'Read the small print' on pet insurance policies

People on the lookout for a new pet insurance policy may be wise to check the small print before settling on a deal.

This is because different agreements offer varying levels of protection - a factor that could prove costly if a cat or dog is seriously ill or injured.

One pet owner to endure such an episode was Carrie Daniel, who took out a policy for her miniature dachshund Rufus.

And when her pooch suffered a ruptured disc and required emergency surgery, the overall bill for the care - which included MRI scans, an operation and medication - amounted to £4,500.

However, a cap on her policy stood at a limit of just £2,500 per injury, meaning it was up to her to pay the remainder of the costs.

She stated: "I was absolutely devastated. I had to use all my savings, I just had to do it for Rufus."

Her comments come after the Co-operative Insurance recently recommended people resist the temptation to do without pet insurance when making cutbacks following the expensive Christmas period.