Think pet insurance during national pet month

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To coincide with National Pet month starting on Saturday (3 April), esure explains the importance of pet insurance and offers tips on what to look out for when choosing a pet insurance policy.

Reasons to buy pet insurance

To avoid hefty vet bills:
Having pet insurance is vital to cover the cost of unexpected and potentially high vet bills. According to an esure poll1, pet owners will pay out a staggering £6,955 on vet bills for their pet dog over its lifetime including injections, surgery and emergency treatments. Many owners appear to underestimate the cost of treatment which can impact the take-up of pet insurance. In fact, one in ten (10 per cent) pet owners believe that the average vet bill for a dog's broken leg would be under £100 – although the treatment would actually cost around £5602.

To avoid having to dip into savings or opt for credit:
According to esure research1 some pet owners struggle to find the money to pay for vet bills. Almost a fifth (19 per cent) of those surveyed have had to use their credit card and another 14 per cent have been forced to dip into their savings to cover vet fees. Alarmingly, one in 25 (four per cent) pet owners polled have even missed monthly payments on their mortgage or utilities because they had to pay a vet instead.

For advice and support:
esure pet insurance customers can call a 24-hour 'Pet Health and Wellbeing' line where veterinary professionals are available to offer emergency triage advice and tips on all aspects of pets' health, including diet and exercise. According to esure research3, as many as a fifth (22 per cent) of dogs in the UK are overweight which can seriously impact an animal's health and life span.

To avoid having to pay hiked 'holiday' vet fees:
It can cost more to seek advice and treatment from a vet over a holiday period - such as Easter or a bank holiday weekend - than it does during the working week. In fact, according to an esure poll4 one in three pet owners (30 per cent) admit that they would consider delaying taking their sick pet to the vet in a holiday period because of the higher fees. Having pet insurance takes away the decision to delay or consider DIY treatment. Worryingly a quarter of pet owners (24 per cent) admitted that they would try to 'self-treat' - even without proper veterinary advice - which could put the pet at risk.

Benefits to look out for in a pet insurance policy

Ample third party liability cover: esure pet insurance includes up to £1 million worth of third party liability cover, giving owners added peace of mind that they have accidental damage cover to potentially pay a repair bill if their dog damages someone's property in addition to cover for legal costs if their dog injures someone. According to an esure survey5, 11 per cent of dogs have been blamed for chewing up a neighbour’s plants, toys and damaging garden possessions.

No age restrictions: Some pet insurers won't offer cover to older dogs - unlike esure pet insurance where there is no upper age limit - so it's worth shopping around.

Alternative and complementary treatment covered: If a vet recommends any alternative or complementary medicines, including hydrotherapy pool sessions, consider checking the small print to make sure it's covered. esure pet insurance will pay these fees as standard.

Boarding kennel fees paid for: If a pet owner is taken ill and hospitalised there is added worry of who will look after a pet left at home. esure customers who are in hospital for more than 48 hours are able to claim for boarding kennel fees incurred6.

Mike Pickard, Head of esure pet insurance, said: "Sickness, injury and long-term illness can affect any breed of dog, at any time, which is why it's crucial for pet owners to have insurance or ample savings to cover an unexpected vet bill of any size. With many pet owners underestimating the cost of treatment for common ailments, a hefty vet bill may stretch household finances to the limit.

When it comes to buying pet insurance it's important to drill down into the detail of the product as well as look at value for money. Pet policies differ considerably so it's almost impossible to compare like for like. Check the small print to see what you are covered for and how easy it is to make a claim."

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esure's press contacts:

Asia Manzoor, Public Relations Officer: 01737 641305
Adrian Webb, Head of Corporate Communications: 01737 641000
Niki Bolton, Corporate Communications Manager: 01737 235070
Email: pr@esure.com 
An ISDN line is available for radio interviews.

Notes to Editors:

  1. SWNS conducted an online research survey via Onepoll which interviewed a random sample of 3000 dog owners aged 18+ between 3rd – 8th November 2008.
  2. Based on all claims received by pet insurance specialist, Thornside in 2008. Abouth Thornside
  3. SWNS conducted an online research survey via Onepoll which interviewed a random sample of 3000 dog owners aged 18+ between 19th – 23rd January 2009.
  4. ICM Research interviewed a random sample of 1005 adults aged 18+ by telephone between 12th -14th May 2006. Interviews were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. (www.icmresearch.co.uk)
  5. SWNS conducted an online research survey via Onepoll which interviewed a random sample of 3000 dog owners aged 18+ between 28th – 31st July 2009.
  6. Up to the amount shown on the Schedule and Statement of Insurance.