'Be a Savvy Pet Owner and Investigate Pet Insurance, Before Taking Home Your New Pet!'

advises Anne Robinson - animal lover and pet insurance underwriter at Covéa Insurance.

Insurance might be the furthest thing from your mind when you fall in love with a puppy or kitten. However, doing your homework before you curl up on the sofa with your new fluff ball might save you heartbreak and financial stress further down the line.

Many pet owners will buy insurance to guard against their pets getting injured or sick. In 2022 insurers paid out over £1billion in claims, the highest figure on record. But there were also a small number of pet owners whose claims didn’t get paid and for entirely avoidable reasons too.

Being a pet owner and animal lover who also sees a lot of pet insurance claims, I believe there are simple things you can do to reduce the chances of having a sick pet, reduce premiums and increase the prospect of a successful claim. 

These are my tips:

1. Find out about your pet's medical history

Pre-existing medical conditions aren’t normally covered by pet insurance. Finding out about any previous medical history before taking a pet home will alert you to potential future bills, so you can factor this into your decision. For example, an arthritic dog will need ongoing medication which might not be affordable. Older pets, or ‘golden oldies’, are still insurable but any existing medical condition noted on their records before the cover starts will be excluded. Some people think insurers won’t find out about pre-existing conditions and so don’t declare them. As chipping is a legal requirement for dogs, medical history is usually accessible, and insurers will check this when a claim is submitted.

2. Know the implications of your pet's breed upfront

Different breeds have very different health considerations affecting their vet bills. The likelihood of a pet suffering from a health issue can be factored into insurance premiums meaning some policies will be more expensive. Knowing this in advance could save you money on your premiums, as well as distress and heartache in the future.

3. Beware of unscrupulous breeders

Sadly, it’s true that animals reared in poor conditions are much more likely to be sickly. If you take home a pet that’s already unwell, there’s a fair chance it will have an existing medical condition that won’t be covered. Think carefully about the health of the animal and the home it’s coming from before handing over any cash to the breeder. Good reputable breeders are registered and will always be happy to share an animal’s medical records and veterinary history. This enables you to make a more informed decision and give yourself the best chance of a successful claim.

4. Know who is responsible for the pet

Pets are a joy, but also a huge commitment, which might lead to some considering sharing a pet between two households. Although this may seem like a good idea, the insurance contract by necessity, with a sole owner who takes responsibility for the pet, and who would be paid out in a claim. That doesn’t stop a friend or neighbour from pet-sitting or walking it for you! 

5. The importance of honesty

Make sure you get the right cover for your pet – if it’s a poodle don’t be tempted to put it down as a mongrel, always be as honest as possible. Incorrect information can result in your cover being cancelled or the claim not being paid. Pre-existing conditions is the most common reason for the declinature of a claim.

In summary, where pet insurance is concerned, it really does pay to do your homework in advance, ideally before bringing a pet home. I hope you find my tips helpful and wish you many happy healthy years of enjoyment with your pets!