Scratch & Patch

Scratch & Patch, dog and cat insurance in the UK

Scratch & Patch is the trading name under which Only Pets Cover Limited operates, a company registered in England and Wales and authorised and supervised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under firm reference number 840293. The company focuses on the marketing of veterinary insurance for dogs and cats, with a product structure designed for customers to choose the level of protection according to their budget.

Four levels of veterinary cover

The range is organised into four options that differ in the scope and duration of cover for veterinary fees:

• Lifetime cover: the veterinary fee limit is reset each policy year for all accepted conditions, provided the policy remains in force. Once the annual limit is reached, no further claims are paid until renewal, when the amount is replenished.
• Maximum benefit: each illness or injury has a total limit in pounds for the entire duration of the policy. Once exhausted, that condition is excluded and no further benefits are payable.
• Time-limited cover: covers the treatment of injuries and illnesses for a maximum of twelve months or until the veterinary limit is reached. The twelve-month period starts on the date of the first treatment for the condition.
• Accident only: the most economical option, which pays a fixed sum for each accidental injury and does not include illnesses.

Common benefits and multi-pet discount

All options include a 24/7 veterinary advice phone line, available 365 days a year, and a 20% discount on the total premium when two or more animals are insured, applicable regardless of the level chosen and calculated automatically in the quote. For customers who already have a policy with another company, the entity states that it does not apply the waiting period to new conditions when switching insurers. Existing customers who wish to add a new pet should contact customer services.

Guides and informative content

The website includes a section called Pet Hub with breed guides, articles on health and wellbeing, nutrition and exercise, and customer testimonials. Among the published content are texts on dog behaviours such as bringing objects home, loss of appetite in cats or winter weight gain in pets. The company also offers specific guides for taking out dog and cat insurance.

Relevant conditions and exclusions

The entity does not provide advice or recommendations on which policy to take out, although it provides documentation for the customer to decide. The pet must be at least five weeks old at the start of the policy. Conditions whose first clinical signs appear in the first fourteen days are not covered unless the customer had previous insurance. Cover for death by accident or illness and for loss and recovery is limited to dogs under eight years old and cats under ten at the date of the incident or disappearance. Third-party liability is limited to dogs, and euthanasia is not covered under the Bronze, Silver and Gold options. Nor are excess amounts, advertising and reward costs without prior consent reimbursed, and dangerous dogs or excluded breeds are not accepted; declaring an incorrect breed may invalidate a claim.

Ownership and supervision

Only Pets Cover Limited has its registered office at 124 City Road, London, and is registered with company number 9971968. Its activity as an authorised entity can be checked in the public financial services register of the UK regulator.

Location and contact

Only Pets Cover Limited, 124 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX