Can you change pet insurance? WARNING issued to those considering switching policy

For some pet owners, pet insurance serves as a safety net, to help protect them against unexpected costs relating to the animal they care for. And, from veterinary bills to liability cover, there are a number of reasons why one pay choose to take out a policy. Of course, it does not come without a cost, and according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), a pet insurance policy cost on average £279 per year in 2018. Can a person change their pet insurance policy?

It may be possible to change pet insurance providers or policies, depending on the type of cover one takes out.

A pet owner can choose between lifetime cover, annual, and accident only, according to the Money Advice Service.

When it comes to annual cover, the policyholder pays for 12 months’ worth of cover, and this provides the option to switch to a different – and potentially cheaper – policy at the end of this period.

“This kind of policy costs less, but might offer less comprehensive cover and generally will not cover pre-existing conditions,” the guide states.

“You’ll also struggle to find insurance as your pet gets older.”

The Money Advice Service warns some policyholders to watch out if they are considering switching policy.

Specifically, the guide looks at the matter of changing cover should a pet develop a health condition or disability.

“The rules around pre-existing conditions make switching policies more difficult,” it states.

“If you’re on an annual or lifetime policy, the main reason you would want to swap would be because your premium has increased.

“However, the main reason your premium would increase is because you would have made a claim and if you’ve made a claim you might struggle to get another insurer to take you, or cover you for any treatment relating to the existing condition.”

Some people may not look after a pet for the entirety of the animal’s lifetime.

Can pet insurance be transferred to a new owner?

If the policyholder no longer owns the pet, it may be possible to cancel the policy.

However, the pet insurer PetPlan states that it may sometimes be possible to transfer an existing policy to a new policyholder.

From pet insurance to health insurance, how do health insurance plans work?

There are some types of medical treatments which may not be covered in a policy.