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Pet insurance

Protect your furry friend.

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Easily compare policies for your beloved pet

Ensure they’re covered for life’s little (and big) surprises!

Compare quotes from a range of trusted UK insurers & you could pay from £3.35 per month1
Find cover tailored to your pet’s needs

Peace of mind for unexpected vet bills

What is pet insurance?

Our furry best friends deserve to receive the best care.  Without insurance, vet bills can add up, and you may be forced to make some difficult and upsetting choices. Pet insurance provides you with financial help and peace of mind. You’ll get help with medical expenses, but it can also cover you if your pet causes damage or injury to others.

What type of pet insurance do I need?

Understanding cover options that consider both short and long-term support, from sudden accidents to lifetime care, is key to finding the right policy for you and your companion. The types and levels of cover can vary:
Lifetime
This is the most comprehensive. Lifetime policies have an annual financial limit that resets each year when you renew. So ongoing illnesses or accidents can be covered throughout your pet’s life, as long as you keep continuous cover.
Maximum benefit
This type of policy provides a fixed amount per condition/up to vet fee limit. Once that amount is reached for a specific illness or injury, that condition is no longer covered. But there’s no time limit on how long you can claim for that condition, so it could span multiple policy years.
Time-limited (annual)
Covers illnesses and accidents up to a set amount or for a specific time (usually 12 months) from the first treatment, whichever comes first. Once the limit or time is reached, that condition becomes “pre-existing” and is no longer covered.
Accident-only

This is the most basic and often the cheapest option. It covers vet fees specifically for injuries caused by accidents, but won’t cover any illnesses.

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What does pet insurance cover?

What’s included in your pet insurance plan will depend on the type and level of insurance you select. Typically, your pet will be covered for the following:
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Usually not covered
Vet fees (accidents and illnesses)
Routine treatments (e.g., vaccinations, flea and worming treatments)
Third-party liability (vital for dog owners)
Pregnancy or breeding costs
Death from illness or accident
Behaviour problems (unless a specific add-on) and training costs
Emergency boarding fees
Claims made as a result of ignoring vet advice or using alternative treatments
Prescription medications
Preventative care like neutering, spaying and dental checks
Lost or stolen pet advertising & reward
Pre-existing conditions
Emergency boarding fees
Some common hereditary conditions in specific breeds
Remember to check the details outlined in your policy when shopping around to make sure it’s right for you.
Do I need pet insurance?
Although it’s not required by law, pet insurance is something we strongly recommend you think about. Treatments can run into thousands of pounds. Without insurance, you would be responsible for covering the costs out of pocket! With an easy-to-use comparison tool, it’s quick and easy to find the right cover for your pet and your pocket.
Enter details
Tell us about your pet(s) and yourself. Simple details such as name, age, pet’s medical history, cover type and address. Submit and wait for quotes to be sent to you!
Compare policies
Take your time comparing all the quotes that you receive back, including the terms of the policy, to make sure the cover is right for you.
Choose cover
Select the cover, and just like that, your pet is protected along with your wallet!

Instant quotes from top UK insurance providers

Compare quotes from UK providers in minutes and find the right policy for you and your beloved pet.
Ensuring you don’t pay too much for your pet insurance

Finding affordable pet insurance isn’t just about choosing the cheapest policy; it’s about understanding what affects your premium and taking steps to reduce your risk profile.

Here are 10 tips to consider that could help you save.2.

1

Cover only what you need
Steer clear of extras and pick a plan that fits both your pet’s needs and your budget.

2

Research your pet
Younger pets and some breeds typically have lower premiums. Costs may go up if your pet is older or known to have breed-specific health problems, so make sure you know its history before you commit!

3

Voluntary excess

Lower your premium by paying a higher voluntary excess. Remember, this is what you pay out of pocket, so make sure you can afford it!

4

Pay annually

Paying your premium in one go for the year rather than monthly can often work out to be more cost-effective than monthly instalments.

5

Multi-pet or other insurance policies

More than one pet? Some insurers offer discounts if you insure multiple pets under one pet insurance policy. It’s also worth checking if your provider offers multi-policy discounts, if you have other insurance like car, home, or travel.

6

Spay or neuter your pet

The lower the risk of health and behavioural issues, the cheaper your pet insurance is likely to be. Getting your pet spayed or neutered can help with this.

7

Keep your pet healthy

Regular vet check-ups, and keeping your pet fit and healthy will reduce the likelihood of claims.

8

Microchip your pet

By law, dogs must have a microchip. In any case, if your pet has a chip, insurers tend to offer discounts as it increases the chance of recovery if lost.

9

Check your vet's fees

Your premium may be influenced if you live in an area with high vet fees. It’s worth checking if insurers offer cap vet fee options.

10

Shop around and compare quotes

Use comparison websites and check directly with different insurers. Prices may differ for similar cover, and not all insurers are on every comparison site.

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FAQ's
Is pet insurance really worth it?

It’s not compulsory, but acts as a financial safety net. Unexpected illnesses or accidents can leave deep holes in your pockets, from hundreds or even thousands of pounds. Insurance helps manage these costs so your pet can get the best care without breaking the bank.

Most policies cover vet fees for consultations, tests, and treatments for illnesses and accidents. Many also cover emergency boarding kennel/cattery payments if you are hospitalised, costs associated with advertising and reward if your pet goes missing, and third-party liability cover (which is vital for dog owners). Accidental or illness-related death may also be covered by comprehensive insurance.

Generally, standard policies exclude pre-existing conditions (conditions your pet had before the policy started or during a waiting period), routine preventative care (vaccinations, flea/worming treatments, routine dental check-ups), spaying/neutering and behavioural problems unless added. Always check your policy’s exclusions.

  • Lifetime: This is the most comprehensive option. It offers an annual vet fee limit that refreshes each year for ongoing illnesses and accidents, as long as you renew the policy. It’s often recommended for long-term conditions.
  • Maximum benefit: Provides a fixed sum per condition. Once this limit is reached, that condition is no longer covered but there’s no time limit on how long you can claim for it.
  • Time-Limited (annual): Covers illnesses and accidents for a set period (e.g. 12 months) or up to a specific monetary limit per condition. Once either is reached, that condition becomes “pre-existing” and isn’t covered again.
  • Accident-Only: Covers vet fees for injuries from accidents, not illnesses. It’s the most basic and cheapest option.

Yes, but premiums may be higher and the choice of policies more limited, often accident-only or maximum benefit options. Some insurers also introduce a co-payment for older animals.

Some insurers may have exclusions for breeds listed under the Dangerous Dogs Act, 1991. Certain pedigree breeds can also be more expensive to insure due to their proneness to specific health conditions. Be upfront about your pet’s breed when getting a quote.

Some policies do cover dental but it’s often an add-on or limited to accidents only. Routine dental cleanings are not covered. Check the policy terms and conditions for dental care.

Generally, standard pet insurance policies don’t cover pre-existing conditions (illnesses or injuries that occurred before the policy started or during a waiting period). However, some specialist insurers may offer limited cover for these conditions, or you might find policies that cover conditions after a long claim-free period.

Yes, most pet insurance policies have an initial waiting period after you purchase the policy before you can make a claim. This is usually a few days for accidents (e.g. 2-3 days) and 14 days for illnesses to prevent claims for conditions that began before cover started. Check your policy wording.

  • Excess: This is the fixed amount you agree to pay towards each claim before your insurer pays out.
  • Co-insurance/Co-payment: Some policies, especially for older pets, have this. It means you pay a percentage of the vet bill yourself, on top of your standard excess. For example, a 20% co-payment on a £1000 bill (after a £100 excess) would mean you pay £180 on top of the excess.

Pet insurance premiums often increase as your pet ages, as the risk of illness or injury rises with age. Making claims can also impact your renewal premium, like car insurance  or home insurance.

Many insurers now offer direct payment to your vet. This is really helpful as you don’t have to pay the full bill upfront and then wait to be reimbursed. Check if this is an option with your chosen insurer and your vet.
Claim processing times vary between insurers, but many aim to settle vet fee claims within 5-10 working days if all the necessary forms and documents are submitted correctly. You’ll usually be kept updated throughout the process
Yes, many insurers offer multi-pet discounts if you insure all your pets under one policy or with the same provider. It’s a great way to save money and keep all your furry friends covered.

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The protection offered through the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) applies to our regulated financial advice services only. Insurance comparison services are not regulated and not covered by FSCS protection.

1Price per month for cover based on a dog, Oliver, one year old, no known medical conditions and up-to-date vaccinations. Based on quote data provided by Seopa Ltd during June 2025. The quote price you could achieve is dependent on your individual circumstances.

2This information is intended for editorial purposes only and not intended as a recommendation or financial advice.