Insurance

Taking out insurance is invaluable these days to help you fund unexpected veterinary treatment for accident or illness for your pets, large or small. Insurance offers you the peace of mind that you can afford to give your pet the very best of care should the unexpected happen.

Once your pet has been examined by a veterinary surgeon we are able to issue a cover note for four weeks free insurance subject to meeting certain criteria, please ask a member of staff for more information.

If your pet is being treated by us under an insurance policy, then please notify a member of staff at the outset accordingly. Please be aware that it is your responsibility to settle your account with us and then reclaim the fees from your insurance company. Any items on your account not covered by insurance, including your policy excess, should be paid under our normal terms of business.

There are various matters to be aware of when taking out a policy:

Some companies offer cover for life allowing your pet to be treated for recurring conditions.
Some have a maximum benefit beyond which you cannot submit further claims.
Others will only cover your pet for a year after the condition first becomes apparent - this is not one year from your claim for that condition - it is one year from when your pet first showed symptoms.
It is important to note that insurance policies do not cover routine vaccination, preventative treatments such as flea control or worm control, and neutering costs.

Please be aware that certain insurance companies may withhold payment of claims so please carefully check the small print of your chosen policy. Reasons why payment could be withheld are:

Some companies do not cover a pet in the first fourteen days of a policy.
Payment of a claim may be withheld if you have missed paying an instalment to the insurance company.
Providing a claim form does not indicate that a payment will be made. Each case is individually assessed by the insurance company's assessors.
If your pet has a pre-existing condition the insurance company can withhold payment.
Some insurance companies will decline payment if they consider that your pet has not been receiving sufficient preventative care i.e. neutering, vaccination and regular dental check ups.
Most policies do not cover breeding and pregnancy complications.

Remember, if your insurance company refuses payment of your claim then you become liable for any veterinary fees incurred. That's why we always prefer to deal with the first insurance claim for a condition as quickly as possible so that you obtain a speedy decision from your insurers. Repeat claims can then be made at regular intervals.