when its owner is in hospital, also saving money in the long term. Costs can be high to keep an animal in a kennel or with a pet sitter for a long period of time; therefore it is beneficial to research policies that will cover these types of costs.      

Other types of pet insurance can also cover an animal if it is taken abroad. It can cover the animal for any illnesses it may pick up in a foreign country and the costs of treating the illness in that country. Without insurance, if a pet is taken ill and its owner is financially stretched then the animal may have to be put down. Insurance can save this from happening unnecessarily. By paying a monthly premium, the costs of treatment are covered entirely (subject to any excess) and will save a great deal of money in vet bills in the long term. It is also particularly advantageous to those who keep a number of animals, as financial hardship may result if they are not insured or the owner may have to consider giving the animals up, which it may not be in their best interests to do. If a pet has fallen ill suddenly, emergency treatment may be the only option and if uninsured the owner may not be able to cover the veterinary bills. Pet insurance ensures that the owner has peace of mind at all times and prevents the animal(s) from suffering any distress as a result of illness.

Follow these simple tips to avoid paying more than you need to on pet insurance:

Compare Quotes. Do look at several different policies, and bear in mind that going for a slightly more expensive premium could save you money in the long run, as it may offer more incentives and better cover.   Always read the small print before committing to a policy. 

Do consider smaller independent or specialist pet insurers, as they often give better rates than the larger companies and offer just as good a service.

Check the Excess.  This is a fixed sum (usually around £25-65) that you agree to pay each time you make a claim.  If your pet’s treatment comes to less than the amount of the excess, you won’t get any money at all.   You can reduce your monthly premium by agreeing to a larger excess – but it may not be worth it if you significantly reduce the payout you’ll get for any claim.

Be Wary of Payout Caps.  Similarly, insurers may specify a maximum amount they will pay out each year, or for each health condition.  Even if the insurance initially appears to be cheaper, you will lose out if your pet has recurring health problems and the amount you are able to claim is capped.

Start Young.  You may struggle to find insurance if your pet is over a certain age, usually about eight years old, and premiums will be higher.  With this in mind it is best to take out insurance while your pet is still young, and if you go for life-long insurance you are guaranteed cover for as long as your pet lives.

To find the most affordable and appropriate pet insurance it is advisable to do some research.  Different policies should be carefully examined to make sure they offer exactly what you need.  Consider the cost of premiums, the excess amount, and any annual payment caps within the terms of the policy.

Pay attention to extra benefits offered by the policy.  Some policies will offer dental insurance for an additional charge.  This option could be more cost effective than taking out a separate dental insurance policy.  Some policies will also cover the cost of advertising should your pet be lost.

If you have more than one pet in your household it is worth looking for a good multiple pet insurance policy.  Some pet insurance providers will offer discounts for each additional pet added to the policy.  This option could make your overall insurance more affordable.  It is worth comparing multiple pet insurance policies to individual policies to make sure you are getting the most cost effective cover.

If you intend to allow your pet to breed, look for policies that cover this.  Some policies offer free cover for offspring, which means that any post birth problems will be automatically covered by the parent’s policy.

The easiest way to compare available pet insurance policies is to use an internet comparison service.  Such services, once you enter your requirements, provide a list of possible options for you to consider.  Some companies offer extra discount if you arrange your pet insurance this way.

Statistics show that one in three pet owners in the UK have claimed on their pet insurance when their cat or dog became ill.  Pet insurance covers medical emergencies and accidents, but also covers less serious illnesses and procedures too, such as cuts, lameness and bites. 

Veterinary bills can quickly become very expensive, especially if your pet contracts an illness or injury that needs on-going treatment.  With a pet insurance policy these costs are covered, giving you complete peace of mind.

There are a number of other reasons to have a pet insurance policy.  For example, if you are hospitalised for any length of time following an emergency, pet insurance will pay for your pet to be cared for in kennels. 

Some insurance policies also include cover in case your pet is stolen or goes missing.  Some providers offer lump sums to help with advertising for your missing animal and even include the cost of a reward.  In the sad event that your animal is not found, then the insurer will offer a fixed amount relating to the original purchase price of your pet. 

Included in many pet insurance policies is accidental death cover, so you would receive a fixed sum in the event that your pet is fatally injured in an accident.

If you travel abroad regularly with your pet, then pet insurance is essential, especially if your pet passport is lost or stolen or your pet requires emergency medical treatment while you are abroad. 

Before signing up for pet insurance, you must be aware of what you are paying for.  The following checklist will help you make an informed decision.

•    Go through the fine print.  Know exactly what is covered and not covered by the policy.

•    Find out if your policy has a limit on the age of the pet.

•    Is preventive care covered by the policy?

•    Check if the policy covers pre-existing conditions.  Some policies do not cover pre-existing problems; if your pet fell ill due to a previous condition, the policy would not cover the expense.

•    Check the background of the company providing the policy.  See how many years they have been in the business.  Always pick a more experienced company.

•    Find out what the policy does not cover so you can be prepared when those particular conditions crop up.  Some policies do not cover check-ups and dental care.

•    Check if the policy covers bone scans, reconstructive surgery, CAT scans – which are all very expensive procedures – and medications.

•    Make sure you know what the excess is going to be.  Also check if any specific kind of accident or illness is not covered by the policy.

•    Some policies have a higher excess.  Look for one that tenders the same coverage, but for a lower excess figure.

•    Ensure that you are not paying for cover that you do not need.  For example, some policies cover pet travel; this would be an unnecessary expenditure if you do not plan to take your pet abroad.

Many dog owners are now purchasing pet insurance in order to cover any unexpected costs for medical treatment for their dog.  The younger the dog the less the policy will cost, providing your pet is in reasonable health.  The treatment that you can claim for will range from antibiotics for an infection or a minor injury to major surgery, where you will only have to pay a small excess.  The excess will vary from insurer to insurer and you will be expected to pay this at the time of treatment. 

You should also be aware that most policies will not allow you to claim for a condition or an injury that was there before the policy began.  The small print on some policies should also be checked for indications that claims can only be made once for a particular condition.  A recurring condition, even for something that may not have happened before you took out the policy, might only be covered for one occasion. 

A policy is calculated using a number of factors, such as the age of the animal, the breed of the dog and the area in which you live.  The exact terms and conditions for your policy will be sent to you for approval and you are allowed to take a 14 day cooling off period which gives you time to decide if the policy is for you.  Shopping around is the best option in order to ensure that you find a policy that suits your needs. 

One of the main worries for pet owners is how they would pay a large vet bill in the event that their pet needs medical treatment.  While the vast majority of treatments are within most people’s reach, there are a number of conditions and injuries for which treatment is very expensive and, for many, impossible to pay for.

Pet insurance can ease your worries.  While there is a small excess that must be paid, the vast majority of the bill can be taken care of for you.  The insurance company will often be dealt with by the vet, so that you do not even have to make the claim yourself. 

When a pet becomes ill, if the bill is unaffordable it can be heart-breaking to think that you might have to let your pet go, but for those without pet insurance this is sometimes the only option.  With pet insurance rates starting at just a few pounds each month, there is no reason not to invest in a policy that can give you peace of mind and give your pet a longer life.

There are also a huge number of insurers offering pet insurance policies, so by shopping around you can find a deal that suits your needs and budget.  All policies are different, so it is important to check the details of each one carefully, and find the one that suits the needs of you and your pet. 

If you own a dog it is worth considering taking out pet insurance. Even the most well trained dog that is always kept on a lead can fall ill or be the victim of an accident. Vet bills for a dog can be extremely expensive, particularly if surgery or overnight stays are required for your pet.

Pet insurance premiums can differ depending on the breed and age of your dog, but there are many companies willing to give no obligation quotes so it is worth shopping around for a fair price.

Dogs can be injured in many ways, even those that spend most of their time inside the home.  Dogs can be attacked by other animals or be injured by vehicles on the road. Injuries such as these can be worrying for pet owners not just because they are concerned for the welfare of their beloved pet, but also how they are going to pay for the mounting costs of the vets services and possible ongoing medication needs.

Taking out pet insurance can give peace of mind to pet owners. In times of financial hardship the added expenditure of vet bills can be a huge strain on household finances. For just a small monthly payment, the insurance policy can cover the vet bills and depending on the level of cover taken out can determine the limit of reimbursement.  Even a small policy with only a little cover can help to take the strain off the wallet.

Following the arrival of the new family pet, often the next stop is the vet.  However, costs can be prohibitively high, especially with all of the advances in veterinarian sciences.  Pets are living longer and medical bills are set to continue to rise.  An insurance policy can be a real money saver, should your pet need treatment at the vets.  However, there are a few points to consider when choosing the right policy.  A good place to start would be the cost of the premium, policies vary widely, but in general, more expensive premiums equal more comprehensive cover.  Although the most expensive policies cover the vast majority of eventualities, they may be more than you actually need.  For example, if your pet is not going to travel the world, policies that include such cover will not be necessary.

As with other types of insurance, premiums depend on a whole host of variables.  Species, breed, age, pedigree and even where you live can make a difference.  What this means is that by shopping around you will find the best premium for the cover you need.  As pets get older, they may need more treatment and consequently premiums rise.  When comparing pet insurance policies, there are also other factors to consider.  For example, is life-long cover for conditions guaranteed or will the company refuse to renew your policy?  Is there a per-condition limit?  How easy is it to make a claim?  Will bills be paid directly to the vet?  Policies differ and it is essential to shop around to find the right level of insurance to suit your wallet and ultimately, your pet.