What does pet insurance typically cover?
When you take out a pet insurance policy, some features come as standard. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Vet fees/medical treatments cover
- Kennel and cattery fees (should your pet need to stay for recovery)
- Liability cover
- Advertising costs and rewards
There are exceptions to what pet insurers will pay out for, so it’s important to check the small print when taking out a policy.
Exemptions usually include cover for routine check-ups, pre-existing medical conditions and behavioural problems.
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Cat insurance
Your cat's policy cover can vary, depending on pedigree to age. Compare and find a policy which suits you and your cat.
Kitten insurance
Don't rely on their nine lives to get them out of trouble, kitten insurance can provide a peace of mind for your new little buddle of fluff.
Dog insurance
Taking out cover for your beloved dog, can often cushion the blow should you find out they're in need of medical attention
Horse insurance
Medically speaking, horses can be expensive, as well as prone to theft. Horse insurance can provide protection should the worse happen.
Puppy insurance
Puppies and mischief go together hand-in-hand. Puppy insurance can protect your pup should they find themselves in any sticky situations!
Rabbit insurance
Rabbits are much loved family pets across the UK, and should they become ill, ensure you've got them covered to keep them hopping and happy.
How much is pet insurance?
Pet insurance for a cat younger than five years old costs on average £116 a year. For dogs aged below five expect to pay around £225 a year*.
Insurers may charge you more to spread the cost of your pet insurance in monthly payments so it can often work out cheaper to pay for a policy upfront for the year. The cost of pet insurance will be determined by the policy type but will also vary depending on the type of and breed of your pet, its age and any existing medical conditions.
*51% of customers paid on average £116.40 for a cat aged under five and £225.12 for a dog aged under five. Stickee data, correct as of May 2020.
How to reduce the cost of pet insurance
Here are some money-saving tips to help bring down the cost of cover:
Keep your pet healthy: whether it’s feeding your pet a nutritional diet or keeping on top of its vaccinations, having a healthy pet will help lower your premiums.
Opt for a higher excess: your premium is likely to decrease if you’re willing to pay a higher excess on any claim you make. But keep the excess affordable in case you have to pay it.
Take out multi-pet cover: some insurers offer a discount of 5% - 10% if you insure more than one pet on a single policy.
Pay annually: paying for your policy upfront is usually cheaper as some insurers charge interest on monthly instalments.
It always pays to shop around for cover to see what policies and prices are best suited to your pet and your budget.
What do I need to run a pet insurance quote?
You’ll need to provide the following information so we can help you find you pet insurance quotes:
- Your pet’s age
- The breed or size of your pet
- The health of your pet (and if it has been neutered)
- How much you paid for your pet (if you bought it rather than adopting it)
- Your pet’s behavioural history
- Your pet’s medical history
Why compare quotes with MoneySuperMarket?
Before picking a pet insurance policy, it’s important to compare those available by using a site such as MoneySuperMarket.
Running a pet insurance comparison means you’ll be able to see personalised quotes for your pet to help you choose the right one for you.
The right pet insurance policy for you might not be the cheapest, as cheaper policies might not provide the full cover you need.
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