How to switch pet insurance

If your pet insurance policy is coming up for renewal, you may have noticed that your premiums are set to rise. It’s a common occurrence – it could be due to your pet ageing, a claim being made, rising vet bills, the end of an introductory discount or simply a standard price rise from the insurer, but it doesn’t mean you have to put up with it. If you’re not happy with your renewal price or the level of service you’re receiving from your provider, you’re perfectly within your rights to switch pet insurance. 

The first thing you’ll want to do is shop around for a new quote. Comparing the options is absolutely vital, as it’s only then you’ll know if you’re getting the best deal and the level of coverage that you need. Start the process by checking out the best pet insurance providers, as rated by us, and make sure to seek quotes from those that fit the bill.

When comparing pet insurance quotes, make sure to consider the level of cover you’re getting and the benefits included. Price will of course come into it, but you’ll want to look carefully at the features of each policy, rather than focusing on price alone. Consider things like the value of vets’ bills you’ll be insured for, whether there are annual limits, access to veterinary advice and support, and whether you’re getting an accident-only policy or something more comprehensive.

Consider their customer service levels, too, with things like 24/7 claims lines and video consultations often overlooked but of serious value should you need them.

Once you’ve found a new policy that fits the bill, you’ll need to cancel your current policy. You should check if your new pet insurer has a 14-day exclusion period. This means they will not pay any claims made in the first 14-days from the policy start date. Bought By Many is one pet insurer that does not have a 14-day exclusion period making them easy to switch to.
You may be tempted to keep your existing pet insurance policy running and start your new one at the same time. However, this could void your insurance and stop you from making a claim, for example if your dog is involved in an accident during the first two weeks of the policy.

This is when it gets a little tricky. If your pet has a long-term illness, has needed recent veterinary treatment and/or you’ve needed to make a claim in the last year or two, this will count as a pre-existing condition, and means it will be more difficult to switch provider.

If you do switch, you likely won’t be able to achieve the same level of cover, as any pre-existing conditions will be automatically excluded (there are exceptions, with some providers offering cover for pre-existing conditions provided they haven’t required treatment in the few months prior to the policy start date). It’s therefore important to consider the level of cover you’ll receive with any new policy, as although premiums may be cheaper if an existing condition is excluded, it could work out more expensive if you then needed to pay for treatment.

When switching policies, the key is making sure you’re getting the right cover for your needs at a price you can afford. Find out who we rated the best pet insurance policies in the UK.