Whilst pesky puppies can easily run into trouble, even adult dogs may need an emergency visit to the vet after an accident or unexpected illness.  They are lively, loving and loyal animals, and UK pet owners are renowned for their longstanding love of man’s best friend.  There are now plenty of pet insurance providers offering a comprehensive solution to emergency pet care and cover, and one of the most common types is dog insurance.

 What is dog insurance?

Dog insurance is a paid-for policy designed to give dog owners peace of mind when it comes to providing care for their pet.  Many people don’t realise the cost of vet’s fees until they are hit with the bill, which is why dog insurance policies usually include a large amount of cover for the cost of medical care.  Whilst it may seem costly to take out a pet care policy, it could prove even more expensive if the care is suddenly needed and no cover is in place.  The sum covered on a dog insurance policy is often over £1,000 and could also include Third Party Liability.

What is Third Party Liability?

Third Party Liability is a term used in insurance to identify cover for damage caused to property or an individual separate from the policyholder.  In the case of dog insurance, Third Party Liability would cover you against your dog causing either an injury to another person, or any kind of destructive damage to property belonging to someone else.  Dogs, especially particular breeds as well as almost all puppies, can be quite excitable or simply lose control, which means that having liability cover is arguably an essential aspect of owning such a pet.

What else does dog insurance offer?

Policies will vary depending on the provider, and sometimes there are even different levels available to suit differing financial circumstances or requirements, but most offer cover for other expenses, such as boarding fees, or a reward to be offered in case your dog is lost.  There may also be a financial sum offered in case of death from injury or illness; money can never replace your pet, nor can it ever alleviate the pain of loss, but it could prove helpful during a difficult time.

Many policies also include cover for holiday cancellation, and a multi-pet discount, as well as access to a helpline.

Which dog insurance policy should I choose?

This is entirely up to you.  Some policies are far more comprehensive than others, whilst many will have an online incentive such as a discount or free extras.  In order to check out different policies and offers available in the UK, compare pet insurance and browse through the table of results for the plan that’s best suited to you and your dog.