Small animal, farm or horses
A companion animal vet faces bites and scratches. A farm vet works around cattle in crushes and pens, often alone, in cold and wet yards. An equine vet can be kicked by a frightened horse. Each type of practice brings a different level of physical risk, and insurers ask what share of your work involves large animals.
Insurers place occupations into risk classes, and mixed or large animal work may sit in a different class from small animal practice. That affects your premium and the definition used at claim. Own occupation cover pays if you cannot work as a vet.
- Kicks and crush injuries from cattle and horses
- Bites and scratches from dogs and cats
- Infections that pass from animals to people
- Driving long distances on farm and equine calls
On call and under pressure
Night and weekend rotas, emergency surgery and difficult conversations with owners take a toll. The profession openly discusses the pressure vets are under, and stress and burnout are common reasons for long absences.
If you have had support for your mental health, you can still apply for cover. Insurers look at the detail, and some may offer standard terms while others add an exclusion.
Sick pay, partnership shares and life cover
Practices set their own sick pay. Corporate groups may offer a defined period at full pay, while smaller independents may pay less. Locum vets are self-employed and lose income from the first day off. Partners share profits but still carry the practice's costs.
Your deferred period should start when your own support ends. A locum might choose four weeks, while an employee with several months of full pay could choose a longer wait.
Some employers offer death in service, many do not. A personal life policy can clear your mortgage and support your family. If you own part of a practice, shareholder or partnership protection gives your co-owners the funds to buy your share, so your family receives its value.
The first years after graduating
New graduates often carry student debt, move between practices and take on demanding rotas while finding their feet. That is also when cover is usually at its least expensive, because you are younger and your medical history is short.
A policy started early can be increased as your salary grows, and some insurers allow increases after life events without new medical questions. If you plan to move into farm or equine work later, mention it, because the type of practice can change how an insurer rates you.
How Hi Tomorrow helps vets
We ask about the type of animals you treat, your on-call pattern and how you are paid. We compare insurers on our panel for veterinary work and own occupation terms, and help with the application, including any history of injury or stress.