Pet Insurance

It certainly pays to shop around for the cheapest pet insurance deals and the internet makes this easy. Use the quote finder above to a get a list of insurers and comparison websites where you can get pet insurance quotes from a number of insurers online.

Owning a dog or cat can cost thousands of pounds, particularly if your pet is injured or is ill and requires the attention of a vet.

Research from Sainsbury's Bank revealed at least a third of all the 14 million pet dogs and cats in the UK will need veterinary treatment at some point this year, but only one in 10 will be insured.

According to insurer Direct Line, the lack of insurance cover will lead to one in four pet owners having to make the awful decision to have their pet put to sleep because they cannot afford the vets' bills.

Vet bills can be large. For instance one of the most common injuries for dogs is a broken leg, which can cost up to £1,000 to treat.

If you don't have enough savings to cover the cost of vet bills should treatment for your pet be necessary, pet insurance is definitely worth considering.

However, it is important to note that the most common reasons pet owners take their animals to the vet - vaccinations and for neutering - are not covered by any policies.

Basic pet insurance starts at about £60 a year and will cover vets' fees, provide a payout if your pet dies before a certain age, and insure you against theft or straying, third-party liability and accidental damage.

A comprehensive policy will cost something like £250 a year will pay out for a pet psychologist and up to £2,500 towards the cost of cancelling a holiday if your pet needs last minute life saving treatment.

When shopping around make sure you scrutinise the small print for exclusions. For example, if you don't vaccinate your dog against certain diseases, the insurer is unlikely to pay out. Also make sure you disclose any medical history; if you forget or omit to do so it could invalidate a claim.