04 Feb Choosing Pet Insurance for the First Time
A First-Timer’s Guide to Choosing the Right Pet Insurance
You’ve got a new furry friend – congratulations! Whether you’ve just brought home a bouncy puppy, a curious kitten, or a gentle bunny, you’re probably feeling a wonderful mix of excitement and “wait, am I doing this right?”
If you’re here, you’re likely wondering about pet insurance. Maybe your vet mentioned it at that first check-up, or you saw it included on a ‘new owner’ checklist. Or you’ve been scrolling through pet parent Facebook group at midnight (we’ve all been there), seeing other owners talk about vet bills that made your eyes water!
When you start looking, you’ll see terms like ‘Time-Limited,’ ‘Maximum Benefit,’ and ‘Lifetime,’ which may seem a bit overwhelming when you’re already trying to figure out whether you need puppy pads or what’s actually in ‘complete’ rabbit food.
So let’s sort that out right now. Here’s what each type of cover means, in plain English.
Our three types of pet insurance
Time Limited pet insurance
What is covers: This policy covers your vet fees for multiple medical conditions or injuries for your cat or dog, each up to your chosen limit.
How long it lasts: You’re covered for 12 months from when your vet first notes or treats each condition, or until you reach your limit – whichever comes first.
What happens after 12 months: Once those 12 months are up (or you’ve reached your limit), you won’t be able to claim for that same condition again, even if you renew your policy.
Choose a level of cover from: £1,000, £2,000, or £3,000 maximum vet fees.
What’s included:
- Vet fees (up to £3,000)
- Behavioural problems (counted as vet fees)
- Third-party liability for dogs (up to £1,000,000)
Best for: Pet parents who want straightforward vet fee cover, at an affordable price. Available for cats and dogs.
Maximum Benefit pet insurance
What is covers: This policy covers your vet fees up to a maximum amount per condition for your puss or pooch (not per year). It also covers things like boarding fees, holiday cancellation, theft or straying, and more.
How long it lasts: There’s no time limit. You can claim year after year for the same condition, as long as you keep renewing your policy.
What happens when you reach the limit: Once you’ve claimed up to your maximum benefit for a specific condition, you can’t claim for that condition anymore – the limit won’t refresh when you renew.
Choose a level of cover from: £1,000, £2,000, £4,000, or £7,000 per condition.
What’s included:
- Vet fees (up to £7,000 per condition)
- Behavioural problems (counted as vet fees)
- Third-party liability for dogs (up to £1,000,000)
- Complementary treatments (up to £1,000)
- Boarding fees (up to £1,250)
- Theft or straying (up to £1,500)
- Advertising & reward (up to £1,500)
- Holiday cancellation (up to £1,750)
- Emergency repatriation from selected EU countries (up to £1,000)
- Quarantine costs/loss of documents (up to £1,250)
- Death from injury or illness (up to £1,250)
Best for: Pet parents who want ongoing cover for chronic conditions, without the 12-month time limit. Available for cats and dogs.
Lifetime pet insurance
What it covers: Our highest level of cover for cats, dogs, and rabbits. This policy can help cover ongoing conditions up to your chosen vet fee limit.
How long it lasts: Your limit refreshes ever time you renew your policy, giving you a fresh pot of money each year.
What this means: If you pet develops an ongoing health condition* – like chronic illness or skin allergies – you could claim up to your limit every year, for as long as you continue to renew.
*This does not include conditions or associated conditions that existed before you took out the policy.
Choose your level of cover from: £1,000, £2,000, £4,000, £7,000 or £12,000 per policy year.
What’s included:
- Vet fees (up to £12,000)
- Behavioural problems (counted as vet fees)
- Third-party liability for dogs (up to £2,000,000)
- Complementary treatments (up to £1,500)
- Boarding fees (up to £2,000)
- Theft or straying* (up to £2,000)
- Advertising & reward (up to £2,000)
- Holiday cancellation* (up to £3,000)
- Emergency repatriation from selected EU countries* (up to £2,000)
- Quarantine costs/loss of documents* (up to £1,500)
- Death from injury or illness* (up to £2,000)
*Not included on rabbit policies
Best for: Pet parents who want the most comprehensive cover that continues for your pet’s entire life. Available for dogs, cats, and rabbits.
So, which one is right for you?
There’s no single ‘best’ policy – it depends on your pet, your budget, and what gives you peace of mind.
Go for Time Limited if: You want essential vet fee cover at a lower cost, and you’re happy with the 12-month limit per condition.
Go for Maximum Benefit if: You want ongoing cover for chronic conditions* without worrying about a time limit, and you’re comfortable with a per-condition limit.
*This does not include conditions or associated conditions that existed before you took out the policy.
Go for Lifetime if: You want the highest level of cover with limits that refresh each year, giving your maximum protection for your pet’s entire life.
A few important things to know
With all 4Paws policies:
- Pre-existing conditions aren’t covered
- You’ll need to pay an excess (a part of the bill yourself*)
- Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply
*A contribution payment may be applicable depending on the age/breed.
But here’s what makes 4Paws different:
- No upper age limit when you renew
- Unlimited 24/7 video calls with vets via FirstVet
- Claims can be pre-authorised
- Claims can be paid directly to your vet
- UK-based contact centre
Want to make your premiums even more affordable?
With 4Paws, you can even choose to lower your premiums by making voluntary contributions towards your claim settlement. You’d agree to pay 30% of your vet bills yourself, and your policy covers the rest.
Read to get started?
Get a quote online or call us on 01423 535 040
Our UK based team are here to help you choose the cover that’s right for you and your pet.
As with all insurance, exclusions and terms and conditions apply. Please see your policy documentation for full details.