Why do I need Pet Insurance?

Should the worst happen and your pet becomes ill or suffers an accident, veterinary bills can run into thousands of pounds. We have a range of pet insurance products that ensure you’re able to choose the right pet plan to suit your needs. With our Gold Super plan for example your dog would receive up to £4,000 for each and every condition he develops, every year. read more...
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Pet Euthanasia - What Are Your Thoughts? E-mail

pet euthanasia has now made the news headlines a few times this past 12 months, and is especailly a concern during more testing ecomnomic times. with families having to tighten thier belts and all luxury goods being left out of our shopping baskets the quetions many families are finding they must answer is .....can we really afford the additional expense of our vet?

Dog Insurance Quote

During this time of our looming recession and current credit crunch, all families are having to make cut backs & watch the household spending. These cut backs may range from staying in, instead of going out, to limiting food treats & watching the spend on utilities such as gas and electricity. Even water is more expensive and with many UK households being earmarked to be put on water meters this will become a new concern to many during the next 12 months. However for some, the reduction in deposable cash is appearing more sombre in some households. It is affecting our beloved pets. Not everyone can find affordable pet insurance (dogs prone to health issues cost more to insure!), and some simply don't see the need.

 

Families are finding it increasingly difficult to manage veterinary bills as well as in some cases, their insurance policies- if they have one. Needless to say, it is also becoming more difficult to insure your pet economically.

 

Key pet insurance companies have noticed a rise in the number of cat & dog euthanasia in the last 5 years. It is disturbing reading. To be exact, 1.6 million cats and dogs were put down between 2003 and 2008 because their owners could not afford either veterinary fees or other medical costs of looking after their pet.

 

Whilst some pet owners have either no insurance or are unable to meet the excess for their pets treatment, they are opting purely to have the animal put down. This is solely cost related & unfortunately some owners, around 2.5 million, are refusing further treatment, leaving the animal in continued distress & pain.

 

Over half the number of veterinary practices in the UK have at some point put down a pet, due to owner wishes relating to them not being able the cost of treatment. This is not helped by escalating vet fees (approximately a 12% rise) & that more than half of the cats & dogs in the UK are not insured. It is also not aided either, by owners over indulgence towards their pets, as they are becoming increasing overweight, (according to one main insurer, a third of the dog population & a quarter of cats), & slowly developing diabetes related problems. They are also showing signs of behavioural problems.

One leading insurer has compiled a league table concerning the areas that have had owners put down a cat or dog within the last five years, purely due to cost. Its content is worrying.

 

East 12.1%

West Midlands 11.3%

South East 8.8%

South West 6.7%

East Midlands 5.1%

London 4.9%

Scotland 4.9%

Wales 4.2%

North East 3.3%

Yorks & Humber 3.2%

North West 2.0%

(Source: Sainsbury's Pet Insurance, July 2008)

What owners must realise is that 1 in 5 of them, can be helped with vet fees. The PDSA (Peoples Dispensory For Sick Animals) can help if you receive Housing or Council Tax Benefit depending on if you are eligible. They themselves have seen a 10% rise in the number of pets receiving treatment at its hospitals & treatment branches this year. Along with that, they will also this year provide over 1.8 million free treatments and more than 200,000 preventive treatments, such as vaccinations, neutering and micro chipping.

 

Before embarking on such a grave decision, owners must explore all options there are charities & other causes that can help.

 
Spaniels and Pet Health Insurance E-mail

The GREAT Cocker Spaniel

Dog Insurance Quote For Spaniels If you are thinking of getting a Cocker Spaniel, also consider that you may need pet insurance. We would love to insure your next dog should you require. Cocker spaniels love to be with humans. Cocker spaniels have a dome shaped head and long feathered ears. They have strong hind legs that are relatively straight. The eyes of a cocker spaniel are positioned towards the centre of the muscle and very round. They have a dark nose which is quite noticeable.

Cocker spaniels are medium sized dogs that are very athletic. The life span of a cocker spaniel ranges between 12-15 years. The male and female cocker spaniel weighs 15-30 pounds. They do well even in small apartments as they are not very large. You should always purchase a cocker spaniel from a reputable breeder. Natrually we would prefer that you first look to local dog rescue centres for your new pet. There are thousands of dogs without loving homes at the moment, all of whom are desperatly deserving of a good families love and attention.

Cocker spaniels suffer from immune system attacks which may result in serious blood loss. Therefore, you need to treat them immediately or it could also lead to death. They also suffer from skin allergies, ear infections, phophofructokinase deficiency and cardiomyopathy.

Like all dogs, cocker spaniels need proper care to avoid high expenses. If such expenses arise, it becomes difficult to pay off medical bills as they can be very high. It is recommended that you buy dog insurance for your cocker spaniel as soon as possible. Dog insurance covers surgeries, X rays, lab fees and pet treatments. Make sure that you familiarise yourself with the terms and conditions of the dog insurance policy before you buy.

 
Australian shepherds and Pet Health Insurance E-mail

Australian Shepherds – An Extremely Active Breed

Dog Insurance Quote For Spaniels Australian shepherds are very intelligent and active dogs. The eyes of Australian shepherds can be brown, blue, green, amber or hazel. Both their eyes can be of a different colour and they can have split eyes in which the eye is half brown and half green. The life span of an Australian shepherd ranges between 12 to 15 years. They are large sized dogs with medium hair length. Male Australian Shepherds weigh around 50 to 65 pounds and the females weigh around 40 to 55 pounds. They need an open space like a large fenced in yard to live. Animal Friends Insurance are happy to quote you for your dog insurance, simply click on the get quote button on the right for a free, no obligation quote.

Australian Shepherds suffer from diseases like cataracts, hip dysplasia and collie eye anomaly. They can also have genetic eye defects. In order to know whether your Australian Shepherds have any eye defects, you must visit a vet and get them checked as early as 6 weeks. They can be checked for hip dysplasia at the age of 2 years. Australia Shepherds need vigorous exercise and daily walks. Training is required to handle this breed.

Australian Shepherds are filled with energy and are extremely active, which sometimes makes them quite accident prone. They may injure themselves or fall sick. It is recommended that you insure your pet with the right type of coverage and plan. The cost of dog insurance depends on the plan and the coverage of the policy. You should get the dog insurance policy that best suits your active Australian Shepherd.

 
Pugs and Pet Health Insurance E-mail

Insuring a Pug

Dog Insurance Quote For PugsPugs are one of the largest breed in the Toy Group having a weight of 14 to 18 lbs. Pugs have dark bold eyes with a massive round head. They have thin, black and small ears. Pugs have one major wrinkle over the nose and large deep facial wrinkles. They have a loosed curled tail which sets high on the back. The life span of Pugs ranges from 12 to 14 years. Pugs are small in size. Both male and female Pugs weigh 14 to 18 lbs and have a short hair length. Pugs are best as an indoor dog and are not very comfortable living outdoors.

Pugs are a healthy breed, however, they face common problems like obesity and snoring issues. They can even suffer from epilepsy. Pugs suffer from seasonal allergies that result in weepy eyes etc. In order to keep their muscles toned, they require regular exercise. However, make sure that they do not get very tired.

You do want your Pug to live long and remain healthy throughout its life. This is often easier if you insure your pet with the right type of dog insurance plan. Your Pug may need regular checkups and vaccination at a certain point of time. You cannot delay such expenses. A dog insurance policy will play a major role in cutting down your expenses in such situations.

You should do some research before settling down for any dog insurance policy. You can get low premiums if you buy dog insurance when your Pug is young.

 
Compare Pet Health Insurance E-mail

Compare Insurance Policies Before You Buy Pet Insurance

Dog Insurance Quote
In order to keep your pet care costs within an affordable range, it is necessary to purchase a pet insurance.

Pet Insurance Ratings:
There are thousands of pet insurance policies. It becomes very difficult to decide which pet insurance policy will provide the best service therefore, you should check the ratings of pet insurance policies in order to get the pet insurance that best suits your needs. By checking the ratings of pet insurance policies, you will come to know which policies to avoid and which to buy.

Compare Pet insurance:
In order to get the best value for your money, it is advisable for you to compare pet insurance policies. However, before comparing you should know what type of policy you want for your pet. You should have a general idea of what you are looking for. You might go for a basic plan, which is the cheapest pet insurance and covers only basic emergencies and illness care. It is important to find out whether you can visit the vet of your choice and other terms and condition of the pet insurance policy

 
Choosing A Suitable Pet Insurance E-mail

A quick look at how you could better chhose a suitable pet insurance policy for your needs

Animal Friends Dog InsuranceChoose the right type of pet insurance for your pet
Veterinary medical costs are increasing by the day. Therefore, the only way we can afford to pay for our pets is by purchasing a pet insurance. There are different ways through which you can protect your pet. There are two main types of pet insurances are:

  • Pet Life Insurance
  • Travel Insurance
  • Pet Life Insurance
    Depending on the plan, the pet life insurance policy will cover your pet for injuries and preventive care. In case your pet falls ill or gets injured, you need to visit a licensed veterinarian. The insurance policy will cover your expenses as per the contract.

    You should consider the following issues when taking a pet life insurance policy:

  • Coverage by the insurance policy
  • The limits and levels of pet insurance
  • Means to pay the premium
  • Whether third party liability is provided by the policy
  • Will the policy make any payment if the pet dies


  • There are different kinds of pet insurance policies that have different plans, prices and benefits. You should compare all the pet life insurance policies and get a life long cover.

    Travel Pet Insurance
    You can take out a travel insurance policy for a number of days or even weeks. While travelling, if your pet gets injured or sick then you can take advantage of travel pet insurance in order to pay for your pet’s recovery. In case you have to ship your pet home or anything goes wrong while travelling, then travel pet insurance will cover those costs.

     
    Harriers and Pet Health Insurance E-mail

    Dog Breed: Harriers

    Animal Friends Dog Insurance

    Harriers are believed to have been bred from the English foxhound through selective breeding. Harriers have medium sized eyes that are set well apart. They can breathe properly as they have a wider nose with open nostrils. They have pendant shaped ears that lie close to the cheeks. Harriers do not have any excessive skin; they have muscular hind legs and their feet are round.

    The life span of Harriers ranges from 10 to 12 years. Male and female Harriers weigh 50 to 60 pounds. They are large in size with short hair length and like to live in open spaces and hence are not recommended as apartment dogs.

    Harriers are a rare breed and are one of the healthiest breeds of dog. Generally they do not suffer from any major diseases. However, they could suffer from hip dysplasia, epilepsy and jaw malformations. Harriers are a healthy breed but that does not mean they will not suffer from any diseases or illness.

    You obviously do not want your pet to catch fall ill or suffer from any disease. However, it is better not to take any chances and get a dog insurance policy for your Harrier.

    By having a dog insurance policy, you can give your dog the best possible treatment. You do not have to worry about the vet expenses as they would be covered by the dog insurance policy. You can reduce the premium for the dog insurance policy by getting your pet insured at an early age and getting only the required cover you need.

     
    Your Great Dane and Pet Health Insurance E-mail

    The Great Dane

     Animal Friends Dog Insurance Great Danes are powerful in appearance. They have a solid build and are very athletic. Great Danes have a muscular long neck. They have a wide and broad chest, and the front legs of a Great Dane are muscular and straight. The life span of a Great Dane is anywhere between 6 to 8 years. They are extra large in size with short hair length. A male Great Dane weighs 120 to 200 ponds and female weighs 100 to 300 pounds. Great Danes need a lot of regular exercise, however, they can tolerate small apartments if exercised well.

    The Great Dane suffers from several health problems that may be problematic. It is very important that you buy a Great Dane from a reputable breeder and ensure that the health of its parents has been checked. A big problem with this breed could be skin allergies. Dog shampoos and skin products should be selected carefully. They could also suffer from cardiomyopathy and respiratory problems. Great Danes can also suffer from Gastric torsion or bloat, VWD (von Willebrands) and other such issues.

    Medication for these problems may cost you a lot. You can save your hard earned money by insuring your pet at an early stage with the right type of dog insurance plan depending on your needs. To get the right dog insurance plan you should do some research work. Different dog insurance plans cover different conditions. Getting dog insurance for your Great Dane is important as you they are prone to diseases and illness.

     
    A Swift Glance At Pet Insurance E-mail

    Sometimes we all like to just make sure that we have the right information on how to move forward beofre we actually spend our money. We hope that this short refresher helps you.

    Animal Friends Dog InsuranceA swift glance at pet insurance for those of you who just want to make sure that your on the right track.

    Veterinary pet insurance may include surgical care, vaccines and other medical care. You should always check with your insurer first though as vaccines and spaying may be excluded. Under chronic conditions, vet insurance includes ongoing and long term treatment. However, the policy has to be renewed every year and it is most common that an exclusion clause will be imposed for any conditions you may have claimed against in the previous year!

    Many insurers prohibit pets over a particular age. Usually that age is around 8 years old. Here at Animal Friends we do not do this. We insure pets of all ages! Therefore, while getting a vet insurance policy, study the terms and conditions properly before applying. Younger pets cost less to insure and there are also specific policy types to cover ongoing pet illnesses ( Pet lifetime cover policies are generally the most comprehensive )

    There are three essential groups in a pet insurance policy. The cheapest pet insurance is suitable for unusual emergencies and can be claimed per condition once each year. A second type limits the total amount paid annually and the final type limits the amount to be paid per condition.

    Pet insurance has become one of the fastest growing forms of insurance. There are many pet insurance policies with different coverage and plans. Generally these pet plans include accidents and routine care coverage. Some vet insurance plans also include special treatment for cancer pets. The costs of these plans vary depending on the policy. If you have several pets at home then it would be a great idea to look into asking your pet insurer to provide you with a money saving multi pet insurance policy discount on your pet insurance premium for the year. Pet insurance is a good way of protecting yourself from any financial difficulties in case your pet falls ill or faces any injury. We have taken a diiferent look at how to buy the most appropriate pet insurance policy for your needs in another blog on the same topic with some other great ideas, a swift glance at pet insurance.. please have a look

     
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