Pet Insurance

When To Take Out A Policy
What Do You Get For Your Money?
Third Party Liability
Premium Levels
Exclusions
Summary

More than half of UK households have a pet in residence. Cats seem to be the most popular pets at 8 million with dogs not far behind in number at 6 million. There are about 3500 veterinary practices that specialise in treating every type of animal from horses and cows to ferrets and hamsters.

Veterinary practices are improving their services all the time and as human medicine progresses some of the diagnostic techniques and treatments find their way into veterinary practice. Most practices now have wide ranging facilities such as hospitalisation with general anaesthetic facilities and ultrasound scanning. Treatment costs do not come cheap and repairing broken bones following an accident to a favourite Dalmatian can soon exceed £1,000 or more. This may come as quite a shock and cause a payment problem. It is not surprising therefore that more and more pet owners are taking out insurance policies. Dogs and cats can be insured with most policies costing no more than a few pounds a month.

When To Take Out A Policy

The same rules apply to buying a pet policy as your own health insurance policy - buy it when young and healthy and there are no existing conditions to report. Read the small print carefully and take particular notice of the terms and conditions that will explain what is and what is not covered together with any excess payments that may be required.

What Do You Get For Your Money?

In general, diagnosis and treatment for any accident, injury, or illness, will be covered by the policy. However pre-existing and chronic conditions will almost certainly be excluded or subject to an excess. Understandably any insurance policy with a high claim likelihood has to maintain a careful balance between premium level, excess charges and exclusions for the insurer to remain in business.

As in human medicine a very large number of sophisticated diagnostic tests are available. Some will require the services of a laboratory, for example blood and urine samples to test for the presence of infection, diabetes or metabolic disturbances. X-rays and ultrasound scanning are other commonly used diagnostic procedures. Rapid diagnosis is vitally important in the treatment of any illness and diagnostic tests may have to be carried out at intervals to monitor the success of the treatment or antibiotics being prescribed for an infection.

Cats and dogs stray on to roadways and frequently have to undergo hospitalisation following an accident. X-rays, transfusions and major surgery involving the placement of metal implants, screws and plates to restore the function of shattered bones all require expensive resources. An insurance policy in these circumstances will bring peace of mind.

Rare and unusual conditions such as leukaemia or cancer may have to be referred to a University establishment or specialists for treatment. Advanced cancer diagnosis and treatment can be given, for instance at Cambridge University and the Animal Health Trust at Newmarket.

Third Party Liability

This is an important benefit to protect pet owners against being sued if their pet causes damage or injury. This can be either a dog biting a child or a cat causing a road accident.

Premium Levels

As with most types of insurance premiums will vary according to risk. A valuable pedigree will command a much higher premium than farmyard breeds! Post Codes will also be taken into account and proximity to built up areas of towns and cities.

Exclusions

Routine and preventive care will be excluded together with anything classed as "cosmetic" for example surgery to correct a bite abnormality in a dog. All pre-existing conditions.

Summary

Veterinary insurance has become much more popular in recent years and there are a variety of plans to choose from. The National British Small Animal Veterinary Association endorses the concept of Pet Health Insurance and almost all veterinary practices display Pet Insurance leaflets and actively recommend it. The ongoing progress of veterinary medicine means that costs will continue to rise. An insurance policy is a sensible way in which to begin planning for unforeseen bills that could be very significant.

Our Surgeries

What Our Clients Say

5.0 ★★★★★ 20 Reviews

24th January 2018 - ★★★★★

"What a friendly place, top quality care for all animals and humans alike. If you want your furry friends cared for, what ever size, Scott and his amazing team will cater for all your needs."
20th January 2018 - ★★★★★

"Excellent service, Scott was great when I had to have my dog put to sleep at home, couldn’t wish for a nicer vets and thank you for the card you sent through the post."
31st May 2017 - ★★★★★

"Excellent professional service quick and simple look forward to the good quality service in years to come and excited now that I can finally walk my lil pup shadow tomorrow."
4th May 2017 - ★★★★★

"Scott and Alice are brilliant vets , knowledgeable and caring . Our 10 year old kitty Mischa had wonderful treatment when she started having several seizures a day. She was put on several meds and has made an amazing full recovery."
October 13th 2016 - ★★★★★

"Fantastic vets and brilliant staff . Scott and his lovely staff have looked after my pug ruby roo and gave gone above and beyond there duty in care ..I can't thank them enough for all there time and dedication they show Ruby roo and I . Thank you x"
October 4th 2016 - ★★★★★

"Scott and the team always go that extra mile with your pets. Very very caring practice. Look after the animals as though they were their own."
October 2nd 2016 - ★★★★★

"Fantastic vets. Scott has done a huge operation on our Labrador Bess and nothing has been to much trouble. The whole team are amazing. Thank you so much to each and everyone of you."
September 1st 2016 - ★★★★★

"Thank you for your kind and friendly approach to animals and owners alike. Professional service indeed. Wishing you all the best for the future."

Opening Times

Opening Times For Sleaford Vets In Sleaford

Opening Times
Click here to see our surgery opening times and our consultation hours ...

Meet The Team

Staff From Sleaford Vets In Sleaford

The Team
Click here to meet our team dedicated to taking care of your pet ...