Maximum Benefit Pet Insurance

Once you have claimed up to the vet fee limit for a particular condition, that condition is no longer covered, even when you renew. Other conditions still have their own separate limits, and there is no limit on the number of different conditions you can claim for while your policy is in force. This is the main difference from lifetime cover, where the limit reinstates each year.

Maximum benefit cover is sometimes called per condition cover or a benefit limit policy. At Perfect Pet it is our Vital range. Whatever it is called, the idea is the same: a fixed amount of cover for each condition, with no time limit on how long you claim.

No. Like most pet insurance, maximum benefit cover does not cover pre-existing conditions, meaning anything your pet has had, or shown signs of, before the policy started or during the waiting period. The policy wording explains exactly how pre-existing conditions are treated.

Maximum benefit cover usually costs less than lifetime cover, because the limit for each condition does not reset every year. It typically costs more than time limited or accident only cover. The right choice depends on your pet and your budget, so it is worth comparing the options before you decide. The quickest way to see your price is to get a quote.

There is no upper age limit on taking out a new maximum benefit policy, so older pets can be covered. One thing to know: once your dog turns 8 or your cat turns 10, a 15% co-payment applies on top of your excess when you claim. For a pet likely to develop a long-term condition, many owners with a pet likely to need long-term treatment compare maximum benefit against lifetime cover before deciding.

Both give each condition a vet fee limit, but lifetime cover reinstates that limit every year you renew, so ongoing and chronic conditions stay covered for life. Maximum benefit gives a fixed limit per condition with no time limit, but once that limit is used up the condition is not covered again. Lifetime is the more comprehensive option for long-term conditions; maximum benefit can suit one-off or occasional needs at a lower cost.

The cost depends on your pet’s age, breed, size and where you live, along with the vet fee limit you choose, up to £4,000 per condition on Vital Extra. Breeds prone to hereditary conditions typically cost more to cover. Maximum benefit usually sits between time limited and lifetime on price. The quickest way to see your price is to get a quote.

Making a claim is simple, and we will guide you through each step. You start your claim through your online account or our make a claim page, and our team, including experienced vet nurses, takes it from there. Where we can, we will settle eligible vet bills with your vet directly, so you are not left out of pocket while you wait.