Most people say that they have insured their pet to give them piece of mind and to avoid large vet bills. In fact around 40% of people claim at least once on their policy, the majority where dog owners.
The most common reason for visiting the vets were for vaccinations and check ups, although 15% had been treated for an injury of some kind. Unfortunately, it is not just the health of your pet that may need to be covered, if your dog causes a road traffic accident or bites the post man, you could find yourself paying out legal costs, some policies will also offer additional cover for this. If you own a horse for competirions or simply for fun, taking out equine insurance is always a good idea. Veterinary bills for medical treatment for your horse or pony can be hugely expensive, and there is always the risk of third party injury or property damage, for which you may become liable, as the horse's owner Almost 90% of animal owners felt that the insurance they had was value for money. There are insurers willing to insure all types of pets but the more specialised the animal, the more expensive the premiums. Having said that, if you take into consideration they amount of money pet owners pay for toys and treats, it is money very well spent. If you own a venomous animal it is vital to insure yourself through a public liability policy as well, this could be an additional cost of over £100 per annum.
The top five insurance claims are;
• Vets fees (Disease).
• Vets fees (Accident).
• Death due to disease.
• Death due to accident.
• Loss by theft/straying.
You can insure your pet with an annual policy which is reviewed and may alter if you make a claim during that time. Cover for life tends to be more expensive as does insuring a pedigree or rare breed as they may be more delicate and prone to illness. |
