Pet Insurance

Anyone who has a pet knows how costs can run high on a frequent basis. Whether your dog or cat (or other pet) has fallen ill, suffered an accident or is in need of other veterinary care, the bills can be a setback – so it is essential to find the right pet insurance before you fork out any more cash! Most pet insurance policies are for dogs and cats, but you can find providers who offer cover for your horse, rabbit or other pets (such as reptiles, arachnids and birds). Whether your pet is a special pedigree, used for your career (such as a horse) or if it is just an important part of your life, the right pet insurance policy can do a great deal in giving you peace of mind. Use the chart below to compare the main features of each policy, from regular costs to the claims process.

Make sure that your pet is looked after properly with pet insurance

Pet Insurance is a good idea for many reasons

Ireland is a nation of pet lovers. If your pet becomes ill of has an accident veterinary bills can cost thousands of Euros. Many pet owners have to decide between paying for the expensive treatments or, if they don’t have the money, having their pet put down. Pet insurance can help you avoid being presented with a very difficult decision should your animal need treatment which you cannot afford. It can give you the peace of mind that should your pet need medical attention it will get the care and treatment it needs. Whether is it routine check-ups, vaccinations or a more serious operation, without pet insurance you could struggle to pay for the bills. With pet insurance you don’t have to compromise on your pet’s health because of your finances.

Choosing a policy for pet insurance in Ireland

When choosing a policy, remember that the amount you will pay depends on a range of variables including your pet’s age and its pedigree. You will find that the older your pet, the more expensive your policy will be because an older animal is more likely to incur injury or illness. If your pet has a pre-existing medical condition such as cancer or arthritis you will struggle to find the insurance. Some policies also exclude treatment for hereditary conditions so make sure you check this in advance. When applying for a policy, be sure to disclose everything you can about your pet’s medical history. Cats and dogs are the most commonly owned pets and are easily to get insurance for. You can get other insurance for less common animals including horses, birds and rabbits and there are also specialist policies for more exotic pets including snakes and tarantulas.

There are different forms of pet insurance policy available

These are the main sorts of policies, based on the way that claims for veterinary fees are paid: Per condition with a 12-month time limit - cover is provided up to the veterinary fee limit or 12 months, whichever is reached first. After that, no further cover is provided towards the costs of treatment. These types of policies are usually the most competitive in terms of the premium that is payable.

Per condition limit - cover is provided up to the veterinary fee limit for each and every condition. Once this limit has been reached no further cover is provided for treating that condition.

Per condition per year - these policies provide cover up to the veterinary fee limit for each and every condition. Provided that the policy is renewed each year, the veterinary fee limit is also renewed which means that the pet will continue to receive treatment and the costs will be covered. These types of policies are usually towards the higher end in terms of the premium that is payable.

Per year basis - vets' fees are covered up to the fee limit. However, provided the policy is renewed each year, the veterinary fee limit is also renewed. This means that the pet will continue to receive treatment and the costs will be covered. These types of policies are also usually towards the higher end in terms of the premium that is payable.