There are significant advances in veterinary medicine that can even rival human medical care but these advances also come with a price tag.
Holding a pet insurance policy is an entirely personal decision
You are more likely to claim on your pet insurance than your car or household policies*.
It is important to be aware that not all pet insurance is the same. There are many providers on the market and they all vary considerably. We strongly encourage owners to choose a reputable pet insurance provider and a level of cover that will suit their financial needs in the event that they need to make a claim.
It is worth being aware that many policies limit either the amount of money that you can claim, or restrict the amount of time they will cover a condition for to just 12 months. The price you pay for your premium does not necessarily directly reflect the level of cover you get.
Before making a claim it is important to check if your pet is covered. Some insurance providers offer a pre-authorisation service. For those that don’t it is worth talking to them about your policy and your pets medical history to help establish whether they’re likely to be covered.
If you have changed your insurance provider at anytime in your pet’s life, or have a policy that is limited by time or finance, then you may be less likely to be able to make a successful claim.
In the event that you would like to make a claim, we are here to guide you through the process.
You will need to obtain and fully complete a claim form from your insurance provider; some companies allow you to download a claim form online, others may send you one by post when requested. Some now operate digitally.
If you are insured with Petplan we can supply a claim form to you or you can start a claim via their website.
We aim to process any claim form within ten working days of receipt. If the policy holders section of your claim form is not completed then this will delay the process.
Owners are usually asked to settle in full at the time of any treatment. However, with prior arrangement and mutual agreement, we are able to offer Direct Claims in some circumstances, meaning that your insurance company settle the claim directly to us; you simply pay your excess, any co-payment and for any non-claimable charges including a Direct Claim fee.
In order for us to be able to arrange a Direct Claim please contact the practice in advance of your pets appointment.
Please note:
It is the owner / policy holders responsibility to ensure the level of cover they have chosen is suitable for the treatment or procedure undertaken.
Owners will be responsible in full for any shortfall in your insurance payment.
If your insurance provider decline to settle a claim, or any part of the claim, you will be liable in full for the fees owed to the practice.
For owners who do not have a Pet Insurance policy, or who’s policy is not adequate for their pet’s treatment, we would ask that any fees are settled in full at the time of consultation.