The pet insurance comparison tool compares premiums against vet fees, various cover types and excesses, as well as other important details such as third party and death cover. Certain policies will also cover the costs associated with finding the pet should it become missing.

There are four main levels of pet insurance available: comprehensive cover, maximum benefit cover, time limited cover and accident only cover.

Beth Macer from payingtoomuch said: “In the UK, it is estimated that 23% of households have at least one dog, and 19% of households have at least one cat, so pet insurance is becoming increasingly an important policy for many people, particularly with vet bills.

“There are two main factors that need to be taken into account when buying pet insurance. First ensure you have a policy to suit your requirements and second be aware of third party liability cover, which helps protect against legal liability costs (including legal costs) should your pet cause damage or injury to a third party person or their property. The important thing to remember about third party cover is that it is only applicable to dogs/dog owners – there is no cover available for cats under this part of a policy.”