Scratch and Patch Pet Insurance Explained

What Does 'Scratch and Patch' Pet Insurance Mean?

When exploring pet insurance, terms like 'scratch and patch' aren't standard industry jargon but rather a way many owners conceptualise coverage: the 'scratch' representing new, unexpected accidents or illnesses, and the 'patch' referring to ongoing or pre-existing health concerns. Pet insurance fundamentally aims to cover the 'scratches' – sudden injuries or illnesses that arise after the policy starts. However, how it addresses 'patches' – conditions a pet has had before or during the waiting period – varies significantly between policies and is a crucial point of differentiation. Understanding this distinction is vital for selecting cover that genuinely meets your pet's needs and your budget.

• Covers new accidents and illnesses.
• Addresses pre-existing conditions differently.
• Policy details are crucial for understanding coverage.
• Crucial for managing unexpected vet bills.

The core purpose of pet insurance is to provide financial assistance for veterinary treatment when your pet suffers an injury or falls ill unexpectedly. This typically includes diagnostic tests, surgery, medication, and hospitalisation. The 'scratch' aspect is the most straightforward: if your cat suddenly develops an ear infection or your dog breaks a leg, a comprehensive policy should help cover the costs of diagnosis and treatment, provided the condition wasn't pre-existing. This is where the majority of pet insurance value lies for many owners, offering peace of mind against the unpredictable nature of pet health.

However, the 'patch' element – pre-existing conditions – is where most policies draw a line. Generally, insurance is designed to cover unforeseen events, not conditions that are already present, diagnosed, or showing symptoms before cover begins. What constitutes a 'pre-existing condition' can be defined broadly or narrowly by insurers, and this definition dictates whether any ongoing health issues your pet has will ever be eligible for cover. Carefully reviewing an insurer's definition and exclusions is paramount to avoid disappointment when a claim is needed.

Essentially, the 'scratch and patch' concept highlights the two main areas of concern for pet owners: covering the unforeseen future and managing current health challenges. While the 'scratch' is well-covered by most standard policies, the 'patch' requires a deeper dive into policy specifics, waiting periods, and insurer definitions.

New Conditions vs. Existing Ailments

The primary difference lies in the timing and nature of the health issue. A 'scratch' refers to a condition that manifests *after* your policy has commenced and any applicable waiting periods have passed. This is the ideal scenario for an insurance claim, as it's deemed a new, unforeseen event. Examples include a sudden bout of pancreatitis, an accidental ingestion of a toxic substance, or a road traffic accident resulting in injury.

A 'patch' or pre-existing condition, conversely, is a health issue that your pet has exhibited signs of, been diagnosed with, or received treatment for *before* the policy start date or during the initial waiting period. Insurers typically exclude these from cover because they represent a known risk rather than an unexpected one. For instance, if your dog has a history of skin allergies that require ongoing treatment, or your cat has been diagnosed with diabetes before you take out insurance, these would likely be classified as pre-existing and not covered for treatment under a standard policy.

It's important to note that some insurers may offer specific cover for certain chronic or ongoing conditions if they develop *after* the policy has been active for a set period, sometimes referred to as 'chronic condition cover'. This is not the same as covering a pre-existing condition, but rather a feature that allows for ongoing management of a condition that began during the policy term. This nuanced distinction is key to understanding what 'patch' means in practical terms for pet insurance.

How Pet Insurance Handles New Injuries and Illnesses ('Scratches')

The bedrock of any pet insurance policy is its ability to cover new, unexpected health problems – the 'scratches' that life throws at your furry companions. This is where the real value and peace of mind come from. When your pet experiences an injury or develops an illness that was not present or symptomatic before the policy began, and after any specified waiting periods have elapsed, you can typically make a claim. This cover allows you to focus on your pet's recovery without the overwhelming burden of potentially high veterinary bills, which can easily run into hundreds or even thousands of pounds for complex treatments or surgeries.

The scope of cover for new conditions can vary depending on the type of policy you choose. A 'time-limited' policy might cover a specific condition for a set period (e.g., 12 months) or up to a certain monetary limit, after which it will no longer be covered, even if it's ongoing. Conversely, 'lifetime' policies are designed to cover recurring conditions year after year, provided the policy remains active and premiums are paid. This distinction is critical for managing long-term health issues that might develop unexpectedly, such as chronic kidney disease or recurring allergies. For breeds prone to specific issues, like French Bulldogs and their respiratory or skin conditions, understanding the long-term implications of cover for new ailments is especially important.

Vet fees are the primary component covered. This includes costs for consultations, diagnostic procedures like X-rays, blood tests, and MRIs, surgical procedures, anaesthesia, hospitalisation, and prescription medication. Behavioural treatment and dental treatment can also be included in some policies, though these often have specific limits or exclusions. The aim is to provide a safety net for the majority of veterinary interventions that your pet might require due to unforeseen circumstances.

What's Typically Covered Under 'Scratch' Protection?

Policies designed to cover new health issues generally include:

• Accidental Injuries: Broken bones, cuts, poisoning, burns, swallowed objects, and injuries from accidents.
• Sudden Illnesses: Infections (bacterial or viral), tumours (if not pre-existing), heart conditions, kidney disease, pancreatitis, and other acute diseases that develop after cover starts.
• Diagnostic Costs: The expense of identifying the problem, including X-rays, ultrasounds, CT/MRI scans, blood tests, and laboratory analysis.
• Treatment: Surgery, medication, anaesthesia, hospitalisation, and nursing care required to treat the diagnosed condition.
• Third-Party Liability (for dogs): Cover if your dog causes injury to a person or damage to property.

It is vital to remember that even for new conditions, limits and excesses apply. You'll need to check your policy document for your annual vet fee limit, any per-condition limits, and the voluntary or compulsory excess you'll pay per claim or per policy year. These factors influence the total payout and your out-of-pocket expenses.

Always ensure you declare any existing conditions truthfully during the application process, even if you believe they are minor. Failure to do so can invalidate your policy for unrelated future claims.

The Role of Waiting Periods

Most pet insurance policies have waiting periods before certain types of cover become active. These periods are designed to prevent people from taking out insurance only when they know their pet is already ill or injured. For instance, there might be a 14-day waiting period for illnesses and a longer period (e.g., 48 hours to 30 days) for accidental injuries. Some policies may also have longer waiting periods for specific conditions like cruciate ligament issues or hereditary conditions.

Therefore, any 'scratch' that occurs during these initial waiting periods is typically not covered. It’s essential to familiarise yourself with these timelines upon purchasing a policy to understand when your cover truly begins for different types of eventualities. This prevents confusion and ensures you are aware of the exact protection your pet has from day one.

→ Cat Insurance: What It Covers and How to Choose

Pre-Existing Conditions: The 'Patch' and Its Limitations

The 'patch' in 'scratch and patch' pet insurance refers to pre-existing conditions – health issues your pet had before the insurance policy started or during its initial waiting period. This is the most common reason for claim rejections, as most standard pet insurance policies explicitly exclude cover for conditions that were diagnosed, showing symptoms, or treated prior to the policy inception date or waiting period. Insurers view these as known risks, and covering them would fundamentally alter the nature of insurance from protection against the unforeseen to ongoing healthcare funding for known problems.

Defining a pre-existing condition is key. It generally includes any illness, injury, or disease that:

• your pet has received veterinary attention for;
• has shown clinical signs of, even if a diagnosis was never made;
• or for which you were aware of a potential problem before the cover began.

If your pet has a chronic condition, such as diabetes, epilepsy, or a heart murmur that was diagnosed before you took out insurance, treatment for that specific condition will almost certainly not be covered. Similarly, if your pet had a skin condition that required treatment before the policy start date, subsequent flare-ups of that same condition will typically be excluded.

Some insurers have a 'cooling-off' period after policy inception during which they will not cover pre-existing conditions. If your pet develops symptoms during this time that are related to a condition it had before, it will still be excluded. The insurer's definition and look-back period for pre-existing conditions are critical elements to scrutinise before purchasing a policy.

How Insurers Define and Handle Pre-Existing Conditions

Insurers typically require you to declare your pet's full medical history when you apply. This includes any conditions, treatments, or symptoms, no matter how minor they may seem. Based on this information, the insurer will decide whether to:

• Exclude the condition: This is the most common outcome. The policy will cover everything else, but not the specific pre-existing condition or any conditions that arise as a direct consequence of it.
• Offer cover with a premium loading: In some rare cases, an insurer might agree to cover a pre-existing condition but charge a higher premium to account for the increased risk.
• Refuse to offer cover: If the pet has multiple serious pre-existing conditions, or a condition deemed too high-risk, the insurer may decline to offer a policy altogether.

It is crucial to be completely honest about your pet's history. Any attempt to conceal pre-existing conditions can lead to your policy being invalidated, leaving you without cover when you need it most. This means that even if you have a comprehensive policy, you might still face significant costs if your pet's health issues are deemed pre-existing.

For ongoing conditions that develop *after* the policy has been in force for a sufficient period, some 'lifetime' policies offer cover. However, this is for new diagnoses, not for conditions that were already present. For example, if your dog develops arthritis after two years of a lifetime policy, that specific arthritis would be covered. But if the dog had a diagnosed joint issue before the policy started, it would not be.

When comparing policies, look for the insurer's stance on 'chronic conditions' and 'pre-existing conditions'. Some policies are more lenient or offer specific add-ons, but true cover for a condition your pet already has is rare.

The Challenge for Older Pets or Those with Long-Term Issues

Older pets or those with a known history of health problems present a particular challenge. Many insurers have age limits for new policies, and the likelihood of pre-existing conditions increases with age. This means obtaining comprehensive cover for older animals can be difficult and expensive, or even impossible. Similarly, pets diagnosed with chronic conditions like epilepsy or allergies before insurance is sought will likely face exclusions. This is why securing pet insurance as early as possible, ideally when your pet is a puppy or kitten, is often recommended. This allows policies to establish a clean history from the outset, ensuring future illnesses or accidents are more likely to be covered as new events rather than pre-existing ones.

Choosing the Right Policy: What to Check About 'Scratch and Patch' Cover

Selecting the appropriate pet insurance policy is about ensuring it aligns with your pet's health profile and your expectations for coverage, especially concerning the distinction between new issues ('scratches') and existing ones ('patches'). The term 'scratch and patch' highlights a common owner concern: covering the unexpected while managing the ongoing. To navigate this, you need to look beyond the headline price and delve into the policy's specifics. The most critical factor is understanding how the insurer defines and treats pre-existing conditions, as this will determine the extent of your 'patch' coverage, or lack thereof. A policy that offers robust cover for new accidents and illnesses, coupled with clear terms on pre-existing conditions, provides the most comprehensive safety net.

When comparing policies, pay close attention to the policy document itself, not just the summary. Look for the definitions section, which will clearly outline what the insurer considers a pre-existing condition. Also, check the exclusions list, as this details specific circumstances or conditions that are never covered, regardless of when they arose. The type of policy is also paramount; a lifetime policy will generally offer more comprehensive long-term cover for recurring conditions that develop during the policy term than a time-limited policy, which may cap cover for a condition after a certain period.

Consider the excess and premium. A lower premium often means a higher excess or lower cover limits. While it's tempting to opt for the cheapest option, it's essential to ensure the cover levels are adequate for potential veterinary costs in your area and for your pet's breed. For example, French Bulldog pet insurance might need higher limits due to common breed-specific health issues that could arise unexpectedly.

Key Policy Features to Scrutinise

To ensure your pet insurance provides the 'scratch and patch' cover you need, investigate these areas:

• Definition of Pre-Existing Conditions: How does the insurer define it? Does it include conditions with symptoms but no diagnosis? What is their look-back period?
• Exclusions: Are there specific breed-related conditions excluded? Are there common conditions like cruciate ligament problems or skin allergies that have specific limitations or exclusions?
• Policy Type: Is it lifetime, time-limited, or accident-only? Lifetime policies are generally best for long-term health management.
• Vet Fee Limits: What is the maximum amount the insurer will pay out annually, per condition, or in total?
• Excess and Premiums: Understand your financial contribution. Consider the total annual cost versus the potential payout.
• Waiting Periods: How long must you wait for illness cover and accident cover to become active?
• Cover for Chronic Conditions: If a condition develops *after* the policy starts, will it be covered on an ongoing basis (typical for lifetime policies)?

Understanding these elements will help you differentiate between policies that offer genuine protection for unforeseen events and those that might leave you with significant out-of-pocket expenses for conditions that could be considered 'patches' on existing issues.

The true value of pet insurance lies in its ability to cover unexpected, new veterinary expenses, not in underwriting pre-existing ailments.

When obtaining quotes, use your pet's current age and any known (but not yet diagnosed) health tendencies. Be upfront. If a condition is excluded, you know where you stand and can budget accordingly.

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When 'Patch' Cover Might Be Possible (With Caveats)

While direct cover for pre-existing conditions is rare, some policies offer indirect benefits or specific provisions that might assist in managing ongoing health needs. As mentioned, 'lifetime' policies are designed to cover recurring conditions that develop *after* the policy is active. If your pet develops a chronic illness like diabetes during the policy term, a lifetime policy will continue to cover eligible treatment costs year after year, provided you maintain the policy. This is not covering a pre-existing condition, but rather providing long-term support for a condition that emerged during the insurance period.

Some specialist insurers may offer policies that cover certain pre-existing conditions, but these are typically more expensive and come with stringent limitations, such as a significantly higher excess, lower benefit limits, or only covering conditions that have been stable for a considerable period (e.g., 12-24 months). These are exceptions rather than the rule and require thorough investigation of the policy wording.

For conditions that are excluded, the 'patch' is essentially your responsibility. This means you will need to budget for ongoing veterinary costs, medication, or special diets yourself. It underscores the importance of ensuring your chosen policy offers the broadest possible cover for new issues, as this is where the financial safety net is most robust.

Understanding Policy Exclusions and Limitations

Every pet insurance policy, no matter how comprehensive, will have exclusions and limitations. Understanding these is as vital as knowing what is covered. These are the clauses that define the boundaries of your 'scratch and patch' protection, clarifying what scenarios or conditions fall outside the insurer's responsibility. For 'scratches', limitations might involve annual vet fee caps, per-condition limits, or excesses that reduce the payout. For 'patches', the exclusion of pre-existing conditions is the most significant, but other limitations can apply even to new ailments, particularly those related to specific breeds or lifestyle choices.

For instance, many policies will exclude routine or preventative care such as vaccinations, flea and worming treatments, neutering, and spaying. While some may offer these as optional add-ons, they are not typically part of standard accident and illness cover. Similarly, conditions arising from deliberately dangerous activities or neglect might be excluded. It's crucial to scrutinise the policy document to understand precisely what is *not* covered, as this can significantly impact the financial support you receive when you need it.

Breed-specific predispositions are another common area for exclusions or limitations. Certain breeds, like French Bulldogs, are genetically prone to specific health issues such as brachycephalic obstructive syndrome (breathing difficulties), skin allergies, or spinal problems. Insurers are aware of these risks. While they may still cover these conditions if they arise as a new 'scratch', they might impose specific limits, higher excesses, or longer waiting periods for these conditions. Some policies might exclude certain hereditary conditions altogether if they are particularly prevalent and costly for a given breed.

The cost of dog insurance, for example, can vary dramatically based on breed, age, and the level of cover, directly reflecting these potential risks and exclusions. Understanding these factors before you insure your pet helps manage expectations and ensures you are not caught unaware by an unexpected exclusion when making a claim.

Common Exclusions and Limitations

Here are some typical exclusions and limitations you might find in pet insurance policies:

• Routine & Preventative Care: Vaccinations, microchipping, flea/worm treatments, dental scaling (unless related to an accident), spaying/neutering.
• Pre-existing Conditions: As detailed previously, any condition present before the policy start date or during waiting periods.
• Elective Procedures: Cosmetic procedures, tail docking (unless medically necessary and legally required for specific working breeds), or non-essential treatments.
• Breeding and Gestation: Complications arising from pregnancy, whelping, or care of newborn puppies/kittens.
• Behavioural Problems: While some policies offer limited cover for behavioural issues, many exclude them entirely or have strict criteria.
• Congenital or Hereditary Conditions: Depending on the policy and breed, these may be excluded or have specific limitations, especially if they were symptomatic before cover began.
• Food & Diet: Prescription diets are usually only covered if they are part of the treatment for a covered condition, and often with a limit.
• Mortality/Death: Unless it's due to an accident or illness covered by the policy and within a specified age limit or policy term.

It is essential to read the full policy document, including the terms and conditions, to understand precisely what is and isn't covered. Don't hesitate to ask your insurer for clarification on any point you find unclear.

Always verify the policy's terms regarding breed-specific conditions, as these can significantly influence your actual coverage.

When purchasing insurance for a breed known for certain health issues, like a French Bulldog, actively seek policies that offer specific cover or fewer restrictions for those common conditions, even if it means a slightly higher premium.

What to Do If a Condition is Excluded

If a condition is excluded from your policy, whether it's a pre-existing condition or falls under another exclusion, you will be responsible for the full cost of treatment. In such cases, you have several options to consider:

• Budget for the costs: Set aside savings specifically for ongoing or potential treatments for the excluded condition.
• Explore alternative treatments: Discuss with your vet if there are more affordable treatment options or supportive care that can be provided.
• Seek specialist advice: While the insurer won't cover it, a specialist vet might offer insights or management strategies for the condition.
• Consider a different policy: For future conditions, a policy from a different insurer with more favourable terms might be an option, though again, new conditions will be subject to their definitions.

It's also worth remembering that if you believe an exclusion has been applied incorrectly, you have the right to appeal the decision with your insurer. However, this requires clear evidence that the condition was not pre-existing or that it falls within the policy's covered terms.

The Cost of Pet Insurance vs. Uninsured Vet Bills

The decision to purchase pet insurance, understanding the 'scratch and patch' nuances, ultimately comes down to a cost-benefit analysis. On one hand, there's the predictable, regular cost of premiums, plus any excess you pay per claim. On the other, there's the unpredictable, potentially astronomical cost of veterinary treatment for accidents and illnesses. For many owners, the monthly premium is a manageable expense that buys peace of mind, safeguarding them against a sudden, crippling vet bill. Without insurance, a single serious incident can result in thousands of pounds of debt, forcing difficult decisions about a pet's care.

The cost of dog insurance, for instance, can range from a few pounds a month for basic accident-only cover to upwards of £50 or more for comprehensive lifetime policies on certain breeds. Factors influencing this price include the pet's breed (e.g., French Bulldog insurance is often more expensive due to health predispositions), age, where you live, and the level of cover chosen. Similarly, cat insurance costs vary, though they are generally less expensive than for dogs. The dog insurance cost, in particular, reflects the higher incidence of costly injuries and illnesses in dogs and the often greater complexity of their treatments.

When considering the 'scratch and patch' concept, the insurance premium is essentially the cost of covering the 'scratches' (new problems) and the potential, albeit limited, assistance with 'patches' (ongoing issues if a lifetime policy is chosen for a condition that arose during cover). The uninsured alternative means you bear the full financial responsibility for both. For example, if your pet requires emergency surgery costing £4,000, and you have no insurance, that entire sum comes from your own pocket. With a policy that has a £200 excess and 10% co-payment, you would pay £200 plus £380 (10% of £3,800), totalling £580, with the insurer covering the remaining £3,420. This illustrates the substantial financial relief insurance can provide.

→ Lifetime Cover Pet Insurance: What You Need To Know

The financial strain of unexpected veterinary bills is a major concern for pet owners. Studies consistently show that many owners would struggle to afford a large, unexpected vet bill. Pet insurance acts as a financial buffer, making essential veterinary care accessible when it's most needed. This is particularly true for complex treatments, specialist referrals, or long-term management of chronic conditions that develop after the policy start date.

Comparing Premiums to Potential Vet Bills

To make an informed decision, it's helpful to compare the annual cost of premiums against the potential costs of common veterinary treatments. For example:

These figures are approximate and can vary significantly based on the complexity of the case, the veterinary practice, and geographic location. However, they demonstrate that a single incident can far exceed the annual cost of even a comprehensive pet insurance policy. The 'scratch' cover provided by insurance is designed to mitigate these large, unforeseen expenses.

Regarding the 'patch' aspect, if a condition is excluded, the uninsured owner would face these costs directly. For example, if your dog has a pre-existing skin condition and requires ongoing specialist treatment costing £1,000 per year, and this is excluded, you would pay that £1,000 annually from your own funds. This highlights why understanding policy definitions and exclusions is critical; it dictates how much of your pet's healthcare is covered by insurance versus your personal budget.

When comparing quotes, always look at the 'cost of renewal' as well as the initial premium. Some insurers significantly increase prices for older pets or those who have made claims.

Alternatives if Insurance Isn't Feasible

If comprehensive pet insurance is unaffordable or your pet has too many pre-existing conditions to be covered effectively, there are alternatives to consider:

• Savings Accounts: Regularly put money aside into a dedicated savings account for your pet's potential veterinary needs. Aim to build a fund that can cover a significant emergency.
• Veterinary Payment Plans: Some veterinary practices offer their own payment plans or allow you to pay treatment costs in instalments.
• Charitable Support: Organisations like the RSPCA, Blue Cross, or PDSA may offer subsidised veterinary care for owners on low incomes or in specific circumstances.
• Pet Insurance for Pre-existing Conditions: While rare, some specialist providers might offer limited cover for pets with existing health issues. These policies will have very specific terms and conditions.

Ultimately, the goal is to have a plan for your pet's healthcare costs, whether through insurance, savings, or other support mechanisms, to ensure you can provide the necessary care when they need it most.

Maximising Your Pet Insurance Coverage

To get the most out of your pet insurance and ensure it effectively covers both 'scratches' (new issues) and provides the best possible 'patch' support (managing ongoing conditions that arise during cover), proactive management and informed choices are key. The foundation of good coverage is selecting the right policy from the outset and maintaining it diligently. This involves understanding the policy's limitations and actively using it to your advantage by adhering to its terms and conditions, particularly regarding declarations and claims procedures. By treating your pet insurance as a partnership in your pet's healthcare, you can maximise its benefits and ensure it provides the financial security it promises.

Early adoption is a primary strategy. Insuring your pet when it's young and healthy means you are more likely to secure cover without exclusions for pre-existing conditions. As your pet ages, premiums will naturally rise, and the likelihood of developing health issues increases, making it harder and more expensive to get comprehensive cover. Therefore, securing a lifetime policy for a puppy or kitten is often the most effective way to ensure long-term protection against unexpected 'scratches' and to have the best chance of ongoing support for any chronic conditions that may develop later in its life.

Furthermore, maintaining clear communication with your insurer is vital. If your pet develops a new condition, reporting it promptly and following the correct claims procedure ensures that the condition is recognised as new and eligible for cover. Keeping accurate records of your pet's health history and veterinary visits can also be invaluable, both for making claims and for demonstrating the timeline of any conditions to your insurer if questions arise.

Strategies for Effective Pet Insurance Use

Here are several ways to maximise your pet insurance coverage:

• Insure Early: Obtain cover when your pet is young and healthy to avoid exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
• Choose Lifetime Cover: For maximum long-term benefit, opt for a lifetime policy, especially for breeds prone to chronic or recurring issues. This offers the best chance for ongoing support for conditions developing during the policy term.
• Read the Policy Carefully: Understand definitions, exclusions, excesses, and claim procedures. Don't rely solely on summaries.
• Declare Everything: Be completely honest about your pet's medical history during application. It's better to have a condition excluded from the start than to have a claim rejected later.
• Follow Claim Procedures: Submit claims promptly and provide all requested documentation. Understand the excess and co-payment terms.
• Maintain Premiums: Ensure premiums are paid on time to keep the policy active and continuous.
• Review Annually: Check for policy changes or premium increases at renewal. Compare quotes from other providers occasionally to ensure you're still getting good value.

By being an informed and proactive policyholder, you can ensure your pet insurance provides the best possible financial protection against unexpected veterinary costs.

The most effective use of pet insurance is for unforeseen accidents and illnesses that arise after the policy is active.

If your pet has a minor, resolved condition from its puppy/kittenhood that was not declared (and therefore not excluded), consider declaring it at the next renewal. While it might be excluded going forward, it avoids potential issues if the condition recurs and the insurer questions why it wasn't declared initially.

Preventative Care and Insurance

While most policies don't cover routine preventative care like vaccinations or flea treatments, maintaining a good preventative health routine is crucial for your pet's wellbeing and can indirectly benefit your insurance. A healthy pet is less likely to develop certain illnesses or complications. For instance, keeping your pet's dental health in check through regular brushing and professional cleaning (where covered) can prevent costly dental disease, which might otherwise become a significant 'patch' of ongoing veterinary expense. Similarly, appropriate parasite control can prevent serious, costly diseases.

Some insurers may offer discounts or benefits for pets that are up-to-date with vaccinations or have undergone regular health checks. Always check your policy for any such incentives. By keeping your pet in optimal health, you reduce the likelihood of unexpected 'scratches' and minimise the chances of conditions arising that could be construed as pre-existing or chronic, thereby maximising the value you receive from your insurance cover.