Take lead on insurance
FIVE-MINUTE GUIDE TO... WHAT COVID-19 MEANS FOR PETS
WHILE a pet can be a great source of comfort for Britons trapped at home during the lockdown, they are also a worry, especially if they have health problems or need vaccines.
Many owners will be wondering what their insurance policy covers at the moment and what help it will provide in these unprecedented times.
Some 7.7 million animal lovers have taken out pet insurance and last year almost a million of them made claims totalling a record £815 million, mostly to cover veterinary bills.
Of these, 749,000 were for dogs and 211,000 for cats, with the average payout £822, against a typical premium of £271, Association of British Insurers (ABI) figures show.
Access to veterinary surgeries is limited during the lockdown but ABI assistant director Mark Shepherd said insurers are temporarily easing requirements for owners to carry out routine checkups, vaccinations, and dental checks.
He said: “Insurers are also keen to ensure pet owners can still access vital treatment.”
As an example, LV= General Insurance is offering a six monthly waiver on annual vaccinations and flexibility on new pets being seen by a vet within 12 months of taking out a policy.
LV= is also offering customers free video consultations with a vet in urgent cases, to see if they can be treated at home.
If treatment for a condition has been interrupted, time limits on claims will be eased, while it may offer affordable cover options for its customers who are struggling financially.
Mubina Pirmohamed, pet insurance manager at Comparethemarket.com, said call your vet if your pet needs treatment but avoid non-essential trips: “Some insurers have helplines and telephone or video consultations, so check what yours offers.”
While Covid-19 can infect cats and dogs, there is no evidence of pets infecting owners. However they may carry it on their fur for a time after coming into contact with somebody who is sick.
Coronavirus is unlikely to make pets unwell. “Insurance will cover treatment and medication if your pet does fall ill,” Pirmohamed said.
Ian Rayland, managing director at insurer Scratch & Patch, which is now offering customers a 24/7 helpline, said maintain good hygiene around your pet but if nobody in your home is self-isolating or showing symptoms then carry on as usual.
He said: “Be more cautious if you have been diagnosed with Covid-19, or come into contact with an infected person.
Do not kiss or cough on your dog or cat and keep snuggles to a minimum.”
Dog owners without symptoms can walk their dog daily. “Households with two or more adults can each walk the dog, giving it extra exercise,” he added.
If your pet needs treatment, you should still contact your vet. Rayland said: “Although they may be operating a reduced service or triaging on a case-by-case basis, there may still be availability.”
Pet care specialist Joii has just launched an app that allows owners to video call a veterinary nurse for free, use a free symptom checker, or chat to a veterinary surgeon for just £20, with no additional out-of-hours charges.
Insurer helplines are busy right now so to avoid a long wait, check their websites for information and use web chat options and online claim forms.