Health insurance can seem daunting, but it’s a potential alternative, or complementary way, to manage your own health and access timely treatment as the NHS faces historic issues.

It is safe to say health insurance is not a widely used product in the UK. Just 2.6% of health spending is done via private medical insurance according to the Office for National Statistics.

But it is gaining some traction – especially given well-documented recent issues in the NHS. While waiting lists are falling, more than seven million are still holding on for procedures.

The UK’s healthcare system is still overwhelmingly nationalised. In practice, this means that the NHS is ‘free at the point of delivery’– but is ultimately paid for through everyone’s taxes. You can read editor Edmund Greaves’s weekly column for more on that.

That being said, a private healthcare system, although much smaller, does exist alongside the national provision.

The lines between private and public are at times blurred as some doctors and healthcare institutions look after both kinds of patient. But how that care is funded is ultimately what is relevant.

This guide explains what health insurance is, how it works, why it might be a useful or necessary alternative to the NHS, what to consider when purchasing and its potential role in your finances.

In compiling this guide, Mouthy Money spoke to Dr Katie Tryon, chief commercial officer at health insurer Vitality for an episode of the Mouthy Money podcast. You can listen to the full podcast episode with Katie to hear more about how health insurance works and what to consider.

What is health insurance?

Health insurance, commonly known as private medical insurance in the UK, is a form of insurance policy that funds private healthcare for specific medical conditions, treatments or other health-related services.

Unlike the NHS, which offers free care at the point of use, private health insurance grants access to private hospitals, consultants and treatments. These private services are typically much quicker than NHS care but there is a significant ‘out-of-pocket’ cost attached.

Private health insurance generally covers acute conditions, such as sudden illnesses or injuries requiring surgery, but often excludes chronic conditions like diabetes or long-term care. Policies differ, but many include hospital stays, specialist consultations, diagnostic tests and treatments like physiotherapy.

Dr Tryon explains: “Traditional health insurance covers private treatment for conditions like musculoskeletal issues, cancer, or cardiovascular problems, depending on policy terms. These are the big-ticket items people historically bought insurance for.”

But she notes that usage of so-called ‘primary’ services such as GPs is growing significantly in response to changes in NHS ease of access.

“The real growth has been in primary care – services like GP consultations, physiotherapy, talking therapies and even skin analytics. Since we launched our GP service in 2015, claims in this area have grown by hundreds of percent.

“Moving further upstream, prevention is a growing focus. We use tools like Apple Watches to encourage physical activity, better nutrition, smoking cessation, weight loss and regular screenings. Health insurance has evolved from just paying hospital bills to a holistic tool for managing and improving health.”

As Dr Tryon says, some plans provide additional benefits, such as holistic services, tech, dental cover or mental health support, depending on the provider and premium.

This is typically done as it is an effective way to ensure the customer remains healthy for longer and also doesn’t end up costing the insurer more in expensive health treatments down the line.

More from Edmund Greaves

How does health insurance work?

When you buy a health insurance policy, you pay a monthly or annual premium to an insurer, who agrees to cover eligible medical costs for private treatment.

The process begins with selecting a policy that matches your needs, budget and desired coverage level. Such cover ranges from basic plans for major treatments to comprehensive ones that include outpatient care and extra services.

If you need treatment, you contact the insurer, who may require pre-approval or allow a GP referral to a private specialist.

The insurer verifies if the treatment is covered, and if approved, you can book appointments at a private hospital or clinic within the insurer’s network. Typically, the insurer pays the provider directly, though some policies require you to pay upfront and claim reimbursement.

Premiums vary based on age, health, lifestyle and coverage. They may increase annually due to inflation or aging, depending on the terms and conditions of the policy.

Policies often have exclusions, like pre-existing conditions or cosmetic procedures, and may include excess fees, where you cover part of the costs. Reading the terms carefully ensures you understand the coverage.

Why might you want or need health insurance?

Health insurance can offer some advantages depending on your situation. The NHS provides excellent emergency care and chronic condition management, but waiting times for non-emergency procedures, like knee surgery, can extend to months.

Dr Tryon is emphatic that health insurance is just about non-emergency procedures and issues but is increasingly being used an alternative for primary care.

“Our data shows a clear correlation between NHS waiting lists and our claims, especially for secondary care like hospital treatments. Primary care and prevention services are areas the public sector struggles to prioritise due to financial constraints.

“Another is the ‘quantified self’ movement. People are obsessed with data – heart rate variability, steps, calories – but often don’t know what to do with it. They’re looking for guidance and we help navigate that. Early intervention is also key. It’s cheaper and better to address issues early, like physiotherapy instead of a hip replacement.

“Finally, the digital revolution, supercharged by Covid, has transformed care delivery. Virtual services and community-based care leapt forward, enabling this shift.”

Private insurance can enable quicker treatment, which is vital if you’re in pain or need to resume work. It can also provide greater choice (depending on what is available in your area) allowing you to select your consultant, hospital and appointment times, offering flexibility the NHS may not.

Private hospitals can provide private rooms and better facilities, giving more comfort during recovery. For the self-employed or those unable to take extended time off, private care can minimise income loss by speeding up recovery.

Access to specialists or advanced treatments may also be easier privately, especially for complex conditions.

What to look out for when buying?

Choosing the right health insurance policy requires careful consideration to ensure it fits your needs and budget.

It is important to remember too that health insurance only works if you have a policy in place before a condition or issue emerges.

Dr Tryon says many policies are provided through workplace programs, but you can take out a policy independently. Costs vary between £70 to £200 (but can be more) depending on your age and health-related factors.

Here are some key things to consider:

Coverage scope: Check what the policy includes. Basic plans may cover only inpatient treatments, while comprehensive ones include outpatient consultations, diagnostics, and therapies. Ensure it matches your priorities.

Exclusions and limits: Most policies exclude pre-existing conditions, cosmetic surgery, or chronic illnesses. Some limit coverage for treatments like cancer care. Review the terms to avoid unexpected gaps.

Network of providers: Insurers partner with specific hospitals and consultants. Check that nearby facilities are included and available with your chosen provider.

Excess and co-payments: Some policies require an excess, like £100 per claim, or a percentage of costs, reducing premiums but increasing your out-of-pocket expenses.

Premium costs: Compare quotes from multiple providers, but don’t compromise essential coverage for a lower price. Use comparison sites or brokers for broader options.

Claims process: Choose insurers with a clear claims process and strong customer service. Look at reviews to consider the firm’s reliability.

Consider your age, health and finances when selecting a policy. Younger, healthier individuals might opt for basic cover, while older people or those with health concerns may need broader protection.

Why health insurance matters for your finances

Health insurance isn’t typically defined as something that can save you money or offer a sensible financial safety net, but its usefulness does extend beyond healthcare.

By protecting your health and potentially your family’s too, it can act as a financial safeguard that protects you against a loss of income, savings and stability through health issues.

For self-employed individuals or those trying to navigate long NHS waiting times, it can enable faster recovery times and outcomes.

Premiums, while highly variable depending on your age and health status, are predictable, unlike ‘out-of-pocket’ medical bills that can reach into the thousands.

However, the costs, often hundreds or thousands annually, require weighing against benefits, especially if you’re young, healthy, or rarely need care. For some, saving for emergencies may be more cost-effective.

Private insurance becomes more appealing for those who can afford it. It complements the NHS, easing the pressure on you to rely on public services while enhancing your healthcare options.

If you’re thinking about getting health insurance, assess your health and finances and consider consulting a financial planner or broker to find the best policy.

Understanding health insurance’s role in your financial plan can help you to make choices that support your health and wealth.

Photo credits: Pexels

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Q Is there any point in buying pet insurance for my eight-year old cat? 

A Cats can live for 20+ years so we would recommend buying pet insurance for your eight-year-old cat if you can.

In fact, regardless of their age, we would generally recommend owners buy pet insurance if possible as unexpected veterinary bills can be costly and understandably many owners would not be able to find several thousand pounds should their pet become seriously unwell or injured – which is the reality if you don’t have insurance.  

Pet insurance gives you peace of mind that you don’t need to compromise on vital vet treatment for your pet. 

As pet insurance prices increase with age the premium will be more expensive, this is because as your cat gets older the risk of them developing a health condition increases.  

You are also likely to have to pay a percentage of any claim as well as the excess when insuring an older pet. It is important to think if this is something you will be able to afford before you buy a policy. 

It is also important to do some research to find out what different providers cover as there are many different policies with different levels and lengths of cover. Some may have upper age limits on new policies too – for cats, this is generally from eight weeks of age up to their 10th birthday but each policy provider may differ.  

If your eight-year-old cat has a pre-existing condition, for example kidney disease, which can be common in older cats, then it is important to understand that most insurance will not cover pre-existing conditions so you will need to cover those costs yourself. This is why we recommend thinking carefully before changing a policy for an older pet with pre-existing health issues.  

Always be honest about your pet’s previous health issues and make sure you understand the exclusions on the policy before committing to anything.   

If you’re struggling to find a policy which will cover your old cat with any pre-existing conditions, it’s worth chatting to your vet as some practices will offer payment plans so that you can pay vet bills in instalments rather than one lump sum.   

Like all payment services this is subject to strict financial services, so not all practices will be able to offer this service and it will only be suitable in some situations. Some charities such as the PDSA and Blue Cross also offer financial assistance for veterinary care for those who are eligible.  

If your cat requires on-going medication and you’re struggling to pay the costs, vets can write a prescription to use online or take to a pharmacy where the price may be lower. Your vet will need to charge for writing the prescription, which goes to help the running cost of the clinic, but buying some medication this way can still reduce overall costs. 

Another option is to put some money into a separate savings account in case of unexpected health issues with your cat.  

Veterinary treatments have advanced so much in recent years, which mean that previously untreatable conditions are now more manageable. However, as there is no NHS for pets all these advances come with a cost.

Sometimes there are less costly options available, but these may not be as effective, for example. It is really important to be open with your vet about any cost limitations and accept that the treatment available may be more limited.

It is important not to feel guilty about this, but to focus on the best outcome for your cat’s wellbeing that is available within the funds you have.  

Caroline Allen is the Chief Veterinary Officer at the RSPCA where she has worked for over eight years. Caroline spent nearly twenty years as a GP vet in London before she joined the RSPCA. She is a trustee of the BVA- Animal Welfare Foundation. She studied veterinary medicine at the University of Cambridge and has a one year old rescue dog, a lurcher called Jess. 

Photo credits: Pexels

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Q. I’m going to Cornwall this year on a summer holiday, is there any point in getting travel insurance? 

A. The aim of travel insurance is to protect travellers against a wide variety of events that can take place during your trip, whether you are abroad or holidaying in the UK. 

While in the UK you are covered by the NHS for emergency medical costs, there are lots of other areas where insurance could prove useful.  

That’s because there are many events that can be out of your control when it comes to your UK holiday. These can include cancellation and curtailment (cancelling or cutting short your trip because of unexpected events like illness, injury and death), lost personal possessions, and personal liability if you’re responsible for damage to another person or property. 

Even essential travel insurance can help protect you if unfortunately one of these events were to occur. At the very least it can also help to provide you with some peace of mind if things do go wrong. 

Catastrophe can strike at any time so it’s always worth being prepared, particularly during the cost-of-living crisis where many of us are more money conscious. If you are looking to get travel insurance for your UK trip, taking out cover as soon as you book means you’re covered for cancellation as early as possible. 

If your holiday was cancelled because the company you booked with went bust, you may be able to claim back unrecoverable losses as part of your travel insurance.   

Travel insurance policies vary so check the terms and conditions of yours to make sure you know what you’re covered for when holidaying in the UK. In some cases you will need to be away for a certain period of days, or a set distance from your home, in order for the trip to be valid. 

Sarah is an experienced insurance professional with over 25 years in the industry, and has been Head of Home, Pet and Travel Underwriting at LV= General Insurance for over two years. Her career has covered a variety of roles across large and small insurers, brokers and start-ups, covering personal, commercial and travel lines of business. Sarah’s passion for insurance comes from knowing that she has the ability to protect people and their family. 

Photo credits: Pexels

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Mouthy Money co-editor Edmund Greaves recounts the day his rental flat flooded, and how a modest insurance policy saved his financial bacon.

You genuinely don’t think it’ll ever happen to you. But it did happen to me, and my partner, in 2022.

All was going well in the world. I had popped out of our rental flat at lunchtime one Thursday in May 2022 to go to the gym, when I got a phone call from our rental agent.

“Hi Edmund, your neighbours have called us and say there’s water coming out of your windows. Can you check what’s going on?”

“Uh, ok that sounds very strange and worrying, I’ll head straight home now,” I replied, slightly mystified, owing to the fact I had only left the building about 15 minutes prior.

I jumped back into my car and headed home. On arriving at the apartment block, I was confronted with the horrific sight of water cascading out of the windows of our first-floor flat. Now in a panic, I scurried up the stairs to be confronted by this:

It was truly all my worst nightmares coming to fruition. If you’ve ever had that conversation in the pub “what would you save from your house if it was on fire,” well I got to live it (only it was a flood, not a fire).

The very first thing I grabbed was my laptop. I work from home, I surmised in my head, I can’t earn a living if I don’t have that. Then I grabbed hard drives with all my files, and a shoebox filled with treasured childhood and family photos.

Next I ran back in and began saving other expensive items, including my camera, photo frames and other treasured possessions particularly susceptible to water damage.  

By this point, my partner had shown up (I had called her as soon as I realised how bad it was) and she began grabbing things too.

At one absurdly comical moment she shouted at me asking what she should save, to which I replied: “whatever your most treasured item is.” She then tried to grab our (admittedly quite expensive) coffee machine.

We stuffed as many of our treasured possessions as possible into anything we could find bags, pillowcases, binbags etc. We were literally on the street with our stuff strewn all around us.

Fortunately, we were able to spend the night at Ellyn’s parent’s house but this wasn’t a long-term solution as they live over an hour away and she needed to go to work still.

At this point in the ordeal, our landlord decided to hide behind their contract and said they had no obligation to find us alternative accommodation, leaving us effectively homeless. This is where our insurer really came through for us.

Why you should get home insurance

Unfortunately, lots of our possessions were ruined by water damage, including rugs, an armchair, bedding, shoes, a laptop and various pieces of luggage.

Thankfully, though, a simple £12 a month insurance policy helped us replace everything we lost to the flood, saving us thousands of pounds.

However, lots of people aren’t so lucky. Recent research from comparison site GoCompare shows less than one in 10 (7%) of home insurance quotes come from renters. This leaves a considerable portion of people at risk of serious losses should something like this happen to them.

Ryan Fulthorpe, from GoCompare home insurance, comments: “A lot of those in private rental accommodation are leaving themselves open to being majorly out of pocket should they be burgled or have an accident with one of their high value items. Landlords take out insurance to cover the contents of a property, but not a tenant’s property, that is their responsibility.

“It’s worrying to think that so many families living in rented accommodation in the UK are leaving themselves open to losing possibly thousands of pounds if the worst happened, as well as to cover those high value items away from home – as many contents insurance policies offer some form of cover if an item is lost away from the property.

If you’re a homeowner, buildings insurance is typically compulsory if you have a mortgage. Contents insurance is in fact not. But I urge you – be you a renter or homeowner – to go and buy a policy today if you don’t have one. They can be ludicrously cheap.

Our own policy cost around £12 a month courtesy of Churchill Home Insurance, and it was breathtakingly brilliant.

As a financial journalist I have often felt obliged to expect the worst from financial firms, but this could not have been further from my experience. Churchill were great at every step.

• They assessed all the damage to our property and paid out for our ruined possessions (totalling in the thousands) without any issues.

• They paid for us to have a hotel room for over six weeks while we waited to get into a new place.

• They paid for removal, storage, then moving into a new house for all our possessions left behind that hadn’t been ruined.

I don’t have a precise figure, but it must have been running above £10,000 worth of damages when all said and done.

Top tips for home insurance

1. Use comparison sites to get an idea of prices. Don’t necessarily just pick the cheapest as this may leave you with insufficient cover.
   
   
2. Make sure you have at least a vague idea of the value of your possessions as this will set how much cover you need. If you have items of particularly high value such as bicycles or electronics such as cameras then these usually need to be itemised on the policy to be covered.
   
   
3. Look for quality marks such as Defaqto ratings when buying insurance. Read up on the company and check review sites such as Trustpilot to gain an idea of customer service levels and how consistent they are about paying out for claims.
   
   
4. Document everything relentlessly if you have to claim. We took photos and videos, took names of witnesses and others involved in case we had to provide extra proof. In the end the insurer sent an assessor who was great but having this evidence helped a lot down the line.
   
   
5. Be persistent. I spent a lot time on the phone with the insurer going over all the details and kept on top of communication with them. They were great overall but did need pushing occasionally.
   
   
6. Don’t be afraid to ask. Policy documents often don’t actually have a lot of specific detail in them so if you feel like you’re owed something don’t think twice about asking. For instance, we had no specific stipulation in our policy about alternative accommodation but since our landlord refused to help and we were otherwise homeless they agreed to fund a hotel room for as long as we needed.
   
   
7. Don’t show unnecessary loyalty. Churchill were brilliant with us, but months down the line when it came to renewal their quote went up somewhat. This might have been down to our claim history, but I got a much better renewal quote elsewhere, so moved away.
   
   
8. Not every insurer is going to be as forgiving. I count myself lucky that Churchill were great throughout. I’ve certainly heard much worse anecdotes of experiences with insurers, so always be prepared to fight your corner.

Whose fault was it?

In the end we found out that the leak had emanated from a washing machine in the flat above ours. The inlet pipe had burst while the owner was out at work and had filled their flat with two feet of water which proceeded to cascade down into ours.

The entire sorry episode could have been avoided had our neighbour not left the washing machine running while out at work.

In the end, we were lucky that most of the water came down into the living room, where mostly banal things got ruined. Had it happened elsewhere in the flat, it could have been much more devastating.

Insurance can pay for what you’ve lost, but it will never replace those things that you love for their sentimental value. We were lucky to escape with nearly all of ours.

Photo Credits: Unsplash

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Mouthy Money Your Questions Answered panelist Alan Richardson answers a reader’s question about their options when it comes to protection policies if one person gives up their job for childcare.

Question: I’ve just had my first baby at 34 and have decided not to go back to work. What insurance is available to help our family finances? My partner works full time, and I will be caring for our child until they are three when I plan to go back to work.

Answer: Deciding to put your career on hold so that you can be a stay-at-home parent is not an easy decision.

There are many aspects to consider and it’s great that you are scrutinising the financial ramifications of not only a reduced household income, but also depending on one bread winner.

One often overlooked aspect of giving up work is the loss of any work-based benefits you may have had. This could include life cover, sick pay, maternity cover, medical diagnosis and treatment, and other benefits such as annual leave.

Fortunately, in the UK we have one of the world’s leading insurance markets, offering a huge range of products, yet this can be daunting and at times confusing, so speaking with an independent adviser could be helpful.

Life cover is often a good starting point. This can pay out as a lump sum or as a regular income in the event of death (or terminal illness). Some people take both types of life cover, one to cover the mortgage and the other to providing a regular household income to pay for things such as household bills and childcare fees.

Whether you are married of not, ask your adviser or insurer to place your policy into trust. This will give you an element of control over who will ultimately benefit from any pay out, as well as outlining who would look after the money until a beneficiary was old enough to receive it.  

With life cover, you have helped instil an element of financial resilience for your family should you die. However, we are all more likely to become seriously ill before we die. Critical illness polices cover cancers, heart attacks, strokes, and dozens of other serious illnesses.

Although a cash injection isn’t going to necessarily fix the condition, having access to funds to cover the additional costs and reduce financial stress is useful. Many Insurers will also cover your children automatically. 

There is also income protection, which pays a tax-free replacement income if you cannot work, including those who do not work although the amount of cover is limited.

It is important to insure the main household income so you’re covered yet the cost of these policies vary greatly and the options can be amended to suit your budget.

Finally, Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is one of the fasted growing areas of insurance.

More than other policies, this insurance provides you with practical assistance to beat an illness, giving you access to comprehensive list of hospitals, consultants, and surgeons to attend privately. This allows you to get quicker diagnosis, early treatment, specialised medical care and medication to speed up your recovery.

While many couples set up protection policies up on a joint basis, advisers will often recommend arranging separate policies for a number of reasons.

This will depend on your budget but having two policies means you both have cover – as even though you’re not working the financial value of everything you’re doing including childcare costs will be substantial.

Furthermore, some policies encourage you to stay fit and healthy and may also include added benefits such as 24/7 virtual GP apps, lifestyle planning and second opinion diagnosis services, at no extra cost.

Alan Richardson is Head of Advice at LifeSearch.

Bio: Alan Richardson has worked across the insurance sector for over 25 years and is Head of Advice at protection specialists, LifeSearch. He and his family moved to the Cambridgeshire in 2020 and is loving the health benefits of the fresh country air as he walks to the local pubs.

Photo by Picsea on Unsplash

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The rising cost-of-living is still biting, increasing the need to stay on top of our finances.

Here are some of our favourite stories from around personal finance this week to help you get your head around money.

Pay rises at fastest pace in 20+ years, still below inflation

Michael Race writes for BBC News, as wages grow at the fastest rate in more than 20 years yet fail to keep up with rising prices.

Average pay rose by 6.4% between September and November 2022 compared with the same period in 2021.

Private sector wages grew by 7.2% – a large gap with the public sector which grew by 3.3%, according to the ONS.

However, living costs are at a 40-year high, with the current inflation rate at 10.7%.

The real value of people’s pay is continuing to fall, as each pound buys you less – becoming one of the biggest pay cuts in real terms this century.

Which was the cheapest supermarket in 2022?

Aldi was the cheapest supermarket in 2022, writes Hannah Walsh for Which?.

Which? compared prices of 48 popular groceries, with Aldi found to be the cheapest store at £81.63, followed by Lidl at £83.24. The same shop at Waitrose was £112.62.

Of the big four, Tesco was the cheapest supermarket at £93.42.

They also compared a larger trolley of 149 items, which included a large number of branded items that cannot be found in discounted supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl.

Asda was the cheapest traditional supermarket, with the cost being £355.62 for a large trolley.

Aldi has been the cheapest supermarket for the last seven months, thereby being crowned as the cheapest supermarket of the year 2022.

Four things you’re paying too much for – and how to fix it

Consumer rights expert Martyn James writes for Mirror, running through ways you can cut costs for services you’re overpaying for.

Insurance

Many forget to cancel out old insurance policies while signing up for new contracts. Don’t pay for policies you don’t need!

If you have separate policies for each device you own, check for multi-gadget policies which could save you over £600 a year.

Broadband

Regulator Ofcom says that over seven million people are ‘out of contract’ with their broadband deals, generally paying higher than contract packages.

It’s better to switch to longer period but bear in mind that there are high exit fees if you want to break such contracts early.

Overdrafts

Overdrafts tend to be the most expensive form of borrowing, with higher rates of interest starting around 20% and hitting 40%+.

Subscriptions

From gym memberships, to streaming or cloud storage services- we often are unaware of how much this is emptying your pockets.

Go over your bills and end any unwanted subscriptions, or switch to other cheaper sources, saving £100s every year. 

Photo by Franki Chamaki on Unsplash

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Mouthy Money Your Questions Answered panelist Sarah Smith answers a reader’s question about their rights after a flood in their flat and how insurance works in this scenario.   

Question: While I was away on holiday my room in my flat share flooded. The damage means I cannot live in the room until it is repaired, and the majority of its contents will need to be replaced. But my landlord won’t provide alternative accommodation, what should I do?

The landlord and letting agent say it’s not their responsibility to put me up somewhere while the repairs are taking place which is estimated to take between two and four months and the only accommodation I’ve been able to secure is double my normal rent. 

Am I entitled to any compensation for the damage of my belongings, and extra costs taken on for temporary accommodation, not to mention the emotional turmoil?

Answer: This sounds like a really tricky scenario and unfortunately the landlord may not be obliged to provide alternative accommodation if it’s not their fault.

It’s always worth checking the terms of your tenancy agreement which might put an obligation on the landlord to provide alternative accommodation if you aren’t able to live in the property and it’s not your fault either. 

The good news is that if you have contents insurance there is usually a feature of cover that provides alternative accommodation or the cost of rent while the property is being repaired following an insured event like a flood or burst pipe. 

Contents insurance will also help you claim for your belongings which have unfortunately been damaged. It’s certainly worth talking to your insurer and finding out what is available. 

The other thing you could check is if your landlord has insurance. They may have cover included for loss of rent if the property becomes uninhabitable following loss or damage covered by the policy.  

Instead of paying loss of rent, policies may be able to pay the landlord ‘the extra cost of similar alternative accommodation for their tenant’.

If this is the case, it may be worth discussing this with your landlord.

Sarah Smith is an experienced insurance professional with over 25 years in the industry.

Sarah is an experienced insurance professional with over 25 years in the industry, and has been Head of Home, Pet and Travel Underwriting at LV= General Insurance for the last two years. Her career has covered a variety of roles across large and small insurers, brokers and start-ups, covering personal, commercial and travel lines of business. Sarah’s passion for insurance comes from knowing that she has the ability to protect people and their family.

Mouthy Money Your Question Answered compiled by Rebecca Goodman

Have you got a money question? Find out how to get your query answered

Photo by Holly Stratton on Unsplash

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Pet owners are paying for more insurance for the treatment of distressed dogs as they return to work.

An analysis by Defaqto shows that 44% of dog insurance policies now have full cover for behaviour compared to 30% in February last year.

The financial data firms say this is down to an increase in dog separation anxiety, as pets now suffer from being left alone in the house after constant time together with their owners during lockdown.

Many insurers now offer full cover for behavioural therapy recommended by a vet to treat an animal’s emotional distress, maybe owing to separation.

Pet insurance prices range from £6 a month to over £100 a month in the UK. The average cost of “accident only” pet insurance is typically under £110 a year.

Pet insurance provider Scratch and Patch, for example, offers policy prices with behaviour therapy costing £37.60 per month (£451.17 per year) for a crossbreed dog in its Premier Plus account, covering up to £500 in behavioural therapy.

Without behavioural therapy, pet insurance costs from £22.24 to £35.01 a month for different plans.

‘My dog learned to limp so I wouldn’t leave’

When Alice* left her home to get groceries or for work meetings, her dog Nugget would start howling, and pretending to have a limp to make her stay at home.

“He would normally just cry for about half an hour and would lay near the door and not move for hours. I have [home security] cameras so I would look at him through them. It broke my heart”, she said.

“He would have episodes where he’d scream and cry if I even put my shoes on leading him to believe I was leaving my house. He even learned to limp his leg so I wouldn’t leave.”

She spoke about her concerns with the vet, and they informed her of separation anxiety.

Alice said the pandemic has worsened Nugget’s anxiety: “I spent a lot more time home than normally, so he got used to having me around.”

What is dog separation anxiety?

The term dog separation anxiety became more prominent on TikTok during the pandemic. But Malena DeMartini, professional dog behaviour consultant, says this issue has been happening for a very long time.

She tells Mouthy Money: “Separation anxiety in dogs is very much like a panic disorder or a panic attack in humans. It’s really a phobia. By nature, a phobia is very irrational to the people that aren’t experiencing it.

“And it’s really important that people understand that this is not spite. This is not revenge. These dogs are truly petrified about alone time.”

Indicators of dog anxiety include:

• barking or howling
• destruction of exit points and furniture
• trembling, whining
• pacing, salivating, wet paw marks
• standing or sitting frozen at exit points or windows

Insurers offer full cover for dog behavioural therapy. Without the pet insurance cover, normally the prices for this type of issue would be £85 per hour, including a report and aftercare support. A 1:1 Behaviour Consultation can cost £300, according to Behaviour Clinic.

Rise in pet ownership

The number of dog owners has risen sharply during the pandemic in the UK.

Of an estimated 12 million dogs in the UK, about 3.2 million were acquired as puppies during the Covid crisis.

Dog welfare charity Dogs Trust has warned that an increasing number of owners are trying to hand over dogs for adoption since coronavirus restrictions were lifted.

DeMarini adds: “I think there will be a percentage of those people that will realise that they don’t have the capacity to care for that animal when they return to work, so they will give them back to shelters.”

*pseudonym

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Driving while wearing flip flops and a host of other items of clothing could land you in trouble with the law and your car insurer.

Flip flops, long dresses, baggy jeans or stilettos – all items that could get you into trouble if you wear them while driving, according to car finance firm CarMoney.

The firm has cautioned that drivers need to dress appropriately to avoid falling foul of Rule 97 of the Highway Code, which states: “The clothing and footwear you choose to wear whilst you are driving must not prevent you from using the controls in the correct manner.”

Police could issue you a fine of £100 on the spot, or a judge could fine you £5,000 if you go to court – you can also end up in trouble with your insurer if you are involved in an incident while wearing inappropriate clothing. Doing so can lead to higher premiums and even invalidating your insurance in extreme circumstances.

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Scam watch: Lidl fake email warning as Royal Mail text scammers caught

Lidl shoppers have been warned to watch out for an email scam doing the rounds at the moment, The Sun reports.

The scam starts with an email puportedly from Lidl to tell the recipient they have won the chance to enter a survey, then asking to click through to give their information

The email is fake and doesn’t come from Lidl, and is instead a phishing scam.

The latest ruse comes amid a significant dialling up of attempts from scammers during the pandemic. One that has particularly affected many people this year is a Royal Mail text scam.

The victim receives a text saying it is from Royal Mail for unpaid delivery charges, asking for payment for a parcel.

Police have now arrested eight people on suspicion of fraud and scamming related offences. One alleged offender has now been charged with three offences, while the others have been released pending further investigation, according to the BBC.

LISTEN: Mouthy Money co-editor Edmund Greaves talks to James Max on talkRADIO on these topics:

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With thanks to talkRADIO

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