Your dogs and cats are part of the family. You want to make sure they have the best care when they're poorly, and that's what pet insurance cover is for. Every pet is different, which is why there are different options to choose from. If you're wondering "what pet insurance should I get?", here are some things to consider.
What type of cover does my pet need?
It's important to choose the right type of pet insurance cover – for you and for your pet. Accident only pet insurance is usually the cheapest, but it won't cover your pet if they fall sick from an unrelated illness such as heartworm, skin allergies or hip dysplasia.
Some breeds are more prone to illness than others. For example, Labrador Retriever dogs could be prone to cancer and exercise-induced collapse (EIC), while Ragdoll cats might suffer from kidney problems and hyperthyroidism. It's worth doing some research on your pet's breed to find out whether they're more or less at risk.
Choosing a higher level of cover will give you more protection if an accident or injury were to happen. A policy that covers illness, as well as accidents, is worth considering in most circumstances. These policies cover the cost of treatment if your pet happens to fall sick, as well as other costs such as euthanasia and burial or cremation costs when it's time to say goodbye.
What are the differences between the four levels of Tesco Bank Pet Insurance cover available?
At Tesco Bank, we offer four different levels of cover. You can find more information about the differences in the types of cover we offer below, or you can find out more about our Pet Insurance.
Compare our levels of cover
|
Accident and Injury |
Standard |
Extra |
Premier |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Vet fees limit |
£3,000 |
£3,000 |
£4,000 or £7,500 |
£2,000, £4,000, £7,500 or £10,000 |
|
Choice of excess |
From £60 for each accident or injury |
From £60 for each illness or accident |
From £60 for each illness or accident |
From £60 for each illness or accident per policy year |
|
Time limit for vet fees cover |
12 months from the first date of treatment, or until the vet fees limit is used up, whichever happens first, if your policy is renewed and there is no break in cover and your premiums are paid. |
12 months from the first date of treatment, or until the vet fees limit is used up, whichever happens first, if your policy is renewed and there is no break in cover and your premiums are paid. |
Lasts until the vet fees limit is used up for each accident or illness, if your policy is renewed and there is no break in cover and your premiums are paid. |
Vet fees limits are per year and are reinstated annually, if your policy is renewed and there is no break in cover and your premiums are paid. |
|
Dental cover as the result of an accident |
as the result of an accident |
as the result of an accident |
as the result of an accident |
plus additional illness and injury cover if yearly check-up and any recommended treatment undertaken |
|
Lost pet cover towards the cost of trying to find your pet |
N/A |
Up to £1,000 |
Up to £1,000 |
Up to £1,000 |
|
Cover for accidents and injuries |
|
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|
|
Additional cover for illness |
N/A |
|
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24hr access to the vetfone™ helpline - unlimited free telephone and video calls. 0800 197 4949 |
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Saying goodbye towards the cost of putting your pet to sleep and their burial or cremation |
N/A |
Up to £200 |
Up to £200 |
Up to £200 |
|
If you’re unwell the cost of your pet being looked after if you unexpectedly need to go into hospital for more than 4 days |
N/A |
Up to £1,000 |
Up to £1,000 |
Up to £1,000 |
|
Pet travel cover for vet fees within the EU under the Pet Travel Scheme |
N/A |
Up to your vet fees limit |
Up to your vet fees limit |
Up to your vet fees limit |
|
Death from accident or illness we will refund the price you donated for them (excluding pets over 9 from illness) |
N/A |
Up to £1,500 |
Up to £1,500 |
Up to £1,500 |
|
Complementary treatments such as physiotherapy, homeopathy or hydrotherapy on the advice of a vet. |
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Monetary limits, excesses and exclusions apply. Pets must be at least eight weeks old when cover starts and any pre-existing injuries and illness are not covered. Exclusion periods for injury and illness apply. Certain breeds of cat and dog are also not covered.
What type of pet insurance should I get: Accident and Injury, Standard, Extra or Premier cover?
The level of pet insurance cover you choose should be based on your, and your pet's, individual needs. A way to figure that out is to find out more about our Pet Insurance and get a quote. We'll run you through some questions to help you work out what our best type of pet insurance is for you based on the information you give us – for example whether you choose an accident only policy, how long you'll need help paying vet bills for and how much vet fees you would like to cover to each accident and injury.
Looking for more information?
Expert advice available 24/7
vetfone™ provides 24/7 unlimited access to free telephone and video calls for expert advice from nurses qualified with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. If your pet has a medical emergency, or you need reassurance on grooming, feeding or general advice, vetfone™ is there to help. vetfone™ is included in all Tesco Bank Pet Insurance policies.
Tesco Bank Pet Insurance policy holders can call the vetfone™ freephone* number on 0800 197 4949. *Standard network charges apply. Mobiles may be higher. Please check with your operator.
Important information
Tesco Bank Pet Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd.
vetfone™ is provided by Vetsdirect Ltd.
The content on this page aims to offer an informative introduction to the subject matter but does not constitute expert advice specific to your own situation. All facts and figures were correct at the time of publication and were compiled using a range of sources.