SADLY, it’s not uncommon for our pets to become sick or injured and if you’re not prepared, the vet bills can soon add up.

The 2022 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report found that 61 per cent of cats and 39 per cent of dogs in the UK are uninsured, showing that many pets may not be covered for all eventualities.

PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing says: “We all do our best to keep our furry family members happy and healthy, but sometimes factors outside our control can mean they become unwell. Our latest PAW Report found almost a third of cat owners are worried about how they’ll pay for medical bills if their puss falls ill.

“Along with keeping on top of preventive healthcare, having cover in place will avoid added stress from a costly vet bill if your pet becomes unwell. Pet insurance costs depend on the type and level of cover, the pet’s breed and age, and where you live. With many options on the market, it’s important to make sure you are choosing the right cover for your furry family member.

“The cheapest policies are generally ‘accident only’ and will only cover claims for accidental injuries up to a specified amount, so it’s important to remember you would need to cover the cost if your pet became ill. Meanwhile, the most comprehensive lifetime cover policies may be more expensive, but will insure your pet for all accidents and illnesses up to a certain financial limit each year.

“Whatever insurance you choose, always read the policy terms and conditions to ensure that you’re choosing the right insurance for you and your pet. Some companies won’t insure certain breeds, while others may not offer cover over a certain age. Find the best policy as soon as possible, as pre-existing illnesses and injuries are typically not covered. If you insure your pet while they’re young and healthy, most companies will continue to cover them in older age, but be aware that the premium is likely to increase. Excesses are paid in addition to your annual premium and, depending on the cover, can be a fixed price or a percentage of the claim. Your insurer may sometimes set a ‘compulsory excess’ along with a ‘voluntary excess’ where you decide the amount you’d pay when making a claim. Opting for a policy with a higher excess could reduce the cost of your annual premium, but make sure the cost is affordable.

“Most pet insurances won’t cover treatments such as flea and worm prevention, teeth maintenance and spaying so if these are features you’d like include, factor them in when exploring options.

“Seek advice from your vet if you’re unsure of cover. Visit pdsa.org.uk/insurance-guide.”