Maximum benefit pet insurance

The amount of maximum benefit cover you receive per condition depends on the insurer and the policy you choose. Most UK providers typically offer limits ranging from £2,000 to £5,000 per condition, which is suitable for many common illnesses and injuries. Some insurers offer higher limits, often up to £7,500 or more, but these policies usually come with higher monthly premiums.

As a general rule, the higher the per-condition limit, the more you’ll pay, as insurers are taking on a greater risk of covering expensive or long-term treatment. Choosing the right limit is about balancing affordability with the level of protection you’re comfortable with.

In addition to vet fee limits, policies also set separate caps for extra benefits such as kennel or cattery fees, dental treatment, and public liability cover. These limits can vary widely between providers, so it’s important to check the policy details carefully to understand exactly how much you can claim for each type of expense.

Once you reach the maximum benefit limit for a specific condition, that condition becomes excluded from your policy. This means your insurer will no longer pay for any treatment, medication, or follow-up care related to that issue, and you’ll need to cover all future vet fees yourself.

For example, if your dog uses up its full allowance for a joint problem, any ongoing costs, such as check-ups, pain relief, or physiotherapy, would need to be paid out of pocket, even if the policy is renewed.

Your insurer will usually let you know when you’re close to reaching the limit or when it has been reached, so you’re not caught off guard and can plan for future costs.

Accident only pet insurance is usually the cheapest type of cover because it offers the most limited protection. It only covers treatment for injuries caused by accidents and doesn’t include illnesses, age-related conditions, or ongoing health issues, which are typically the most expensive claims for insurers.

While accident only cover is better than having no insurance at all, it may leave you unprotected against common and costly problems such as infections, arthritis, or long-term conditions that require repeat treatment. This means that if your pet develops an illness, you’d need to pay all related vet fees yourself.

For broader, longer-term protection, it’s often worth paying a little more for a more comprehensive policy. Comparing quotes can help you see how affordable wider cover can be and choose the right balance between cost and protection.

Some insurers will let you switch from a maximum benefit policy to a different type of pet insurance, such as lifetime cover. However, the terms of your new policy will depend on both your provider and your pet’s claims history.

If you’ve made claims under your existing policy, the insurer you switch to will usually treat any conditions you’ve claimed for as pre-existing conditions. This is because they’ve already required treatment in the past, which means they’re typically excluded from cover under most standard pet insurance policies.

For example, if you’ve previously claimed for a skin condition or joint problem, a new insurer is unlikely to cover any future treatment for that issue, even if you change to a more comprehensive policy type.

Some providers may make exceptions if your pet hasn’t shown symptoms or needed treatment for a set period, often around 24 months, but this varies between insurers and isn’t guaranteed.

When switching policies or providers, it’s important to check how pre-existing conditions are defined so you understand exactly what will and won’t be covered.