Questions To Ask about Pet Insurance Cover.

• Rated by the species, breed, age and where you live; ie. tailored to your circumstances.
• A standard rate what ever your circumstances, which may mean that high-risk animals are subsidised by low-risk animals.
• You can usually tell how a company sets it’s premiums by the questions it asks. If you are asked more detail about you pet and where you live you are probably being rated on an individual basis.
• Premiums will generally rise as your pet gets older.

• Do the fees provide for life long cover for each condition? Usually a set amount for each condition reinstated each policy year.
• Or cover each individual condition for a set amount with no time limit?
• Do the fees cover each condition for a set amount for 12 months in total?
  

• This is the amount you pay when you make a claim.
• Most pet insurance companies require payment of an excess in every year for each condition claimed.
• The amount you pay may be a fixed amount per condition, or a fixed amount plus a percentage of the fees, or simply a percentage of the fees.
  
• The amount you pay may depend on where you live, the breed and age of your pet.
  
• Some companies give you the option of a lower premium and a higher excess, or a higher premium and no excess.
  

• Preventive/elective treatment eg. vaccinations, neutering and worming.
• Certain dental treatments. Certainly worth checking as dental disease is one of the most common problems treated by vets.
• Diet foods.
• Pregnancy.
• Behaviour problems.
• Illnesses arising in the first 10-30 days of the policy date.
• Home visits.
• Congenital/hereditary conditions.
• Pre-existing conditions.
• Working dogs and dogs restricted under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
• Traveling abroad.
• Hydrotherapy.

This is not a complete list. Please read all policy documents carefully

• Most pet companies offer 3rd party liability cover for damage caused by your dog for which you may be legally liable.
• Some companies offer 3rd party cover as an optional extra
• With some companies 3rd party liability carries a higher excess.
• Some companies only charge an excess for veterinary fees and boarding fees.

• Check the policy to see what happens when your pet gets older. The premiums and/or the excess may increase.
• It is important to note that may companies have a lower age limit for certain higher risk breeds, either to start the insurance or when the excess changes.
  

• Holiday cancellation.
• Hospitalisation of the owner- cost of boarding fees if you are hospitalised for a specified time.
• Cover abroad if travelling under the Pet Travel Scheme.
• Retrieval cost if you pet goes missing.

Many companies offer a discount if more than one pet is insured, or if the policy is purchased online.