JLT Online launches Petguard

by Gill Montia

Story link: JLT Online launches Petguard

JLT Online, part of Jardine Lloyd Thompson, the insurance and reinsurance group, is launching Petguard.co.uk, an online pet insurance product.

The policy offers eight cover options, all of which can provide fast treatment as policyholders do not need to consult Petguard before an animal is referred for specialist treatment by a vet.

Cover is provided for a range of complementary and alternative therapies such as homeopathy, osteopathy, acupuncture, hydrotherapy and chiropractic treatments.

According to research by YouGov, 70% of the UK’s 4.8 million dog and 4.5 million cat-owning households have no pet insurance.

Sarah Gow, managing director of Petguard, says: “It is unsurprising, with such limited customer choice and flexibility, that almost two thirds of cats and dogs remain uninsured … there is no reason why the same flexibility that customers expect for their home and car insurance shouldn’t be available when insuring their pets. The majority of the pet insurance market delivers a package approach which can result in cover that may be either not necessary or costly.”

Petguard allows pet owners to tailor cover a suit a range of situations, such as boarding fees, should an owner be taken ill or have to cancel a holiday at short notice.

The policy can also be extended for treatment outside the UK, and in the event of a pet going missing, Petguard can help with advertising and reward costs.

Owners insuring more than one pet will benefit from a discount and can specify different levels of cover for each animal.

Finally, Petguard recognises the impact that the loss of a family pet can have on its owners and runs a bereavement helpline, open to all policy holders.