Last year pet insurers paid out £452 million in vet’s bills for treating sick or injured cats and dogs.

Between 2007 and 2012 the average claim paid rose by 52%, up £207, much more than the £57 rise in the average pet insurance premium.

Up to one in three pets needs veterinary treatment each year and vet fees are increasing every year. The average UK vet bill is now over £300 with some more complex treatments such as hip dysplasia costing more than £4,000. Ongoing conditions could cost as much as £10,000.

Examples of medical treatment needed by pets include:

• a vet's bill for £1,500 to treat a dog who swallowed a marker pen
• treating a four-year-old cat for a damaged eye and fractured jaw after being hit by a car, resulting in a vet's bill of  £1,800
• an operation on a Mastiff dog to remove a snooker ball he had swallowed cost over £1,000

 And more unusual pets that had their medical treatment paid for by pet insurance include:

• £1,064 to treat Jasper, a parrot for respiratory problems
• £951 to treat a corn snake with digestive problems
• £293 to treat a tortoise suffering from pneumonia

“Owning a pet can be rewarding, but also expensive – especially if they need medical treatment," said ABI spokeswomen Linsey White.

"There is no NHS for our pets and even minor medical treatment can cost hundreds of pounds. Pet insurance protects you against the unexpected vet’s bills when your pet needs treatment and can help your pet live a longer, healthier life.”