Health care for animals requires the same level of training, skill and hygiene as for humans, but in addition we must consider the needs of many species. The costs of running a veterinary practice are extremely high: we receive no funding, grants or subsidies, and there is no National Health Service for animals.

In addition to covering normal business overheads, we have to allow for ever increasing drug bills as well as investment in specialised equipment and facilities in order to benefit our patients and their owners. Inevitably, out of hours consultations or visits carry a surcharge as we must provide a 24 hour emergency service every day of the year, with trained staff always on duty. All of our staff undergo constant training so that we are able to provide the highest level of service.

Veterinary science is continually advancing and we endeavour to achieve the highest standards of diagnosis, treatment and care for all our patients, but, inevitably, this is expensive. We are always happy to give an estimate before starting any treatment, however it is not always possible to foresee the exact nature or extent of some conditions, so regular updates will be given as needed.

Healthcare insurance is an economical way to ensure that you can afford the best possible treatment without financial embarrassment. However, there are so many insurance companies offering pet policies it may be difficult for you to select one appropriate for your needs.

On the financial side, you might like to compare overall value for money: discounts in multi-pet households; flexible payment options, e.g. monthly by direct debit or a discount for a single annual payment; vouchers towards the cost of annual boosters; a fixed excess for any one condition rather than a hidden percentage excess if the claim eventually exceeds a certain amount; at least £4000 cover for any one condition.

The cover offered should be lifelong, with no reduced options or financial penalties once the pet reaches senior status; should include hereditary and congenital (present from birth) conditions and preferably begin at the time of the initial health check (first vaccination or sooner) with no lag period before inception.

When it comes to making a claim, you will need claim forms issued in advance or sent immediately on request, no hidden clause in the small print requiring updates every 90 days, a reasonable time allowed for back-dating of claims, a prompt reply to all claims - preferably within 72 hours, any exclusions explained at the time of insurance renewal.

Other facilities may be helpful - look for easy to read documentation, a client helpline open when convenient for you and manned by staff experienced in veterinary claims, in addition to a vet helpline. There is a huge range of optional extras on offer, from cover when travelling abroad to rewards for a missing pet - consider if these might be useful to you.

We do ask you to pay all outstanding amounts before we make a claim on your behalf, but will do our best to process it as quickly as possible so you are re-imbursed promptly.

If your pet is not covered by healthcare insurance and you feel that payment might be a problem, please let us know at the outset so that we can discuss options such as staged payments. If we hear nothing from you, we will eventually initiate debt collection procedures, which will involve you in further expense.

Our computer prints invoices, listing drugs and consultation fees in fully itemised bills, so that you can see how the account is made up. If you think a mistake has been made, please discuss the problem with one of our receptionists so that it can be rectified. Otherwise, prompt payment at the time of consultation greatly helps us to keep our fees down. We are happy to accept payment by cash, cheque, credit and debit cards at reception. Credit and debit cards may also be used for payment over the telephone.

If you have any queries about an invoice, please contact our accounts department.

Pet insurance is now a highly competitive business with a large number of providers offering different levels of cover. To help you choose the policy that is right for you, we are affiliated to an independent service which continually researches the market to deliver impartial advice. To search the independent pet insurance service, please click Pet Insurance Search.