Why do I need pet insurance?

Pet insurers paid out a record-breaking £785 million in 2018 to cover the unexpected costs of owning a pet, driven by a significant increase in average claim size. The rise is likely to be caused by ever-increasing veterinary costs, as the sophistication and cost of treatment rises.

Figures published by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) reveal that, in 2018, more pets were covered than ever before – with nearly 4.3 million pets being protected. Over the past ten years, the average claim £793 has increased by 75%, whilst the average premium £279 has only increased by 50%.

Put your mind at ease that your beloved companions are covered for a range of eventualities. All Tesco Bank Pet Insurance policies cover vet’s fees up to an agreed limit, including emergency and referral vet fees.

Source: https://www.abi.org.uk/news/news-articles/2019/04/com-pet-itive-market/

Benefits of Premier, Extra and Standard Tesco Bank Pet Insurance policies include:

Lost pet cover for advertising and reward costs if you lose your pet
Help if you are unwell and your pet needs looked after
Cancelling or cutting short your holiday because your pet is ill or missing
Pet Travel cover including vet fees abroad, lost pet passport, quarantine costs and emergency expenses abroad
3rd party liability (dogs only)
Refunding the cost of your pet if it is lost or dies
Saying goodbye cover for cremation or burial costs

Typical treatment costs

Common illnesses and injuries for cats

Common illnesses and injuries for cats
Condition	Average condition cost
Wound	£266.68
Hyperthyroidism	£265.17
Cat bite abscess	£170.79
RTA	£778.99
Abscess	£224.79
Cystitis	£239.94
Injury	£405.76
Kidney/renal failure	£314.46
Lameness	£272.43
Tumour	£598.92
Respiratory condition	£383.69
Vomiting	£381.78
Weight loss	£302.49
Kidney/renal disease	£298.66
Fracture	£859.50
Pyrexia	£387.26
Urinary Condition	£344.95
Cat fight	£172.75
Gastric condition	£437.63
Lethargy	£317.66
Pancreatitis	£534.66
Diabetes	£296.80
Arthritis/DJD	£143.48
Eye condition	£264.95
Dermatitis	£173.02
Cardiomyopathy	£331.63
Lymphoma	£641.08
Urinary obstruction	£737.64
Diarrhoea	£268.54
Inappetance	£384.80
Urinary infection	£299.39
Lump	£365.29
Heart murmur	£246.23
Neck lesions	£313.41
Heart condition	£391.34
Skin condition	£168.54
Anorexia	£456.80
Corneal ulcer	£331.41

Source: Based on total amount of all closed claims for cats received by Tesco Bank Pet Insurance from July 2015 to August 2016. Average costs provided for illustration costs only. Actual costs will vary.

Common illnesses and injuries for dogs

Common illnesses and injuries for dogs
Condition	Average condition cost
Tumour	£621.10
Arthritis/DJD	£230.48
Lameness	£392.13
Cruciate rupture	£1060.53
Gastro-enteritis	£482.14
Lump	£420.53
Wound	£356.71
Wart/growth	£387.19
Lipoma	£449.15
Otitis externa	£271.68
Epilepsy / fitting / seizure	£300.92
Injury	£411.72
Vomiting	£419.01
Gastric condition	£512.64
Poisoning	£380.51
Dermatitis	£245.77
Pancreatitis	£560.45
Injured/infected claw	£263.20
Skin condition	£241.76
Corneal ulcer	£360.84
Respiratory condition	£597.85
Mast cell tumour	£638.53
Diarrhoea	£306.91
Vomiting and diarrhoea	£414.43
Liver condition	£383.71
Cushing's disease	£319.03
Diabetes	£321.54
Skin allergy	£239.97
Atopy	£224.51
Patella luxation	£908.10
Eye condition	£339.75
Hip dysplasia	£485.73
Heart failure	£288.13
Hypothyroidism	£152.29
Ear condition	£285.42
Heart condition	£433.29
Coughing	£376.63
Back/spinal condition	£630.85

Source: Based on total amount of all closed claims for dogs received by Tesco Bank Pet Insurance from July 2015 to August 2016. Average costs provided for illustration costs only. Actual costs will vary.

What's not covered

Routine examinations or check ups, vaccinations, homeopathic vaccination alternatives, flea, tick or worming treatments, clipping nails, bathing, de-matting, spaying or castrating your pet.
Non-prescription medication, supplements, vitamins or food.

Looking for some more information?

Important information

Key product information

Tesco Bank Pet Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance plc.

Vetfone™ is provided by Vetsdirect Ltd.

Exclusions

Monetary limits, excesses and exclusions apply.

Policies don't cover pre-existing medical conditions.

Standard, Extra & Premier

Pets must be at least eight weeks old when cover starts, any pre-existing injuries and illness are not covered. Changes in your pet’s health, or behaviour or any illness that develops from these changes within the first 14 days of your cover start date are not covered. Certain breeds of cat and dog are also not covered.

Accident & Injury

Pets must be at least eight weeks old when cover starts, any pre-existing injuries and illness are not covered. Any accident, injury or any illness that develops from an accident or injury in the first five days of your cover start date is not covered. Certain breeds of cat and dog are also not covered.