Ask the expert: dog insurance with dental cover?

Martin recently got a new companion and is looking to make sure he’s covered for dental treatments and that whichever company he chooses, they pay the vet directly.

Hi,

I am a new proud owner of a springer spaniel and want the very best for him. I would like to ask about pet insurance and what the best one would be for no or very little excess, and no outlaying cost (payment direct to vet) if he needs treatment for anything as i don’t have hundreds of pounds to outlay.

Also i would like it to include accidental and regular dental care. Your assistance would be much appreiciated.

Hi Martin,

I hope you’re well. Thanks for contacting me via pet-insurance-discount.co.uk. Congratulations on finding a new companion, I wish you both the very best of things.

Since you want “the best” for your dog, you may want to consider a “lifetime” pet insurance policy. Such policy will give you a yearly amount to spend on vet fees. Once you renew, your vet fees allowance is replenished to the original yearly amount, meaning ongoing conditions are never excluded. This is subject to the following conditions:

• Any pre existing conditions, i.e. conditions or symptoms which started before you took out the policy (or during the waiting period – generally first 10 to 14 days of your policy), are never covered
• Ongoing conditions are only covered if you keep renewing your policy with the same provider – hence the importance of choosing the right one first time around
• Pet insurance only covers illnesses and accidents, regular treatments are not covered – regular dental treatment for instance is never covered.

In terms of provider, below are a few of them you may want to consider:

• Argos pet insurance, Platinum cover only, £7,000 in vet fees per year, dental treatment for accident and injuries only (not illneses), excess £65, 5% online discount.
• Aviva pet insurance, up to £6,500 in vet fees per year, dental for accidents and illnesses, £75 excess (increases as your dog gets older to £75 + 15% of the bill), 10% online discount.
• Homebase, up to £7,500 in vet fees per year, dental for accidents and injuries only, £75 excess, 10% online discount. Visit insurer website
• Marks and Spencer, Premier policy, £7,000 in vet fees per year, dental for accidents and illnesses, £70 excess (increases to £70 + 20% of the bill when your pet gets older), 15% online discount.

I think they all pay the vet directly. I invite you to read more about the policies offered by these companies before making your decision. Get online quotes and compare price v benefits. Also, read the terms and conditions or policy summary for details of the dental cover.

I hope this has been helpful. Please let me know if you have any more questions.

Kind regards