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Insuring your pet Problem solvers

Why do I need pet insurance? Wouldn't it make more sense to put the money into a savings account instead?

Pet insurance gives you peace of mind

Pet insurance is as much about peace of mind as it is about money. You may pay insurance premiums for years and never make a claim.

But think about whether you could afford a huge vet's bill if your pet fell ill or had an accident in the short term.

Of the Which? members who have pet insurance, nearly a third have made a claim in the past year.

I could save money by buying a basic policy, couldn't I?

Cheap is not always best. The most basic pet insurance policies may cost less, but they put a time limit on the claim – usually 12 months – as well as a monetary limit. Once the 12 months are up, that particular condition is excluded from the policy.

We don't recommend basic policies, as we think they don't offer enough cover.

My insurer offers a Gold policy. Is that the same as a premium policy?

Not necessarily. Different insurers market their products under different names – a gold policy from one insurer is unlikely to be the same as a gold policy from another. Always look at the cover on offer, not the name of the policy.

For example, one company’s ‘budget’ policy may offer better cover than another firm’s ‘platinum’ scheme, despite the name – this is often clever marketing to tempt you in.

I have an older pet. Can I still get insurance for it?

Premiums for older pets tend to rise year on year, putting owners in a catch-22 situation.

On the one hand, if you stay with your current insurer, your premiums may jump sharply when your pet reaches old age. On the other, if you decide to switch, insurers exclude pre-existing conditions from cover, and some may not take on older pets at all.

You're therefore left with the choice of paying the higher premium with your current insurer, paying for a new policy which offers insufficient cover, or cancelling the policy altogether, just at the age when the animal is most likely to need veterinary treatment.

Ideally, you should choose a policy with a high level of cover whilst your pet is still young. If you own an older pet, it’s still worth shopping around, but don’t cancel your current policy until you find a new one that fully addresses your pet’s needs.

To find the best cover for your pet, check out Which? Best Buy pet insurance policies.

What about insuring more 'exotic' pets, like a snake?

Not all mainstream insurers will insure exotic pets, but there are insurers who will.

If you own one, it’s best to speak to other owners, the vendor or the relevant breed association for insurance advice.

I’m on a low income and can’t afford insurance. Can I get free vet treatment for my pet?

Animal charities PDSA and RSPCA offer treatment on a means-tested basis.

To qualify for free help, you must be in receipt of either housing benefit or council tax benefit. The SSPCA and the USPCA can offer advice to those in Scotland and Northern Ireland, respectively.

The Blue Cross’ four animal hospitals in London and Grimsby also provide treatment for those who are in receipt of means-tested state benefits. You’ll be asked to make a donation towards the cost of any treatment, depending on what you can afford.

Will I get a discount if my dog is micro-chipped?

If your pet is micro-chipped, some insurers may offer a discount on your premium – be sure to ask when you ring for a quote. Your vet will be able to provide details on how to get your pet micro-chipped.

Can my vet recommend an insurance policy?

It’s best not to ask your vet’s advice because, unless specially licensed to do so, they’re not allowed to recommend a particular policy to their customers.

We asked 287 vets which insurer they’d recommend, and 50% made a recommendation, despite not being authorised to do so.

Your vet will, however, probably stock leaflets from a range of insurers – make sure you shop around for the best deal.