Brits value pets' health more than their own

There is nearly twice the number of health insurance policies for pets in the UK than there are for people.* Last year 23%** of the UK's pet population was insured whereas only 12.2%*** of the UK human population had private medical insurance.

The piece of research proves that UK pet owners are amongst the most caring in the world, with the largest population of insured pets after Sweden.

Tesco is trying to make pet insurance even more affordable by offering customers a 20% online discount with a further 5% if you insure more than one pet.

Former president of the society of practicing veterinary surgeons, Ewan McNeil, says, "We are a nation of animal lovers, and many of us regard our pet as part of the family; I'm not surprised that pet insurance is becoming so popular - people will do everything they can to ensure the best for their pets. Veterinary healthcare has made great strides in the last few years offering highly sophisticated treatment for a huge range of animal ailments. Pet insurance helps owners choose the best treatment for their pets without worrying about costs."

Allan Burns, head of Tesco Pet Insurance says, "I'm not surprised by this finding. We have known for a long time that us Brits are pet mad. Tesco Pet Insurance continually finds ways to make pet cover more affordable for our customers, helping them through tougher times. This is why we are the second largest pet insurer in the UK."

* Per Capita.
**Consumer research undertaken by Ipsos MORI published in a Datamonitor Pet Insurance Report in September 2007.
***According to information from a Liang and Buisson Survey in July 2007 on Private Medical Insurance market



For further information, please contact:

Matthew Dransfield, Tesco Personal Finance
Tel: 0131 523 9001

Alex Godwin-Brown, Haggie Hepburn
Tel: 0207 334 7777

Notes to Editors:
- Premiums start from a few pounds a month
- Discounts are taken off the risk based premium
- Discounts are for customers in their first year only
- Tesco Pet Insurance is the second largest pet insurer in the UK
- Tesco Pet Insurance is underwritten and provided by UK Insurance Limited.
- Tesco Pet Insurance covers for more than just veterinary bills such as up to £1,000 towards advertising and a reward if your pet goes missing, overseas travel and third party liability.

Tesco Personal Finance
Tesco Personal Finance Limited is a joint venture between The Royal Bank of Scotland plc and Tesco PLC. Tesco Personal Finance Limited. Registered in Scotland No. 173199. Registered Office: 24 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH2 1AF.

Tesco Compare
Tesco Personal Finance Compare Limited is a part of the Tesco Personal Finance Group, a joint venture between The Royal Bank of Scotland plc and Tesco PLC. Tesco Personal Finance Compare Limited. Registered in Scotland No.SC318925. Registered Office: 24 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 1AF.

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.