Longterm illness is a nightmare for dog owners.

It can also be a nightmare for a dog insurance provider too.

Let’s be realistic and honest, a dog insurance provider is – like you – hoping your pet remains fit, healthy and well throughout its life and that the policy never has to be claimed on.

If everyone claimed on their dog insurance for major canine illnesses such as cancer, pet insurers would either go bust or their premiums would be through the roof.

This is why not all dog insurance and pet insurance policies are created equal.

If you are looking to make sure that, should the worst happen and your dog did get a longterm illness like cancer, your finances are protected and you can afford to get your dog the best health treatment, you need to very carefully understand the dog insurance policy you choose.

1) You need whole of life cover.

2) You need to check that your dog insurance cover pays out on an ongoing basis for an illness such as cancer.

3) You need to make absolutely sure that your premiums are up to date. It sounds obvious but many dog owners have let their insurance lapse and then their dog gets ill and they try and pick up the dog insurance where they left off – dog insurance providers are not stupid!

4) In the event that you have a breed that is more prone to canine cancer, speak with your vet and ask if they have had experience with a dog being treated for cancer and ask them to advise which pet insurance providers offered the most comprehensive cover.

5) Take out your OWN insurance. Make sure your dog has regular health check ups, a high quality diet, lots of exercise and if you’re actually in the market to acquire a puppy, insist that you get a breed with a low incidence of cancer and who’s parents are both health checked.