Taking out a policy
When you buy pet insurance, you give the insurer information about your pet: species, breed, age, postcode and health history. The insurer uses that to price the policy and set the terms. You then pay a premium, usually monthly or annually, to keep cover active.
What happens if your pet needs treatment
Most owners pay the vet first and then claim the covered amount back from the insurer. Some vets and insurers can arrange direct claims, where the insurer pays the vet directly. Either way, the insurer will usually need the invoice and sometimes your pet's medical history.
Excesses, limits and exclusions
The excess is your share of the claim. The vet fee limit is the maximum the policy will pay. Exclusions are things the policy will not cover, such as routine care or pre-existing conditions. These three parts explain most claim surprises.
Renewal
Policies usually renew every year. Premiums can rise, especially as pets get older. If your pet has claimed for a condition, check whether that condition remains covered after renewal. Our renewal guide explains this in more detail.