Should I get pet insurance?

What does pet insurance cover?

Broadly speaking, pet insurance could cover the cost of veterinary fees for diagnosing and treating any illness or injury suffered by your pet. This includes everything from consultation and x-rays, to medication, surgery and hospitalisation.

Pet health insurance should also cover any expenses related to your pet’s death (such as euthanasia, cremation and burial), cover if your pet falls ill abroad and third-party liability if your pet injures someone or damages their property (this is usually specific to dogs only).

Of course, like any insurance policy, there will be things that aren’t covered. These can differ from policy to policy, however some common exclusions include:

  • Pre-existing illnesses or injuries
  • Routine/preventative treatments – including vaccines, neutering, worming and dental care
  • Pregnancy and giving birth
  • Admin costs

What are the different types of pet insurance?

Different types of pet insurance policy will give you different levels of cover, at different stages of life. The main types of pet insurance are:

  • Accident-only pet insurance – as the names suggest, this type of insurance only covers your pet if they’re involved in an accident
  • Annual or time-limited pet insurance – these will only allow you to claim for accident or illness within a set timeframe
  • Lifetime cover pet insurance – lifetime cover is a re-occurring payment that provides your pet with healthcare benefits throughout their life

Find out more about M&S Pet Insurance.

How much does pet insurance cost?

The cost of pet insurance will vary depending on a number of factors, including your provider, where you live, your pet’s age and what pet you have. Some pet breeds are more vulnerable to certain diseases than others.

How to claim on your pet insurance

Claiming on your pet insurance should be as simple as filling out an online claims form, or making a quick call to your insurers’ helpline. Make sure you keep all relevant invoices or receipts relating to your pet’s condition to substantiate your claim.

In the event that your pet needs immediate care, you may have to pay a vet bill yourself. However, you can always claim this back from your insurer later. Cover your pet with M&S Pet Insurance. Start your free quote today.

When you select 'Start your free quote today’ you will be directed to the website of Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd (RSA). We only promote M&S Pet Insurance exclusively from Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd (RSA). We will introduce you to RSA who arrange, administer, and underwrite M&S Pet Insurance.

Published February 2023

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