Affordable Pet Insurance
If your pet is injured or ill, veterinary treatments and medical costs can be expensive. It’s only natural to get upset; dog and cat insurance will give you peace of mind and remove the financial strain should your pet require treatment for an injury. Like humans, mature pets are prone to long-term illness, such as arthritis, heart problems or diabetes.
So whether your pet is a crossbreed or a pedigree, the right cover can make stressful situations and decisions a little easier to handle by removing the financial burden. Pedigree pets are generally more prone to illness, so you must get the right cover suitable for your dog or cat. The older the pet, the higher the premiums and, remember, if you are purchasing a new policy, pre-existing conditions will not be covered.
Policies are underwritten by Sava Insurance Company Limited and administered in Ireland by Cover-More Blue Insurance Services Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
Dog & Cat Insurance
It’s essential to keep your dog or cat in good shape by ensuring they have a healthy diet and regular exercise. We would also recommend that your pet gets vaccinations and boosters as advised by your vet. We’ve outlined some useful tips for finding affordable cover below.
- Some providers may offer discounts for policies purchased online.
- Pet insurance companies generally provide a more competitive quote if your pet is microchipped. This chip will help identify the owner should your pet stray.
- Discounts for multiple pets are usually available.
- Shop around for the best value policy; you may be surprised how much you can save.
- Always read the policy wording carefully and ensure you understand the exclusions.
- The cheapest plan is not necessarily the best.
Carefully read policy documents. Benefits vary by cover level. Please review exclusions and age limits, waiting periods, excess clauses, renewal terms, etc in your policy documentation.
What Does Cat & Dog Insurance Cover?
Pet insurance benefits vary depending on the level of cover you choose. Prices will depend on your pet’s age, location and whether your pet is a pedigree or a crossbreed. There will be limits on your pet’s age, for example, dogs and cats over eight years. See the main benefits of dog & cat insurance in Ireland below.
- Cover includes veterinary treatment costs up to a limit outlined on your policy schedule (available on all cover levels).
- Third-party liability: this benefit will cover you if your dog causes injury to a third party (available on all cover levels).
- Emergency boarding or kennel fees if you are hospitalised (Premier / Premier Plus only).
- Advertising and reward costs for missing pets (Premier / Premier Plus only).
- Theft or straying benefit (Premier / Premier Plus only).
- Accidental death benefit (Premier / Premier Plus only).
- Holiday cancellation if you must cancel a trip due to your pet’s illness or injury (Premier / Premier Plus only).
Pet insurance exclusions:
Ensure you understand what the insurance policy will cover and what is not covered. Pet insurance providers usually exclude pre-existing medical conditions when taking on new customers. See exclusions below:
- Breeding or pregnancy-related conditions
- Worming, flea control and castration
- Pre-existing conditions
- Medication or treatment not recommended by a vet
- Animals registered under the government’s Dangerous Dogs Act 1991/97
- Puppies and kittens under eight weeks old are not covered
New policies may exclude injuries occurring within the first 48 hours or illnesses showing signs within the first 14 days. These waiting periods typically do not apply to renewals.
Some dog breeds (e.g. XL Bully, Working Sheepdog, or mixes of these breeds) may be excluded or require additional documentation such as a certificate of exemption. Always check your policy wording for the latest breed restrictions.
Pet Insurance FAQs
What is the difference between Life Time and Annual Cover?
- Life Time Cover
This policy will generally cover your pet for life if renewed annually. You can claim up to the total amount outlined on your policy schedule for vet fees in the event of an ongoing illness, such as arthritis or heart problems. This type of policy will be more expensive than the annual cover; terms, conditions and limits may apply. - Annual Cover
This type of policy will not contribute to vet bills for an ongoing illness after the first 12 months. Premiums vary, so make sure you understand the criteria, terms and conditions.
Under Essential cover, each condition is covered for up to 12 months from the date of onset; higher levels allow ongoing cover (subject to renewal and policy terms).
Pet age limits
Generally, you can purchase a pet insurance policy once your dog or cat is at least eight weeks old. Age limits for new policies vary by cover level, and if you renew your Lifetime plan each year, it will continue to cover your pet beyond that age.
What is a policy excess?
Excess is the initial amount you must contribute towards a claim; this amount will vary depending on the type of policy you purchase.
From age 5, pets incur a fixed excess plus a percentage excess on claims. This additional contribution is standard for older pets and applies alongside the normal fixed excess.
Will pet insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Pet insurance generally excludes pre-existing medical conditions for new customers taking out a policy.
If I purchase a policy today, when will my pet be covered?
Policies will generally become valid after 14 days from the purchase date.
What does the complementary treatment cover?
Depending on the type of policy, some insurers offer complementary treatments such as acupuncture, osteopathy and chiropractic care. The vet must carry out these treatments, and it must be due to a valid claim for an injury or illness; terms and conditions apply.
Your pet insurance policy is administered in Ireland by Cover-More Blue Insurance Services Limited, giving you peace of mind that your pet is protected against unexpected costs.