Pet insurance 'needs updating'

Posted : 07-03-2005

A new survey has shown that too many pet insurance poilicies follow outdated notions on how long pets live.

While not all insurance firms enforce an age-limit, a large number will not cover an animal older than eight, but with advances in medical technology the average mid-sized dog is now living to 12-14, while cats frequently live past 16.

However, as with people, as the animals age the cost of looking after them increases. This leaves many owners having to spend hundreds of pounds on treatment for conditions like arthritis and kidney disorders as insurance companies shun their pets.

More Than, which carried out the research, revealed that it now insures 23-year-old dogs, where ten years ago the oldest insured dog was just 15.

"With both vets and industry data showing that pets are living longer, it's unacceptable for insurers to only cover young pets," said David Pitt, head of insurance at More Than.

Sophie de Pelet, veterinary advisor for More Than, added: "As a pet becomes older, it's increasingly important to have sufficient insurance cover, as the risk of developing conditions such as arthritis, kidney and heart disease becomes more likely."

Lloyds TSB Insurance has revealed that the number of uninsured animals in the UK represents a possible £1.1 billion a year in vet bills.

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