What is dog insurance?
Dog insurance provides financial protection against unexpected costs relating to your pet. A typical example of this would be the cost of treating your dog if it were to become ill or injured.
Why do I need dog insurance?
A dog can be a big part of the family, and they bring with them bundles of energy and affection. So when something happens and you need to take your dog to the vet, unexpected bills can be the last thing you want to deal with. Having dog insurance to cover those costs will give you peace of mind that your pooch will receive the care they need to get them back on all four paws.
There are many common illnesses and accidents dogs can suffer from, including:
- Ear and skin infections
- Food allergies
- Hip dysplasia
- Arthritis
- Cancer
Treatments for illnesses such as these can easily soar into the hundreds, and that’s not considering the accidental mishaps like socks being eaten! Investing in good value dog insurance might just save you in the long run.
Your dog insurance policy price will vary depending on your dog’s breed, their age, and even where you live. That’s why it’s so important to compare dog insurance quotes to find the right cover for you and your pooch.
What details do I need to get a dog insurance quote?
Compare dog insurance quotes with Quote Goat in three simple steps. All we need are a few details…
1
Dog Details
Your dog’s name, gender, age and breed
2
Medical History
Details of any pre-existing conditions, or whether they’ve been neutered
3
Your Details
A few details about you, the proud pet parents
What is and isn’t covered by dog insurance?
Policy terms differ between insurers, so the most important thing is to read all policy documents to ensure you’ve got the cover you need. However, there are several conditions and treatments it’s unlikely your insurer will cover you for. These can include:
- Pre-existing medical conditions
- Vaccinations
- Routine check-ups and treatments (think worming, fleas, claw trimming, teeth cleaning)
- Neutering
- Microchipping
- Dental treatment (this varies by insurer)
- Pregnancy and breeding costs
Depending on the breed of your dog, your policy terms could vary, as each breed can be more prone to certain illnesses. For example, Golden Retrievers and Labradors can be prone to hip dysplasia and arthritis, while Bulldogs and Pugs can suffer from breathing problems.
For a full list of what’s commonly covered and not covered in pet insurance policies, read our guide to pet insurance.
Insurance for older dogs
The older your dog gets, the more expensive their premium is going to be. This is because as they age, the chance of them needing medical care goes up. Illnesses such as arthritis, diabetes and cancer can all be common with older dogs. There’s no age limit for insuring a dog, but they will be considered senior from eight years old.
Insuring your dog from puppy-age makes protecting them into their twilight years much easier, and cheaper. If you’re trying to buy a policy for the first time for an older dog, you might struggle, but it’s not impossible.
You’ll need to be completely honest about any pre-existing conditions, and thoroughly check all the policy details to understand what’s covered for your dog. Your excess may be higher, while some insurers may offer a co-payment plan for older dogs. This means that, in the event you need to make a claim, instead of the insurer paying the full bill, you’ll split the cost.
Multi-dog insurance
Compare cheap insurance policies for the whole pack with multi-dog or multi-pet insurance. Policies for more than one pet allow you to pick and mix the cover you need, so you can set the right limits for each pet and their quirks. Some insurers will offer you a discount per pet if you take out a multi-policy with them. Certainly not to be sniffed at!
Types of dog insurance
There are several different types of dog insurance policy, however, there’s one clear winner in terms of popularity and comprehensiveness.
Accident-only – £
The cheapest and most limited. Accident-only covers vets bills if your dog has an accident. But it won’t cover illness or medical conditions.
Time-limited – ££
Time-limited policies cover a new illness or condition for a 12-month period. There’s typically a cost limit, and you can only claim once per illness or condition.
Maximum-benefit – £££
Illnesses and accidents are covered, up to a set financial amount. There’s no time limit either, which can be good for chronic or persistent illnesses. There can be a financial limit to how much you can claim.
Lifetime – ££££
The most expensive, but most comprehensive. Accidents, illnesses and conditions are covered throughout your dog’s lifetime. Cover is continuous and with the same provider for your dog’s life, so a thorough comparison when you purchase is key.
Dog Insurance Comparison FAQs
Can you buy working dog insurance?
Yes, you can. Although it’ll be pricier than for non-working dogs, as the risk of working dogs becoming injured is considered much higher. It can also be tricky to find insurance for retired working dogs as they could develop injuries or illnesses as a result of their working life.
Does dog insurance cover dental?
A lot of policies don’t cover dental work as standard, so if it’s important to you, you’ll likely need to pay extra for it. And even if you pay to include dental treatment following an accident or illness, routine cleaning and maintenance won’t be covered.
How can I get cheap dog insurance?
Comparing pet insurance policies is the best way we know to bag yourself a bargain. When it comes to pet insurance, it’s all about long-term value over your pet’s lifetime.
