What type of pet insurance do I need?

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, covers 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 levels of Tesco Pet Insurance cover available?

      At Tesco Insurance, we offer 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

        Compare our levels of cover

        Standard

        Extra

        Premier

        Vet fees limit

          £3,000

            £4,000 or £7,500

              £2,000, £4,000, £7,500 or £10,000

                Choice of excess

                  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.

                            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

                                    Yes

                                    as the result of an accident

                                        Yes

                                        as the result of an accident

                                            Yes

                                            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

                                                Up to £1,000

                                                  Up to £1,000

                                                    Up to £1,000

                                                      Cover for accidents and injuries

                                                          Yes
                                                            Yes
                                                              Yes

                                                              Additional cover for illness

                                                                  Yes
                                                                    Yes
                                                                      Yes

                                                                      24hr access to the vetfone™ helpline - unlimited free telephone and video calls. 0800 197 4949

                                                                          Yes
                                                                            Yes
                                                                              Yes

                                                                              Saying goodbye

                                                                              towards the cost of putting your pet to sleep and their burial or cremation

                                                                                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

                                                                                        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

                                                                                                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)

                                                                                                        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.

                                                                                                                  Yes
                                                                                                                    Yes
                                                                                                                      Yes

                                                                                                                      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: 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, how long you'll need help paying vet bills for and how much vet fees you would like to cover to each illness, 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 Pet Insurance policies.

                                                                                                                          Tesco 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 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.

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