Dog insurance is one of the more sensitive subjects for dog-owners. “Who are you to tell me how much my dog is worth?” is the knee jerk reaction of many. It’s natural, and understandable for people to feel like that. It’s important that you do your homework, to ensure your next pet insurance policy provides value, and security for you and your dog.

Firstly, it’s not just about death.

The cost of owning a pet can be incredibly high, and — just like us homo sapiens — even when provided with the greatest love and attention, dogs do fall sick. The fact is, the cost of basic veterinary treatment in the UK is rising at above 10% per annum (Datamonitor 2006).

Secondly, it’s not just about your dog’s health.

Aside from worrying about your dog’s health, what if you were to become sick? Is there someone available to look after your dog as well as you do, if you’re in hospital? It’s worth checking your dog insurance policy to see if they cover the cost of kennel fees, should you suddenly find yourself out of action.

Thirdly, it’s not just about health, full stop.

Some policies cover the cost of advertising if your dog has been lost, which can give you peace-of-mind when looking for the best method to find them. Meanwhile, if your dog has turned a bit mischievous, certain policies will cover the cost of damage they cause to the public, property or a third party.

So you see, buying the right dog insurance policy can play a crucial part in the overall quality of life for your dog. Make sure you shop around, and find the most suitable policy — be prepared, as it may not necessarily be the cheapest dog insurance policy available.

There are typically two types of dog insurance:

• Life-long – which will pay out for specific conditions throughout the life of your pet; and
• Time-limited – which only pays out for a maximum of 12-months, per condition.

Both kinds are subject to an agreed maximum payout for vet’s bills and drugs, meanwhile neither type of pet insurance policy will typically cover annual vaccinations, boosters and nail clipping, or spaying and neutering so when budgeting for a pet, bear this in mind.

The cost to insure a dog is typically greater compared to cat insurance, but considerably less than equine horses.

Other factors that may affect the price of your dog insurance might be your location (which is relative to local vet rates), and naturally, the age of your dog.

If you’ve ever had a car insurance policy, then you will undoubtedly notice similarities. For instance, when buying dog insurance you’ll normally be offered a standard excess charge. This means you agree to pay the first part of any claim, it might be £50 or £100 depending on the policy.

Agreeing to a higher excess can often bring the upfront cost of a pet insurance policy down.

Dog insurance is not a cure-all. If your dog has a pre-existing medical condition then you should declare it. Failing to do so, will render your policy void.

This is also worth considering when changing your pet insurer. While your current dog insurance policy will cover emerging conditions, it makes it less easy to change to a new provider if the condition persists.

Conclusion

• Consider your own lifestyle when searching for the best policy for insuring your dog.
• Ask yourself: Are the costs of the excess vs. policy the right balance?
• Be honest about your dog’s health. Insurers are experts in their field, and can often help to work around.
• Shop around; try at least five — and be bold, ask for a discount. They can only say no.