The UK’s pets are treated as one of the family with 47% of owners regarding them like their own children, but only 20% have taken out pet insurance according to Saga Insurance.

The insurer’s research showed two in five pet owners preferred the company of their pet to other humans a fifth of owners have planned to leave money for the care of their animals in their will.

Andrew Goodsell, chief executive of Saga, said: “For many, the company of a beloved cat or dog can really make a difference to their quality of life. However, it’s important that people seriously consider taking out insurance to cover their pet in case of an accident or illness.”