Molesey Vets on What to Consider Before Switching Pet Insurance
August 10, 2026
Summer can be a busy time for pets across Surrey – more outdoor activity, holiday travel, changes in routine, and often a few unexpected scrapes or vet visits along the way. As things begin to settle down towards the end of August and routines return to normal with the new school term approaching, it’s a natural moment to check in on your pet insurance and ask whether your current policy is still doing what you need it to.
Before making any changes though, there are a few things to keep in mind. Our team at Molesey Vets are happy to help you think it through – get in touch today.
The pre-existing conditions rule
This is the most important thing to understand before switching policies – and one our team at Molesey Vets often see catches owners off guard. Many insurers will not cover pre-existing conditions, meaning any condition your pet has already been diagnosed with, treated for, or shown symptoms of before the new policy starts will likely be excluded from cover.
If your pet has been seen by a vet for any new issue over the past few months, that condition may now be on their medical record. Switching policies at this point could mean a new insurer excludes it entirely, leaving you without cover for something your current insurer would still pay out on.
Our team in East Molesey are always happy to discuss your pet’s medical history and help you understand what may be classed as a pre-existing condition before you make any decisions.
What to check on your current policy
If you’re wondering whether your current policy is still fit for purpose, Molesey Vets’ team suggest reviewing the following:
- Annual limit vs lifetime limit: Lifetime policies cover a condition up to a set amount each year for the pet’s whole life – annual or per-condition policies may stop covering an ongoing issue after the first policy year or once a cap is reached
- Excess amount: Check whether your excess has increased at renewal – this is common as pets age and can significantly affect the value of any claim
- New exclusions: Our vets in East Molesey recommend reading the small print for any exclusions added at renewal, particularly around breed-specific conditions or age-related health issues
- Premium increases: Premiums typically rise as pets age – if yours has increased significantly it may feel tempting to switch, but weigh this carefully against the pre-existing conditions risk
When switching might still make sense
It’s always worth taking a moment to check whether your pet is getting the protection they need. Circumstances change over time, and a policy that worked well when you first took it out may not offer the same level of cover it once did. There are situations where switching could be the right decision – for example, if your pet is young and healthy with no claims history, or if your current insurer has meaningfully reduced cover at renewal.
At Molesey Vets, we recommend speaking to a vet before making a final decision. Understanding your pet’s full health history – particularly after a busy summer – is an important part of making an informed choice. Pet owners across Surrey are welcome to get in touch with our team to talk this through before committing to a switch – speak to our team before switching your pet’s insurance.
