Direct Cover Standard

Cancellation period
If this cover does not meet your requirements, please return all your documents within 14 days of receipt and providing no claims have been made we will refund your premium in full.
You may cancel this policy at any other time by providing prior written notice to Direct Cover Pet Insurance.
Providing you have not incurred eligible claims during the period of insurance, we will retain an amount of premium in proportion to the time you have held cover and refund the balance to you.
Please see General conditions in the Policy wording for full details.

How to claim
If you need to make a claim or you require advice on any related matter, please call the Direct Cover Pet Insurance Claims Line telephone on 0845 605 1933
The claims centre is open from Monday to Friday 0800 to 1800 and Saturday 0900 to 1400.
You must notify us as soon as possible and no later than 60 days after any possible incident likely to result in a claim under any section of this policy.
Please retain all receipted invoices forming part of your claim and submit them with the completed claims form.
You will need to refer to the Special conditions relating to claims under each section of your policy for further help and information.

Claims conditions
(applicable to the whole policy)
We will act in good faith in all our dealings with you.
You must comply with the following conditions to have the full protection of your policy. If you do not comply we may at our option cancel the policy or refuse to deal with your claim or reduce the amount of any claim payment.
1 If at the time of any incident which results in a claim under this policy, there is another insurance covering the same loss, damage, expense or liability we will not pay more than our proportional share.

Section 1 - Veterinary fees
What you are covered for
We will pay up to the following amount per condition towards reasonable and customary costs for the treatment of your pet by a vet;
Standard     £3,000
The maximum Veterinary fees benefit per condition can include up to the following amounts:
1 for the cost of dental treatment required as a result of an injury or illness:
Standard     £100
2 for the cost of complementary treatment carried out by a vet or complimentary therapist or under the direction of a vet:
Standard     £500
What you are not covered for
1 The excess shown on your policy schedule (the excess is not applicable to the pet cremation benefit available on our Premier Plus cover).
2 The cost of any treatment for:
a) an injury that happened or an illness that first showed clinical signs before your pets cover started; or
b) an injury or illness that is the same as, or has the same diagnosis or clinical signs as an injury, illness or clinical sign your pet had before its cover started; or
c) an injury or illness that is caused by, relates to or results from an injury , illness or clinical sign your pet had before its cover started, no matter where the injury , illness or clinical signs are noticed or happen in,
or on your pets body.
3 The cost of any treatment for:
a) an illness that first showed clinical signs within 14 days of your pets cover starting; or
b) an illness that is the same as, or has the same diagnosis or clinical signs as an illness that first showed clinical signs within 14 days of your pets cover starting; or
c) an injury or illness that is caused by, relates to or results from a clinical sign that was first noticed, or an illness that first showed clinical signs , within 14 days of your pets cover starting, no matter where the
illness or clinical signs are noticed or happen in, or on your pets body.
4 Any costs resulting from:
a) any routine scaling and polishing or dentistry that is not related to an illness or injury;
b) sex-hormonal problems unless caused as a direct result of valid claim;
c ) vaccinations, microchipping, spaying, castration, mating, pregnancy, giving birth or any secondary or related complications arising from them;
d) treatment your vet recommends to prevent an illness or injury;
e) killing or controlling fleas, general health enhancers and unconventional or unlicensed treatment;
f) obesity diets;
g) complementary treatments that are not carried out by a vet or complementary therapist.
5 Any claim resulting from an illness or condition that your pet should have been vaccinated against:
a) For dogs - distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis and parvovirus
b) For cats feline infectious enteritis, feline leukaemia and cat flu.
6 The cost of any house calls unless the vet confirms that moving your pet would damage your pet's health.
7 Any extra costs incurred for treating your pet outside normal surgery hours unless the vet considers that an emergency consultation is necessary.
8 The cost of non-essential hospitalisation of your pet.
9 The costs incurred from any claim being continued unless you have paid all premiums to keep the policy in force without a break in cover.
10 Any amount under the pet cremation benefit, unless the cause of death is covered under Section 7 - Accidental Death or Section 8 - Death from illness.
11 The cost of treating any injury or illness deliberately caused by you or anyone living with you.
12 The cost of surgical items that can be used more than once.
13 The cost of any form of housing, including cages, whether hired or purchased.
14 The cost of bathing your pet unless a vet confirms only a vet or a member of a veterinary practice can bathe your pet, regardless of your personal circumstances.
15 The cost of dental treatment unless your pet has had its teeth checked by a vet no longer than 12 months before the onset date of the claim. If any treatment was recommended as a result of the check this must have been carried out.
16 The cost of a post mortem examination.
17 The cost of any treatment if a claim has not been submitted within 3 months of your pet receiving treatment.
18 Any amount under the pet cremation benefit if your pet has to be put to sleep due to aggression.
19 Ovariohysterectomy to prevent mammary tumours or the reoccurrence of false pregnancies.
20 Removal of retained testicles or deciduous teeth if your pet is over the age of 4 months at inception of the policy.
21 Removal of dew claws unless they are damaged or infected at the time the surgery is carried out.
For new Direct Cover Pet policyholders only:
Costs resulting from any illness first occurring or which showing clinical signs before cover for your pet has started, or within the first 14 days of the start of cover for your pet.
You will not be covered for anything mentioned in the General exclusions on page 19.
Special conditions relating to claims
1 You must ensure that your vet is willing to complete the claim form and provide us with supporting invoices and documentation.
2 All claim forms and invoices must be returned to the Claims Centre promptly. You should ensure that the form is signed by both you and your vet, and that it is indicated to whom we should make the payment.
3 If you have requested that we pay your vet, you must pay him directly for that part of the claim for which you are responsible. If you are unsure of the amount please call our claims helpline.
4 Any claim for complementary treatment must be countersigned by your vet.

Section 1 - Veterinary fees
What you are covered for
The maximum Veterinary fees benefit per condition can include up to the following amounts:
1 for the cost of dental treatment required as a result of an injury or illness:
Standard  £250
What you are not covered for
1 The excess shown on your policy schedule (the excess is not applicable to the pet cremation benefit available on our Premier Plus cover).
4 Any costs resulting from:
a) any routine scaling and polishing or dentistry that is not related to an illness or injury;
15 The cost of dental treatment unless your pet has had its teeth checked by a vet no longer than 12 months before the onset date of the claim. If any treatment was recommended as a result of the check this must have been carried out.
You will not be covered for anything mentioned in the General exclusions on page 19.

Section 1 - Veterinary fees
What you are covered for
The maximum Veterinary fees benefit per condition can include up to the following amounts:
2 for the cost of complementary treatment carried out by a vet or complimentary therapist or under the direction of a vet:
Standard  £500
What you are not covered for
1 The excess shown on your policy schedule (the excess is not applicable to the pet cremation benefit available on our Premier Plus cover).
4 Any costs resulting from:
g) complementary treatments that are not carried out by a vet or complementary therapist.
You will not be covered for anything mentioned in the General exclusions on page 19.

Definitions state:-
Complementary treatment
a) Acupuncture and homeopathy carried out by, and herbal medicine prescribed treatment by, a veterinary practice;
b) Chiropractic manipulation carried out by a veterinary practice or a member of the McTimoney Chiropractic Association or the International Association of Animal Therapists (UK), providing the member is a qualified animal chiropractor;
c) Hydrotherapy carried out by a veterinary practice or a member of the Canine Hydrotherapy Association;
d) Osteopathy carried out by a veterinary practice or a member of the International Association of Animal Therapists (UK) providing the member is a qualified animal osteopath;
e) Physiotherapy carried out by a veterinary practice or a member of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy, the International Association of Animal Therapists (UK) or the National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists (Incorporating NAAT) providing the member is a qualified animal physiotherapist;
f) Treatment of a behavioural illness carried out by a veterinary practice or a member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors or the Canine and Feline Behaviour Association.
Complementary therapist
- a member of one of the following organisations:
a) Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy;
b) Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors;
c) Canine and Feline Behaviour Association;
d) Canine Hydrotherapy Association;
e) McTimoney Chiropractic Association;
f) National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists (Incorporating NAAT);
g) The International Association of Animal Therapists (UK).

Section 1 - Veterinary fees
What you are not covered for
4 Any costs resulting from:
c ) vaccinations, microchipping, spaying, castration, mating, pregnancy, giving birth or any secondary or related complications arising from them;

General exclusions applicable to all sections of the policy
1 We will not pay for claims arising directly or indirectly from:
a) Your pet being under 8 weeks of age.

Section 7 - Accidental death
What you are covered for
We will pay the purchase price of your pet, up to the following maximum amount, if your pet dies or has to be put to sleep by a vet following an accident:
Standard   £250
If you did not pay for your pet or are unable to provide evidence of the purchase price, we will pay the market value instead.
What you are not covered for
1 Death caused by illness or disease.
2 Any claim more than 6 months from the date of the loss of your pet.
3 Any amount if the death results from an injury that happened before your pets cover started.
You will not be covered for anything mentioned in the General exclusions on page 19.
Special conditions relating to claims
1 You will need to send us any pedigree certificate and receipt for the original purchase of your pet.
2 You will need to provide us with a death certificate from your vet (at your expense). If this is not available, you must send us a statement from an independent witness.

Section 5 - Advertising and reward costs
What you are covered for
1 If your pet is lost or stolen, we will reimburse you up to the following amount for local advertising:
Standard  £300
2 We will meet the cost of a suitable reward (agreed by us prior to being offered) up to the following amount for the recovery of your pet if it is lost or stolen:'.
Standard   £250
What you are not covered for
1 Any reward to a person related to you or living with you.
2 More than 10% of the maximum benefit towards sundries to make your own posters and advertising material.
3 Any reward that we have not agreed to before you advertised it.
4 Any reward not supported by a signed receipt giving the full name and address of the person who found your pet.
5 Any reward paid to the person who was caring for your pet when it was lost or stolen.
You will not be covered for anything mentioned in the General exclusions on page 19.
Special conditions relating to claims
1 You must provide us with full details of the circumstances of your pets disappearance as well as all receipts and copies of any advertisements that you have placed.
2 If you are claiming for the recovery of a reward, you must provide us with details of the individual to whom the reward is to be paid as part of your claim and we will arrange for the payment to be made directly.

Section 5 - Advertising and reward costs
What you are covered for
1 If your pet is lost or stolen, we will reimburse you up to the following amount for local advertising:
Standard  £300
2 We will meet the cost of a suitable reward (agreed by us prior to being offered) up to the following amount for the recovery of your pet if it is lost or stolen:'.
Standard   £250
What you are not covered for
1 Any reward to a person related to you or living with you.
2 More than 10% of the maximum benefit towards sundries to make your own posters and advertising material.
3 Any reward that we have not agreed to before you advertised it.
4 Any reward not supported by a signed receipt giving the full name and address of the person who found your pet.
5 Any reward paid to the person who was caring for your pet when it was lost or stolen.
You will not be covered for anything mentioned in the General exclusions on page 19.
Special conditions relating to claims
1 You must provide us with full details of the circumstances of your pets disappearance as well as all receipts and copies of any advertisements that you have placed.
2 If you are claiming for the recovery of a reward, you must provide us with details of the individual to whom the reward is to be paid as part of your claim and we will arrange for the payment to be made directly.

Section 6 - Theft or straying
What you are covered for
We will pay the purchase price of your pet, up to the following maximum amount, if it is stolen or goes missing:
Standard   £250
If you did not pay for your pet or are unable to provide evidence of the purchase price, we will pay the market value instead.
What you are not covered for
1 Any claim within 90 days of the date of the loss of your pet.
2 Any claim more than 6 months from the date of the loss of your pet.
You will not be covered for anything mentioned in the General exclusions on page 19.
Special conditions relating to claims
1 If you have lost your dog, you must report this to the police within 24 hours of becoming aware that the dog is missing. You must also report the loss to the local rescue centres and retain confirmation of any calls you have made in respect of the loss. If your cat is missing, you must report the loss to the local rescue centres and retain confirmation of any calls you have made in respect of your enquiries.
2 You will need to send us any pedigree certificate and receipt for the original purchase of your pet.
3 If your pet is eventually found or returns you must repay us the full amount that we have paid for your claim under this section of your insurance policy.

Section 3 - Emergency boarding kennel and cattery fees
What you are covered for
We will pay up to the following amount per week for the cost of boarding your pet at a licensed kennel or cattery boarding facility if you, or any member of your family permanently residing with you, should have to go into hospital for emergency medical treatment as an in-patient on medical advice during the period of insurance:
Standard   £50 up to £600 in total .
What you are not covered for
1 Any hospital treatment or surgery that you were aware of or could foresee at the time of purchasing your policy.
2 Any amount if you are in hospital for less than 4 days.
3 Any costs resulting from your being pregnant, giving birth or any treatment that is not related to an injury or illness.
4 Any costs resulting from your going into a hospital for the treatment for alcoholism, drug abuse, drug addiction, attempted suicide or self-inflicted injuries.
5 Any costs resulting from nursing home care or from convalescence care that you do not receive in a hospital.
You will not be covered for anything mentioned in the General exclusions on page 19.
Special conditions relating to claims
1 You must obtain a letter from your doctor, specialist or treating hospital confirming the date and duration of your in-patient treatment.
2 You must provide receipts from the kennel or cattery facility confirming the dates of your pets stay, and daily cost of boarding.
3 No member of your immediate family is able to look after your pet while you are hospitalised.

Section 9 - Holiday cancellation and curtailment
What you are covered for
We will pay up to the following amount for the reasonable costs of travel and accommodation expenses for you, or any member of your family permanently residing with you, which have been paid or where there is a contract to pay before your trip begins:
Standard   £500
We will provide this cover if you have to cancel or curtail (cut short) your trip because of the following necessary circumstances:
1 Your pet becomes injured or shows the first clinical signs of any illness up to 28 days before your departure and requires immediate surgery to save your pets life.
2 Your pet suffers a serious injury or illness and is prevented from using pre-booked and paid kennel or cattery boarding facilities.
3 Your pet goes missing while you are away.
What you are not covered for
1 The excess shown on your policy schedule.
2 Any costs which can be recovered from anywhere else
3 Travel and accommodation expenses for anyone who is not a member of your family permanently residing with you.
4 Any extra cancellation charges because you did not tell the company providing your transport or accommodation, their agents or any person acting for you, as soon as you knew you had to cancel.
5 Any costs resulting from a pre-existing medical condition.
You will not be covered for anything mentioned in the General exclusions on page 19.
Special conditions relating to claims
1 You must provide us with confirmation of the treatment signed by your vet and receipts for any pre-booked and pre-paid kennel or cattery boarding facilities.
2 You must provide us with any relevant documents, receipts and evidence required to support your claim (including cancellation invoices from your travel agent or tour operator). The documents must show the dates and total cost of your holiday; the date you decided to cancel or curtail (cut short) your trip and any expenses that you cannot recover.