Pet insurance claims reach record levels
3.9 million cats and dogs in the UK are now covered by pet insurance.
A record £657 million in pet insurance claims were paid out in 2015 - the equivalent of 1.8 million every day - according to figures published by the Association of British Insurers (ABI).
The figures show that in 2015, 911,000 pet insurance claims were made, which is up nine per cent on 2014. Their cost at £657 million was also up nine per cent on the previous year.
Most of the claims were for veterinary bills, with the average claim at £720 - almost three times the average pet insurance premium of £241.
But while 3.9 million cats and dogs in the UK are now covered by pet insurance, thousands of pets remain uninsured.
Just one in four of the nine million dogs in the UK, and one in seven of the country’s 7.9 million cats, are thought to be covered.
"The record levels of claims handled by pet insurers highlights that owning a pet can be costly as well as rewarding,” said Mark Shepherd, general insurance manager at the ABI.
“While it is good to see more pet policies in force, too many of the nation’s pet owners still don’t have any cover in place.”
Among the claims handled was a python who needed treatment for anorexia and a cat who needed treatment for injuries after falling from a fourth-floor window.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
