Pet Insurance

Pennine Vets strongly suggests that our clients get their pet's insured to help cover the cost of vets fees. Modern veterinary medicine is very advanced and we can now perform a lot of treatments that were impossible 10 to 15 years ago. Skin problems, arthritis, heart & kidney disease are all long term problems that can cost many hundreds of pounds per year to treat and manage. There are also a number of accidents or serious sudden illnesses that can be very difficult and expensive to treat.

Example Prices of Accidents and Emergencies

Dog kicked by horse - £1060
Dog with Leukaemia - £600 to 1200 per year
Road Traffic Accident - 2 broken bones needing referral - £1000 - 1500
Large wound needing stitches - £250

These prices are examples of recent cases that have been seen at Pennine Vets in 2006. Pet insurance allows you to pay a few pounds each month and budget for the emergencies and chronic cases. We can then concentrate on providing the best care for your pet without worrying about the cost.

There are 2 types of pet insurance; regular cover and lifetime cover. Here at Pennine Vets we recommend our clients take out a policy that offers lifetime protection against a particular illness. Some policies will place an exclusion on claims starting 12 months after the initial problem. Whilst this is OK for accidents, long term problems such as arthritis, diabetes, skin or heart disease will need treatment for the rest of your pet's life. Companies offering lifetime cover include:

Other companies are available that offer lifetime protection. Due to a change in the law from January 14th 2005, regulation of pet insurance is now done by the Financial Services Authority. This means that we are only able to give detailed advice about Pet Plan policies and only general advice about other company's policies. We are now able to start a Pet Plan pet insurance instantly for your cat, dog or rabbit. If your pet is having a health check, either as a special visit or as part of a vaccination programme, your insurance cover can start instantly without the usual 2 week wait. Pet Plan is also offering 2 months free cover for policies taken out in this way. Ask us at the surgery for more details or to take out a policy instantly.