Why do I need dog insurance?
For many owners, dogs are family. With their big doughy eyes, loveable smiles and quirky ways, we know just how much your dog means to you. Which is why when our dogs become injured or unwell, it’s difficult and upsetting for owners.
We all know veterinary treatment can be expensive. Quickly running into the hundreds and often thousands of pounds, it’s an expense many owners can’t afford.
But dog insurance offers that peace of mind. You’ll know that if your dog has an accident or falls ill, any unexpected vet bills will be covered and paid for. It ensures your best friend can get the treatment they need to bring them back to health. So they can once again be by your side where they belong.
We know the stress of your dog being unwell is enough without adding financial worries into the mix. At 4Paws you can choose from three policy types, all with differing vet fee limits to give the right level of cover for your dog. All for just a small monthly cost.
Why choose 4Paws dog insurance?
Cover from 6 weeks old
Fees can be paid directly to your vet practice
Pay monthly with no extra cost
UK based contact centre
Dedicated Pet Specialists
We can pre-authorise claims too!
Let’s ensure your pooch has everything they need to live a happy and healthy life. Choose from our Time Limited, Maximum Benefit and Lifetime policies and get an instant quote online today.
Time Limited
A time limited, low cost policy designed to help with the costs of veterinary treatment for injury or illness.
Our time limited policy offers cover for up to 12 months per condition.
We offer 3 levels of cover with veterinary fee limits of £1,000, £2,000 and £3,000 per condition.
Voluntary Contribution Policies are also available for each cover level. Click here for further details.
Maximum Benefit
An enhanced level of cover with an extensive range of extra benefits.
Maximum benefit polices have no time limit on claims, so you can claim year after year for an ongoing condition, up to the monetary limits for as long as you continue to renew your policy.
We offer 4 levels of cover with veterinary fee limits of £1,000, £2,000, £3,000 or £7,000 per condition.
Voluntary Contribution Policies are also available for each cover level. Click here for further details.
Lifetime Cover
Our most comprehensive policy, with our highest level of cover, including a range of extensive benefits.
These policies are often recommended by veterinary surgeons and provide complete peace of mind thanks to the best healthcare possible for your pet. The limit renews every year for as long as you continue to renew your policy.
We offer 5 levels of cover with veterinary fee limits of £1,000, £2,000, £4,000, £7,000 or £12,000 per year.
Voluntary Contribution Policies are also available for each cover level. Click here for further details.
Most common dog injuries and illnesses
By nature, dogs are keen explorers. But unfortunately with exploration, injury and illness can follow.
Vets often see dogs who’ve ingested something they shouldn’t. Whether that’s a ball, plants or your favourite slippers. Many dogs will pass the object naturally, but when they can’t and there are visible signs of discomfort, it’s time to see the vet.
Other top injuries and illnesses include, skin problems, diabetes, arthritis, cruciate ligament rupture and wounds from dog bites. These ailments can become extremely uncomfortable and debilitating if left untreated. Always seek veterinary help if you suspect your dog is unwell.
What’s covered?
Your dog insurance policy comes with a couple of features as standard.
All four policy types cover:
- Vets fees and medical treatment
- Third party liability cover
Our Maximum Benefit, Lifetime And Voluntary Contribution Policies Offer A Few Extra Benefits As Standard. Including:
- Boarding fees (if you are admitted to hospital and need someone to look after your dog.)
- Advertising and rewards costs (if your dog is lost or stolen.)
- Holiday cancellation costs (if you need to cancel your holiday because your dog becomes ill.)
- Complementary treatment (such as herbal medicines, acupuncture and hydrotherapy.)
- Death from injury.
- Death from illness.
What’s not covered?
It’s important to be aware of the standard exemptions within your dog insurance policy. Most pet insurers don’t provide cover for the following:
- Pre-existing conditions
- Routine dental treatments
- Routine check ups
- Vaccinations
- Preventative treatments
| Time Limited | Maximum Benefit | Lifetime Cover | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Fees | £3,000 per condition for 12 months | Up to £7,000 per condition | Up to £12,000 per year, renewed each policy year |
| Complementary Treatment | x | Up to £1000 | Up to £1500 |
| Third Party Liability | £1,000,000 | £1,000,000 | £2,000,000 |
| Boarding Fees | x | Up to £1250 | Up to £2000 |
| Advertising & Reward | x | Up to £1500 | Up to £2000 |
| Theft or Straying | x | Up to £1500 | Up to £2000 |
| Death from injury | x | Up to £1500 | Up to £2000 |
| Death from illness | x | Up to £1500 | Up to £2000 |
| Holiday cancellation | x | Up to £1750 | Up to £3000 |
| Emergency repatriation | x | Up to £1000 | Up to £2000 |
| Quarantine or loss of documents | x | Up to £1250 | Up to £1500 |
How much does dog insurance cost?
The average claims cost is over £700. So it’s no surprise why many dog owners opt for insurance to avoid heavy charges.
The cost of dog insurance varies depending on which policy you choose. Your dog’s breed can also influence the price you pay (some breeds are more prone to certain illnesses than others.) Where you live is also a factor, as well as the age of your dog.
Am I eligible for dog insurance?
To be eligible for dog insurance, please take the following requirements into consideration:
- We can insure your dog from 6 weeks of age. Once on cover, we apply no age limit in your dog’s senior years.
- We do not offer cover for any breed of dog that must be registered under the Dangerous Dogs act 1991, the Dangerous Dogs (Amendment) Act 1997, Dangerous Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 or any further amendments to this act. This includes breeds such as the Pit bull terrier.
- You can confirm you’re a UK resident and your dog lives at the address given.
- You can confirm your dog has no aggressive tendencies.
- You can confirm your dog won’t be used for monetary gain.
Fun facts about dogs
- Dogs are capable of learning more than 1000 words.
- No two nose prints are the same, just like human fingerprints.
- Dogs see in shades of black, white, blue and yellow. They can’t detect red.
- Dogs have a third eyelid that serves as eye protection.
- Smaller dog breeds mature faster than larger breeds.