Freya V. Locke - Dog Behaviourist | Author | Blogger. Issue 3. 2024.

Have you got insurance for your dog?

Jan 13, 2024

Hi Gang

It’s Saturday again, so here I am with this week’s newsletter.

This week I have been investigating insurance for Twyla. As a puppy, I decided not to insure her initially, as she was healthy. Instead, I established a standing order with my bank and put money away into a savings account for her.

This was fine for all the minor scrapes and scuffs that puppyhood brings, and may work out a lot cheaper for anyone who is disciplined enough to not break into their dog’s funds.

However, as Twyla gets older, I remember some bills that came along with her dog-siblings. Ruby, my labrador (RIP) needed to have her anal glands removed, and it cost several thousand pounds. She also had cancer twice. Savings only go so far.

So I decided it is prudent to think about insurance.

My advice?

Before deciding, it's important to conduct research to determine the amount of coverage you will need. In my case, I took the time to look into the costs of various surgeries, and found that most of them for Twyla would be under £4,000. I opted for coverage at that level. However, keep in mind that your dog's needs may differ.
It's crucial to consider whether the policy covers ongoing expenses. If you have strong feelings about providing long-term treatment or medication for your dog, this factor could heavily influence your choice of policy. Be sure to review carefully the fine print.
Most insurers will not cover existing illness or injury. So if your dog has a problem before you insure them, or for the first few weeks of insurance, then this will not be covered and you will have to pay your own vet bill.
Another consideration is your excess fee. You may have to pay a set amount towards a claim. In my case, it will be £120 per claim. Once Twyla reaches eight years old, I will also have to pay a percentage of the vet bill, so this will be something I need to consider in the future. Lower excess fees mean higher monthly premiums to pay for your insurance. You might find yourself out of pocket if you do not intend to claim very often.
Last, I advise against immediately accepting the first quote you receive. In my experience, one insurance company initially quoted me almost £90 per month, only for another company to later offer me the same level of coverage for just £22 per month. So, take the time to compare quotes and find the best deal for your specific needs.

I will also keep a savings account on the go, simply to pay for routine care and things that do not require an insurance claim.