Sainsburys Finance Figures for 2009 showing increase in pet insurance claims

Sainsbury’s Finance has released figures for the first half of 2009, showing a surprisingly large amount of Pet Insurance claims between the period of January to July.

Around 200,000 insurance claims were made by UK pet owners for their cats or dogs during this period, with a total of £77 million paid out to cat or dog owners as a result.

For dogs, these payouts were largely to treat conditions such as skin tumours, lameness, vomiting, lacerations and gastroenteritis. These top five ailments accounted for almost £12 million worth of payouts.

On the other hand, cats are more likely to have suffered a road accident before a pet insurance claim has been made, the reports suggest, with 2,200 claims for such problems in the first 6 months of the year.

However the results, whilst suggesting that there are people out there with pet insurance who are more than willing to make a claim, show that only 26 % of pet owners have insurance.  It means that a further 74 % of pet owners are facing rising veterinary bills without pet insurance cover. If the condition is lameness, which received 7,730 claims earlier in the year, the average value of a claim was £602.56, which would have to be paid by the pet owner alone if no pet insurance is in place.

Speaking about the results, Lucy Hunter, Sainsbury’s Pet Insurance Manager commented, “Our research earlier in the year suggested that many people were looking to cut back on insurance cover generally and pet insurance in particular. However, these new findings from our pet insurance claims index, indicate just how valuable good quality cover can be.”

In total, around 420 different incidents were accounted for by the results, with 240 of them applying to dogs.

Hunter also commented: “The sheer volume of claims made should belie the idea that pet insurance is a luxury. With vet fees rising, the potential cost of treatment for those pet owners doing without cover is considerable and it’s a genuine concern that cats and dogs may be missing out on necessary treatment”.

Source: Sainsbury’s Finance Press Release (Nov 2009)

Summer Months can bring pain to Pets

Two studies into the care of the nation’s pets have highlighted the times of year in which pets are at particular risk showcasing the dangers faced by pets, specifically during the summer months, some of which can naturally apply all year round.

During summer, there are many things that people like to do, but many might not take the risks faced to their pets into account. In a study carried out by PetPlan, they found that a quarter of people surveyed reported that their pet had come in harm’s way as a result of their barbeque. Further animals may become injured due to swingballs and paddling pools.

Similar results were found in a study carried out by M&S Insurance, which found that one dog had been injured as a result of running into a washing line whilst holding a Frisbee in their mouth. There were also problems with the items that dogs might have eaten, leading to illness, such as cases where dogs had eaten uncooked sausages, walnuts and a large frog.

It is therefore advisable for certain precautions, some of which apply all year round, to ensure that people do not have to make a large pay out on their pet insurance as a result of injuries incurred by their animals. Whilst pet insurance is a useful tool in keeping our animals safe, it is only second best to keeping them out of harm’s way in the first place.

PetPlan says that one such precaution is to ensure the perimeter around the home is fully secure, meaning that the dog is not able to escape and land in trouble. This also avoids adding to the large numbers of cats and dogs that are going missing in the UK, with only certain types of pet insurance policies covering the costs associated with finding lost pets.

Other precautions relate solely to the summer months, such as taking water on walks, being gentle during games, making sure there is shade in the garden and being careful in the amount of exercise given to older dogs.

M&S highlights the ways in which advice can be obtained, particularly calling a qualified veterinary expert at any time. Many insurance providers offer a phone line to customers concerned.

So it is always best to be prepared for anything, whatever the season, by taking precautions and taking out an adequate pet insurance policy.

Sources: M&S Press Release and Petplan Press Release