How about a basic policy - although basic policies will cost the least, the cover will be minimal. Not only will they pay out a limited amount, but there will be a time limit on the claim, usually a year, and once that time has passed, that particular condition will no longer be covered.

What's in a name? - one insurer's "Gold" or "Premium" policy is not likely to be identical to another's, even with the same name. Names likes these are just marketing ploys to attract you and you need to check the content of the policy carefully. At the other end of the scale, one insurer's "Budget" policy may be better than another's "Platinum" scheme, despite the name.

Older pets - premiums for older pets generally rise every year, giving their owners a dilemma. Your current insurer may charge vastly increased premiums when your pet reaches old age. But, on switching, you may find pre-existing conditions excluded from a cheaper policy, and some insurers may not cover older pets anyway.

So you have to choose whether to pay the higher premium with your existing insurer, or pay for a new policy which doesn't offer adequate cover, or not insure your pet at all. Needless to say this choice comes at a time when the animal is most likely to incur veterinary costs.

Ideally, you should insure your pet while it is young and choose a policy with a high level of cover. But don't cancel insurance on an older pet without first finding a new policy that offers sufficient cover.

What about the exotics - some of the main insurers will cover exotic pets such as reptiles but you may have to find a more specialist company. You should be able to get advice from the person you bought it from or from other owners. There may also be an association for enthusiasts of the species which you could contact.

Is anything free? - if you receive either housing or council tax benefit you may qualify for help towards costs of treatment for a pet. Get advice from the SSPCA if you live in Scotland, or from the USPCA in Northern Ireland.

Animal charities RSPCA and PDSA will ask you to take a means-test before offering financial help with treatment. If you receive means-tested state benefits your pet will be eligible for treatment at any of the four animal hospitals in London and Grimsby run by The Blue Cross. They will ask you for a donation, however little you can afford.

How about a discount for micro-chipping? - you may be able to get a discount if your pet is micro-chipped, so remember to ask when you call for a quotation. Ask your vet about the process if you want your pet micro-chipped.

Recommendations - vets are not licensed to provide advice about pet insurance and should not make recommendations to their clients. Despite this, a recent survey of 287 vets showed that 50 per cent did just that. You can pick up various leaflets in vets' practices, but do use the internet to find the best insurance for your pet.