SEPTEMBER is a popular time to welcome a new pet into your family, such as Harry, an eight-month-old spaniel who recently joined the Irving family in the Lake District.

A typical curious pup, Harry loves exploring the Lakes near his home with his owner Kerry.

He wanted to make sure Harry got the best care, so got him a Defaqto five star pet insurance policy straight away.

PDSA Vet Olivia Anderson-Nathan said: “Kerry now has peace of mind knowing that he’ll be able to cover Harry’s vet bills if anything happens.

"Pet insurance takes cost out of the equation when it comes to pet illnesses or accidents, so take into account the cost of a policy when budgeting for a pet.”

Pets are a huge part of our lives, and we can repay their unconditional devotion by ensuring we can be there for them through any tough times.

However, the variety and complexity of different policies can be confusing. So Olivia has put together some top tips on the key features to look out for when picking a policy for your pet.

• Cheaper policies can have lower levels of cover in the event of a claim. Make sure to check exactly what your policy covers and compare like-for-like policies so you can find the best fit for you and your pet.

• Read the small print. It may sound obvious but how many of us sign away without checking the terms & conditions. Take time to carefully read through these, so you can avoid any nasty surprises in the future, such as exclusions or conditions.

• Check maximum claim amounts, many policies limit the amount you can claim – this might be by condition (known as maximum benefit), or over a certain period of time, such as 12 months from the start of the illness or condition.

• Pre-existing conditions, these are generally not covered by most insurance policies, although there are a few that do, usually for a higher monthly payment. This is why it’s a good idea to take out your policy as soon as possible, before any problems develop.

Some policies may not cover older pets for this reason, while others may do but for higher premiums.

• Check for extras. Some policies offer support if your pet ever goes missing or is stolen, or provide overseas cover.

Olivia added: “Compare policies thoroughly and pick the best match for you, your pet and your circumstances. Policies with a higher Defaqto rating have scored better for features and benefits than others.

“If you are unable to get a policy for your pet, you could set aside a cushion of money for vet bills. While this doesn’t have all the benefits of an insurance policy, it can provide a small safety net for you should anything happen.”

PDSA is the UK’s leading vet charity. We’re on a mission to improve pet wellbeing through prevention, education and treatment. Support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery helps us reach even more pet owners with vital advice.