What does my pet insurance policy cover?

a fluffly cat sitting on an examination table with a vet standing in the background

Along with pet insurance, vaccinations, microchipping and neutering are all important parts of responsible pet ownership. Many pet owners still have questions around the benefits of vaccination, microchipping and neutering, and whether or not their policy covers these procedures. We take a look at these measures in more detail.

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Vaccination

Having your pup or kitten vaccinated soon after it leaves it’s mother is vitally important.

Vaccinating your pet will provide invaluable protection against several diseases they may be exposed to.

Pups are usually vaccinated at 8 to 10 weeks, with a first course of two injections. A year after your dog’s first vaccination they will be given a booster, which will be repeated every year.

Likewise, kittens usually start with a course of two injections, given at 9 and 12 weeks. A booster follows this first vaccination 12 months later, and then again once a year throughout the cat’s adult life.

Remember, as part of your Petplan insurance, you must keep your pet’s vaccinations up to date.

Microchipping

A microchip is a small electronic chip, roughly the size of a grain of rice, which is implanted under your pet’s skin and contains a unique number that can be read by a scanner.

Your contact details are logged on a central database, so should your pet ever go missing, it can be scanned and returned home quickly and safely. Microchipping your pet gives them the best chance of being identified and returned to you should they get lost or stray.

Microchipping your dog became a legal requirement across England, Wales and Scotland as of 6th April 2016. As of 10 June 2024 it also a legal requirement to microchip your cat.

The policy objective is to improve animal welfare by increasing traceability of pets through microchipping and to encourage responsible ownership.

It’s important for pet owners to take responsibility for updating their details with the database should their circumstances change.

Neutering

Neutering (known as spaying in females and castrating in males) is an important part of responsible pet ownership. Spaying not only stops your pet having unwanted litters, but also prevents behavioural and medical issues such as womb infections and the equivalent of breast cancer.

Cats

Male cats are often castrated via a simple operation that rarely require stitches. Female cats are spayed either via a keyhole incision on the left flank or a small incision on the tummy.

Rabbits

Rabbits can also be neutered, allowing them to live happily together without fighting or breeding.

Dogs

As dogs are bigger, neutering usually requires more involved stitching beneath the skin. Bitch spays are recommended three months after last season or at six months of age, depending on your individual vet’s recommendation.

Why Petplan does not cover vaccination, microchipping and neutering

Petplan provides peace of mind that your pet will have access to the very best veterinary attention should an unexpected injury or illness occur, that otherwise would not be feasible.

Routine, preventative or elective care of your pet, such as vaccination and neutering can be budgeted for.

This is similar to how your car insurance generally does not cover routine services, tyre care or registration fees.

Petplan has a range of pet insurance policies that cover a range of different needs.

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Petplan is a trading name of Pet Plan Limited (Registered in England No. 1282939) and Allianz Insurance plc (Registered in England No. 84638), Registered office: 57 Ladymead, Guildford, Surrey GU1 1DB.

Pet Plan Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register No. 311969. Allianz Insurance plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Financial Services Register No. 121849. Pet Plan Limited is a subsidiary of Allianz Insurance plc. Fitz All Media Limited is an Appointed Representative of Pet Plan Limited.