Do I need pet insurance?
Cats and dogs can be expensive. From the cost of pet food to grooming and microchipping fees, it all adds up.
To help manage some of these costs, like vet bills, you may take out pet insurance.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at the reasons why pet insurance is worth considering, and factors that can affect the cost.
What is pet insurance?
Pet insurance can help you cover the costs of unexpected vet bills. It will usually cover the likes of surgeries, medication, X-rays, and CT scans. It doesn’t cover things like routine care and vet visits, whether vaccinations, spaying and neutering, or annual checkups.
Why do you need pet insurance?
If you don’t have pet insurance in place, you’d have to pay the full cost of medical treatments or surgery should your pet become ill or injured. This can often run into the thousands or more for major operations or long-term treatments.
The following factors all play a part:
The age of your pet
The older your pet, the more likely they will suffer from medical conditions, ailments and health problems. If they already develop a condition, you also can’t retrospectively insure them to cover it. This is because pre-existing medical conditions aren’t covered by standard pet insurance policies. This is why some people take out pet insurance when their pets are young.
Taking the example of dogs, they will usually be considered an older dog when they reach the following ages:
| Size | Example | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Small breed | Yorkshire Terriers, Shih Tzus, Dachshunds, Miniature Poodles | 10 – 12 years old |
| Medium breed | Spring Spaniels, Beagles, Border Collies, Cocker Spaniels | 8 – 9 years old |
| Large breeds | Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Dalmatian, Boxer | 6 – 7 years old |
The breed
Certain breeds of dogs and cats are more susceptible to health problems. Pedigree pets are more likely to suffer from congenital diseases and hereditary conditions.
- Pugs and French bulldogs have short, flat faces which means their nostrils are narrow and their windpipes are often abnormal. This can lead to breathing difficulties and problems with exercise.
- Dogs with bulging or sunken eyes are often prone to injury, pain, and discomfort.
- Dogs with long, floppy ears are more likely to suffer ear infections or injury[1].
- Burmese cats are prone to conditions like kidney failure, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease.
- Bengal cats often suffer from joint issues, heart disease, cataracts, and kidney problems[2].
Pedigree or ‘designer pets’ are also more likely to be stolen, which can push up the cost of pet insurance.
Size of the pet
Bigger breeds may also be more susceptible to certain health conditions later in life.
- Dogs with a large head and small hips have trouble giving birth. They are more likely to die giving birth or need surgery.
- Large and heavy dogs are more likely to suffer heart, digestion, muscle and joint problems[3].
But it’s not just big dogs that have potential health problems. Smaller dogs like Dachshunds often suffer from issues with their spines, whilst pancreatitis can be more prevalent in other small dogs[4].
[1] https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/puppy/pedigreedogs/health
[2] https://www.peta.org/features/unhealthiest-purebred-cats/
[3] https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/puppy/pedigreedogs/health
[4] https://www.petmd.com/dog/slideshows/general-health/5-common-health-issues-small-dogs
Is pet insurance expensive?
The cost of pet insurance depends on the type of animal you’re insuring, their age, breed and any special characteristics they may have.
The easiest way to get an accurate idea of how much pet insurance could cost you monthly is to get a quote that’s tailored to your dog or cat. The earlier you get your pet covered the better. You’ll also likely find that your premiums are cheaper too, as younger pets are likely to have fewer pre-existing conditions.
Is pet insurance a legal requirement?
Pet insurance isn’t a legal requirement in the UK. Legally, you have to get your cat or dog microchipped, but there aren’t any laws that enforce the need to have pet insurance. It’s a decision that’s completely up to you as a pet owner.
What is and isn’t included in Asda pet insurance cover?
Asda pet insurance covers non-routine vet fees. This may include:
- Vet consultations
- Examinations and tests
- X-rays
- MRI and CT scans
- Medication and bandages
- Surgery and hospitalisation
The type of pet insurance you have may affect what you can claim for and when.
Lifetime: covers new ongoing conditions for life and unexpected vet bills between a certain amount each year. The annual limit resets each year.
Time Limited: covers most vet bills for injuries and illnesses with a limit on how long you can claim. Cover is either for 12 months from the first treatment date or a time limit you choose. Once the time limit is over, you aren’t covered for vet visits related to that condition.
When it comes to what isn’t covered by your pet insurance policy, always check your policy documents.
You’ll typically find that the following costs won’t be covered:
- Pre-existing conditions
- Routine check-ups
- Neutering
- Vaccinations
- Microchipping
- Breeding or pregnancy complications
- Any claims for illness displaying clinical signs within 14 days of the policy commencement date
How do I protect my pet and how can Asda Money help?
Pet insurance can offer financial protection and peace of mind in the event of unexpected vet expenses.
Explore Pet Insurance at Asda Money. With our different cover types, you can find the right policy for you and your pet.