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You are at: Pet Insurance FAQ | Pet Insurance | Personal Insurance | First Ireland

Frequently Asked Questions

What cover levels are available?

Essential Cover: Accident and Liability only. This level provides cover for veterinary fees resulting from accidental injury only of your dog and cat and for third party liability for your dog only.

Premier Cover: 12 Months Cover. Our Premier policy covers your pet for a 12 month period from the date of loss for illness or injury. Cover after your renewal date will continue up to 12 months, subject to renewal of your policy. After those 12 months the pre-existing medical condition will be excluded. Our Premier policy also provides cover for Third Party Liability, Death from Accident, Boarding Kennel/Cattery Fees, Theft /Straying, Holiday Cancellation and Lost/Found ads. We also offer optional cover for Overseas Cover which includes Quarantine, Emergency Repatriation and Loss of Passport.

Premier Plus Cover: Lifetime Cover (continued cover for medical condition occurring within the policy term). Our Premier Plus policy covers veterinary fees for life and is designed for pet owners concerned about their pet developing a long-term, chronic or recurring illness. Premier Plus Cover includes such conditions as arthritis or eczema which require treatment from a vet over a long period of time, often for life. As long as the Premier Plus policy is renewed each policy year without a break, we will continue to provide cover for new illnesses after the policy starts right into your cat or dog's old age. Our Premier Plus policy also provides cover for Third Party Liability, Death from Accident, Boarding Kennel/Cattery Fees, Theft /Straying, Holiday Cancellation and Lost/Found ads. We also offer optional cover for Overseas Cover which includes Quarantine, Emergency Repatriation and Loss of Passport up to the aggregate limit.

Can I insure a pet of any age?

You can start pet insurance cover for your cat or dog from eight weeks until eight years of age at inception of your policy. If you renew your cover each year without a break, we will continue to pay claims for ongoing conditions beyond eight years of age.

Does an excess apply to my policy?

Yes an excess will apply to your policy when making a claim. The excess will vary depending on your policy and the type of pet covered.

If my pet has been ill before, will this be covered by my insurance policy?

We like to be as clear as possible to our customers, therefore any exclusion from cover placed on your policy will be stated clearly on your Certificate of Insurance. Our pet insurance excludes any previous medical conditions of your cat or dog at the time of purchasing this policy.

When does my cover begin on my policy?

Cover for injury will start as soon as you take out a policy, although cover for illness is excluded for the first 14 days of your policy.

What is complementary treatment?

If you buy a Premier or Premier Plus policy we will pay for the cost of complementary treatment (up to the maximum benefit) that results from a valid claim under this insurance which your pet has received during the policy year for an illness or injury. By complementary treatment we mean: Acupuncture, chiropractic manipulation, hydrotherapy and osteopathy. All treatments must be carried out by a vet practice.

Can I include overseas insurance for pets?

Yes we do, this optional benefit is available on our Premier and Premier Plus polices.

Do you only insure cats and dogs?

Under this policy we only insure cats and dogs but we can arrange cover for horses with alternative insurers so contact us on Tel: 01 8820818.

Can I get a discount for more than one pet?

Yes, if you have two or more pets then you are entitled to a Multi-Pet discount. The discount is only available on our Premier and Premier Plus policies.

Is there a discount for having my pet micro-chipped?

Yes we offer a 5% discount off the Insurance Premium for Premier and Premier Plus policies in year 1 only, for having your pet chipped.

Will this insurance pay my vet fees directly?

We can arrange to pay most veterinary surgeons directly in the case of a vet fees claim. Please ask your vet if they are happy to do this, and we will take care of the rest.