Pet Insurance

19-May-06

Come and see the Kennel Club Pet Insurance Team at Crufts 2007 in Hall 3, stand 58 and get an insurance quote INSTANTLYOwning a pet brings a great deal of pleasure and whilst you will want your companion to have a long, happy and healthy life it is almost inevitable that it will need veterinary treatment at some point.

It’s a fact that two out of three pets require veterinary care each year and treatment can account for up to 30% of the cost of owning a pet so it really does pay to have the very best in healthcare insurance for your pet.

The Kennel Club has drawn together some key points you might wish to consider when searching for your pet insurance policy:

Decide what you want from a pet insurance policy. Most pet insurance policies will cover against veterinary fees - but you may want to consider third party liability cover in case your dog causes an accident or damages some one else's property; costs for advertising and a reward if your dog is stolen or strays.  If you travel abroad with your dog then good overseas travel cover as part of your policy may be beneficial.

Check if your insurer offers free help lines to assist with locating a veterinary practice, finding a pet minder or providing legal advice in connection with your dog.

Pembroke Corgis Be aware that not all pet insurance policies are alike.  Some will only pay for treatment of a condition for a maximum of twelve months; some will look after long term conditions until the benefit level has been reached and others will offer a fixed benefit level per year.

Policy terms will vary, so it is important to understand how long the cover will pay for a condition. Always check that the level of cover is suitable for your requirements.

The cost of insurance will vary from insurer to insurer but many comprehensive policies will take the breed, age and where the dog lives into consideration.

Most pet insurance policies will not cover preventative treatments such as the cost of vaccinations, flea treatments, castration and spaying, dental work, etc.

Your vet may recommend that your dog has a clinical diet - check if your insurance will cover any additional costs that this may incur.  Similarly, you should check if complementary medicines are covered (hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, etc, are sometimes recommended for muscular problems, broken legs, arthritis, etc)

Remember that if your pet has been treated for an injury or illness prior to you starting a policy, it is unlikely that the insurer will offer cover for that particular condition/illness.

An excess will normally apply to claims for veterinary fees, so check that you know how much will not be paid by the insurance company.

Always read the policy terms and conditions and ask the insurer about any aspect you need clarification on.

The Kennel Club offers a range of healthcare policies to suit the needs of you and your pet.  For more information click on the links below or visit www.kennelclub-petinsurance.co.uk or call 01296 390 617.

 
Date:
19-May-06
Categories:
Insurance 

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