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Now yesterday The Sun on Sunday revealed 37 per cent of pet insurance claims are being rejected, with pet owners paying out a staggering £232million a year to treat poorly animals, despite holding pet insurance.
While there’s no denying pet insurance is complex, there are ways to cut your bills and give your pet the best chance of being treated.
So we’ve teamed up with insurance experts Consumer Intelligence to help. Their research shows only 64per cent of dogs are covered alongside just 44 per cent of cats.
John Blevins, Consumer Intelligence pricing expert, said: “Owning a pet is expensive and many owners take the view that buying insurance just adds to the bills. More than half of customers are not shopping around but three-quarters of those who do switch are able to cut their annual premium highlighting the benefits of researching the market.”
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Here’s how to save and get your pet the best insurance deal.
1) Choose your cover– The cheapest is Accident Only which only pays for vet treatment after an accident. The priciest cover is Lifetime which has to be renewed each year and insurers can refuse to extend it. Maximum Benefit pays out for injuries and illnesses up to a maximum amount, while Time Limited covers treatment for accidents or illnesses for a limited time, usually a year. Most claims for pet insurance are for illnesses and whatever you decide make sure you read your policy.
2) Shop around – Just like choosing an energy supplier or credit card, you can use comparison sites to find the best deal for you. Don’t settle for the first one you see.
3) Microchip your dog and get them neutered or spayed. Some insurers will offer discounts if your pet is microchipped and you can get it done for free through vets working with the Dogs Trust. Neutering will also cut your costs
4) Insure pets young and healthy – Older pets are more expensive to insure and any pre-existing conditions will add to the cost if insurers don’t refuse to cover them.
5) Consider your excess – The higher the amount you are willing to pay of any claim – generally it’s £50 – the lower your premium will be.
6) Pedigrees will be expensive – The more expensive your dog or cat was to buy, the more they will cost to insure. Mongrels or tabbies will keep your costs down
7) Use free treatment and keep a record of vaccinations– Insurers can refuse to pay out if you’ve not kept up to date on vaccinations which might have prevented an illness.
8) Get free treatment if you are struggling – If you cannot afford insurance there is free vet treatment available at the RSPCA, The Blue Cross or People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals if you are on a low income.
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