Ask any seasoned pet owner about vet bills and they’re likely to testify that they present themselves at mostly inconvenient times, and they’re seldom cheap. Therefore, it’s a good idea to look for pet insurance quotes which could save you money in the long run.
Pet insurance doesn’t just stop at providing cover for your pet if they are injured or fall ill. It can also provide remuneration if your pet is stolen by thieves or goes missing and never returns, and could pay out on the death of a pet, too.
It is also particularly useful for dog owners, as it could provide a payout to injured parties should your dog cause them injury. (Cat owners, however, don’t need to worry about this as felines are considered to be ‘free spirits,’ whose owners aren’t responsible for the actions of.) Insurance isn’t just restricted
to cats and dogs: you can get virtually any pet covered.
There are several options available to pet owners when it comes to insurance policies, with different levels of expense.
These are as follows:
A set period policy
This is usually the least expensive choice, and usually lasts around 12 months. If a pet is in the middle of a program of treatment, then the policy will not cover the rest of it, even if it is renewed.
A limited cover per condition policy
This level of insurance covers conditions up to a certain sum.
Anything more will be liable to the owner of the insured pet. It may not provide complete protection should an ongoing illness appear.
A full lifetime policy
This type of policy will cover a pet through its entire lifespan, if it isn’t cancelled.It will usually have a cover limit per condition every year. It’s likely to be the most expensive insurance option, but might give you better peace of mind.
Older pets, which insurers consider to be ‘senior’ will attract higher premiums due to the increased likelihood of developing an illness or condition. Insurers usually consider cats and dogs aged eight years and older to be in this category. Pedigree animals and rare breeds also tend to cost more
to insure, due to their high monetary value and also the frequently high incidence of long-term illnesses and conditions that occur in these sorts of animals. Therefore, opting for a mongrel dog or ‘moggie’ cat might mean cheaper insurance if you don’t yet have an animal but are considering adopting one.
Saving on your pet insurance
When it comes to saving on the cost of your pet insurance, it’s a great idea to shop around for the best deals online. If your pet isn’t undergoing any treatment, or your policy is up for renewal then it’s a good
time to see if a better deal can be located elsewhere. A comparison website is an ideal way to do this, as they let you compare and contrast the prices and features of many different insurers by just entering a few details.
When comparing pet insurance quotes, it’s important to take into account the features as well as the price, as the cheapest might not necessarily offer the best value when it comes to cover.
You should also always check the excess of your policy (the minimum payment you have to make towards any claim) as if you don’t; you might be in line for an unwelcome shock should you need to call upon your policy.
However, opting to pay a higher excess could save you money on the insurance. It should always be fixed at a level you could comfortably afford.