INSURE - v - NOT TO INSURE?

THINGS TO CONSIDER IF YOU DECIDE TO TAKE OUT PET INSURANCE

If you decide to insure it's important to take out the correct policy to safeguard your dog, and yourself against unforeseen issues that may arise in the future. There are two main types to consider.

1) LIFE POLICY or COVER FOR LIFE (advised)

Safeguards your dog year each year throughout its life from the moment you took out the first year’s policy, so long as there isn’t a break in payments.
In year 1 of the policy the only things excluded are known issues before the policy started.
In year 2 you are still covered for anything that occurred in year 1 as well.  If your dog's illness or injury started or occurred in year 1, and is ongoing into year 2 the only thing you generally pay is the annual excess.
Year 3 is the same as year 2 and so on until you decide to stop the policy for whatever reason.
These policies ensure your dog gets ongoing treatment for diabetes, auto immune issues etc.

2) ANNUAL POLICY

AVOID THIS POLICY OR YOU MAY FALL INTO A TRAP.
This can occur when treatment goes across the end of one year into the renewal year because with an annual policy you are covered for one year only. Each year at renewal is classed as a brand new policy.

In year 1 of the policy the only things excluded are known issues before the policy started.

In year 2 you are no longer covered for anything that occurred in year 1, so if your dog's ailment that started in year 1 is ongoing into year 2 it won't be covered because it will be classed as a known issue prior to the commencement of the new policy.

IF YOU DECIDE NOT TO INSURE YOUR GREYHOUND?

Not everyone is happy with insuring their dog and would prefer to put some in a savings account should they need it.  Their reasons for not wanting insurance may be numerous and varied.  If this is the case we strongly recommend you open a savings account, put a standing order in each month, and don’t touch it for everyday vet bills. You should also take out 'Third Party Liability' cover to protect you should a situation arise where you may become vulnerable.  The only place we know of at the time of writing this who will give you third party cover only is the Dogs Trust.
If you become a member of the Dogs Trust your dog is automatically insured against any third party claims against your dog up to the amount specific at the time of joining.