Rising cost of treatments leave pet owners as sick as their dogs

• Pets are not the only ones concerned when visiting the vet - dog and cat owners claimed for £775 million worth of medical treatment last year
• Two pet insurance claims were made on average every minute in 2017
• Average value of insurance claims for dogs and cats rose by 10 per cent between 2016 and 2017
   

New analysis from Direct Line Pet Insurance reveals the average cost of veterinary treatment for dogs and cats has risen by four per cent over the past year¹, with the average claim rising by £29, from £728 to £757.
 

The overall cost of medical treatment claims for dogs and cats in the UK totalled £775 million last year, an increase of ten per cent on 2016. With more than a million pet insurance claims made during 2017, an average of nearly two every minute, pet owners are advised to look out for early warning signs of illness and injury to ensure their pets are given the best possible care and to reduce the likelihood of increased veterinary bills further down the line.
 

Analysis of Direct Line’s Pet Insurance data² shows that there are clear differences between the most commonly claimed-for ailments for cats and dogs. The most common illnesses in cats last year were identified as wounds (15 per cent), gastrointestinal disorders (14 per cent) and tumours, growths, warts or cysts (11 per cent). Poisoning and physical disorders (six per cent) were also prevalent in cats, which raises worrying questions about how to protect them from ingesting noxious substances or toxic plants when roaming freely. 
 

Dogs are more likely to need treatment for tumours, growths, warts or cysts, which accounted for a fifth (20 per cent) of all claims in 2017. This was followed by musculoskeletal disorders such as lameness, arthritis or ligament damage (19 per cent) and gastrointestinal disorders such as vomiting, pancreatitis and gastritis (12 per cent).
 

Across all pets, mouth and oral disorders such as abscesses, ulcers and wounds, saw the sharpest increase in claims between 2016 and 2017, rising by 25 per cent. This was followed by disorders of the lymphatic system (20 per cent increase) and hernias (10 per cent increase). However, claims for poisoning or physical disorders of unknown cause fell by a third (33 per cent), while there was also a fall in the number of claims for liver disorders, which fell by 20 per cent year-on-year.
 

Table one: The most commonly claimed-for ailments for dogs and cats, 2017

Source: Direct Line Pet Insurance, 2017

Prit Powar, head of pet insurance at Direct Line, commented: “Our analysis reveals the importance of insuring your pet against illness and injury, as owners can be left footing bills running into thousands of pounds. Many conditions can be easily treated so it is important to get your pet checked out as soon as you suspect something is wrong.  Comprehensive pet insurance provides the vital peace of mind that a trip to the vet won’t always result in a trip to the bank.”
 

Direct Line Pet Insurance customers concerned about their pet’s health can take advantage of free access to the PawSquad app, which allows users to video call or text a vet in any situation including emergencies. 

Emelie Fogelberg, Chief Veterinary Officer at PawSquad, added: “As time goes on, it becomes possible to treat pets more comprehensively and to manage a wider range of conditions, so average veterinary bills continue to rise.  Unfortunately, we still see a far lower percentage of cats visiting their vet than dogs, often due to the stress caused to both pet and owner.  PawSquad’s instant access, online video and chat service provides a stress-free way for pet owners to obtain veterinary advice from the comfort of their own home.”
 

Direct Line’s data showed that serious medical care can be required by pets at any age, with one in seven claims (13 per cent) made in 2017 being for dogs aged five or younger and one in eleven (9 per cent) being required for cats in the same age bracket.

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Notes to Editors

• ¹Direct Line analysis of ABI industry data, 2016 and 2017.
• ²Analysis of Direct Line Pet Insurance claims data, 2016-2017. Data covers medical insurance claims for dogs and cats only.
   

For further information please contact:
 

Olivia Shalofsky 

Direct Line Group

Tel: 01372 839 537

Email: olivia.shalofsky@directlinegroup.co.uk

Antonia Green

Citigate Dewe Rogerson

Tel: 0207 282 2967

Email: Antonia.green@citigatedr.co.uk
 

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.
 

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
 

Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 3761 or visiting