RSPCA Silver

General conditions applicable to the whole policy
8. Cancellation
Statutory cancellation rights
You may cancel this policy within 14 days of receipt of the policy documents (new business) or the renewal date (the cancellation period) by writing to RSPCA Pet Insurance Team at the address given below during the cancellation period. Any premium already paid will be refunded to you providing no claim has been made or is intended to be made and no incident likely to give rise to a claim has occurred.

Claims conditions
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. Claims
You must contact the Pet Claims Line by phone if you want to make a claim on 0870 850 6983. Lines are open Monday to Friday between 8am and 8pm and Saturday between 9am and 2pm.
The claim notification must be made within 31 days (increased to 121 days under Section 6 - Theft or straying) or as soon as possible thereafter following any injury, illness, bodily injury, death, disease or the discovery of any loss, theft, straying, damage or destruction which may lead to a claim under this policy.
You must also tell us if you are aware of any writ, summons, letter of claim or other document as soon as you receive it . Every communication relating to a claim must be sent to us immediately. You or anyone
acting on your behalf must not negotiate, admit or repudiate (refuse) any claim without our permission in writing.
You or your legal representatives must supply at your own expense all information, evidence, details of any other insurance policy involved (such as household) and veterinary certificates as required by us. You should refer to the section under which you are claiming for further details of the evidence that we need to deal with your claim.
We may request and will pay for a postmortem examination of your pet.
We may refuse to reimburse you for any expenses for which you cannot provide receipts or bills.
2. Claim form completion
We cannot guarantee payment of a claim over the telephone. If you want to make a claim you must complete your sections of the claim form and for veterinary fees, arrange for your vet to fill in their part and return to us within 31 days of the pet receiving the treatment or as soon as possible thereafter. You will be responsible for any costs charged for the completion of the form. If all or part of your claim cannot be paid
we will tell you in writing.
3. Higher than normal fees
If the veterinary fees you are charged are higher than the fees usually charged by a general or referral practice, we reserve the right to request a second opinion from an independent vet. If the independent vet does
not agree with the veterinary fees charged we may decide to pay only the veterinary fees usually charged by a general or referral practice in a similar area.
4. Unnecessary or excessive treatment
If we consider the treatment or complementary treatment your pet receives may not be required or may be excessive when compared with the treatment that is normally recommended to treat the same illness or injury by general or referral practices, we reserve the right to request a second opinion from an independent vet. If the independent vet does not agree with the treatment or complementary treatment provided we may decide to pay only the cost of the treatment or complementary treatment that was necessary to treat the injury or illness, as advised by the vet from whom we have requested the second opinion.
5. Signs of injury or illness
You must arrange for a vet to examine and treat your pet as soon as possible after it shows clinical signs of an injury or illness. And, if we decide, we will refer the case to an independent vet.
6. Subrogation (transferring of rights)
We are entitled to take over any rights in the defence or settlement of any claim and to take proceedings in your name for our benefit against any other party.
7. Fraud
You must not act in a fraudulent manner.
If you or anyone acting for you
a) Make a claim under the policy knowing the claim to be false or fraudulently exaggerated in any respect or
b) Make a statement in support of a claim knowing the statement to be false in any respect or
c) Submit a document in support of a claim knowing the document to be forged or false in any respect or
d) Make a claim in respect of any loss or damage caused by your wilful act or with your connivance
Then
a) we shall not pay the claim
b) we shall not pay any other claim which has been or will be made under the policy
c) we may at our option declare the policy void
d) we shall be entitled to recover from you the amount of any claim already paid under the policy
e) we shall not make any return of premium
f) we may inform the Police of the circumstances.

Claims conditions applicable to the whole policy
1. If You make a claim and there is any other insurance covering the same event under which You are entitled to payments, We will only pay Our proportion of the claim.

Section 1 - Veterinary fees
We will pay you all reasonable costs for treatment of your pet by a vet up to £6,500 per condition for Gold cover or £3,000 for Silver cover including:
1. The cost of treatment for any ongoing condition beyond any renewal date of the policy, provided you have renewed the policy and premiums are paid and up to date.
2. Up to £250 per condition for Gold cover or £100 for Silver cover for the cost of dental treatment due to an injury or illness.
3. Up to £250 per condition for Gold cover or £100 for Silver cover in each period of insurance for complementary treatment carried out by a vet or a complementary therapist.
4. Up to £250 in each period of insurance for the costs of treatment for behavioural problems carried out by a specialist under the direction of a vet. This cover is only included under Gold cover.
5. Up to £200 per condition for the cost of a clinical diet for your pet (for a maximum period of 4 weeks), as long as it is recommended by your vet in order to treat a condition and is only available from your vet. In this case we will pay the difference between the normal cost of feeding your pet and what you pay for the diet. This cover is only included under Gold cover.
6. Up to £1,000 per condition for treatment of your pet by a vet whilst your pet is outside the United Kingdom during a trip under the pet travel scheme (with a maximum of three trips in any period of insurance). This cover is only included under Gold cover.
7. Up to £100 for the cost of cremation if your pet dies or is put to sleep by a vet as a result of injury or illness, provided such injury or illness is covered under Section 7 - Death caused by injury or Section 8 - Death from illness. This cover is only included under Gold cover.
Special conditions relating to claims
1. Before your pet is treated check that your vet is willing to complete the claim form and supply us with the supporting invoices.
We will not pay for the vet to do this.
2. The claim form and invoices must be returned to us within 31 days of the pet receiving the treatment or as soon as possible thereafter. Please make sure 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 asked us to pay your vet we will send payment directly to the practice and if there is any amount other than the excess that we cannot pay because the costs are not covered we will tell you in writing. You must settle with your vet any amount we cannot pay.
4. If your claim involves behavioural or complementary treatment the claim form and invoices must be countersigned by your vet
5. If you are submitting a claim for an ongoing condition your vet must still complete a claim form and supply us with the supporting invoices on each occasion that treatment is provided.
6. If your pet is referred to a specialist please make sure your own vet that normally treats your pet has completed a separate claim form for the initial costs. We will not be able to assess the claim form and
supporting invoices from the referral practice until we have processed the initial treatment from your own vet.
What is not covered
1. The amount of the excess you must pay per condition is as follows:
Policyholder does not live in a selected postcode
   All breeds other than selected breeds  Selected breeds only
Gold cover The first £75 of treatment costs   The first £100 of treatment costs
Silver cover The first £75 of treatment costs   The first £100 of treatment costs
Policyholder lives in a selected postcode
  All breeds other than selected breeds  Selected breeds only
Gold cover The first £100 of treatment costs   The first £100 of treatment costs
Silver cover The first £100 of treatment costs   The first £100 of treatment costs
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 injury or illness that first showed clinical signs within 14 days of your pets cover starting; or,
b) an injury or 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. Costs resulting from treatment your vet recommends to prevent an injury or illness.
5. Hospitalisation of your pet unless your vet confirms that it is essential that your pet is hospitalised.
6. The cost of dental treatment unless the treatment relates to an injury or illness and 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.
7. Costs resulting from killing or controlling fleas, general health enhancers and unconventional or unlicensed treatment.
8. Sex hormonal problems unless directly resulting from a valid claim.
9. Obesity and oral hygiene diets unless we agree to pay for these under What is covered, paragraph 5. above.
10. Costs resulting from vaccinations, microchipping, spaying, castration, mating, pregnancy, giving birth or any secondary or related complications arising there from.
11. Complementary treatments that are not carried out under the direction of a vet.
12. Cost of house calls unless the vet confirms that moving your pet would damage its health.
13. Extra costs of treating your pet outside normal surgery hours, unless the vet considers an emergency consultation is necessary.
14. Costs that result from an illness or injury specifically excluded in the schedule of insurance.
15. The cost of treating any injury or illness deliberately caused by you, anyone living with you or anyone else looking after your pet.
16. The cost of surgical items that can be used more than once.
17. The cost of any form of housing, including cages, whether hired or purchased.
18. The cost of bathing, grooming or de-matting your pet unless a vet confirms only a vet or a member of a veterinary practice can carry out these activities, regardless of your personal circumstances.
19. The cost of a post mortem examination on your pet unless we require this and agree to pay.
20. The cost of transplant surgery, including pre and post operative care.
21. Any claim under What is covered, sub paragraph 7. above if your pet has to be put to sleep due to aggression.
22. Ovariohysterectomy to prevent mammary tumours or the reoccurrence of false pregnancies.
23. Removal of retained testicles or deciduous teeth if your pet is over the age of 4 months when your pets cover started.
24. Removal of dew claws unless they are damaged or infected at the time the surgery is carried out.
25. The cost of any treatment, or complications arising from treatment, that you choose to have carried out that is not directly related to an injury or illness, including cosmetic dentistry.
26. The cost of pheromone products, including Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) diffusers and Feliway.
27. The cost of treatment for a behavioural illness if your pets behaviour is caused by you failing to provide training.
28. Anything mentioned in the General exclusions applicable to all sections of the policy on page 16.
Claims evidence
We will require the following evidence where relevant:
- A completed claim form.
- Receipts or bills for treatment provided by a vet.
- Any other relevant information that we may ask you for.

Section 1 - Veterinary fees
We will pay you all reasonable costs for treatment of your pet by a vet up to £6,500 per condition for Gold cover or £3,000 for Silver cover including:
2. Up to £250 per condition for Gold cover or £100 for Silver cover for the cost of dental treatment due to an injury or illness.
What is not covered
6. The cost of dental treatment unless the treatment relates to an injury or illness and 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.

Section 1 - Veterinary fees
We will pay you all reasonable costs for treatment of your pet by a vet up to £6,500 per condition for Gold cover or £3,000 for Silver cover including:
2. Up to £250 per condition for Gold cover or £100 for Silver cover for the cost of dental treatment due to an injury or illness.
What is not covered
6. The cost of dental treatment unless the treatment relates to an injury or illness and 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.

Section 1 - Veterinary fees
We will pay you all reasonable costs for treatment of your pet by a vet up to £6,500 per condition for Gold cover or £3,000 for Silver cover including:
3. Up to £250 per condition for Gold cover or £100 for Silver cover in each period of insurance for complementary treatment carried out by a vet or a complementary therapist.
Special conditions relating to claims
4. If your claim involves behavioural or complementary treatment the claim form and invoices must be countersigned by your vet
What is not covered
11. Complementary treatments that are not carried out under the direction of a vet.
Complementary treatment
means
- Acupuncture and homeopathy carried out by, and herbal medicine prescribed treatment by, a veterinary practice.
- 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.
- Hydrotherapy carried out by a veterinary practice or a member of the Canine Hydrotherapy Association.
- 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.
- 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 the National Association of Animal Therapists (NAAT) providing the member is a qualified animal physiotherapist.
- 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.

Section 7 - Death caused by injury
What is covered
We will pay you the market value up to a maximum of £1,000 for Gold cover or £250 for Silver cover if your pet dies or has to be put to sleep by a vet following an injury.
Special conditions relating to claims
1. You must send us a death certificate from your vet (at your expense) or if not available a statement from an independent witness confirming your pet's death, together with any pedigree certificate and receipt for the original purchase of your pet.
What is not covered
1. Death caused by an illness.
2. Any claim if the death results from an injury that happened before your pet's cover started.
3. Any claim if a vet believes it is more humane to keep your pet alive rather than put it to sleep, but despite this you still have your pet put to sleep.
4. Anything mentioned in the General exclusions applicable to all sections of the policy on page 16.
Claims evidence
We will require the following evidence where relevant:
- A death certificate from your vet (at your expense) or if not available a written statement from an independent witness confirming your pet's death.
- A pedigree certificate and receipt for the original purchase of your pet.
- Any other relevant information that we may ask you for.

Section 5 - Advertising and reward costs
What is covered
We will pay you:
1. Up to £1,000 for Gold cover or £250 for Silver cover in each period of insurance for the costs incurred of local advertising if your pet is lost or stolen (including up to £75 towards sundries to make your own
posters and advertising material).
2. Up to £250 for Gold cover or £100 for Silver cover in each period of insurance for the reward costs incurred to recover your pet if it is lost or stolen.
Special conditions relating to claims
1. You must send us full details of the circumstances including copies and a receipt for any advertisements that you have placed.
2. If you are claiming for the recovery of a reward we will also need a receipt giving us the full name and address of the person who found your pet and the amount you have paid them.
What is not covered
1. Any reward to a person living with you.
2. Any reward that we have not agreed to before you advertised it.
3. Any reward not supported by a signed receipt giving the full name and address of the person who found your pet.
4. Any reward paid to the person who was caring for your pet when it was lost or stolen.
5. Anything mentioned in the General exclusions applicable to all sections of the policy on page 16.
Claims evidence
We will require the following evidence where relevant:
- Copies of any advertisements placed and receipts or bills for any advertisement costs claimed for.
- Receipt for the amount of the reward you are claiming.
- Any other relevant information that we may ask you for.

Section 5 - Advertising and reward costs
What is covered
We will pay you:
1. Up to £1,000 for Gold cover or £250 for Silver cover in each period of insurance for the costs incurred of local advertising if your pet is lost or stolen (including up to £75 towards sundries to make your own
posters and advertising material).
2. Up to £250 for Gold cover or £100 for Silver cover in each period of insurance for the reward costs incurred to recover your pet if it is lost or stolen.
Special conditions relating to claims
1. You must send us full details of the circumstances including copies and a receipt for any advertisements that you have placed.
2. If you are claiming for the recovery of a reward we will also need a receipt giving us the full name and address of the person who found your pet and the amount you have paid them.
What is not covered
1. Any reward to a person living with you.
2. Any reward that we have not agreed to before you advertised it.
3. Any reward not supported by a signed receipt giving the full name and address of the person who found your pet.
4. Any reward paid to the person who was caring for your pet when it was lost or stolen.
5. Anything mentioned in the General exclusions applicable to all sections of the policy on page 16.
Claims evidence
We will require the following evidence where relevant:
- Copies of any advertisements placed and receipts or bills for any advertisement costs claimed for.
- Receipt for the amount of the reward you are claiming.
- Any other relevant information that we may ask you for.

Section 6 - Theft or straying
What is covered
We will pay you the market value up to a maximum of £750 for Gold cover or £250 for Silver cover if your pet is stolen or goes missing and is not recovered within 90 days of the theft or straying.
Special conditions relating to claims
1. If you have lost a dog you must report this to the Police within 24 hours of becoming aware that the dog is missing. In the case of cats you must make enquiries with local rescue centres.
2. Any claim notification must be made within 121 days of the date on which your pet is stolen or goes missing. The notification may be made at any time during this period but we will not make any payment to you within the first 90 days of the theft or straying.
3. You must send us any pedigree certificate and receipt for the original purchase of your pet.
4. If your pet is eventually found or returns you must repay the full amount that we have paid under this section of your policy.
What is not covered
1. Anything mentioned in the General exclusions applicable to all sections of the policy on page 16.
Claims evidence
We will require the following evidence where relevant:
- A Police report from the Police station where you reported the loss of your dog.
- Written details of the rescue centres you have spoken to about your cat.
- Any pedigree certificate and receipt for the original purchase of your pet.
- Any other relevant information that we may ask you for.

Section 3 - Emergency boarding kennel and cattery fees
What is covered
We will pay you up to £100 per week up to a maximum of £750 for Gold cover or up to £50 per week up to a maximum of £250 for Silver cover in any period of insurance for the costs incurred in boarding your pet at a licensed premises if:
a) you or any member of your family permanently residing with you suffer any bodily injury, illness or disease which necessitates your or their emergency hospitalisation as an in-patient for a period exceeding 4 complete days and no other member of your family permanently residing with you is able to look after your pet.
Special conditions relating to claims
1. You must send us written confirmation from the appropriate kennels or cattery showing the dates and daily cost of boarding.
2. You must send us a medical certificate or written confirmation from the treating doctor or the hospital that confirms the dates of your or your family members admission and subsequent discharge from hospital.
What is not covered
1. Any hospitalisation that is either known or foreseeable before cover for your pet started.
2. Any costs resulting from treatment that is not related to a bodily injury, illness or disease.
3. Any costs resulting from your going into a hospital for the treatment for alcohol or solvent abuse, drug abuse, drug addiction, attempted suicide or self inflicted bodily injury or illness.
4. Any additional period of hospitalisation relating to treatment or services provided by a convalescent or nursing home or any rehabilitation centre.
5. Anything mentioned in the General exclusions applicable to all sections of the policy on page 16.
Claims evidence
We will require the following evidence where relevant:
- Written confirmation from the appropriate kennels or cattery showing the dates and daily cost of boarding.
- A medical certificate or written confirmation from the treating doctor or the hospital that confirms the dates of your or your family members admission and subsequent discharge from hospital.
- Any other relevant information that we may ask you for.

Section 9 - Trip cancellation or return home
What is covered
We will pay you up to £3,000 for Gold cover or £500 for Silver cover in any period of insurance for travel and accommodation expenses that you cannot recover if you or any member of your family permanently
residing with you have to cancel or cut short your trip because your pet:
1. Has gone missing while you are away or
2. Is injured or shows the first clinical signs of any illness while you are away or up to 7 days before you leave and needs immediate life saving surgery.
Special conditions relating to claims
1. You must send us confirmation of the treatment signed by your vet.
2. You must send us cancellation invoices from your travel agent, tour operator or other holiday sales organisation. The invoices must show the dates and total cost of your holiday, the date you decided to cancel
or return home and any expenses that you cannot recover.
What is not covered
1. The amount of the excess shown in your schedule of insurance.
2. Anything mentioned in the General exclusions applicable to all sections of the policy on page 16.
Claims evidence
We will require the following evidence where relevant:
- Written confirmation of the treatment signed by your vet.
- Cancellation invoices from your travel agent, tour operator or other holiday sales organisation.
- Any other relevant information that we may ask you for.

Section 7 - Death caused by injury
What is covered
We will pay you the market value up to a maximum of £1,000 for Gold cover or £250 for Silver cover if your pet dies or has to be put to sleep by a vet following an injury.