Pet Insurance and Choosing a Dog

Choosing a new dog is an exciting time. But when selecting a canine companion, it’s important to take into account the implications of pet insurance.

Pet insurance explained

There are a number of reasons for investing in pet insurance. Dogs are big purchases, and injury, illness or theft of them can be financially painful as well as emotionally distressing. Ask most pet owners, and they’re likely to tell you that vets bills have a habit of appearing when least expected and hitting them hard in the wallet.

While most dogs are docile, their instincts mean that sometimes they can attack, even when their owners have been diligent with discipline and training. Therefore, to protect you from having to pay a third party large amounts of compensation in the event of your dog turning on them, it is sensible to invest in an insurance policy.

There are a number of factors which affect how much your policy will cost. A big factor is the breed of your dog. Pedigree dogs are not only expensive and therefore more attractive to thieves, but can also be susceptible to illnesses and medical conditions. Therefore the likelihood of an insurance company having to pay out is greater. The typical behaviour of the dog is also taken into account: some dogs are more predisposed to unpredictable or aggressive behaviour than others, and as such, will have a higher cost to insure.

There may also be implications for your insurance if you intend to travel abroad: something you’ll need a valid pet passport for.

So, what are the insurance options available to dog owners?

A set period policy

This is the cheapest option and usually last about 12 months. It’s essential to bear in mind that if a pet is midway through a program of treatment when the policy ends, it will no longer cover the treatment, even if it is renewed.

A limited cover per condition policy

This type covers conditions up to a certain sum. Anything more will be liable to the owner. It may not provide complete protection should an ongoing illness occur.

A full lifetime policy

This kind of policy will insure a pet through its entire lifetime, provided it isn’t cancelled, with a cover limit per condition every year. It’s the most pricey option, but will also deliver far more peace of mind.

Each insurer’s policies will differ - options to travel abroad with your pet will usually cost more, so explore the options thoroughly to see that you get the best deal.

How to save money on your policy

- Choose your dog wisely

Selecting an even-tempered breed which is easy to look after or a non-pedigree dog will mean that you pay less for your insurance due to the lower monetary value of the animal and the lesser likelihood of medical conditions.

-Compare your pet insurance options

Shopping around online using a comparison website is a good way to see where the best pet insurance deals are to be located. But always remember to invest in a policy which will provide adequate cover in the event of you having to make a claim.