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Discover savings on your pets policy this year by comparing quotes from 25+ trusted pet insurance providers.
You could pay from £3.35 per month* when you compare pet insurance
Quotezone customers reported paying as little as £3.35 a month* to insure their beloved pets. Take control of your finances and find real savings on your pet insurance policy this year
*Price per month for cover based on a dog, Burger, one year old, no known medical conditions and up-to-date vaccinations. Based on quote data provided by Seopa Ltd during November 2024.
Why is pet insurance important?
Owning a pet can be rewarding, but it can also be costly. The medical expense of treating illness or injuries can put you in a difficult financial position if you are uninsured. As the pet owner, you are also liable for any property damage or injuries caused by your pet to third parties. Pet insurance in the UK is an important investment as it offers financial support for multiple risks associated with owning a pet.
What is the best pet insurance option?
The best pet policy is one that would offer sufficient cover for your needs. And these will vary depending on you and your pet. The age, species, and pre-existing medical conditions of your pet will determine which type of coverage would be best for you. There are various types and levels of cover to choose from.
When you shop around for quotes, it’s important to compare policies tailored to your pet’s needs. For instance, cover for a bulldog or labradoodle will be different to cat insurance.
Insurance for dogs
Depending on the level of insurance for dogs or puppies you’ve chosen, your dog could be covered for veterinary fees for illness or injury. There may be additional cover like death benefits, dental care, and payment for ads if your dog goes missing. Third party liabilities are typically covered by most policies for dogs.
Insurance for cats
Insurance for cats or kittens offers similar coverage. Many pet insurers have no upper age limits for cats, and some may also include cover for pre-existing conditions. It’s important to compare multiple options to find the best deal for your cat insurance.
Insurance for rabbits
Increasingly, rabbits have become more popular as pets in the UK. Insurance for rabbits is available as both accident-only or lifetime insurance. It caters to the unique health needs of rabbits covering conditions like GI stasis and respiratory disease. Rabbits can also be added to multi-pet policies.
Insurance for multiple pets
It’s possible to get insurance for multiple pets. These policies typically cater for pets like dogs, cats, and rabbits and offer discounts for insuring multiple pets at once. Some insurers allow you to have different levels of coverage for each pet and may include coverage for pre-existing conditions.
Insurance for older dogs
From around the age of 7, dogs are considered to be older dogs. At this age, dogs can be more prone to developing age-related illnesses or diseases like arthritis or cancer. With these, vet bills can become expensive. This is where insurance for older dogs steps in. It provides focused protection for these expensive treatments.
Insurance for existing medical conditions
Many pets are diagnosed or have been treated for conditions before a policy is taken out. This is considered a pre-existing condition. In this case, insurers offer specialised insurance for existing medical conditions that cover these needs. This cover will usually be more expensive but can save you money on medical bills in the long run.
The coverage provided by this insurance will depend on the type and level of insurance selected. Always check the coverage details and any exclusions before you commit to a policy. However, these are common risks that can be covered by pet health care insurance.
Veterinary fees for accident or illness
Prescription medications
Third party liability cover
Death or euthanasia
Theft or straying
Advertising and reward
Emergency boarding fees
Overseas travel
What is not covered by pet cover?
Exclusions for this insurance will depend on the terms and conditions of your policy. However, pet policies typically don’t cover:
Routine treatments like vaccinations, flea and worming treatments
Preventative care like neutering, spaying and dental checks
Pregnancy or breeding costs
Pet insurance for pre-existing conditions
Behaviour problems and training costs
Some common hereditary conditions in specific breeds
Claims made as a result of ignoring vet advice or using alternative treatments
How much is pet insurance in the UK?
Pet insurance costs will vary based on the pet, its breed, and its age. The level of cover will also affect the cost. When it comes to the average cost of dog insurance, we have done the research to find the top 20 most expensive dog breeds to insure. This data was taken from a sample of 100,000 pet policies.
Dog breed
Average Annual Insurance Premium (£)
1.
Bullmastiff
286.20
2.
Great Dane
271.20
3.
Irish Setter
205.42
4.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
204.25
5.
Weimaraner
194.88
6.
Boxer
174.26
7.
Basset Hound
172.31
8.
German Shepherd Dog Cross
170.77
9.
Shetland Sheepdog
165.08
10.
Hungarian Vizsla
161.40
11.
Dorset Old Tyme Bulldog
159.72
12.
Dogue de Bordeaux
157.08
13.
Flat Coated Retriever
154.63
14.
Collie (Rough)
153.98
15.
Siberian Husky
153.12
16.
Bearded Collie
151.63
17.
Bernese Mountain Dog
150.26
18.
Greyhound
150.26
19.
Alaskan Malamute
149.16
20.
Bernese Mountain Dog Cross
147.78
Scroll to see more Quotezone data – a sample of 100,000 dog policies from January to October 2024.
How can I get cheap pet insurance quotes?
It’s important to do research using an insurance comparison platform to carefully compare policies and their prices. You could also have a better chance of finding cheap insurance for a pet by following these tips.
Maintain your pet’s health
You can do this by staying up-to-date with your pet’s routine check-ups and vaccinations. Being generally observant of your pets and any changes in their behaviour could also help catch issues early.
Opt for multi-pet coverage
If you have more than one pet, then it’s usually cheaper to insure all your pets under one multi-pet policy. You can usually insure mixed pets like dogs and cats with the same policy, with coverage tailored to suit the needs of every different type of pet.
Adjust your excess
When you make a claim, you’ll typically have to pay an excess amount. By opting for a higher excess, you could lower your premiums. Just be sure it is an amount you are comfortable paying when it comes to making a claim.
Pay annually
Paying for insurance annually usually works out cheaper overall than paying monthly. When you use Quotezone, you can see exactly how much you will save by choosing this option before you commit.
Spay or neuter your pet
Spaying or neutering your pet has many benefits including making your pet less risky to insure. It can reduce health risks and behavioural problems. Keep in mind though that the procedure itself is not typically covered by insurance for a pet.
Shop around
Always shop around for multiple quotes from different insurance companies as they’re not all the same. Taking the time to compare quotes gives you a better chance at finding affordable cover for your pet.
Advice from our experts
“With research suggesting a dog can cost its owner as much as £30,000 during the course of its lifetime, it should come as no surprise that a pet’s veterinary bills have the potential to be quite sizable if the animal suffers an accident or is diagnosed with an illness. Pets don’t have the NHS to fall back on, of course, so a good pet insurance policy really is the best way to protect your furry friend… and safeguard your finances.”
Your insurer will need to know which level of coverage you want as well as the details about your pet or pets. This includes the species, age, breed, sex, vaccination history, medical background, previous claims history and current health status. As the policyholder, you will have to supply your personal details and location.
How does claiming for a pet on insurance work?
The process is fairly straightforward. Following a claimable incident you can use the insurer’s claim form. Simply complete and submit this with all the necessary documentation and receipts. It will then be processed by your insurer who will determine the outcome. When your claim is approved you will be reimbursed per the terms and conditions of your policy.
Pet Protection FAQs
How much is a pet policy monthly?
This will vary depending on the level of cover you’ve selected, as well as the pets on your policy. Pets with pre-existing medical conditions could be charged more. It’s best to get personalised quotes to find out how much a pet policy will cost you.
What is a good annual limit for pet coverage in the UK?
A good annual limit for your pet will depend on your pet’s specific needs. Lifetime policies typically offer over £10,000 per year, whereas more basic policies can start as low as £2,000. These limits will likely affect your insurance costs, so getting a customised quote can help determine what insurance you should get.
When is it worth claiming on your pet policy?
This will depend on your financial situation and your policy. The cost of your vet bill, your insurance premium, and the excess amount will all play a part. It’s also important to keep in mind that claims can affect the price of future insurance premiums.
Is pet insurance worth it?
For some pet owners, having a policy is worthwhile, but it ultimately depends on your specific circumstances. Unfortunately, accidents can happen over your pet’s lifetime, and vet bills can quickly add up, especially when it comes to surgeries, X-rays, and long-term care for chronic illnesses. Having a policy for your pet provides peace of mind and ensures that your pet will always receive the best care should they ever need it.
Does pet insurance cover vet visits?
Not all trips to the vet will be covered; pet insurance generally doesn’t cover the cost of routine visits. You will need to pay out of your own pocket for routine preventative treatments. However, most policies will cover unexpected and emergency vet visits.
Which pet insurance provider is best?
There is no one best provider for pet coverage. It will vary depending on you and your pet’s needs. Certain insurers will have policies dedicated to particular types of pets and their specific needs. By comparing different policies you’ll soon see which provider would best suit your requirements.
What is lifetime pet cover?
Lifetime insurance for a pet is typically the most comprehensive type of insurance. Due to the range of coverage provided, it is also usually the most expensive. It covers your pet for a wide range of illnesses or injuries for their entire life, as long as you pay your premiums.
Does insurance cost more for pedigree animals?
Generally, yes. Pedigree animals are generally more prone to certain hereditary health conditions. For example, a French bulldog can be susceptible to breathing problems due to its flat face. This increases the risk to the insurer and therefore, makes insurance costs higher.
Which pets are not covered by UK pet policies?
Exotic pets like reptiles, birds, and small mammals are not usually covered. Some cat and dog breeds may be excluded as well as animals used for commercial or service purposes.
Does pet insurance cover dental?
It depends on what kind of dental care is necessary. Most insurers will provide accident or injury dental care. Coverage for dental illnesses like gum disease is far less common and may only be included in comprehensive policies. Many pet policy providers offer dental cover as an optional add-on. However, this will increase the costs of the insurance and may be harder to qualify for if there are pre-existing conditions.
Is it worth insuring an old dog?
If you have a lifetime policy for your old dog it may be advantageous to maintain the policy as it will continue to cover chronic conditions and other age-related injuries. If you are taking out a new insurance policy for an older dog, you may need specialist policies due to the high cost of premiums and possible exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
*Price per month for cover based on a dog, Burger, one year old, no known medical conditions and up-to-date vaccinations. Based on quote data provided by Seopa Ltd during November 2024. The quote price you could achieve is dependent on your individual circumstances.