Post Office launches pet insurance

The Post Office has announced the launch of its new pet insurance policy, designed to meet the real needs faced by cat and dog owners.

Despite the rising costs of veterinary bills, only one in five pet owners insures their pet, leaving millions of pet owners potentially exposed to huge bills.

The Post Office offers comprehensive cover to cat and dog owners that covers vet bills to a maximum of £5,000 per condition. With the majority (96.5 per cent) of claims under £5,000 pet owners therefore need not pay extra for higher cover limits.

Unlike12-month policies, Post Office Pet Insurance does not stop paying out after a year, ensuring pets can be covered for long-term health conditions. And with no age limit, cats and dogs of all ages can be covered.

Post Office head of pet insurance Emma Baunach said: “Dogs and cats are often a huge part of the family – with 11 per cent of people saying they would re-mortgage their house to pay for a vital vet bill! To avoid such drastic measures, owners should look for a suitable pet insurance policy. But they must remember to check the cover features of policies rather than just choose the cheapest option, as this may not offer the right level of cover for their animal."

Emma Baunach added: “In line with the Post Office’s other financial products, our new pet insurance is easy to understand as it offers a single comprehensive level of cover. There is also no upper age limit, meaning older pets are not excluded. And a simple excess payment of £75 makes it easier to plan and budget for any costs.”

In addition, the Post Office’s policy includes an added benefits package at no extra cost. This includes cover when taking pets abroad, emergency kennel and cattery costs and 12 months free PetBack Protect membership to the Missing Pets Bureau, which means the Post Office ensures that everything possible is done to find lost and stolen pets.

Owners with more than one pet can also enjoy a five per cent discount on the additional premium for other pets.

Post Office Pet Insurance is underwritten by AXA.

For further information, visit postoffice.co.uk.