Why do I need dog insurance?
Loving, loyal and incredibly intelligent, dogs make wonderful pets. But for many of us, dogs are more than just a furry companion. They join us on family days out and we even celebrate their birthdays – they’re almost like our children.
In short, we’d do anything for these waggy-tailed wonders, and we like to believe they’d do anything for us.
But although we don’t like to think about it, our beloved family pet can have accidents or get ill, and these unforeseen circ*mstances can lead to hefty bills. That’s where dog insurance comes in handy – the right plan can help take care of your claim costs, allowing you to concentrate on caring for your canine friend, not worrying about your wallet.
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M&S Pet Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd (RSA).
Lifetime cover
Time limited cover
Benefits of dog insurance
Best friends take care of each other, that’s why pet insurance for dogs is a must. From Alsatians with arthritis to Terriers with tumours, it can help pay those unexpected vet bills, so you can get your pet the best care, regardless of cost.
M&S Pet Insurance provides four levels of insurance for dogs, allowing you to find the perfect cover for you and your four-legged friend. Benefits include:
- Veterinary fees
- Travel expenses
- Cover for advertising
- Third-party liability
- Death from injury
- Death from illness (pets under 9 years old)
- Emergency boarding on lifetime policies
Additional benefits of dog insurance
M&S Pet Insurance offers you four levels of cover, so you can find the perfect plan to suit you and your dog. The following benefits separate M&S Pet Insurance from the pack:
15% discount on new policies when buying online (excludes renewals and amendments to existing policies). Prices rise at renewalSee footnote ††.
24-hour vetfone™ access. Giving you 24-hour guidance from qualified veterinary nurses on this freephone helpline.
Four levels of cover with no additional cost or fees for paying monthly.
10% multi-pet discount for each catordogyou choose to insure, discount applied to each pet when insuring two or more pets on the same policySee footnote ****.
** You can insure up to 3 pets online on a new policy and you can call RSA on 0800 731 4280if you're looking to add more pets to your quote or existing policy.
Is pet insurance worth it for your dog?
Still wondering whether pet insurance for dogs is worth shelling out for? The following shows some of the most common dog claims and the average cost to treat them.See footnote **
Joints
Average cost £992.39
Arthritis is a common joint problem for dogs and can cause a lot of discomfort as well as long-term damage.
Skin
Average cost £653.05
There are many different causes of skin disease, and many different ways it can manifest too, so it's really important to keep an eye out for excessive itching.
Non-illness
Average cost £232.11
Although your pet may not be poorly, non-illness problems can still be expensive to fix.
Gastrointestinal
Average cost £727.83
Ranging from common problems such as upset tummies and pancreatitis to rarer ones like intestinal lymphangectasia, some stomach conditions can be fatal.
Heart
Average cost £780.21
Heart disease is just as common in dogs as it is in people, making early diagnosis important.
Traumas
Average cost £720.00
Physical injuries can be potentially life-threatening, so they always require proper examination. If your dog experiences a trauma, take them straight to the vet.
Eye
Average cost £709.92
There are a number of eye conditions that can cause pets problems. These can be very uncomfortable for your dog, so in some cases, surgery is necessary.
Neurological
Average cost £788.21
There are a number of neurological conditions that can affect dogs. Among others, symptoms can include changes in behaviour, seizures and vision problems.
Tips on keeping your dog happy and healthy
Dogs wriggle their way into our hearts – and occasionally worm their way into trouble. But although we never know what life will bring, there are some simple steps you can take to keep your dog healthy from nose to tail:
Provide the basics
All pups need a balanced diet, fresh water and regular exercise to keep them healthy. The recommended amount of food and exercise for your dog will depend on its lifestyle, diet, age and general health, all of which your vet can help you understand.
Keep them entertained
Walks, playing fetch, chasing their tail – whatever they’re into, encourage it! Playing is vital for a dog’s mental and physical health. It’s also important for dogs to socialise – both with humans and other animals. They’re most receptive when they are puppies, so the earlier they can be socialised, the better.
Watch your food
Certain ‘human foods’ are dangerous for dogs to eat, such as chocolate, onions, garlic and grapes. Be sure not to leave these lying about the house, as we all know dogs have a habit of sniffing out forbidden snacks!
Leaving your dog at home
Take them out on a long walk before you leave. The physical and mental stimulation should tire them out, so they’ll appreciate some quiet time when they’re home. You could also try some interactive, food-dispensing toys. But remember, dogs shouldn’t be left alone for lengthy periods of time.
Do home check-ups
While visits to the vets for regular check-ups are great, giving your dog a once-over yourself every now and again will help you spot any issues early. There are a few key areas you can check to keep your dog comfortable, such as their ears, claws, eyes and teeth.
Groom them
Depending on the breed of your dog, they may require a little TLC to help them look and feel their best – whether that’s the odd shampoo or a regular brush.
Important pet insurance information
Key information and policy booklets
What is M&S Bank's role and who underwrites M&S Pet Insurance?
We will introduce you to Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd who arrange, administer, and underwrite M&S Pet Insurance.
- RSA's essential information
Product information booklets
Claiming on and renewing your policy?
For claims for new conditions, you'll find RSA's editable form on the online servicing page for you and your vet to complete.
Claims online servicing
As pets get older, sadly they're more likely to get ill. In fact, RSA’s claims data shows that the cost of looking after your pet's health doubles every four to five years. That's why your renewal price increases each year and your excess will increase when your pet turns nine.
Unfortunately, once a pet has been taken ill, they're more likely to get ill again. That's why, if a claim is paid, the price you will pay next year can double. How much they go up is different for everyone and depends on things like your pet’s breed, their age and health.
FAQs
How do I make a claim?
If you need to make a claim, you should call RSA as soon as possible on0800 980 8750. Please have your policy number or claim number when you call.
For claims for new conditions, you'll find RSA's editable form on the online servicing page for you and your vet to complete.
Make a claim
Does M&S Pet Insurance cover my pet when abroad?
If you choose a Premier policy you'll get cover up to £2,000 for vet fee treatment in any EU country that is included in the Pets Travel Scheme. You'll be covered for three trips in any period of insurance and each trip can last up to 60 days.
*Based on the average annual dog claims cost to M&S Pet Insurance between January 2023 to December 2023.
† Excludes renewals and amendments to existing policies. Your renewal price increases each year and your excess will increase when your pet turns 9 and/or if a claim is paid, the price you will pay next year can double. There is no limit to how much your renewal price can increase.
