Eureka and Wigmore Veterinary Centres

Due to regulations set by the Financial Services Authority, upon completion of your claim forms, we must now return them to you in order that you can check the forms over and send them on to your insurance company.

We will always try to process you form as soon as we are able.

If you have any queries regarding your insurance please contact Natalie, our Claims Administrator here.

Alternatively you can contact Jeannette at natalie.kemsley@wigmorevets.co.uk

Why is it so important to insure your pet?

·       You are more likely to claim off your pet insurance than any other type of insurance.

·       Statistically, one in three pets will need veterinary treatment following an accident or illness each year.

·       Technological advances mean your vet can offer better treatments for your pet, some of which can be expensive.

·       Some treatments may be required for the life of your pet due to a long term condition and may result in high costs.

·       Accidents can happen at any age and the likelihood of your pet developing a serious illness, increases with age.

·       Third party liability cover is becoming increasingly important in case of legal action.

·       You will receive help in getting back a lost or stolen pet.

 
There are effectively three different types of insurance policy

A 12 month limit policy – these types of policy provide a good level cover for anyone on a tight budget as the monthly repayments are generally the lowest, however the disadvantage is they will only cover a condition for a 12 month period after which time the condition becomes excluded from further cover. 
A fixed cover amount with no time limit – This type of policy is mid ranged and one of the most popular.  This type of policy will provide your pet with a fixed amount for each separate condition, the biggest advantage is there is no time limit for the cover amount.  The general amount tends to be between £4000 and £7000 cover for each condition depending on the company.  The monthly payments tend to be mid range, so a good general policy.
No amount or time limit – these policys are only offered by a few specialist insurers.  Obviously the biggest advantage is that there is no financial limit to what you can claim and no time limit.  An excellent type of cover if you are in a position to afford higher monthly premiums.  As you would expect this type of policy is the best but also the most expensive.
 

POINTS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A PET INSURANCE

LIFE COVER

If you want a policy which will cover any new medical condition for the life of your pet, check the terms and conditions carefully on your policy.  Some ‘life cover’ policies will indeed cover your pet for life but will only actually cover a medical condition for a set period, usually twelve months from the onset of the condition. 

COST

There are many companies who offer a wide range of different types of pet cover.  Some companies offer budget policies with lower monthly payments.  These policies are good for short term conditions such as a cut pad needing stitching or an ear infection, however they are not suitable for more serious long term conditions such as Diabetes and Arthritis which can be very costly over a long period.  Please keep this in mind when choosing the type of policy you would like for your pet.

EXCESS    

Some companies will apply a fixed excess of around sixty five pounds, so if your bill was three hundred pounds you would only pay sixty five pounds.  Other companies apply a percentage excess based on the amount you are claiming for, so the more you claim the more you pay.  Some companies do both a fixed excess and a percentage on top.

EXCLUSIONS

Different companies apply different exclusions.  Some may refuse cover for older animals or certain breeds if they feel they are too high a risk.  Other companies may refuse cover for your pet for certain conditions such as Arthritis or hip trouble which certain breeds of dog are especially prone to.  Make sure you check the exclusions to make sure the cover provided meets your needs.

PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS

Most insurance companies won’t cover your pet for any condition which it was suffering from before you took out the policy.

CHANGES IN TERMS FOR OLDER PETS

Check what happens to your policy when your pet gets older.  Some companies may increase your premiums as your pet gets older or sometimes they increase the excess on the policy.  Some companies may change from a flat rate excess to a percentage excess instead.

AGE LIMITS

Most companies won’t start pet insurance if your pet is above a certain age. This is normally eight or ten however it can be as low as five depending on the breed of dog.  Once a policy has began most companies will insure the pet for life, however some won’t and once your pet reaches a specified age cover may stop or be restricted.

COMPANY REPUTATION

You may be better off choosing a company that has a proven and good reputation that you can trust to deliver a reasonable level of service.

Remember that the company name on the policy is not necessarily the company that underwrites the risk or administers the sales and/or claims process.

·        Does the cost of the policy suit my budget?

·        Is the level of veterinary fees appropriate for me?

·        What are the exclusions and how will they affect me?

·        What are the excesses and how are they applied?

·        Does my pet have any pre-existing conditions that affect the cover?

·        Do the terms of my policy stay the same at the renewal stage?

·        What happens to the policy’s terms and conditions as my pet gets older?

·        Will my insurance cover my pet for the whole of its life?

·        Will my insurance company cover a condition for the life of my pet?

·        Do I want to pay my premium on a monthly or annual basis?

·        Should I have third party liability cover?

·        What additional benefits are important to me?

·        What do I know about the company’s reputation?