But is it necessary to have cover for young pets?
Here, we look at the average costs involved in insuring your young pet and the potential risks of not having a policy in place.
Find out more: .How do pet insurance costs increase with age?
If you've recently welcomed a new puppy or kitten into your family and plan to insure your pet, it's a good idea to consider purchasing cover early on.
That's because as pets age, insurance premiums typically rise.
Data from comparison site GoCompare shows the average median price of dog and cat insurance policies as they age.
Find out more:What are the advantages of skipping pet insurance?
Choosing not to get insurance may offer short-term savings by avoiding premiums.
Plus, without insurance, you have the freedom to select where your pet receives treatment and which vet to see, giving you more control over their early care. You can also decide which treatments they need without insurance rules, tailoring their care to their specific needs.
While not having pet insurance initially may offer short-term financial benefits and more flexibility, it's important to consider the potential long-term costs and risks associated with not having cover for your young pet.
What are the risks of not getting pet insurance for young pets?
In the short term if your young pet develops health issues or has an accident without insurance, you could also face unexpected and costly vet bills.
The cost of treating a serious pet condition can be eye-watering, with expenses easily reaching thousands of pounds; but even the average claim sets you back. According to Tesco Bank Pet Insurance data, the average cat claim amounts to £691, while for dogs, it's even higher at £822. It’s also worth noting that young and untrained pets may be prone to accidents.
But not having pet insurance could mean paying more over time, as premiums typically increase as pets age.
Also, as pets age, they may develop chronic conditions that insurance companies might not cover. Our research found that only a few policies — around 29% for dogs and 21% for cats – may cover pre-existing conditions.
Remember, insurance may not cover all the costs. Routine pet healthcare, for example, usually won’t be covered, so that's check-ups, vaccinations or flea and worm treatments. Also, expect to pay an excess when you make a claim. If you have a co-payment policy, where you pay a percentage of each claim, you'll have to pay this along with the excess.
Find out more: .6 tips for getting the right pet insurance cover
If it’s your first time taking out pet insurance or you’re looking to switch policy, here are six things worth looking out for:
Pre-existing conditions Ongoing conditionsWaiting periodPreventive care and pregnancyDental coverageHoliday cancellation Find out more: .Which? Limited is registered in England and Wales to 2 Marylebone Road, London NW1 4DF, company number 00677665 and is an Introducer Appointed Representative (FRN 610689) of the following: 1. Inspop.com Ltd for the introduction of non-investment motor, home, travel and pet insurance, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to provide advice and arrange non-investment motor, home, travel and pet insurance products (FRN310635). Inspop.com Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to provide advice and arrange non-investment motor, home, travel and pet insurance products (FRN310635) and is registered in England and Wales to Greyfriars House, Greyfriars Road, Cardiff, South Wales, CF10 3AL, company number 03857130. Confused.com is a trading name of Inspop.com Ltd. 2. LifeSearch Partners Limited (FRN656479), for the introduction of Pure Protection Contracts and Private Health Insurance, who are authorised and regulated by the FCA to provide advice and arrange Pure Protection Contracts and Private Health Insurance Contracts. LifeSearch Partners Ltd is registered in England and Wales to 3000a Parkway, Whiteley, Hampshire, PO15 7FX, company number 03412386. 3. Optimise Media Limited (FRN 313408) for the introduction of the First Direct Current Account, LV= Pet Insurance and LV= Asda Breakdown. Optimise Media Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority to provide credit brokering and general insurance activity. Optimise Media is registered in England and Wales to Exchange Street Buildings, 35-37 Exchange Street, Norwich, England, NR2 1DP and company number 044553194. HUB Financial Solutions, for the introduction of equity release advice, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (‘FCA’) to provide advice and guidance on financial products for those who have retired or are approaching retirement (FCA Firm Reference Number: 455713). HUB Financial Solutions is registered in England and Wales to Enterprise House, Bancroft Road, Reigate, Surrey RH12 7RP, company number 05125701. 5. Alan Boswell Insurance Brokers Ltd (FRN 301), for the introduction of non-investment landlord insurances, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority to provide advice and arrange insurance contracts. Alan Boswell insurance brokers Ltd is registered in England at Prospect House, Rouen Rd, Norwich NR1 1RE, company number 02591252. We do not make, nor do we seek to make, any recommendations or personalised advice on financial products or services that are regulated by the FCA, as we’re not regulated or authorised by the FCA to advise you in this way. In some cases, however, we have included links to regulated brands or providers with whom we have a commercial relationship and, if you choose to, you can buy a product from our commercial partners. If you go ahead and buy a product using our link, we will receive a commission to help fund our not-for-profit mission and our campaigns work as a champion for the UK consumer. Please note that a link alone does not constitute an endorsement by Which?.
source https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/do-you-need-pet-insurance-for-puppies-and-kittens-a6DUd5H49n3q