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The claims procedure can vary enormously between individual
pet insurance companies, however, many leading insurers for pets have tried
to simplify
the claim process not least because of the trauma and emotion involved when
a pet suffers illness or injury following an accident. An example of
this is the accessibility of claim forms through the internet. Traditionally,
existing pet insurance policyholders were expected to register a claim
through a telephone call centre after which a form was dispatched. Instead
some insurers for pets now allow customers to download a form online and advise
them regarding what documentation is required to accompany the completed
claims form.
Typical pet insurance claims consist of vets fees, boarding
fees, advertising and reward, death from injury, death from illness,
holiday cancellation,
loss by theft and straying and third party liability. In some instances
such as claiming for advertising and reward, you will be required to
seek approval from the pet insurance claims department before going
ahead. As with most types of insurance policies, it is up to the
policyholder to substantiate their claim and pay the vet or any other
applicable practitioner to complete the form. If your pet is lost through theft or straying,
the insurance company may not consider a claim until after 30 or 60 days has
elapsed.
Following the purchase of a pet, consider keeping the original receipts or
the pedigree certificate in a safe place and any other documentation to
prove when you bought the animal as some pet insurance companies may require this information following
notification of a claim.
In the event of a dispute, the insurance company
will advise you to follow their claims procedure. Once this course
of action is exhausted,
it is normal practice for the Financial
Ombudsman to review the claim
and decide whether you should be paid or not.
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