On 14th January 2005 new Financial Services Authority (FSA) regulations came into being, with regards to selling and recommending insurance, including pet policies. These regulations have a direct affect on breeders when homing kittens as they are no longer able to advise or sell pet insurance, not even the customary 6 weeks free insurance. Some breeders may now issue a voucher for free insurance, but this does not give the same cover as the original scheme.

Pet insurance is worth seriously considering if you are homing a Ragdoll or any other animal. Veterinary costs are rising and even a relatively simple illness can lead to vet bills over £200. There are numerous companies now offering pet insurance but it is important to shop around to ensure your policy gives your Raggie the cover it needs. The information below is designed to help you ask the right questions of companies before investing your money in insurance cover.

Check if the policy covers the following:

• veterinary fees for accident and illness
• death from accident and illness - some policies cover death by accident only
• the life of the animal – some companies cancel insurance when the pet reaches a certain age.
• the life of the illness – many policies only cover the condition for 12 months or costs to a certain amount
• complementary medicines and treatments
• advertising costs if your pet is lost or stolen
• boarding fees if you are hospitalised and unable to care for your pet
• holiday cancellation costs

Others things worth knowing before you buy:

• the claims procedure of the insurers
• the claim excess i.e. the amount you are expected to pay towards vets fee, before the insurers step in.
• the payment options available for you to pay the policy
• how soon the cover begins for injury and illness. Note: Injury is often covered immediately but there is often a 7-14 delay before illness is covered.
• if there is a cooling off period to give you time to fully read the term and conditions and cancel if you are unhappy.

Remember to choose a policy which best suits your circumstances and that of your Ragdoll.

Disclaimer: The advice included on this page is given as information only and the UKRCC do not accept any responsibility for a failure on the part of an individual to select appropriate insurance cover.