We advise buying pet insurance as soon as you can to make pre-existing conditions less likely.
It is also worth noting that if you change your pet insurance provider any conditions already noted by your vet will be excluded, therefore it is best to choose the best policy you can at the start. We would always advise choosing a lifetime policy over the other options available. The amount per year you choose will depend on the size of your pet and the breed, for example large and giant breed dogs cost much more to treat than small dogs. Pedigree breeds with known predisposed conditions such as British Bulldogs will cost more to treat than a crossbreed.
HOW TO CHOOSE PET INSURANCE
Accident
Provides cover for accidents only (not illness).
Time-Limited
Provides cover for a set amount of time, usually 12 months. A condition that occurs within this policy year will be excluded when the policy renews.
Maximum Benefit
Provides cover up to a maximum amount of money per condition e.g. £1000, once this limit is reached the condition is excluded.
Lifetime
Provides a set pot of money each year which is refreshed when you renew your policy, this means conditions are not excluded and can continue to be claimed for year after year.
Rather than just picking the cheapest option, have a good look at what you are getting with your policy:
Is it a lifetime policy?
Do you have to claim within a certain time period?
Does your insurance premium increase if you claim?
Does your policy cover dentals?
Does your policy cover behavioural or complementary therapies?
Does your policy cover inherited conditions?