Choosing the right pet insurance policy can feel like navigating a complex landscape. Understanding the options and asking the right questions is crucial to securing coverage that protects your pet in their time of need. Costs vary widely, from basic accident-only plans to more comprehensive, but pricier, lifetime policies.
Age and breed also influence premiums; older pets and certain breeds may see higher costs. It’s worth every pet owner asking five important questions to ensure they select the best policy at the best price.
“Welcoming a new furry friend into the family is an exciting and joyful milestone. However, along with the happiness, there can also be moments of worry—after all, our pets are part of the family,” says Alex Cross, chief customer officer at Tesco Insurance. “Just as we prioritise our own health, it’s important to take the same level of care with our pets. Accidents and illnesses can happen unexpectedly, and vet bills can quickly add up. That’s why having the right pet insurance is essential. It ensures our pets get the care they need without the added financial stress, allowing us to focus on what truly matters—their health and recovery.”
Key Considerations for Pet Insurance
Here are some key factors to explore when shopping for pet insurance:
Lifetime Cover: The Most Comprehensive Option?
Lifetime policies are the most popular and typically provide the most comprehensive coverage. These plans, subject to annual limits, pay out for covered treatments throughout your pet’s life, as long as you keep the premiums current. In addition, there’s a range of other options.
- Annual Policies: Pays up to a specified amount each year, such as £7,000 for vet fees.
- Per-Condition, Per-Year Cover: This offers an annual limit for each specific condition, perhaps £3,000 per year for diabetes.
- Non-Lifetime Cover: Excludes certain conditions after claims limits are reached.
- Time-Limited Cover: These have both a monetary limit and a time limit, which is typically 12 months from the claim start date before the condition is excluded.
Breed-Specific Exclusions: Important Considerations
“If you’re taking out pet insurance for the first time, it’s important to know that some breed-specific conditions may be excluded from your policy,” Alex explains. “For example, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are prone to Mitral Valve Disease, and German Shepherds are at higher risk for hip dysplasia—conditions that some insurers may not cover.” Before making a decision, it is important to review the details of a pet insurance policy to ensure it provides the proper protection for your animals.
Moreover, some breeds, such as pit bull terriers – banned under the UK’s Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 – are often excluded from most insurance policies.
Budgeting for Rising Renewal Prices
As pets age, they become more vulnerable to illness, a factor reflected in rising renewal prices. Additionally, your excess (the amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in) will typically increase as your pet gets older.
“With Tesco Insurance, this happens at either 5 or 8 years old for dogs (depending on the breed) and at 10 years old for cats,” says Alex. Also, making a claim can increase the likelihood of higher future premiums.
The extent of price increases at renewal is dependent on breed, age, and overall health. Therefore, there’s no set limit on how much renewal prices may increase.
Pre-existing Health Conditions
If considering switching providers, know that pre-existing injuries and illnesses are frequently not covered under a new policy. Always compare estimates with your current renewal expenses before switching.
However, a new policy is likely to cover the same problem arising from an unrelated cause. Alex explains, “For example, if your dog cut their leg before your policy start date and this healed, and then your dog was unfortunate enough to cut their leg again, this would be classed as a new injury and would be covered under the terms of the policy (subject to the limits, excesses and exclusions that apply). However, if the original cut did not heal properly and your pet needed further treatment, this would not be covered as it would be considered a pre-existing condition. Symptoms exhibited before the policy start date that are diagnosed later are not covered either.”
The Primary Policy Holder
Tesco insurance research indicates that a substantial number of pet owners who share ownership with a partner do not discuss the implications of a split. “It’s important to note that most insurance providers will only allow one primary policy holder, while some allow you to list additional contacts on the policy,” says Alex.
In the event of a partnership separation, you may need to remove a person from the contact list or request a policy holder name change, which may incur an additional cost. Additionally, they might transfer the entire policy.
Additional Benefits: Beyond Basic Coverage
Some insurance companies provide additional benefits with their policies.
“Tesco Pet Insurance includes Vetfone, which is free for policy members to get advice for their pet, whenever they need it,” says Alex. “They can talk to vets and nurses registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons using a 24/7 phone service, live chat and video calls, with unlimited access, at no extra cost.”
