Pet insurance
Learn how pet insurance works and how to choose the right policy for you.
We recommend that everyone insure their pet to help protect against unexpected vet bills.
There are lots of companies who offer pet insurance, including banks and supermarkets, and which policy you choose depends on your individual needs.
To make sure you get the right policy, check what’s covered in the small print, as this will vary.
Download our insurance claims guide to learn more about our insurance claims process.
Pet insurance FAQs
How can pet insurance help you?
Pet insurance can help you get your beloved pet back on their feet without worrying about the cost of veterinary bills.
Vets can now do more for pets than ever before, but pet owners are often surprised by the cost of veterinary bills and unaware that some conditions require ongoing treatment.
Not all pet insurance policies are the same, so it’s important to do your research and choose a suitable policy for you and your pet.
What is a lifetime insurance policy?
- Cover is provided up to a set amount for veterinary fees and refreshed each policy year.
- This is ideal if your pet develops an ongoing condition such as arthritis or diabetes.
What is a lifetime policy, but only up to a certain limit?
Cover is provided up to a set amount for the lifetime of the policy until the limit is reached; once this happens, there is no further cover.
Always ask about this, as it can catch you out.
What are 12-month/time-limited policies?
- Cover is provided up to a maximum amount per condition.
- There is a 12-month limit, meaning conditions will only be covered for the first 12 months.
- After 12 months, the condition will be excluded from the policy.
What are accident-only policies?
- No cover for illness.
- Provides a fixed sum of money for each accidental injury.
- Some policies have a 12-month limit, meaning injuries will only be covered for the first 12 months.
- Often only covers a certain amount of accidents.
What is third-party only cover?
Covers damage or injury caused accidentally or otherwise.
This is often required if you take your dog to work, as most policies don’t include third-party claims from incidents at work.
What are excess and co-payments?
- The excess is the contribution you make towards the cost of a claim.
- It is important to check what excesses apply, as some insurance policies have a % excess or co-payment in addition to a fixed excess. This often applies after a certain age.
- Many excesses are charged on any ongoing claims at the start of the policy year, so always check.
- The excess is usually deducted from your claim settlement.
What are price caps and exclusions?
- Many companies have price caps on medicines or treatments. Always check, as you will be expected to pay for any deficits.
- Many companies exclude some important health conditions, such as conditions of the mouth or dental disease.
What else should I watch out for?
- If you travel overseas with your pet, ensure this is covered in the policy.
- Most insurances require regular health checks and annual vaccinations, and if treatments are recommended require these to be done within a certain timeframe.
- If travelling, ensure pets are secured as per legal requirements in an appropriate harness, cage or behind a dog guard to ensure any road traffic incidents are covered.
Is pet insurance expensive?
- Not all pet insurance is the same, so don’t just shop around on price alone. It’s also important to check how the cost of your policy will change over time.
- Many companies offer a variety of policies and it’s important to check that you have purchased a policy appropriate for your needs.
- Many policies look initially attractive based on cost, but increase in price above inflation as your pet gets older, and usually with every subsequent claim to the point of unaffordability. Always check, as this can be essential to your long term budgeting.
What questions should I ask when shopping for pet insurance?
- Will you increase my premium per claim? If no, is this written in your policy wording?
- Is the limit for the whole policy? Once used, is the policy no longer valid per year or per condition?
- Do you increase the price as my pet ages?
- Are there any co-payments on claims?
- If my practice is willing, can you pay them directly?
- Will you cover my pet into old age?
- Will my excess increase if I make a claim?
- Does the policy cover breed-related conditions?
- Does the policy cover congenital, hip related or hereditary illnesses?
- Does this policy cover dental treatment and behavioural problems?
- Does this policy place limits on particular conditions or medications?
- Are there policy terms, such as required health checks, routine preventative health care such as vaccinations, a particular BCS (body condition score), neutered or anything else?