Customers taking out Sainsbury’s Pet Insurance qualify for Double Nectar points on their Sainsbury’s shopping for two years

Sainsbury’s Finance estimates that UK pet owners have made just under 180,000 claims already in 2009 on their pet insurance policies for their pet cats and dogs. The Sainsbury’s Finance Pet Insurance Claims Index, which tracks claims data on a six monthly basis, reveals that cat owners have made over an estimated 50,000 claims between January and June this year, while dog owners are estimated to have made 129,000 different claims in the same period.

Worryingly, however, with only around 26% of cat and dog owners believed to have pet cover, Sainsbury’s Finance, who provides competitively priced Pet Insurance, estimates that non-insured owners could collectively be facing costs for treatment and other expenses of around GBP435 million every year. These costs would relate to an estimated 1.02 million illnesses and incidents experienced each year by cats and dogs whose owners do not have pet insurance.

Lucy Hunter, Sainsbury’s Pet Insurance Manager, said: “The sheer volume of claims made should belie the idea that pet insurance is a luxury. With vet fees rising, the potential cost of treatment for those pet owners doing without cover is considerable and it’s a genuine concern that cats and dogs may be missing out on necessary treatment as a consequence.”

The claims made in the first half of 2009 comprise over 240 different types of incidents for dogs and around 180 incidents for cats, the frequency and cost of which vary significantly.

In dogs, the most frequent claim is for skin tumours. Sainsbury’s Finance estimates that as many as 10,500 claims were made for this condition in the first half of 2009. The next most frequent claims include those for lameness, vomiting, and lacerations. The Index suggests that cats are far more likely to have suffered a road accident, with around 2,200 claims estimated to have been made by cat owners following road accidents in the first six months of 2009. Dog owners are estimated to have made just under 1,000 claims following accidents on the road.

Lucy Hunter, Sainsbury’s Pet Insurance Manager, said: “Our research earlier in the year suggested that many people were looking to cut back on insurance cover generally and pet insurance in particular. However, these new findings from our pet insurance claims index, indicate just how valuable good quality cover can be.”

Top five most frequent claims for cats January – June 2009 (estimated)

On average, treatment for dogs is considerably more expensive than that for cats with the average claim for canines in 2009 almost GBP104 more expensive than that for cats at GBP458. The average claim for treatment of a cat was GBP354.

Sainsbury’s shoppers are rewarded with double Nectar points on their shopping in store, online and in petrol filling stations for two years when taking out Sainsbury’s Pet Insurance, which is one of only 3% of products on the market which offer cover for veterinary fees of GBP7,500 or more. Customers who spend GBP50 a week with Sainsbury’s and have Sainsbury’s Pet Insurance as well as a Nectar card would receive GBP52 worth of Nectar points a year.

Good quality pet insurance does not need to be expensive, good cover at a competitive price can be found by shopping around. Sainsbury’s Pet Insurance offering up to GBP7,500 cover for vet fees is also designed to offer some of the widest range of benefits available at a competitive price. For further information call 0800 0565758, log on to www.sainsburys.co.uk or pick up a leaflet in a Sainsbury’s supermarket.

For further information, please contact:
Max Duddy / Sarah Rowan
Citigate Dewe Rogerson
020 7638 9571

Notes to Editors:
Sainsbury’s Pet Insurance is underwritten by AXA Insurance UK plc which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
(1) Based on analysis of Sainsbury’s Pet Insurance data (July 2009) and market share statistics
(2) Based on figures from the Mintel Pet Insurance Report, December 2007
(3) Policy must be renewed with the same cover level and be claim free at the first renewal

Sainsbury’s pet insurance cover: (note, a lower level cover option is also available)

Sainsbury’s Finance:
To view our latest press releases and product information, please visit the Sainsbury’s Finance online media centre at www.sainsburysfinance.co.uk/media.
Sainsbury’s Finance offers a range of quality, competitively priced, award-winning products. It opened for business on 19th February 1997 and was the UK’s first supermarket bank. It is a 50:50 joint venture with Sainsbury’s and Lloyds Banking Group.
Sainsbury’s provide a wide range of financial services including credit cards, loans, personal loans, savings account, pet insurance, life insurance, home insurance and car insurance, visit www.sainsburysbank.co.uk now to find out more.

For further information and general Sainsbury’s Finance enquiries customers can call the freephone number on 0500 40 50 60 or visit www.sainsburysfinance.co.uk

Notes to editors/webmasters
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The first thing you should do is to talk to the veterinary technicians at your animal clinic. They are probably the most knowledgeable about which company is offering the best coverage and the best prices. But also more importantly, which ones have the best customer service.

Another good reason to ask vet techs first, is because they probably have a good idea of which companies are offering pet insurance policies in your state. Remember, not all pet insurance companies sell insurance in all 50 states, and the rates and offerings can be quite different from state to state. For example, in Massachusetts several companies do not offer pet policies in that state because of anti-business policies by the government.

Second, you should call and get quotes from at least three different companies before buying a pet policy. This way you have a good idea of prices and the amount of coverage offered at that price.

Lastly, you should call the company and talk to a real person. You can buy a pet policy easily online, but remember, you want a real person there if something goes wrong with your pet, so before you buy the policy take the time to check on their customer service skills.

To learn more about pet insurance visit us at Compare Dog Insurance Plans. Also visit us if you want to learn more about the cheapest dog insurance.

Not unsurprising from a nation of animal lovers, UK pet owners collectively pay out a significant amount in vet bills each year. Serious illness or accidents requiring extensive treatment cost far more than the average and almost one in four uninsured pet owners struggle to pay the bill. As a result, a small proportion of the population is forced to take cash from their life savings to pay the bills. What’s more, with the UK firmly ensconced in uncertain economic circumstances, it may be that paying for pet insurance is seen as an unaffordable luxury.

However, such penny pinching could prove to be a false economy, especially if your pet becomes seriously ill or involved in an accident. Some pet owners have even foregone their annual holidays to meet the cost of vet bills, which is a sacrifice not required for insured pet owners. But, with such a competitive UK pet insurance market that is totally avoidable.

Premiums are affordable for most and will remove the worry of having to dip into savings or forgo other expenditure should the worst happen to your beloved pet. A large proportion of UK pet owners have no insurance for their pets, so if faced with the prospect of potentially huge vet bills they may opt to have their pet put down rather than face financial hardship. Most pet owners consider their dog or cat to be another member of the family, so making such a decision can be an incredibly difficult one to make, leaving the pet owner extremely distressed.

But having the necessary pet insurance in place will give you more options when it comes to being faced with potentially expensive treatments. Although pet insurance cover varies according to insurer, it could typically include cover of up to £5,000 per annum in vet bills per condition. In addition, they may provide extra benefits such as cover against accidental damage caused by pets; whilst some policies can even allow a sum to be spent on advertising should the pet go missing.

Such peace of mind when it comes to the welfare of your pet can cost very little per month, and could ultimately save a fortune in vet fees. So, before you forego pet insurance, it may be an idea to remind yourself of the benefits.

Many pet owners purchase pet insurance for their cats. Pet health insurance companies write policies that work like human health insurance does.

The owners pay a monthly or annual premium and submit claims as she incurs vet bills. After fulfilling the deductible requirements (which vary based on the policy and the amount of coverage), the owner reimbursed for a percentage of her expenses.

Before buying a policy, research the insurance company ( to make sure they are legitimate and have a reliable reputation) and read the policy carefully so that you know what you are buying.

It should explicitly state what veterinary services (such as spaying or neutering, dental care, lab costs, vaccinations or emergency treatments) and procedures are covered and which ones are not covered. If you are interested in buying a policy for your cat, ask your vet to recommend a reputable agency that specializes in this type of insurance.

Feline Respiratory Disease Complex or FRDC includes upper respiratory infections such as colds, flu, and feline pneumonia. Symptoms include discharge from the eyes and nose and sneezing. Feline pneumonia is a contagious bacterial infection that can be passed from cat to cat. Symptoms include congestion, difficulty breathing, sneezing, coughing, fever, shortness of breath, and yellow or green nasal discharge. It is common in kittens and older cats and should be treated by a veterinarian.

Feline Urologic Syndrome (FUS) or Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) is a serious problem. A cat with FUS or FLUTD could be suffering from bladder or urethral stones or blockages. Symptoms include crying when trying to urinate, urine retention, inability to urinate or straining while trying to urinate, blood or pus in the urine, a hard, full bladder, and constant licking of the genital area.

Because the cat cannot urinate, high levels of deadly toxins build up in his blood. An acute blockage can lead to uremic poisoning and can be fatal if not treated within 48 hours.

Urinary tract infections (UTI) have similar symptoms (difficulty urinating, bloody urine or urinating outside the litter box) and often affect males. Cystitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bladder. The obstruction prevents the cat from urinating and causes FUS. It is common in older cats, and approximately 1 to 2 percent of the feline population suffers from it. If your cat has any of these symptoms or trouble urinating, take him to the vet immediately.

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If your present pet is such a joy that you are considering expanding the family, have you also considered the financial implications? It might be easy to think that since you have one pet already that adding another one to the family can’t be too much to ask for, but actually it is not quite so simple. A new pet, be it a cat or a dog, will need more of your time initially, as kittens and puppies need training, special care and a carefully watched diet.

Then there are the extra costs of training, in the case of dogs, and also vet checkups and pet insurance. While some of these expenses, such as pet insurance, are very small every month, and other, such as dog training costs, will fall away after a few months, others are more lasting. Two dogs and two cats do eat twice as much as one, and if you are considering getting a cat to match your dog or a dog to match your cat, then bear in mind that these two animals have completely different nutritional requirements and will need completely different foods. A cat or a dog are lifelong investments, and will therefore be costing you money for years to come. With the economic recession hitting some people hard this year, there will be many who find that upkeep of their beloved pets is a financial strain which they cannot afford.

It may come to pass that animal shelters will be bursting at the seams with unwanted costly pets, so if you do decide that you can afford a pet after all, then rather visit the RSPCA or your local animal shelter and see if you can find the perfect new pet there. Direct Line offers very affordable pet insurance options for all pet owners, so get an online pet insurance quote today.

Insurance can be described as something that aids you along with things like expenses. With the rising prices nowadays even a small financial support makes a very big difference. If ever you would be ask if you want some support for all of your expenditures, would you decline? You would be sorry if you let things such as this just pass you by. Dog health insurance can help dog owners with regard to caring for their pet. No matter how much money you have you can’t deny the fact that caring for your pet cost a lot. From their basic needs such as food to their regular shots and check ups you cannot find someone or something that could give you those needs and services for free.

It is difficult to provide for all needs of your pooch especially during rough times. And you might even come to the point that you need to make cost cutting measures. You will not feel a slight difficulty with regard to raising your pet if you only have one. But what about if you have several say two, three or five more? Like it or not, there will come a time when you will experience some financial problems. If you are not prepared then you and your beloved pets are sure to suffer. Your pets are your responsibility and the expenses to be spent for its well being are laid upon your shoulders.

If you have considered the need for a dog health insurance then you have to get in touch with insurance companies that are efficient when settling their dues. You must also find some information regarding veterinarians, vet clinics and animal hospitals. A good dog health insurance should provide for regular medical check ups and other medical procedures and processes if ever your pooch needs special treatments such as laboratory tests, advance physical exams and surgery. With dog health insurance you have to pay certain amount of premiums usually on a monthly basis. These premiums vary depending on the kind of dog you have, its age (younger pups would be highly recommended), its size and sometimes even its lifestyle is also considered.

With lifestyle, they mean the usual daily activities of your pet such as a watch, rescue or just a plain “house” dog. Dogs that already have diseases do not make good applicants because some dog insurance company does not want to accept them. Applying for dog health insurance takes time so it would be better if you make arrangements earlier. Do not delay especially if your pet is still young so that you can maximize the benefits. Remember that every injury or accident your pet will encounter sooner or later during its lifetime involves a lot of cost especially when the damages are so great.

When you get pet insurance you are already investing for its future because no matter what will happen to your status as its owner you can be assured that your pet will still get all the medical help it can even if you don’t have enough means by yourself.

The author of this article Alex De La Cruz is a Dog Trainer who has been successful with several dog training courses for many years. Alex decided to share his knowledge and tips through his website http://www.doggyweb.info. You can sign up for his free newsletter and enjoy a healthy and submissive dog.

Get Pet Insurance

A horse can be a sizable financial and emotional investment; therefore, it is a good idea to protect your investment by purchasing some form of equine insurance. Equine, or horse, insurance is nothing new, and is designed to protect you financially should your animal get sick, injured, or even die. Though not inexpensive, equine insurance will have you better prepared if your horse requires costly medical procedures.

Equine mortality insurance is the most common type of insurance purchased by horse owners. The policy can insure the horse for up to 100% of its value. Premiums range from 3.2-3.8% of the animal’s value, which is determined by its original purchase price, training, and performance records. Some, though not all, equine mortality insurance policies even cover humane destruction of the animal.

Horses can also be put on a health insurance policy. This covers accidents and illnesses that may befall the animal, as well as its dental care and physical check ups. Common equine illnesses like mud fever and rain rot are also covered, and even major events like broken bones or cancer.

Major medical insurance is another type of insurance to consider, and is much more affordable than health insurance. With major medical insurance, you obtain coverage for costly medical procedures like diagnostics, surgery, and post-operative medication. Routine exams, vaccinations, and de-worming, however, are not covered.

What if your horse does not get sick, but instead accidentally kicks or bites someone? To avoid paying high litigation costs, you may consider obtaining personal horse owner liability insurance. This type of insurance protects you should your horse cause damage or injury, and it also pays legal fees that you incur because of negligence.

A final type of horse insurance is commercial liability insurance. If you own a ranch or any kind of commercial property on which people work or perform shows, then you need to protect yourself from lawsuit costs should people get hurt.

How do you decide between all these different insurances? Find a good equine insurance agent. This person will know the value of your horse and what types of insurance are needed. Make sure you have your agent explain the costs and benefits of each insurance policy, and get your price quotes and coverage information in writing. Also, talk with fellow horse owners and obtain agent references.

In conclusion, by buying health insurance for your horse, you will have the confidence that, should something happen, your horse will be taken care of and you will be protected from high medical fees.

Nicholas writes for a site offering information on horse and rider insurance cover, along with more general pet insurance tips

Pet Insurance

It is a clear summer day. You and your dog are in the yard playing fetch with his favorite chew toy. After a few minutes of playing fetch, you dog runs over to the shade tree to rest and starts chewing on its chew toy. You walk over and notice that large shiny bell is missing off his chew toy. You look into the yard but can’t find it. Where could it be? Later that night you notice your dog is having a hard time eating, what could be wrong?

This scene is all to familiar. Dogs are wonderful pets and friends but there are times when they get into things they shouldn’t have. Many times they swallow things that weren’t meant to be in a dog’s stomach. This is why is it important you consider to buy dog insurance. Dog insurance is just like health insurance for humans. If you buy dog insurance, you could be saving your dogs life and saving you money in the process.

Why buy dog insurance? Here are a few things to consider. Veterinary medicine has evolved of the last decades. Advancements in technology and prescription medicine are driving the cost pet care higher and higher. Veterinarian’s are able to treat diseases like: diabetes, high blood pressure, or cancer in pets. This is great but they do have a cost, a rather high cost. How can you protect your pet and you finances at the same time? Buy dog insurance.

If you buy dog insurance, you are buying a health insurance policy that will help cover the costs of surgery, prescription medication, or other expensive treatments for your dog during their lifetime and help you keep money in your pocket. Our dogs are not only pets but important members of our family. Protect them and save yourself from having to make a decision about your dog health based on your finances and buy dog insurance

What would our lives be without insurance? It is something that many people take for granted! Protect your dog and buy dog insurance.

Did you know that the average cost of stomach surgery to remove an unwanted item in a dog costs $3000. Protect yourself financially and your dogs health with dog insurance. Click Here to learn more about why you should invest in buying dog insurance.

Dog Insurance Articles

Submitting pet insurance claims isn’t always an easy process so in this article we will give you some tips to get things off to a speedy start. We can’t tell you exactly how to fill in your form as different insurance companies have different forms, but we can help you avoid some common pitfalls that slow down the average application.

Make sure you have plenty of claim forms

If you need to make a claim it is great to have a form ready to send off. This way you don’t have to wait for the insurance company to send one out. Ask for more than one form if you can.

Read and fill it out carefully

If you don’t fill the form in correctly this can lead to delays, or even worse the pet insurance company may reject you. Why not call them first and they will help you fill it out. They should be happy to talk you through parts that may be confusing.

Who does the insurance company need to pay?

This might be you, or the veterinary company. Getting this wrong can lead to long delays waiting for the veterinary company to pay you. If you have already been waiting for a long period, you will not be wanting to wait even longer whilst they sort out the mistake.

Check up with the veterinary practice and your insurance company

It can be a very good idea to call both your insurance company, and if necessary you veterinary practice. This way if there is a delay in the process you can get it resolved. Find out how long everything should take, so you aren’t waiting any longer than this. Don’t be afraid to chase them up regularly. Remember the name of who you were talking to so you can speak to them again and get call reference numbers where possible.

What to do if you have problems with your claim?

Chase up everyone involved, remembering who you spoke to. Find out if the veterinary practice filled in and passed on the form. You can use this information to help in dealing with the insurance company to inform them when they should have received the form.

Our advice overall is to be careful with your application, and to not be afraid to be active once you have submitted the form. If necessary you will have to chase all parties involved until the claim is complete.

For more advice and tips on Pet Insurance, visit UK Pet Insurance Reviews. Our site is user friendly and there to give advice and help people decide for themselves which pet insurance company to use. If you have had a positive or negative (as all helps) experience with a pet insurance company your comments may just be what someone else needs to read to help them decide. So why not go and leave a review of your pet insurance company. You can rate all the reviews and advice you find on the site with our star rating system.

What is pet health insurance?

In simple words, insurance for pets can help in the regular check ups for your pets and in case of emergencies as well. It is designed to provide convenience to the pet owner, to cope up with the rising medical costs.

What is pet health insurance coverage?

What is pet insurance coverage and why is it something you should consider for your pets? Pet insurance is designed to provide easy and affordable coverage options for illnesses, accidents and regular checkups.

The savings on the veterinary bills can be quite considerable depending on the situation. Many people can save up to 90% on their veterinary bill, without the headache of tracking each transaction. The only amount of money you will be responsible for is the deductible for each incident or illness. Some have comprehensive plans with a basic of hundred dollars for the regular care and can be up to two hundred and twenty dollars.

What is pet health insurance worth?

Just think about your pet getting into an accident or needing dental surgery? Imagine the costs of dental work or a surgery without a plan. Will you have the money to be able to pay the bill in full? If you have a number of pets, will you be able to take care of them if something serious happens to them or just the costs of regular doctor visits, which are becoming more expensive. This will answer your question of what is pet health insurance worth?

What is pet health insurance for small pets?

The plan you choose for your pets depends on various factors, like the age of the pet, breed, geography, etc. Now, you must be wondering what is the coverage for different species. These plans will be different but the coverage in most of the cases will be covered up to 90%.

Don’t hesitate to protect your pet. Buying an insurance policy for you pet gives you peace of mind and financial protection. Read more about why pet insurance benefits you and your pets at Top 5 Reasons to Buy Pet Insurance.

Don’t make a mistake and let down an important member of your family, protect your pet today!