Pet insurance

What is 'pet insurance'?

Pet insurance is a policy designed to help cover veterinary costs if your pet becomes ill or is injured. It can provide financial peace of mind, ensuring your companion receives the necessary care without the stress of unexpected expenses. Most policies reimburse a portion of your vet bills after you pay for the treatment, according to the terms and limits of your chosen coverage. 

What is a 'policy' and what are the different types?

A policy is a written contract between you and an insurance provider detailing what is covered in exchange for a monthly or annual premium. The main types of pet insurance policies include: 

• Lifetime cover: Provides ongoing coverage for chronic or recurring conditions as long as the policy is renewed without a break. 

• Maximum benefit: Offers a fixed sum of money for each condition, with no time limit as long as you continue to pay your premium. Once the limit is reached, that condition is no longer covered. 

• Time-limited: Covers each condition for a set period (usually 12 months) from the onset of the condition, after which the cover stops even if the limit has not been reached. 

• Accident-only: The most basic and affordable policy, covering treatment for injuries resulting from accidents but not illnesses. 

What is an 'excess'?

An excess is the amount you must pay towards a claim before your insurance coverage applies. For example, if your policy has a £50 excess and your vet bill is £300, you will pay £50 and your insurer may cover the remaining £250, depending on your policy terms and exclusions. 

What is a 'indirect' and 'direct' claim?

Direct claim: This is when the veterinary practice claims the cost of treatment directly from your insurance company, so you only pay any applicable excess and non-covered items. 

Indirect claim (also known as 'pay and claim'): In this case, you pay the full cost of treatment upfront and then claim reimbursement from your insurer by submitting an invoice and claim form.

What is our practices pet insurance policy?

In order to process a claim we require your policy number, insurance provider details as well as the specific condition/treatment you want to claim for. We then need a claim form/link (if applicable) to process the claim.

If you would like to have a direct claim with us, here is the policy for that:

• All direct claims must be authorised by our Practice owner/Practice manager before treatment or procedures go ahead. 

• The expected claim amount for treatment on the day must exceed £500 to qualify as a direct claim. 

• Pre-authorisation is required prior to any treatment being performed. 

• Direct claim covers treatment on the day only; any further related treatment needs to be paid for separately. 

• Once authorised, a Direct Claim Consent Form must be signed by the owner, and a copy will be provided for reference. 

• Excess and admin fees (and any percentage excess) must be paid on the treatment day, calculated from the treatment estimate. 

• All necessary forms, links, and policy numbers must be provided before the treatment day or before treatment begins. 

• Owners are responsible for ensuring these documents reach us prior to claim processing. 

• Emergency cases cannot be authorised as direct claims due to the protocol required. 

• Once the insurance has settled the account, an invoice or statement will be sent to the client for any remaining balance. 

• If the insurer has not settled the account after 8 weeks, it is the owner's responsibility to contact the insurer and ensure payment is made. 

What insurance companies do we not do 'direct' claims with?

• We do not accept direct claims with ManyPets and Co-Op due to their lengthy settlement times (over 8 weeks). 

• Direct-Line does not offer pre-authorisations, so direct claims cannot be accepted by this insurer. 

• Any other insurance companies not adhering to our policy rules will not be accepted for direct claims – this is strictly enforced. 

If you have any questions give us a call and one of our team can assist you!

01737210011

Or contact us directly over WhatsApp

07361589771