Six tips for getting the right pet insurance deal as prices rocket

PET insurance prices are on the rise after three million dogs and cats and other pets were bought to keep us company during lockdown.

Premiums reached an average £305 this year, according to insurer Gather. That’s a nine per cent increase from last year’s average of £280. 

But experts predict prices are likely to go up further as vets’ costs rise and inflation bites. 

Many pet owners are already going without cover – and putting themselves at risk of shock medical bills that can run to thousands of pounds. 

In fact, fewer than five million of the 34million pets in the UK are covered by insurance, according the Association of British Insurers says.

Even those who do protect their pets often fail to read the small print, as half of claims are rejected because owners believe something is covered when it’s not. 

We take you walkies through everything you need to know about buying cover and how to avoid a ruff deal.

What is covered?

INSURANCE is there to cover vets’ bills for accidents and illnesses, liability for your dog causing damage, plus other expenses such as the cost of caring for your pet if you have to go into hospital. 

Check-ups, worm and flea treatments plus routine jabs, including for flu, are not covered by insurance. 

Some insurers will not cover your animals once they reach age eight, and some reduce cover levels as pets age.

Check your policy’s maximum payout as you’ll have to pay for anything above this level yourself. 

Salman Haqqi, from , said: “No standard pet insurance companies will cover your pet for existing chronic medical conditions, such as heart conditions or hip dysplasia.

“Some will cover historic conditions such as an illness, but only if your pet has been free from symptoms and treatment for at least two years.”