Pet insurance policies are evolving and 96 per cent now cover alternative therapies as standard such as acupuncture and hydrotherapy - but this is also driving up prices.
Since January 2014 there has been a 28 per cent rise in the number of products on the market and a 32 per cent rise in those offering alternative therapies.
Insurers have also increased the amount they'll pay out for these treatments,from an average of £1,636 per year in 2014 to £1,722 in 2016, according to new research.
But as these therapies are more expensive than standard treatments, insurers have also pushed up the prices of premiums, by 9 per cent in the past year, according to the Association of British Insurers.
Alternative therapies such as acupuncture have pushed up the price of pet insurance
Almost any pet insurance product on the market will include alternative therapies, with 95 per cent offering hydrotherapy and 94 per cent including chiropractic procedures.
Of the 370 policies on the market, 96 per cent include alternative therapies increasing the chances of keeping our pets alive, according to research from Defaqto.
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The number one alternative therapy for UK cats and dogs is acupuncture followed by homeopathy and herbal medicine.
Brian Brown, head of insight at Defaqto, said: 'While insurers list acupuncture as an 'alternative' treatment, it appears that it is far more mainstream than the wording suggests.
'The number of insurers covering therapies like acupuncture, homeopathy and herbal medicine is on the rise.
'Membership of the Association of British Veterinary Acupuncturists has also increased to around 350 UK vets with potentially up to double that number actually of vets practising acupuncture to some extent in the UK.'
'WE WERE COVERED FOR £3,000 PER LEG AFTER BRYN RUPTURED CRUCIAL LEG LIGAMENTS'
Lizzy's dog Bryn was covered by his insurance for hydro swimming, acupuncture and physio after rupturing crucial ligaments.
Lizzy Brown, 46, has five dogs and three years ago her 12-year dog Bryn ruptured both cruciate leg ligaments and had a series of alternative treatments which were covered by pet insurance.
'My vet explained that a combination of physio, hydro swimming and acupuncture would help his rehabilitation.
'I found out I was covered for all three up to £3,000 per condition (or per leg) in my pet insurance policy, which at the time was with More Than, when I submitted the initial costs.
'I was aware that hydro-therapy was included, but was pleasantly surprised that the acupuncture was also covered and it has been great for Bryn's recovery.
'The cost of the treatment varies, and he continues to have acupuncture every six weeks to keep his back loose and knees pain free which costs around £50 per session, which certainly adds up.
'Bryn's recovery was astoundingly quick and I have even undergone acupuncture myself having seen how much he enjoys it!'
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While owners may like them, the price of insurance policies is being driven up by expensive treatments.
Mark Shepherd, ABI spokesperson, said:'Due to advances in medical treatment and a greater range of treatments available, the cost of treating pets has increased.
'Last year, the number and cost of pet insurance claims reached record levels, both up 9 per cent on the previous year.
'However, pet insurance remains competitive even with record claim levels, with the average pet insurance policy costing £241. Pet owners should shop around the wide range of policies on offer to find cover that will suit their pet's needs.'
Pricey therapies such as acupuncture have pushed up the prices insurers charge
The news comes as complaints to the Financial Ombudsman about pet insurance have soared in the past year, up 38 per cent because of price hikes and disputes over which therapies should be covered.
In the 12 months to April, 1,089 complaints were received,largely because of soaring numbers of pet owners trying to claim for therapies such as hydrotherapy and acupuncture to ease pets' symptoms when suffering from conditions such as arthritis and rheumatism.
The FOS said that while in a large number of cases these therapies are included, in the number where they are not they have seen a rise in complaints when insurers refuse to cover claims.
Separate data has revealed that aside from road traffic accidents, the number one reason for cats to be taken to the vets is concerns over their digestive systems and for dog owners it is problems with their joints.
The average cost for treating a dog is £425 for joint problems, £416 for digestive problems and £243 for skin disorders.
While for cats it's £379 for digestive problems, £212 for skin masses such as tumours and £327 for bladder problems, according to data from Co-op insurance.
Digestive problems are the most common reasons cats are taken to the vets
Matt Brash, from TV series 'Zoo Vet at Large' said: 'It is so important to keep your pets healthy and, unsurprisingly, a big part of this is diet.
'The Co-op's findings show that digestive tract problems are prevalent across the UK for both dogs and cats with stomach upsets and resulting gastro intestinal inflammation commonplace.
'Much of this is probably to do with the food that owners are feeding their pets. Whilst 'human food' may be seen as an innocent treat, this can be dangerous, especially for pets with sensitive stomachs, or pets with dietary allergies and intolerances.
'It causes them a great deal of discomfort and pain and of course the owners a big emotional and financial cost should the problem be severe.
'Likewise not feeding your pet the foods which are suitable for both their age and exercise levels can also cause issues.'
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