Does pet insurance cover death?

Death of pet cover, farewell cover, or pet loss cover are all forms of insurance that could provide you with financial compensation if your pet dies, depending on the cause. 

Death of pet cover is not included as standard with all pet insurance policies, and it often comes with exclusions. For example, if your pet passed away from a pre-existing condition that you had not declared on your policy, you may not be able to make a claim.

If applicable, death of pet cover can provide the purchase or donation price of your pet in the unfortunate event of their death. This payout will be up to a set limit that should be detailed in your policy wording.

John Lewis Pet Insurance does provide cover for the death of a pet from illness or accident if your pet is up to nine years old, or cover for accident if they’re older than nine. Please see the policy wording for full terms and conditions.

If your pet is nearing the end of their life and you’re unsure of what the next steps should be, it’s always advisable to speak to your vet. Your pet practitioner will be able to help you make an informed decision about what needs to happen next, whether that may be euthanasia, palliative care, or just how to help your pet enjoy their remaining days.

If your pet dies in an accident, John Lewis Pet Insurance will cover the cost of your vet fees up to the agreed amount listed in your policy. We will pay the purchase or donation price of your pet if they pass away or are put to sleep by a vet as a result of an accident. Additionally, we also cover the cost of cremation for your pet up to £150.

It’s important to note that this cover is only valid after the first 48 hours of your policy start date.

If your pet dies naturally, John Lewis Pet Insurance will cover the cost of your vet fees up to the agreed amount listed in your policy. The cost of cremation is covered up to £150 for pets that are under nine years old. If your pet is under the age of nine, we will also pay the purchase or donation price of your pet.

Please note that we will not pay if your pet dies from an illness that you or your vet were aware of in the first 14 days of your policy starting.

Losing your furry companion can be devastating for any pet owner. John Lewis Pet Insurance provides a 24-hour counselling helpline to support you during this difficult time. This confidential helpline gives you someone to talk to for as long as you need to about the illness or death of your pet. It is included in your policy and you won’t be charged extra for it.

The exact costs involved can vary based on the decisions you make once your pet has passed away. There isn’t one right way to say goodbye to your pet, but the total cost can depend on the following factors:
 

Vet bills

Cremation or burial costs

Mementos