With nearly one in two UK households owning at least one pet, it can be safely assumed that the Brits hold their furred, feathered and scaled friends in high regard. Considering many people view their pet(s) as an integrated part of the family, it can prove devastating when something happens to them - that’s why it can pay to invest in a good pet insurance plan.

In fact, many animal experts believe that having pet insurance is a necessity, and when you view the statistics it’s easy to see why. According to recent research, the average cost of claims per year has risen for both cats and dogs. Not only that, but it’s estimated that one in three pets will need to have some form of surgery carried out on them before they are two years old, while at least 50 percent will require surgery within their lifetime.

If that were not convincing enough, the cost of treating pets has risen dramatically in recent years, and this is mainly due to the advancements in veterinary science and associated treatments.

It is an unfortunate fact that there are people who cannot afford to treat their pets when they become ill or injured, meaning that many pets have to be unnecessarily put down. Indeed, a 2008 survey found that 1.6 million people have had to put down a dog or cat in the last five years, because they couldn’t afford to pay for treatment.

However, if you take out insurance at the start of your pet ownership, you are greatly reducing the likelihood of this happening, and of having to unexpectedly pay out for bills that will leave you lacking in funds. With the range of pet insurance policies available, it is possible to find one that’s both comprehensive in its cover and cost-effective.

The right insurance plan is one that caters for your needs; therefore, when searching for a policy, make sure you are aware of your requirements. For instance, if you or your family is intending to go on holiday abroad, then it may be worth looking for a deal that provides cover for holiday cancellation, in the event that your pet requires emergency treatment.

Another consideration is whether you want to be protected against your pet becoming lost or stolen. If so, there are policies out there which can help with costs towards retrieving your pet, such as advertising. Additionally, it is possible to receive cover for the death of your pet, depending on its age.

Therefore, it can prove worthwhile to take out some form of pet insurance cover; not only will this provide you with peace of mind, but it will also help to ease the financial pressure should something go wrong.

Isla Campbell writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.