People usually take out pet insurance to cover the bills for serious vet treatment as this can become extremely expensive. In fact so expensive in some cases that the animal is put down as the owners cannot afford the treatments. Pet insurance is there to ensure this does not happen as the insurance company will pay the medical expenses, which leaves you time and energy to nurse your pet back to good health.

What Is Pet Insurance?

Pet insurance is an insurance policy that covers your household pets and is mainly used for dogs and cats. Most pet insurance will pay for the vet costs if your pet is ill or has an accident. Pet insurance can also provide third party protection for any damage your pet may do to other people's property and cover other expenses such as emergency kenneling costs, theft, travel and even death. Pet insurance also gives you peace of mind, knowing that your pet will always receive the best possible medical treatment available.

On average one in every three pets need treatment from a vet each year following injury or illness and more than 50% of the visits to the veterinary clinic are unplanned due to sudden illness or an accident. Treatment for hip treatments, spinal injuries, broken legs and internal complaints can quickly run into thousands of pounds, especially if medication or x-rays are required. There are also the unforeseen associated costs that may be incurred like holiday cancellations and court costs (you are liable if your dog causes an accident). All of these can add up quickly.

Many pet health insurance companies only cover dogs and cats as a rule. However, there are some companies that also provide cover for other animals such as exotic birds, reptiles, horses and rodents.

What Types Of Pet Insurance Policies Are There?

Most pet insurance companies offer numerous policies from the basic through to premium plans that provide cover for every aspect of your pet's medical care. You need to decide how much care is right for your pet and then pick a policy that closely matches your needs. As with other insurance policies, the higher the premium, the more cover that is provided.

It is important to look out for the following main points to see if they are covered in the pet insurance policy:

1. Cover for life or fixed term
2. Vet Fees
3. Death from illness
4. Accidental Damage
5. The policy excess
6. Dental treatment?
7. Third Party Liability & legal expenses
8. Death from accident, theft or straying
9. How much of the vet bills are covered. 70 - 100%
10. Emergency treatments, X-rays, lab fees etc

As with humans, many pet insurance companies require your pet to have a medical exam . This is so the insurer can manage their risk and keep premiums low as they are not supplying cover for animals that are on deaths door and having to payout on an animal that are known to be dying. The insurance companies will often put a cap on the total amount they will pay on a policy either on any one type of illness or in any given year. If your pet suffers from a pre-existing medical condition, you may find it hard to get an insurance company that will give you cover.

The easiest way to save money on your pet insurance is to shop around and compare prices. Check at least 3 separate insurance companies to compare pricing and terms to make sure you get the best deal.

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