We strongly recommend that you take out insurance for your pet. Not only does this cover your pet for veterinary fees for accidents and emergencies, but also gives you third party cover should your pet cause any accidental damage. Insurance does not cover routine vaccinations, neutering and preventative treatments such as flea and worm remedies. It will cover your pet against illnesses or accidents that may occur throughout his or her life.
Veterinary fees for illnesses that require extensive blood tests or surgery can easily reach £1000 and it is reassuring to know that you will be able to claim this amount back from your insurance company if you insure your pet. Obviously they are also there for the smaller scrapes your pet may get into which generally amount to considerably less.
There are a number of policies available and all companies are now regulated by the FSA. There are generally two types of policy - annual and lifetime. Annual policies cover the pet for a particular condition for 12 months; after which that condition will be excluded. Lifetime policies cover all conditions for life and so there are no exclusions. Most policies will carry an excess which varies considerably so it is always wise to read the small print.
If your pet undergoes treatment here and you then wish to make a claim on your insurance, we will be happy to fill in your insurance claim form free of charge. All payments are made direct to you, the owner, so you will need to settle your bill with us at the time of treatment.
For some impartial advice, go to the Insurancewide pet insurance wizard. Alternatively, we would be happy to discuss any queries you have with you.
If you don’t have any pet insurance when you bring your animal in for vaccination, please mention this and we can give you a voucher for four weeks free insurance. It’s up to you if you follow that up with permanent cover, but we highly recommend it.