In England, pet insurance policies typically offer coverage for various aspects of your furbabies health and well-being such as veterinary fees, dental care, diagnostic tests, prescription medicines, specialist referrals, cremation or burial and more.
Here are the key things that pet insurance usually covers:
1. Veterinary Fees
The primary coverage of pet insurance is for veterinary fees. This includes:
- Accidents: Treatment for injuries caused by accidents, such as fractures or wounds.
- Illnesses: Treatment for illnesses like infections, digestive disorders, or chronic conditions.
- Surgery: Surgical procedures necessary due to accidents, illnesses, or chronic conditions.
2. Dental Care
Many pet insurance policies in England cover dental treatments, which can include:
- Teeth Cleaning: Regular cleaning and scaling of your pet's teeth.
- Extractions: Removal of damaged or infected teeth.
- Dental Surgery: Procedures like root canals or gum surgeries.
3. Diagnostic Tests
Coverage for diagnostic procedures is also common and may include:
- X-rays: Imaging to diagnose fractures, tumors, or other conditions.
- Blood Tests: Laboratory tests to diagnose illnesses or monitor ongoing conditions.
- MRI and CT Scans: Advanced imaging techniques for detailed diagnosis.
4. Prescription Medications
Many policies cover the cost of prescription medications prescribed by a veterinarian to treat your pet's conditions, illnesses, or ongoing treatments.
5. Specialist Referral
If your pet needs to see a specialist for specific treatments or surgeries, some policies cover the costs associated with specialist consultations, treatments, and procedures.
6. Complementary Therapies
Some pet insurance policies offer coverage for complementary therapies, which can include:
- Physiotherapy: Rehabilitation exercises and treatments.
- Acupuncture: Traditional Chinese medicine treatments.
- Hydrotherapy: Water-based therapy for rehabilitation.
7. Cremation or Burial
A few pet insurance policies may cover the cost of cremation or burial in the unfortunate event of your pet's death.
8. Third-Party Liability
For dog owners, some policies offer third-party liability coverage. This can help cover legal fees and compensation if your dog causes an injury or damage to someone else or their property.
Exclusions and Limitations
It's important to note that while pet insurance covers many aspects of veterinary care, there are often exclusions and limitations. Common exclusions may include:
- Pre-existing conditions
- Routine check-ups and vaccinations
- Breeding or pregnancy-related expenses
- Cosmetic procedures
Optional Add-Ons
Some pet insurance providers offer optional add-ons for additional coverage, such as:
- Routine Care: Coverage for routine check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive treatments.
- Travel Insurance: Cover for vet fees abroad or quarantine costs if traveling with your pet.
When choosing a pet insurance policy in the UK, it's essential to read the policy documents carefully, understand the coverage, exclusions, and limitations, and consider your pet's specific needs and your budget to find the best policy for you.