Hidden Limits That Could Cost You Thousands

The total your insurer will pay for vet fees across a single policy year. Anything above this is out of pocket.

Most policies restrict what they'll pay for dental care — often with a separate cap and conditions like an annual dental check.

Cover for behavioural issues — anxiety, aggression, obsessive behaviours — is almost always restricted and requires a vet referral to a qualified behaviourist.

Advanced imaging is expensive and usually only available at referral hospitals. Some policies cap diagnostics separately from treatment.

Referrals to specialists (orthopaedic, cardiology, oncology) are usually covered — but only when your regular vet refers you.

Long-term medication for chronic conditions (arthritis, epilepsy, allergies) is covered — but usually only within the same annual or per-condition pot.

Physiotherapy, acupuncture, laser and osteopathy are usually only covered when referred by a vet, and often with a small annual cap.

Vet-referred hydrotherapy for injury or arthritis is covered by many policies — often lumped into the complementary therapy cap.

Most insurers won't sell new policies to older pets (usually 8+ for dogs). Existing policies can also change — with higher excesses or co-payment once your pet reaches a certain age.

Multi-pet policies bundle several pets under one plan and often give a small discount — but each pet still has its own individual limits.