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Pets are like members of the family, so when they get ill it can be very distressing. Many people choose to invest in pet insurance so that, should anything happen to their pet, veterinary bills will be covered. This way, you don’t have to worry about making a tough decision as to whether or not you can afford to pay to help your beloved pet. However, if you plan to purchase pet insurance, there are certain things that you would do well to consider first so that you get the best possible deal.

What kind of pet do you need to insure? The most common types of animals to be covered by pet insurance are cats and dogs, and you are likely to find that a wide range of insurers only cover these two species. These days, you can pick up insurance either from a specific pet insurance company like PetPlan or from a local supermarket, like ASDA. If you’re looking for insurance for a more unusual pet however, you’ll have to do a bit more in depth research to find the right company for you. PetPlan also insure horses, and for more exotic pets you could try somewhere like Exotic Direct or Healthy Pets. Just be sure to always properly investigate a range of companies to get the best possible deal.

How old is your pet? If your pet is still very young, then you should have no problems finding a company willing to provide insurance, however things get a little trickier when you have older pets. Companies are less eager to give you pet insurance on older animals, as they are likely to need more veterinary treatment. Generally, cats can be insured up to the age of about 10 (though if you already have insurance with the company, this will continue on past the maximum joining age), whereas dogs have to be a bit younger – around 8, or a few years younger for certain breeds. Bearing all of this in mind, if you’re going to invest in pet insurance it’s probably best to start when your pet is young.

What extras might you need? When you’re investigating which company to choose for your pet insurance, always check for the features and extras you might need. Many companies like LV will cover the cost of boarding your pet if you have to go into hospital, and if you want to travel with your pet, it’s best to check what allowances each policy makes for this.

Ultimately, the main benefit of pet insurance is that it leaves you free to care for your pet when it is in need, without causing you any stress regarding expensive veterinary fees. It’s vital that you know exactly what you’re getting with your pet insurance, so always do your research before signing on the dotted line.