The website, founded by financial expert Martin Lewis, suggests thousands risk being unable to make claims. However, with veterinary costs rising and household finances stretched, it’s understandable that owners are comparing policies.

In its most recent weekly email newsletter, MSE highlights that insurance is essential as “without cover a trip to the vet can leave you footing a huge bill”. Yet before you make the switch, it cautions: “Warning. Beware switching providers if your pet has an existing condition.

“Most new policies won’t cover past issues, whether you’ve claimed for them or not. But stay with your old insurer and you’re likely to pay more to cover that condition in future. So it’s usually a hard choice between switching to a cheaper policy with no cover for that specific condition, or sticking and likely paying more.”

It goes on to clarify: “If you’re still claiming for a particular treatment on your current insurance policy, and haven’t yet hit the maximum amount or ‘length of time’ payout, or you have a top-end ‘lifetime’ policy which does not have these exclusions, you may be better off staying put. However, you can still switch to a new insurer as long as you’re prepared to accept your pet won’t be covered for the ailment it’s already been treated for.”

For instance, if your dog develops cataracts in both eyes and your existing insurer covers the treatment, the expense could reach your policy’s maximum limit. However, this doesn’t prevent you from moving to a more affordable policy offering identical terms and conditions.

Bear in mind that your new insurer will classify the cataracts as a pre-existing condition. This means they’re unlikely to provide cover if the issue reoccurs.

“Remember, it’s important to declare all pre-existing conditions – even if your new insurer is likely to exclude them – to avoid the chance of invalidating your policy,” MSE stresses.

MSE says you need to know this about pet insurance

1. It generally covers big issues (such as broken bones and tumours), not check-ups
2. Need cover but can’t afford it? If you’re on certain benefits, charities such as the PDSA may help with vet bills
3. Could you self-insure? For smaller animals, you could put cash in savings to cover fees
4. Keep your pet’s routine jabs up to date or it may invalidate your insurance
5. Always check the policy is right for you. It’s not easy, as insurance is about protection from the unknown, but do check the policy details, what’s excluded, and that the firm’s regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
6. If your claim is unfairly rejected, take the firm to the Financial Ombudsman. Once you’ve complained to your provider, you have a right to go to the free, independent Financial Ombudsman Service for help settling the claim.

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