Looking for the best pet insurance for pre-existing conditions is not an easy task. Most standard insurance companies won't cover poorly pets and that's understandable given how much money they would end up paying for treatment.

Although it's frustrating, the bottom line is that pets with pre-existing conditions are a far higher financial risk for insurers so, in general, the best you're going to get is insurance that covers everything except the illnesses that you will have to declare.

It means you will be liable for the full cost of treatments and consultations related to those non-covered areas. There is also a risk that an insurance company may think an ailment not listed as a pre-existing condition is nevertheless related and refuse to pay for that one too.

Yet there is a glimmer of hope. Some insurance companies will cover your pet for a pre-existing condition if the ailment has not been an issue for a long time. In some cases, they'll go a little further and specify that you can't treat that condition for a set period after taking out cover.

Your pet will also be covered if a new condition emerges after a policy begins, even at the time of renewal. Just think very carefully about switching to a new provider in this instance because another insurance company is going to view that as a pre-existing condition. 

The situation can also be different if your pet has an hereditary condition – that is, those typically associated with a particular breed. In this instance, an insurance company is more likely to charge you extra for a policy rather than refuse to cover the condition. Just take the policy out as soon as you can before any problems emerge.

So what about the cost? Well, there's no way around this. If you do manage to get cover for a pre-existing condition then it's going to be pricey. In general, you could be forking out as much as three times the cost of a regular policy but much depends on what the pre-existing condition is. Let's take a look at your options. 

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Bought By Many, launched in 2017, was founded specifically to offer animal owners the type of insurance cover they couldn't find elsewhere. For example, they offer a very generous lifetime policy in the form of the Complete plan, which covers £15,000 of vets fees, includes dental treatment, and offers monthly payments with no interest charges on top. There's also a Bought By Many MoneyBack policy, which refunds 20% of your premium every year you don't need to make a claim.

You're spoiled for choice with Bought By Many, as every one of the company's policies covers pre-existing conditions, providing no treatment for them has been given in the past two years. 

For more recent ailments the company offers a specific 'Pre-existing' policy. You're eligible as long as your pet has not received any treatment for the three months prior to taking out the policy, and Bought By Many has made it work by scaling up the cover you'll be eligible to claim over time.

In the first year those pre-existing conditions will be offered £500 of cover (with all new conditions covered by £7,000 of lifetime vet fee cover); in year two, that number goes up to £1,000. In year three, if you have not made a claim on pre-existing conditions, the claim amount gets upped to the full £7,000. If you do make a claim in the first two years, the limit drops back down to £500.

Whether you can get pre-existing cover on Scratch & Patch's Champ plans really depends on the specifics of your pet's medical history. The company has so far provided cover for pets with a long list of medical ailments, but you'll need to fill in an online medical screening before you'll be told whether your pet's specific case is one they're happy to cover. Having an extensive knowledge of your pet's health before the policy begins is what the company says allows them to cover a wide range of things not cared for elsewhere.

Naturally, there's a slight penalty if you do get that cover, with paid vets fees reduced significantly on known conditions, although this generally won't affect your yearly cover limit for other treatments. You'll want to make sure you haven't kept anything secret from your vet, because there's obviously going to be a little cross checking going on when it comes to paying out. Scratch & Patch may also choose to not cover all of your pet's conditions. Again, it's a question of specifics.

The Champ plans offer three levels of cover, ranging from £2,500 fees up to £8,000 per year, and Scratch & Patch is willing to waive the usual post-purchase waiting period on the policy provided you're transferring from another provider.

Assistance dogs can get the cover, and there are no cat breeds excluded, though there's the usual list of excluded dogs. Professional dogs – racing dogs, gun dogs, beaters, and guard dogs – aren't eligible for the policy.

There are a number of things covered by VetsMediCover's range of policies which may or may not interest you, like providing £750 yearly cover for alternative and complementary medicine. Probably more interesting in this context is the cover for hereditary and congenital defects, included as standard with both its 12-month and lifetime policies. 

If your pet has suffered from conditions in the past, you'll absolutely want to look at lifetime cover. As long as they've been symptom and treatment free for the previous 24 months, and are between eight weeks and eight years old (five years for certain breeds) VetsMediCover will offer you comprehensive cover, with no cover given for those known conditions for two years from the start of the policy.

In all other respects VetsMediCover offers fairly standard cover, only excluding new illnesses which occur two weeks after the start of the policy or injury within five days. Certain dog breeds are excluded – the likes of Staffies, Pits, and any Wolfhound or Wolf hybrid – and the policies don't cover working, guarding or racing dogs, but all other pets should be eligible.

How much is offered depends on the policy you plump for; the Diamond lifetime policy covers up to £10,000 of vets fees, and offers 40% of the cost of prescription food up to £200. All policies have a standard excess of £90 which, depending on the conditions that befall your pet in the future, seems like a pretty reasonable amount.

Lifetime, like many others, is happy to offer insurance for pets with pre-existing conditions, but specifically excludes cover for these from its schedule. The difference here is how the company defines a pre-existing condition: if your pet has recovered to the point that it can be said to have no underlying weakness or susceptibility to future problems, and has not had treatment or any vet consultations regarding that condition for the past 24 months, Lifetime will write it off and offer coverage as normal. Chronic conditions won't be eligible.

What's especially handy is that Lifetime has no upper age limit on its policies, so if you have an older pet that has had health problems in the past and want to make sure they live out the rest of their lives in comfort, Lifetime may be able to offer a policy which suits. 

For dogs, particularly larger breeds or those which frequently suffer from hereditary conditions, you may not have any luck getting a policy with Lifetime, as its list of excluded breeds is one of the longest out there. You may also find Lifetime to be one of the more expensive insurers, particularly if your pet does fall into that older category, and it does not offer quite as many fringe benefits as some other insurers. There's no euthanasia cover, for example, and no vet helpline. Older pets will also leave you liable for a co-payment on vet bills on top of your excess.

It's important to point out that Waggel won't actually offer you any compensation if your pet's existing conditions flare up. This is not for getting cover for those conditions. That's not the point. The company just won't ask any questions about pre-existing conditions when you take out the policy. Its policy document states as much: "You don’t have to declare your existing conditions upfront. Upon your first claim we will request all of [your pet's] medical records and will let you know what conditions will be excluded."

Depending on the policy level you opt for, Waggel will cover between £1,000 and £10,000 of all vets fees covering eligible illnesses or conditions; from this overall coverage, there's a £1,000 limit for each complementary treatment, behavioral treatments or dental issues caused by accident or illness. There's also a £1,000 limit on cover for the theft or stray of your pet, a £1,000 payment for death by accident or illness, and a very generous £2,000,000 third party liability for the absolute worst case legal scenario.

While Waggel's standard policy will cover ongoing illness costs for conditions your pet develops after the policy is taken out, its list of excluded breeds is a little longer than some others, and includes a few specific cat breeds too. You do get fringe benefits, though: Waggel is proud of its claims process, which lets you see precisely where your claim is at any time, and links you with a specific claims advisor so your experience is as streamlined as possible.

Like many other insurers, PetGuard will not actively offer any compensation for pre-existing conditions, or those which manifest within 14 days of the policy being taken out. But it is happy to offer you a policy for the rest of your pet's health needs, and if you're prepared to cover pre-existing conditions yourself you may find you end up with a reasonably good deal here.

What's most unusual is that PetGuard is also happy to cover working dogs. That includes therapy and assistance dogs, as well as those used for shooting, hunting, or livestock work, but not guard dogs or racing dogs. The company will also cover older pets, with £100 plus a 20% co-payment due for treatments if your pet is over eight years old. There's a 14-day grace period between taking out the policy and being able to make a claim.

If you own a breed which is susceptible to BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome), such as a French Bulldog or Pug, PetGuard will likely offer you continuing cover for it, but only if it has not manifested by the time the policy is taken out – that's a common thread, isn't it? The specific list of breeds covered under PetGuard's comprehensive policy excludes the usual list of dangerous dogs, and its third-party policy excludes even more, but the company is more than happy to offer policies for cross-breeds as long as they aren't mixed with any of the dog breeds on the list.

Petplan seeks to be flexible. It doesn't turn pets away with pre-existing conditions without first establishing what they are and how costly they are likely to be to treat. Indeed, as it clearly states, the insurer does not believe in a “one size fits all” approach and so it will review pets on a case-by-case basis. In doing so, it will establish how long it has been since your pet has suffered an ailment and, if it is in a position to offer a policy, then the pre-existing condition will receive full cover up a chosen veterinary fee.

It seems to be a fair way of working both in the interest of the insurer and the pet owner. We like how it will provide cover for a pre-existing condition that returns after it appears to have been resolved. But, like most insurers, it's not going to cover a condition that will affect a pet for the rest of its life. Insurance companies are not stupid and doing so is only going to mean shelling out huge sums – nobody could, in reality, expect that.

What Petplan will do, though, is clearly state everything is included and excluded in a policy upfront so there is no ambiguity. It's not going to be a case of discovering a condition isn't included at the time of making a claim – assuming you've ready the policy document, anyway. You also have a choice of policies: one that covers for life and another that is time limited. The major downside is that the policies are only available in the United Kingdom where it's the number one insurer.

How to choose animal insurance for pre-existing conditions

This may be a case of shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted, and it's likely that you're reading this guide because your pet has already developed a condition, but the best way to insure your pet come what may is by taking out a lifetime policy when they are young. These, provided you stick with the same insurer, will generally cover absolutely any ailment or condition your pet might develop over the course of their lives, and the ongoing costs associated with those conditions. Note that you may still be charged a little extra for hereditary conditions related to your pet's breed.

If it's too late for that, every insurer has a different schedule of conditions and illnesses they are willing to cover. While we've broken down some of the best options, it's important to check policy documents and different providers before you take out insurance to ensure that everything important is covered. 

Speak to insurers too, to see what they might be able to offer outside of any published schedules. If you've done your due diligence, and can talk through your comparisons, it's possible (if not likely) that you may be able to talk them into a better deal.

Be prepared to buy into a policy which does not cover that pre-existing condition at all. Things will get expensive, but at least a narrower policy will go some way to ensuring any other maladies your pet develops are properly paid for, so you're only on the hook for one recurring problem and not several.

Knowing how to get pet insurance offers peace of mind. It means you are far less likely to worry about future veterinary bills which become inevitable as pets grow older and become more prone to health problems. After all, there’s no getting around the fact that treatments are often expensive. You won’t want the added stress of working out how you’re going to pay.

Before taking the plunge and trying to find the best pet insurance, however, it’s also a good idea to address the question, “how does pet insurance work?”. You’ll want a good idea of the different policies and what they will cover. This is vital when you’re looking for an insurance policy which works well for you and your pet.

So let’s look at how to get pet insurance and whether you can even get cover for your pets in the first place.

Should I get pet insurance?

You may be surprised to learn that insurance doesn't appear to be all that widespread. According to statistics by Global Data, only 24.9% of dogs and 11.9% of cats are insured in the UK. And, in North America, according to Naphia (the North American Pet Health Insurance Association), just 5.36 million pets are insured which represents about 4% of dogs and 1% of cats.

The numbers have been rising, however, year-on-year, since 2018. It could be due to a general rise in pet ownership but it’s encouraging news nonetheless. Why? Well, pet insurance is not just about protecting your pet's health. Pet insurance providers go further, paying out for pets who are lost or stolen as well as those who die or cause damage to property. 

As you can imagine, given what we’ve said so far, we would advise that you at least consider getting pet insurance. One of the crucial trends noted in recent years is that, while average premiums have been rising, especially for dogs, according to Naphia, claim payouts have increased too.

This is reflective of increased treatment costs so while the vast majority of pet owners in the US pay for veterinary bills out of their own pocket, for instance, there's no getting around the fact that the costs are continuing to go up. And that means you’re going to have to dig deeper and deeper into those pockets to pay for treatment.

Why are vet bills rising?

Everything has been increasing in price and treatment costs are no exception. In fact, in some countries such as the UK, it would appear vet fees are rising faster than other goods and services. 

There are a number of reasons from backlogs caused by the Covid pandemic to a fall in the number of qualified vets. But bills have always been on the high side anyway. Treating Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome can cost an average of £1,686 in the UK. A five-day stay in a US pet hospital could set you back an average of $1,500 to $3,500 with X-rays costing between $150 and $250 and oxygen therapy $500!

Do vets recommend getting pet insurance?

Yes. You’ll find that 80% of vets recommend getting pet insurance, as veterinarian Dr Joanna Woodnutt MRCVS points out when listing 7 reasons to get your pet insured with the best policy possible. And while some people may prefer an alternative option of setting money aside, those savings pots can take time to build. Even then, you can't be sure that you'd have enough in there.

Of course, the benefit to a savings pot is that, if nothing untoward happens, you have a wodge of cash to spend. Yet in reality, that's not going to be likely – pets do get ill and bills will rack up. But, if you are still wondering, “is pet insurance worth it?” take a look at our guide by vet Catherine Barnette DVM which breaks down the pros and cons. And remember, there are different policies to suit different circumstances and budgets.

Can you get pet insurance with a pre-existing condition?

Insurance is all about risks. So if you have a pet with a pre-existing condition, insurance companies know the risk of them paying out will be higher and that the cost of having your pet as a customer is unlikely to be worth their while.

So the answer is that, yes, you can get pet insurance with a pre-existing condition but you’re going to struggle to find an insurance company that will do it. What’s more, the best pet insurance for pre-existing conditions is also likely to prove costly.

But a lot depends on what the condition is and the problems it causes. A company may simply decide not to cover you for that particular problem or anything related to it but offer insurance for other problems. And. if a pre-existing condition has not been an issue for a long time, then there's a chance it could be insurable again.

Where to get pet insurance

The best place to get pet insurance is online where you will find dozens upon dozens of companies willing to offer you a policy. The big benefit of browsing for insurance is the ability to compare and analyze policies from the comfort of your home, ensuring they work well for you and your pet. There's no pressure to make snap decisions.

Before you go looking, however, it's important to know how to choose pet insurance. You should also check out our guide to the best pet insurance so that you have an idea of what's available. 

One thing you don't need to do is go from website to website, constantly tapping in your details to discover prices. Instead, the easiest way to make sure pet insurance is a perfect fit for you is to try a financial services comparison site such as GoCompare. Just input the level of cover you require and you can obtain quotes in seconds from respected brands.  

Looking for sound pet insurance advice is likely high on your list if you've recently welcomed a furry friend into your family. And we don't blame you, after all, while our pets give us so much in the way of love, affection, laughter and companionship, they can certainly put a dent in our bank accounts!

While some animals cost less over their lifetime than others, even a cat or dog with relatively low health needs can still end up costing you hundreds or thousands of dollars if they get into an accident. That's where having the best pet insurance can be a real lifesaver.

A lot of pet parents find pet insurance offers them great peace of mind, helping to keep costs down and ensuring that you have the funds available to you to get your pet the treatment they need, if and when they need it. If you're like most of us and don't have a large savings account to deal with emergency issues, pet insurance is something well worth considering.

But with so many pet insurance providers out there offering a range of different plans, how do you know which one is the right one for you and your fur baby? Well, that's what we're here to help you with. Below, you'll find comprehensive pet insurance advice that will let you know exactly what you need to be on the lookout for to ensure you get the most bang for your buck.

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1. Is it a ‘lifetime’, ‘non lifetime’ or ‘accident only’ policy?

When it comes to finding pet insurance that will give you the most comprehensive coverage, a lifetime policy is going to be your best bet. 'Lifetime' basically means that your pet is covered for any illness or condition that they may develop while the policy is active, so, for example, if a few years after you take out a policy your dog or cat was to develop diabetes, the treatment for this would be covered.

Additionally, you also have ‘per condition’ and ‘annual’ limitations. It might be that your policy has a ‘per condition’ restriction of $2,000/£2,000. So if your dog or cat develops diabetes, but also has to be treated for a broken leg, then the insurer will pay out a maximum of $2,000/£2,000 per condition. Alternatively, if the annual limit is $5,000/£5,000, for example, then any and all conditions up to that amount will be covered, with no per condition limit. 

While this all sounds great, there is a downside to lifetime policies in that they tend to be a lot more expensive than 'non-lifetime' or 'accident only' policies. The latter are still worth considering if you have a young and healthy pet or if you're struggling to afford a lifetime policy, but just be aware that there are a lot more exclusions, so you could still end up having to part with quite a lot of money to cover what the policy doesn't.

2. Will it cover my pet for pre-existing conditions?

One of the biggest challenges for pet parents who have a fur baby with a pre-existing medical condition is that most pet insurance companies don't offer policies that cover these - which can be more than a little frustrating.

If you already have a policy and your pet developed a condition after you took it out, we'd recommend you think long and hard before swapping over to another provider where it will likely be counted as a pre-existing medical condition and not covered.

And if you're trying to find a policy that will cover your fur baby, it's worth phoning up insurance companies and asking them to talk you through the policies they have on offer and whether any of these will suit your pets needs. Some may be prepared to offer a bespoke policy, but you'll likely need to pay more for this.

3. Does pet insurance include dental coverage?

Dental cover can be a tricky one and it's worth closely scrutinising the policy to see whether or not this is included. You'll find that some policies only cover dental work that is the result of an accident, while others are more comprehensive. If dental cover isn't included in the policy, some providers offer add-on wellness plans that include dental care, so it's worth looking into this.

4. Are there any exclusions I need to be aware of?

We encourage all pet parents to read the fine print of any policy really carefully before you sign on the dotted line. Although pre-existing medical conditions tend to be the biggest exclusion, you'll find other things that may not be covered.

Things that you might expect to have in your plan but that actually may not be included are things like spaying and neutering, vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, and complications arising from pregnancy. Again, an optional wellness plan is likely to include a number of these routine costs, so do consider whether adding this on would be helpful for you.

Another interesting one to look out for is cover for emergency boarding, if something happens to you that means you can’t look after your pet. Perhaps you get taken into hospital yourself, or a flight back from holiday is cancelled – good policies will include this cover as standard.

5. Does it provide me with third-party liability cover?

Generally, when we consider pet expenses we think about vet bills, toys, food, and even the insurance itself. But what we don't often think about is what we'd do if our pet was to cause damage to somebody'e else's property or injury to another person.

Thankfully, that's where third-party liability cover comes in and we can't stress enough how important it is to ensure your policy covers this. Believe it or not, it's possible that the financial costs of your pup injuring another person could run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, and that's definitely not a bill you want to be footing out of your own bank account!

Third-party liability cover will ensure you don't get stuck with a huge bill on your hands should the worst happen, but be aware that it's likely that insurance companies will ask whether your pet has been involved in any dangerous incidents in the past and if they have, they may not qualify. 

The moral of the story? Make sure you have third-party liability coverage from the moment you bring home your pet, it could potentially save you from a huge financial headache.

6. Should I shop around for the best pet insurance?

We know that trawling through insurance policies isn’t fun, but it really does pay to do your research and make sure you have the right policy for you. Read the fine print to make sure you're making a solid investment, and take into consideration both your current living/work situation and the current health of your pet. Pet insurance can be a life and money saver, you just have to make sure you've got the right one for your and your furbaby. 

Does pet insurance cover spaying? If you’ve just welcomed a new furry bundle of fun into your family, it’s a question you’ve likely found yourself asking while pouring over the best pet insurance policies. 

With so many stray and abandoned furbaby’s winding up in shelters around the world, veterinarians are working hard to spread the message to all pet parents that getting our pets spayed is the best way to help reduce the number of unwanted animals.

You probably already know that being a pet parent isn’t cheap. Between the cost of vaccinations, minor and major health issues, and unforeseen surgical procedures, it can sometimes feel like there’s more money leaving your bank account than coming into it! 

While pet insurance can ease the financial burden, enabling us to recoup the cost for a lot of our furkid’s health care, they don’t cover everything, which is why doing your research beforehand is so important. 

So, what about getting your furbaby fixed? Does pet insurance cover spaying? We’ve looked at a wide range of policies to bring you all the information you need to know. 

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What is spaying?

First things first. Whether you’ve heard it called fixed, neutering, or spaying, it can be helpful to know what exactly we’re talking about and why it’s so important.

Spaying, also known as an Ovariohysterectomy, is when the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus are removed from a female dog or cat. Once this happens, your female furkid will be prevented from going into heat, eliminating breeding behavior and preventing her from reproducing.

Neutering, also called an Orchiectomy, removes the testes from male dogs and cats. This stops the typical male breeding behaviors and stops them from being able to impregnate a female.

Both of these procedures are known as surgical sterilizations, but there are also less common alternatives, such as a hysterectomy for females and vasectomy for males, where the hormones remain but the animal is unable to reproduce. Your vet will be able to advise you on the best course of action for your furkid.

In some cases, you’ll hear the words spaying and neutering being used interchangeably, but the underlying principle remains the same – the removal of certain reproductive organs to prevent your furkid from becoming pregnant or impregnating another furkid.

Why is spaying important?

Every year, millions of stray animals wind up in shelters or live unwanted on the streets. While many are fortunate enough to be rehomed, many more are euthanized when forever families are unable to be found.

Having your cat or dog sterilized doesn’t just help reduce these numbers, it also has some important health benefits and can reduce many of the unwanted behavioral issues that can occur when your pet is in heat.

For female pets, spaying can help prevent uterine infections and breast tumors, many of which end up being malignant. With male furkids, neutering reduces the risk of prostate problems and prevents testicular cancer.

The behavioral benefits also make it well worthwhile, stopping the yowling of female cats in heat as they attempt to attract a mate and making male dogs less territorial. Spayed and neutered pets are less likely to leave the property and roam too, so if they’re not fitted with one of the best pet trackers, having them fixed is a great way to keep them safe.

The cost of spaying your pet

Now that you know a little bit more about the process, it’s time to dive into the meaty part – how much is all of this going to cost you? Well, as with anything, the price can vary, and in some cases, quite dramatically.

At the low end of the scale, popular chains like Petsmart have partnered with the likes of the ASPCA to drive the cost of these procedures down to as little as $100 to try and encourage pet parents to spay their furkids. 

The issue is that for some people, these services aren’t offered in their area, so depending on where you live you may find yourself paying a lot more. Spaying is more expensive than neutering because of the process involved, and if you go to a private full-service vet clinic, it’s likely to set you back anywhere between $300-$600.

It’s worth pointing out that smaller and younger cats and dogs will cost less than bigger breeds or older animals, so if you decide to get your pet spayed make sure you do it as soon as they’re eligible. 

Does pet insurance cover spaying?

Here’s where things start to get a bit tricky. Most pet insurance companies don’t cover the cost of spaying surgeries in their policies and that’s because pet insurers typically see this as an elective procedure that’s planned, as opposed to an emergency.

It’s not all bad news though. If you shop around, you’ll notice that some companies have wellness plans that you can choose to add on to your existing policy, and these cover a wide range of routine procedures and checkups – many of which include spaying and neutering.

Is it worth getting a wellness plan?

Whether or not you feel investing in a wellness plan is worth it or not will largely depend on what you’d like to get out of it. If all you’re wanting it for is to cover the cost of spaying, then it’s probably best to get a standard policy and pay for the sterilization yourself, if you’re in a position to do that.

Dog and cat wellness plans are worth considering if you’re looking for a long-term holistic approach to your pet’s health. The monthly cost of the add-on ranges from around $9 a month to $25 a month and can cover the cost of vaccinations, microchipping, deworming, health screenings, flea and tick prevention, and blood work. 

Will your pet insurance cover surgical complications?

While it’s rare for any complications to arise with a standard procedure such as spaying, it’s worth being aware that in rare instances things like swelling at the incision site, mild bleeding, infection, fluid accumulation, and opening of the incision can occasionally occur.

It’s worth investigating whether your chosen pet insurance provider covers these costs – some will, provided the surgery didn’t take place during the waiting period for the policy or occur before the effective date.

Pets are like our family so considering all possible pet insurance options is an essential part of being an owner in the event of the worst case scenario. 

You may have already thought about the best pet insurance plan, or indeed how to  get cheaper pet insurance, but what about any alternatives or add-ons? 

Whether you're considering pet insurance for the first time, or are simply looking for the best options to suit you and your furkid, the good news is there's quite a few choices out there. 

Many can complement your existing pet insurance plan, but there's also a few alternatives if you're not yet ready to invest. 

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What does pet insurance cover?

Put simply, pet insurance is a convenient way to cover costs if your pet were to fall unexpectedly ill or have an accident. 

You put in a premium and hope your pet stays healthy for the rest of his/her life. However, if the worst-case scenario was to occur, your insurance company would then cover the costs out of a collective money pot. 

Typically, pet insurance is used to cover veterinarian bills addressing illness, injury, or disease. It may also look to cover the purchase price if your pet dies due to an accidental injury or, in some cases, third-party costs, such as damage to property in the event of your pet being hit by a car. 

Depending on the policy, pet insurance can also cover you, the owner. If you've had to unexpectedly cut short a holiday due to pet illness or injury, or you are hospitalized and need to cover the costs of a boarding kennel, for instance, pet insurance can help.

There's typically a wide range of pet cover options covered in your policy but be sure to check the finer detail of any pet insurance, especially if you require something specific.

Pet insurance does'nt typically cover routine treatment for pets, such as worming treatments or regular injections. 

Pet insurance options and add-ons: What are the alternatives?

As pet insurance does not cover preventative or routine treatments, you may wish to consider additional pet insurance options, or even opt for something alternative altogether.  

Below we explain how each option compares to taking out a pet insurance plan. 

Pet insurance vs prescription plans

Unlike pet insurance, prescription plans do not provide financial cover in the event of pet illness and injury. They're intended as a way to provide savings on medications, products, and services.

So, if your pet frequently requires medication, a pet prescription plan could help save you money in the long term. 

Typically, a pet prescription company creates a partnership with accredited veterinarians or pharmacies. The idea is that you pay a low or monthly fee to receive discounts and savings on your pet's medication, vet visits, pet sitting services, or even pet supplies. 

Whereas pet insurance can include limitations, such as your pet's age or pre-existing medical conditions, a pet prescription plan typically covers all pets. 

 To use, you order what you need online or by phone and receive the savings up front. It's then shipped to your home for free or you can pick it up at a local pharmacy. 

Pet insurance vs pet health plans

A popular choice with pet owners is a pet health plan. In comparison to pet insurance that looks to help in the event of accident and emergency, this is a preventative measure. 

These types of plan are intended to allow pet owners to budget for routine treatments including vaccinations and flea and worming treatment through direct debit payment.

Typically, a pet health plan looks to provide your pet with core vaccinations, treatments and microchipping, as well as discounts off your pet's insurance policy. 

Think of the pet health plan as the direct opposite to your pet insurance. One complements the other; the idea being that if you have a pet that is fully wormed and vaccinated, they are less likely to require more veterinary attention.

Pet insurance vs pet savings account

Pet owners who are good at saving for a rainy day might look into setting up a pet savings account. 

The idea is straightforward, in theory at least: you self-insure by setting aside an amount each month to pay for any potential vet bills. 

It sounds easy, but there are a good few considerations to keep in mind. First, you need to evaluate just how much money you need to squirrel away.

Researching and comparing the average costs of pet insurance according to your pet's breed, age and area where you live is a good way to do this. 

You can choose to either use a personal savings account, or check in with your bank or credit union to find out whether a pets saving account is available. 

A clear disadvantage of this approach is the need to be self-disciplined. Casting aside hard-earned cash on a regular basis could pose a challenge, no matter how much we love our pets. 

Pet insurance vs donations

If you are on low income, are retired or receive certain state benefits you may be able to get help towards the cost of veterinary care from a dedicated pet charity.

This is typically not a replacement for pet insurance, but rather a useful consideration if you're struggling financially with pet care. 

In modern times, some pet owners have turned to crowdfunding platforms such as Indiegogo and GoFundMe.

Donation campaigns can be an effective way to raise one-off funds for a good cause but it's always best to organise your finances and prepare for every eventuality ahead of time. 

Is pet insurance worth it?

One of the primary questions that's likely on your mind is quite simply, "Is pet insurance worth it?" particularly when some pet owners opt to open savings accounts.

If you own a young pet, it's especially advisable to have a good level of cover as this is typically when many medical conditions are identified. 

A good way to determine whether pet insurance is worth it for you and your pet is to simply ask yourself what you would do if you received a large vet bill, particularly before you've saved up enough to cover it yourself.

PetPlan Multi-Pet Insurance: Overview

PetPlan Multi-Pet Insurance is a multi-pet insurer that covers many animals from dogs, cats and rabbits to birds, reptiles and horses. Having been established for around 40 years, PetPlan is known as one of the leading pet insurers in the UK and currently insures over 1.3 million pets. 

This pet insurance covers for injury and illness including hereditary, congenital and behavioural conditions. You can choose from a lifetime cover and a 12 month cover, so there’s something to suit all needs and budgets. 

They offer discounts for multi-pet policies with a £12 discount per every pet added, and you can add a new pet at any time.

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PetPlan Multi-Pet Insurance: Features

PetPlan offers comprehensive cover in two forms: the “Covered for Life” policy and the “Essential” policy. The “Covered for Life” policy is designed to cover any long-term or chronic illnesses that your pet may suffer from, as well as unexpected illness or injury. As long as you renew this policy every year, PetPlan will continue to cover for ongoing conditions, such as diabetes or arthritis, something that many other insurers do not offer. 

The “Essential” policy is a 12-month cover for those pet owners who don’t need something as comprehensive. This is good if your pet is relatively healthy, and you just want cover for any unexpected injury or illness. However, bear in mind that any illness or injury is only covered for a maximum of 12 months, and should your pet suffer with a particular illness that then becomes reoccurring, you won’t be able to claim for this again on your Essential policy. In this case, we’d definitely say to choose your plan based on quality rather than cost. While it may be a little bit more expensive, knowing you’ll have cover for life will give you peace of mind you’ll never be hit with hefty veterinary bills.

It’s also worth noting they don’t cover general costs such as vaccinations, neutering, worming and flea treatments and they do not cover any pre-existing conditions, pregnancy or older pets, which is pretty standard for any pet insurer. 

What really stands out about PetPlan compared to other insurers is their pay-out rate. According to PetPlan, 98% of claims are paid out, and this payment goes directly to the vet to pay for the treatment if necessary. This really does make it hassle-free, as the last thing you want is to be spending lots of time trying to claim when you’re worried about a sick or injured pet. 

There’s also absolutely no penalty for claiming, so you don’t have to worry about your premiums going up should your pet fall ill, you will still have to pay an excess though, which is determined by the plan that you choose. 

PetPlan Multi-Pet Insurance: User Reviews

Many users of PetPlan have said their service has always been incredibly efficient when making a claim, with payments being made within 5 days. A lot of customers who have dogs with ongoing conditions have praised PetPlan for their reliability when making a claim. 

Some found the price plans and quotes on the website confusing, and that some communications did not get sent, so they recommend speaking to someone on the phone when taking out a policy. 

The service is rated highly based on quick, efficient and compassionate human interaction from the staff at PetPlan, which sometimes can be one of the downfalls of insurers automated systems and long call wait times. Users have also noted that there is minimal paperwork when making a claim, which is appreciated during times of stress when a pet is unwell. 

One of the most common complaints about PetPlan is in relation to cost, but many user reviews note that the high premiums are worth the quality service they receive. Some members of PetPlan have noted that their premiums are raised due to change of circumstances such as moving home, and when their animals reach a certain age. This is something to be aware of and ensure you discuss with PetPlan before committing to a policy. 

Overall, PetPlan have a 4.5 rating on TrustPilot and 4.4 on Feefo. This pet insurance is also highly recommended by vets and they have won several awards over the years including Feefo’s Trusted Service Award 2020 and the Defaqto Expert Rated 2020 Award. 

Should you buy PetPlan Multi-Pet Insurance?

Yes, if you have multiple pets, because you get a good discount off each pet’s cover, and they are able to insure almost all types of animals. This policy is also a good choice if you want a very comprehensive form of cover, because while PetPlan has a slightly higher-than-average premium, you get a lot for your money if have young to middle-aged pets that could be susceptible to falling ill with a condition that may become a long-standing issue, such as arthritis or diabetes. In cases like this you are likely to save money on large veterinary bills should anything happen. But remember, that after a certain age, PetPlan may not cover them. 

The importance of getting the best equine insurance that you can afford can't be overstated. Horses are wonderful animals and a privilege to own, but talk to any horse owner and they will tell you how expensive they are. An old horse joke is that you should cover yourself in mud, stub your toe and then rip up £50 notes in gale-force wind and rain to get an idea of the reality of horse ownership. 

It is not quite as bad as that, but vet bills can be eye-watering. It is possible to run up a bill for thousands of pounds over a single incident, but get the right insurance for you and it can buy you peace of mind for just a few pounds a month. 

The good news is there is a lot of choice out there for horse owners, and policies to suit every budget and discipline, whether your horse is a happy hacker or a top-level show jumper.

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NFU Mutual is not offering policies that vary wildly from other horse insurers – what it is offering is a personal service. If you are the kind of person who wants to deal with a human being rather than conducting business online, this is the service for you. It would probably suit a large equine business better than a single horse owner, where animals worth more than £20,000 need to be insured, with animals that travel outside the country for competitions and whose insurance needs might fluctuate over the year. 

NFU Mutual has 300 offices in the UK, guarantee no cancellation, mid-term or direct debit fees, and if you want to make changes to your policy before the term is up, it will not charge administration fees. That is perfect for a large business with a string of competing horses and animals in training, and might need to make changes to policy, depending on how competing and training is progressing, or on clients’ needs.

Animals Friends is targeting the budget end of the market by letting you build your insurance policy as if it is made of Lego. The most basic package is for veterinary fees and complementary treatments. Anything else you wish to insure, such as your tack, horsebox, public liability, or insuring your horse for death, straying or loss of use can be added on for an additional fee. So if there are features you feel you would not get the benefit from, you don’t have to pay for them. For instance, if you choose to keep your tack at home, it would be covered by your house insurance. 

While other insurers have a maximum level of veterinary fees you are allowed to claim for over one instance (normally £5,000), Animal Friends allows you to choose the maximum level of veterinary fees you are insured for: £2,000, £4,000 or £6,000. 

A unique selling point of Animal Friends is that, if you like your insurer to have a heart, the company was founded with the sole aim of providing pet insurance as a means to help support animal-welfare charities. To date it has donated over £4 million to over 300 animal welfare charities across seven continents.

The British Horse Society’s offering is very different from anything else available, but it is worth mentioning if you own more than two horses and find yourself on a budget. The BHS is not a traditional insurer: it is an equine charity, and the money you spend with them goes back into education, welfare and maintaining the bridal way network in the UK. It offers the best public liability insurance of all the insurers mentioned here, and you buy your policy when you purchase Gold membership of the BHS. 

The best thing about the policy is that it applies to every animal you own, not just one, so for £75 a year, ALL your animals are covered for public liability, whether you own five or 20. However, veterinary fees, tack, etc. are not available at all with the BHS, and it is advisable to ‘self-insure’ in this case, which means having a savings account purely for vet fees. 

If you go by the standard maximum fees insured in other policies, you would need savings of about £5,000 to cover large, unexpected bills. It is a risk, but if you have healthy horses that don’t tend to be accident-prone, it could save you money to have a 50/50 approach of an insurance policy and a savings account. Insurance policies are underwritten by SEIB.

KBIS offers the widest range of policies of all the insurers mentioned. At the very top end of the scale, it has a specialist policy for sports horses valued at over £20,000 that also covers them while competing abroad. All animals named on the policy will be covered by KBIS while competing in Western Europe and while in transit (including aviation). 

At the other end of the scale it offers much cheaper horse insurance, including public liability only (insures you for up to £5 million) and it also offers a unique product it calls Catastrophe Cover. Catastrophe Cover can be purchased as a standalone policy for £300 a year and covers vet fees up to a maximum of £7,500. The cover is for accidental, external injuries only, plus three life-saving veterinary procedures, including the dreaded colic surgery.

Petplan is one of the most famous horse-insurance providers and has a huge customer base. The chances are, if you have a dog or a cat, you are already an existing customer. Petplan’s offering is perfect for anyone who wants to insure their horse for non-veterinary treatments as well as traditional vet services. The company does not limit the amount spent on treatments such as physiotherapy, acupuncture and specialist farriery, as long as it’s within the maximum vet fee limit quoted on the policy (£5,000). Petplan will also pay up to the maximum vet fee insured for diagnostic treatment. 

Veterinary science has changed a lot over the last 20 years, and vets will now work hand in hand with complementary therapists. They are professionals who, like your vet, have spent many years training, and their fees are not cheap. Complementary therapy can sometimes account for half of the bill for one incident, so it is worth considering. Diagnostic medicine has also made huge leaps and can make the difference between a horse being treated and going on to have a full life or being put to sleep, but the equipment being used in such treatments comes with a big price tag.

E&L is not very exciting and does not differ from the basic policies offered by other insurers. The most basic policy it offers covers public liability and insures against death, theft or straying, which means you would have to self-insure for vet fees. Policy pricing on all levels is also dependent on what you and your horse compete at – anyone competing beyond riding club ability, or showing and dressage, will find an additional premium on their policy. 

However, the lunar monthly policy means that should your circumstances change or you find you need to sell your horse, you can cancel your insurance policy at any time without penalty. The company also offers discounts of up to 35 percent if you book online.

SEIB is one of the oldest lenders in the country. It has a good track record and a well-established customer base. Five percent of SEIB’s commissions are donated to the BHS, and the company works closely with the BHS on education and welfare. 

If the thought of colic is what keeps you up at night, then SEIB, along with KBIS, has specialist colic insurance that offers a higher maximum vet bill than for other treatments. Colic surgery is one of the most expensive treatments there is, and colic one of the most common ailments. 

You can get cheaper access to scaled-down SEIB policies through Harry Hall. The equestrian clothing retailer is now offering low-cost insurance, including colic surgery, through a membership scheme, and all policies are underwritten by SEIB. Cover starts at £75 per year for vet fees insurance ,and the policy covers up to two horses with no upper age limit. You do not need to get a quote, you just sign up online to become a Harry Hall One Club member and you get access to insurance. However, you are not getting the same policy as you would direct from SEIB: for instance, vet fees have a maximum capped at £1,500 per incident, so check the small print!

How to choose a policy

There is a lot to consider when choosing a policy if you are at the lower end of the market, as most horse owners are. You need to decide what the most important areas you want insurance to cover are. Do you keep your tack in the house? Do you not own your own trailer or horse box? In this case, you don’t need insurance for these items. 

Whether or not you compete and in what discipline will also affect how much your policy costs per annum. Be realistic! When I got my first horse, I was very excited and thought we would be out show jumping in a few weeks. The reality was a lot of hacking and low-level showing while we got to know each other. Had I insured for my daydreams and not the reality it would have cost me a lot of money. 

But the one piece of insurance I would urge every horse owner to buy, even if your horse is a field ornament, is public liability. Horses are big flight animals that tend to pulverize everything that gets in their way when they run in a blind panic. Even just a grumpy kick at a car that passes too close can be expensive. Put public liability at the top of your shopping list and protect your family’s finances.