Lifetime pet insurance

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Compare Lifetime Pet Insurance

In the UK, we keep some 15.9 million cats and dogs as pets according to the RSPCA. They’re part of our families and we have a special bond with them.

It can be incredibly distressing when your pet becomes ill or has an accident. Specialist medical attention may become a necessity and veterinary costs can become expensive very quickly.

Frequently Thought Questions

There are a number of different types of cover, the most comprehensive of which is known as ‘lifetime pet insurance’. So, what is it and how does it work? Here we’ll provide answers to some of the questions that you might have about this form of cover to help you choose the right level of cover you need.

What does Lifetime Pet Insurance include?

Vet Costs

Vet costs are usually covered up to a financial limit per condition, per year (typically excluding routine treatments such as vaccinations). Each year at renewal the limit is reinstated. This is important if your pet develops a condition which requires long-term treatment. A number of pedigree dogs for example, are susceptible to hereditary conditions that may require ongoing treatment.

Remember that an excess fee is typically payable before you can claim against the policy.

Kennels/Cattery costs

If you were to find yourself needing hospital treatment and had no one to look after your pet, then your insurance can sometimes cover the costs of putting your dog or cat into kennels or a cattery. There is usually a financial limit per year to the costs – best to check the small print if this is important to you.

Third party liability cover

If your dog injures someone or damages property, third party liability insurance protects you against the cost of the damage or injury if you are found to be legally liable and any legal fees involved. As these can be expensive situations, the liability cover is often £1m or more.

Please note that this only applies to dogs, cats are legally termed ‘free spirits’ and therefore owners aren’t liable for the actions of their cat.

Dental Cover

Some policies may include dental cover for issues caused by accidents or illness.

Compensation if your pet is lost or stolen

Lifetime policies often typically include financial compensation if your pet is lost or stolen. They may also contribute towards the costs of advertising or other search costs in order to try and find your dog or cat.

Cost recovery on a pet’s death

If the worst were to happen and your pet passes away due to illness or as the result of an accident, you could get back the price you paid for them. That’s only if that’s something that’s important to you, as we know that if that were to happen it would probably be the last thing on your mind. Most policies have an age limit, typically 7-10 years old for a cat and 7-8 years old for a dog, and there’s also typically a financial limit.

Euthanasia, cremation and burial

If the worst does happen, some policies will make a contribution towards the costs of these services.

What isn’t covered by Lifetime Pet Insurance?

Routine treatments such as vaccinations, flea and worm treatment, general dental work and pregnancy aren’t usually covered. Also, a lifetime policy won't cover pre-existing conditions – so it tends to be the earlier in your pet’s life you can take out a lifetime policy the better. The provider is usually happy to insure your pet, but will add an exclusion on your policy for any pre-existing conditions.

Are all Lifetime Pet Insurance policies the same?

No, not all pet insurance policies are the same. Different providers may include different items and different financial cover limits, so it’s important to make sure you read the policy features carefully to ensure that you have the cover you need.

How does Lifetime Pet Insurance work?

New medical conditions are covered up to the financial limit in a Lifetime policy. If the limit is reached during the insurance year, the cover stops until the policy is renewed.

When you renew the policy, the limit is fully reinstated and the condition will continue to be covered by the policy the following year.

This differs from ‘Max Benefit’ and ‘Accident Only’ policies. In Max Benefit policies, once the financial limit is reached the condition becomes ‘pre-existing’ and is excluded from future cover.

Accident Only insurance, as the name suggests covers you only for the costs of vet bills in the event of an accident within the 12 month policy period.

How much does Lifetime Pet Insurance cost?

The cost to insure your dog or cat will vary depending on the level of cover you choose. Based on our average premium price in August 2016, Lifetime pet insurance is £9.70 a month for dogs*** and £5.14 for cats** so it could be less than you think.

Our average premiums are based on all our customer quotes, from people with different breeds, ages and sizes You may find a cheaper or more expensive quote based on your own pet’s details – just make sure you have the right cover for you and your pet’s needs.

How can I compare Lifetime Pet Insurance Quotes?

Comparing lifetime pet insurance policies from different pet insurance providers couldn’t be easier. Simply input a few details about you and your pet and we’ll provide you with a comparison – start now!

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