We will discuss pet insurance with you at your pet’s first vaccination, or the first time we see a new animal. The practice has a policy of issuing six weeks free pet insurance with Petplan to puppies and kittens at their first vaccination.

Pet insurance gives peace of mind, pays the vet bills and when compared with the annual cost of car, house or health insurance is ultimately affordable.

The importance of insuring your pet cannot be under-estimated - Pet Insurance pays!

• Why insure your pet?
• What does pet insurance cover?
• How much does pet insurance cost?

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Why insure you pet?

House, car, holiday, health, pet - which is the odd one out?. For most people the answer would probably be pet since it is the only one likely not to be covered by insurance. Now ask yourself which of the list you consider to be the most important and I’m sure that your pet will be at least in the top half.

Ill health and accidents are things we hope our pets never encounter, however they do occur and often without any forewarning. There is no equivalent of the National Health Service for animals in the UK so you will have to settle the veterinary fees yourself, unless you qualify and are registered with the Petaid scheme run by the PDSA and certain veterinary practices including ourselves.

Fees will vary dramatically depending on the problem itself; for example a short bout of vomiting and diarrhoea may not incur enough cost to warrant an insurance claim whereas a dog with chronic skin disease could cost you hundreds or even thousands of pounds over the years.

Why not let pet insurance pick up the bill? This allows the veterinary surgeon to give your pet the best possible care and attention without you having to worry about increasing costs or having to opt for a cheaper, and possibly less effective, treatment plan.

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What does pet insurance cover?

Pet insurance will cover the costs of illness and injury to your pet, although you will have to pay an excess initially of around £45 per condition. You only pay this excess once for each condition and perhaps on an annual basis if treatment is necessary on a lifelong basis.

Many insurance companies do not offer lifelong cover and will place exclusions on certain conditions once a claim has been made or after one year of treatment.

Many diseases require continuous treatment, for eaxmple some forms of heart disease, ostoearthritis and chronic skin allergies, and we recommend that you select a company that offers your pet life cover. Don’t be tempted by cheap monthly premiums without first reading all the small print.

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How much does pet insurance cost?

Costs will vary depending on the type of pet to be insured, the age of the pet, whether or not it is a pedigree etc.

Petplan offer insurance for dogs, cats and rabbits and a visit to their website will give you all the information you require regarding costs.

In summary pet insurance gives peace of mind, pays the vet bills and when compared with the annual cost of car, house or health insurance is ultimately affordable.

Learn more about Petplan insurance policies...

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