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.