We strongly recommend that you insure your pet. As we all know pets can find themselves in all kinds of scrapes at any time in the near or distant future and, depending on the circumstances, veterinary bills can quickly mount, but if you have your pet insured it could give you the peace of mind you need at a time of crisis. It’s not only during times of crisis when you may need to call upon your pet insurance; as pets live longer they may reach stages in their lives where they require a little help in the form of medicines or supplements, or alternative therapies such as hydrotherapy and physiotherapy. Depending on the type of insurance you choose you can have lifetime help with this part of your pet’s life too. We have detailed below some information we think you may find helpful when looking for an insurance policy to suit you and your pet, as well as our practice policies when you need to make a claim. You can also find leaflets in our reception area for a variety of insurance companies who will give your pet the cover that suits you.
There are many different types of insurance available to choose from; the key is to decide on the level of cover you want – or need -and this will probably depend on the amount of cover you receive for veterinary fees. Many of the cheaper policies, for instance will cover a condition for a year or so but then no more.
Check exclusions which could include vaccinations, neutering and worming, behaviour problems, travel abroad and illnesses arising within 10-30 days of the policy’s start date.
There tend to be three types of pet insurance cover available: per condition with a time limit, per condition, and lifetime policies.
The main points to consider when choosing between pet insurance policies are whether they are Lifetime Policies or ’12 monthly policies’. Lots of insurance companies have certain clauses i.e. the maximum veterinary fees per incident; the maximum veterinary fees per policy year; and the time limit of veterinary treatment after the first occurrence. A ‘per condition with a time limit’ policy usually provides a set veterinary fee limit within a 12-month period. For example a policy with a veterinary fee limit of £3’000 and a time limit of 12 months means that the policy would pay up to £3’000 for the cost of treatment for a condition, or provides a 12-month time limit for the treatment being given.
Once the limit has been reached, no further cover is given for the condition concerned. Unsurprisingly, this compromise means that a per condition policy with a time limit is likely to be the cheapest option.
On the other hand, per condition policies provide cover for a set veterinary fee limit, but do not apply in a time limit for the length of treatment. For example a policy can pay up to £7’500 for the cost of treatment for a condition but the time is unlimited.
Lifetime policies are the most comprehensive and the most expensive. But your pet is covered for its life for any illness or injury, up to a maximum amount each year. Although this type of cover will cost more, it is suitable for long-term, on-going conditions and provides owners with the maximum peace of mind.
Some policies go that bit further. For example some supreme policies are a lifetime policy with unlimited veterinary fees.
Girling and Bowditch Insurance Practice Policy
When the time comes to make a claim you will need to contact your pet insurance company and request a claim form. Bring the form in to the surgery and our administrators will process your claim within the next 7-10 working days and send it to your insurance company on your behalf.
Please note: It is our practice policy that your pet’s treatment is paid in full at the time of collection, and on completion of your claim form the insurance company will send you payment minus your excess fee as detailed in your policy.
