Pet owners should visit their local veterinary practice to receive advice on what sort of coverage to get when it comes to purchasing insurance for their animal, according to a leading expert.

Sarah Linehan, dog trainer and pet behaviourist at pet supplies and counselling firm the Pet Experience, explained that vets typically have a list of insurers that they can recommend.

It is also particularly important to reference the small print when purchasing coverage. Many firms typically offer a specific sum per year that can go towards medical bills. This may be something like £5,000.

However, if your animal picks up a condition that is ongoing and very expensive to treat, such as diabetes, then that figure may not cover the costs. A pet with diabetes requires continuous care with regular insulin injections that can prove very pricey.

Vets work with insurance policies on a day-to-day basis and they may be to explain to you exactly what the small print means.