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Pet owners are being urged to check they have the right insurance for their animals - or risk hefty vet bills.
The warning from Rossborough Insurance comes after research in the UK reported that 37% of pet insurance claims are rejected. Common reasons include the pet being too old, vet costs being too high, the animal having a pre-existing condition or the policy not covering the recommended treatment.
The research from comparison site money.co.uk reported that nearly half of those (46%) who had their pet insurance claims turned down then used their credit card to cover the cost instead. One in four got a loan, while 7% used a payday loan to cover pet bills.
"Pet insurance can give you peace of mind when your beloved pet may become extremely ill and requires life-saving vetinary treatment. The average pet insurance claim is now £420 for pedigree cats and £469 for pedigree dogs, for example, but they can run into thousands of pounds," said Rob Hewlett, director of Rossborough Insurance.
"Policies start from less than £9 a month so it is very cost effective. It’s primarily designed to cover vets' bills to treat unexpected illness and injury. Other policy benefits can include meeting the cost of advertising should a pet go missing, rewards for lost pets and care for your animal should you have to go into hospital."
Mr Hewlett said that using a broker will ensure people have the right policy which offers comprehensive insurance.
"An insurance broker has the expertise to find the right policy to suit every individual’s needs and is also there to provide support when a claim is made," he said.
Rossborough also donates £10 to the GSPCA from every pet insurance policy sold and has donated hundreds of pounds to the animal charity.
