Question Mark Icon
  • Home
  • Ask The Expert
  • Our guide to pet insurance
    • Ask The Expert
    • 15 Jun, 2020

    Our guide to pet insurance

    At Mayhew’s Community Veterinary Clinic, we offer a range of services to help prevent health problems for your pet. But sadly, accidents and illnesses can still happen. Unexpected vet bills can be a real worry and it’s important to think about how you would cover the cost of giving your pet the treatment they need.

    There are a huge variety of insurance policies available, but it is important to remember that not all insurance policies offer the same level of protection. So, it is vital that you read all of the small print to see exactly what cover you are getting. Sometimes the cheapest policy may not be the best suited to your needs.

    Types of pet insurance

    The four main types of pet insurance are:

    • Accident: provides cover for accidents but wouldn’t cover if your pet becomes unwell.
    • Time-limited: provides cover for a set amount of time, usually a year. After this you will no longer be able to claim for the condition.
    • Maximum benefit: provides cover up to a maximum amount of money per condition. After this has been spent the condition will be excluded from your policy.
    • Lifetime: provides a set amount of money each year and is then refreshed the next year (provided you continue the policy) so will continue to pay for ongoing conditions.

    What is not covered by insurance?

    • Routine healthcare

    Preventative treatments such as vaccinations and flea/worming treatments are usually not covered by pet insurance. It is also important to note that conditions that could have been prevented by keeping up to date with vaccinations and flea/worming treatments may also be excluded.

    • Neutering

    Insurance policies usually don’t cover neutering surgeries; however, Mayhew’s free and low-cost services can help with the cost of neutering. Health problems related to breeding your pet (such as a caesarean section) or any issues that could have been prevented by neutering are also often excluded.

    • Pre-existing conditions

    Any health conditions that your pet already has at the time of taking out the policy are usually not covered. Sometimes these exclusions are for a set amount of time but they are often permanent exclusions.

    • Dental treatments

    Dental treatments can be costly and are not always covered by insurance policies so make sure to check whether your policy does.

    Self Insurance

    Some pet owners prefer to save money monthly towards any veterinary fees rather than paying an insurance premium. This can be a good idea to cover the cost of uninsurable conditions, however it is important to consider how any vet bills would be covered if treatment is needed before you have saved up enough money.

    For dogs, it is also important to consider 3rd party liability. If your dog were to injure to another dog or person or cause damage property, you could be responsible for the costs, which can be millions of pounds.

    This guide does not constitute financial advice. It is important that you do your own research to decide what policy is right for you.

     

    Make a Quick Donation

    Latest News

    World Spay Day – how our international teams make a difference

    World Spay Day takes place annually on the last Tuesday of February. And while our teams in London, Kabul and…

    Read More

    Mayhew unveils new wing in honour of late dog trainer Oli Juste, with support of Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex

    Read More

    Mayhew Chief Executive to leave at end of March 2024

    Animal welfare and veterinary charity Mayhew has today announced that Sherine Wheeler, Chief Executive, will leave the charity at the…

    Read More