Tesco selling new flat-fee cover plan for man’s best friend

More than two-thirds of pets are uninsured – despite the risk of extortionate vet bills, according to research by Tesco Bank as it targets pet owners with a new product launch.

The new flat-fee Tesco pet accident and injury insurance policy comes with a fixed premium of £4 a month for cats and £6.25 a month for dogs.

It is designed to cover pets affected by injuries due to accidents, attacks from other animals, poisoning and treatment for cuts and wounds.

Accidents and injuries – rather than health conditions – are the main source of pet insurance claims, the research found. Claims worth £2.3 million were made in the year to August 2011 alone. More than 4,500 claims were for dogs at an average of £330 a time.