How to choose a pet insurance policy

There are a number of points you need to consider when taking out pet insurance. Not only can the policies vary in the level of cover they
offer you, but each company will apply their own additions, conditions and exclusions to their cover, which means there can be great
differences between them. It’s important to make sure that you compare like with like when choosing pet insurance and pick the policy which
best meets your needs and budget.
Cost
As we have seen, the basic level of pet insurance costs much less than you may think, and, although some policies may not cover you against
every eventuality, it’s usually better to have some cover than none at all.The more comprehensive the level of cover, the more expensive the
policy is going to be. However you should take care to ensure you are not paying for more cover than you need.
Different companies often use different rating methods to work out the cost of your premiums. Some companies rate according to the
species of animal you own, the breed of the animal, its age and where you live.The benefit of this is that you are charged according to your
own circumstances.
Other companies make you pay the same as everyone else - even if their animals pose a higher risk than yours.This also means that if there is
a rise in claims, the company may put the price up for everyone, rather than just for those who are making the claims.
You should be able to tell roughly how each company charges by the questions they ask you. If they want to know more detail about your
pet, you know that you are probably being rated on an individual basis.
Most policy contracts are on an annual basis and the cost of the insurance can usually either be spread over the year by paying monthly or as
a one-off annual charge. Sometimes you can save by paying by a particular method, such as by direct debit.

Exclusions
Different insurance companies apply different exclusions. Some may refuse to cover older animals or certain breeds if they feel they are too
high a risk. Other companies may refuse to cover your pet for certain conditions, such as arthritis or hip trouble which certain breeds of dog
are especially prone to. Make sure you check the exclusions to ensure the cover provided meets your individual needs.
Possible exclusions may be:
- Preventative/elective treatments e.g. neutering/worming/flea treatment/vaccinations/nail clipping/grooming
- Treatment arising as a result of pregnancy & parturition (giving birth)
- Behavioural problems
- Illness arising within the first 10,14 or 30 days of the policy date
- Home visits - unless the vet feels this is absolutely necessary for the pet's health/welfare
- Congenital or hereditary conditions
- Dogs restricted under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991/ Wolf hybrids
or animals listed under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976
- Pets used for work, racing, guarding or commercial gain
- Dental treatment
- Diet food
Pre-existing conditions
Most insurance companies won’t insure your pet for a recurring condition which they may have already suffered from before you took the
policy out. How strictly this general rule is applied will vary between companies. For example a dog that has suffered from arthritis in one joint
prior to the insurance starting may be excluded from all arthritis cover by one company, just the specific joint by another, or for any bone and
joint problems by another.

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