The cost of routine visits to the vet has shot up in the last five years meaning owners are having to fork out more to keep their pet healthy. Figures from the Society of Practicing Veterinary Surgeons show that since 2002, the price of regular treatment has soared over 20%*.

Tesco Pet Insurance is offering a 40% discount to new customers buying cover online (20% over the phone) from 6th March until 2nd April 2008.

Allan Burns, head of Tesco Pet Insurance, comments, “Vets fees are becoming more expensive and it is important to know that in the event of an accident or unexpected illness your pet’s medical treatment can be paid for. We are offering a special discount to encourage pet owners to ensure their cat or dog is protected. Pet owners are responsible for ensuring their pets are kept healthy and happy and that includes picking up expensive vets fees if they’ve no insurance“.

According to research by Mintel, just over one third of pet owners (38%) feel they cannot easily afford all the veterinary costs for their pet(s). Perhaps now they can. Prices start from as little as £5.73 per month for dogs and £3.24 for cats.

*Information from Society of Practicing Veterinary Surgeons. Analysis of vets fees between 2002 and 2007.

A leading provider of pet health insurance, announced today that health insurance for pets in the United Kingdom is growing at a record rate.

CEO, Russell Smith stated, “According to Mintel, a leading analyst firm whose U.K. research spans more than three decades, the pet health insurance market in the U.K. is worth more than GBP 245 million, or over $495 million. There are currently over 1.85 million pet health insurance policies in place, and approximately 50 pet health insurance providers in the country.”

He continued, “U.K. Pet Health Insurance providers include: TESCO, a major online grocery store, Blue Cross, an international leader in healthcare insurance services, Pedigree, Pet Plan (an Allianz company whose gross premium income exceeds GBP 1,634 million), The Kennel Club, Equine & Livestock and AXA Insurance (a company that serves more than 50 million customers with more than GBP 1,091 billion in assets).

“Providers of health insurance for pets in the United Kingdom understand the importance of sophisticated pet health insurance programs that provide ‘lifetime coverage’ and other important benefits. At ensurApet, we understand this need, which is why our plans are currently the only program in the United States to offer lifetime coverage along with other critical benefits desired by pet owners. As the market grows for pet health insurance in the United States, we are confident that our plans will set the standard for excellence in the industry.”