Your pet is part of the family, and like our loved ones we want to protect them, however, vet fees are costly and often unforeseen. Here’s how pet insurance works and how you can find the best pet cover in Ireland.
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What pet insurance covers and how much it costs.
Pet insurance helps protect your pets and guard against unexpected vet bills when they need treatment. Some policies will help with costs when your cat or dog gets stolen, goes missing, or dies.
In addition to vet fees, other benefits will depend on the level of cover you choose. Insurance for pets typically covers the following:
Many pet insurers offer a choice of plans, ranging from basic to premium. The type of plan you choose will affect the price you pay per month, so the more benefits you need, the more it will cost you.
Always check your policy carefully before buying because there may be exclusions, especially with cheaper plans.
Almost all pet insurers in Ireland offer both dog insurance and cat insurance.
You can also get cover for rabbits, horses, birds, or exotic pets, but your choice of insurer will be more limited.
Emergency dental treatment is sometimes covered, however, insurers may stipulate that your pet has had a health check within the last 12 months. It is advisable to read the terms and conditions carefully.
The price of your policy depends on the:
The average cost of pet insurance in Ireland is around €16 per month. However, monthly premiums for pet insurance can be as little as €8 or over €30 per month.
The age, health, and breed of your pet, plus the level of cover you choose will all affect your pet insurance quote so it’s worth shopping around to find the best cover.
There are different types of pet insurance policies for your dogs and cats.
The type of policy will affect how comprehensively you are covered.
Most policy types and levels of cover offer third-party liability for dogs and it’s likely you will have to pay a policy excess on some claims.
Pet insurance doesn’t cover preventative treatments such as the cost of check-ups, vaccinations, worming, flea control or neutering.
Third-party insurance covers you if you become liable for damage or injury caused by your pet. Cover can pay up to €250,000. This is only available for dogs and exclusions may apply.
The excess is the amount you have to contribute before the insurer pays out, much like home insurance. It is typically about €100 for standard claims and €350 for third-party liability.
The best pet insurance is the one that protects your pet, offers peace of mind and suits your budget.
Vet fees are typically covered up to €4,000 per year in Ireland. Cheaper Accident Only plans tend to cover up to €2,000.
The amount of cover you need will depend on how much protection your pet needs. The following factors can help you decide.
The level of cover you choose will affect the price of your monthly premium.
Watch Charles Cosgrave of Village Vets give his expert view on pet insurance and what you need to know before buying.
This will depend on the type of pet insurance policy you choose. Most insurers will not cover the cost of the following:
It is advised that you read the terms and conditions of your policy document carefully to check you’re covered for what you need.
The cheapest pet insurance may not always be the best cover for your pet, nevertheless, it’s worth shopping around to get the best price.
There are other things you can do to secure a cheaper pet insurance quote including:
There are several pet insurance providers in Ireland. Here’s a list to help you compare quotes and get the best cover for your pet.
After purchasing a policy you will be excluded from claiming for illness for 14 days or 48 hours for accident or injury. You will be fully covered after this time.
If you shop around for the best-priced policy and it fits your needs, insurance for dogs and cats could save you money if your pet is injured, falls ill, or goes missing.
Just remember to read the terms and conditions carefully to check for exclusions and policy excesses.
Policies do not normally cover conditions or diseases your pet was born with.
Yes, you can still insure your pet, but insurance providers won’t cover treatment for the pre-existing condition. For example, if your dog has diabetes - you will not be covered for any illness caused by complications of diabetes.
Pet insurance in Ireland is typically available for cats and dogs between 8 weeks old and six years of age. However, Lifetime plans may cover your cat or dog beyond six years if you renew your policy continuously from an earlier age.
No, if your pet damages your furniture this isn’t usually covered by a pet insurance policy. It may, however, be included in a comprehensive contents insurance policy.
Yes, some insurers do offer cover for complementary therapies such as homeopathy or osteopathy, but you should always check this is the case. Any treatment would have to be carried out by your vet and terms and conditions will apply.
Pet insurance providers should be regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland, so check the fine print for evidence.
Some premium plans may cover your dog abroad, but check for exclusions. Insurers rarely offer travel insurance for your pet.
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