Compare Pet Insurance from UK Providers
Use the quote tool to compare pet insurance options for your dog or cat from a panel of UK insurers. Depending on your individual circumstances, cover could start from £3.35/month.*
*Price 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. Price per month for cover based on a cat, Ozzie, 6 months old, no known medical conditions, up-to-date vaccinations, and microchipped. Based on quote data provided by Seopa Ltd during June 2025. The quote price you could achieve is dependent on your individual circumstances.
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What is pet insurance?
Pet insurance is a policy that helps cover the cost of veterinary treatment if your pet becomes ill or is injured in an accident. You pay a monthly or annual premium, and the insurer pays towards eligible vet bills (minus any excess) when you make a claim.
Pet insurance is not a legal requirement in the UK, but vet costs have risen significantly in recent years. According to the RSPCA, an average vet consultation can cost over £60, while complex surgery can exceed £5,000. A single emergency treatment could cost more than years of insurance premiums.
Most policies cover dogs and cats, though some providers also offer cover for rabbits and other small pets. The level of cover, cost, and exclusions vary between providers, so comparing quotes is important.
Types of pet insurance
There are four main types of pet insurance available in the UK. The right choice depends on your budget, your pet's age, and how much cover you need.
Accident only
Cheapest option. Covers treatment for injuries caused by accidents only. Does not cover illness or ongoing conditions. Suitable if you want basic protection at a low cost.
Time-limited
Covers each new condition for a set period, usually 12 months from when treatment begins. After the time or money limit is reached, that condition is no longer covered. Often more affordable than lifetime cover.
Maximum benefit
Covers each condition up to a fixed amount with no time limit. Once the money runs out for a specific condition, it is excluded. A middle ground between time-limited and lifetime.
Lifetime
The most comprehensive type of pet insurance. The cover limit resets each year when you renew, so ongoing conditions remain covered. Lifetime pet insurance is typically the most expensive option but provides the greatest level of ongoing protection.
Dog insurance
Dogs are the most commonly insured pet in the UK. Breed is one of the biggest factors affecting dog insurance premiums. Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds such as French Bulldogs and Pugs tend to cost more to insure because they are prone to breathing difficulties, spinal problems, and eye conditions.
Common dog insurance claims include cruciate ligament injuries, skin conditions, ear infections, and gastrointestinal problems. Larger breeds are also more likely to develop joint conditions like hip dysplasia.
Dog insurance typically costs between £20 and £60 per month, depending on breed, age, location, and cover level. These are indicative ranges; your actual quote will depend on your individual circumstances.
Compare dog insurance options or explore our dedicated dog insurance comparison page to get quotes.
Cat insurance
Whether your cat lives indoors or has outdoor access affects the cost of insurance. Outdoor cats face higher risks from road traffic accidents, fights with other animals, and exposure to infections, which can result in higher premiums.
Common cat insurance claims include dental disease, kidney problems, hyperthyroidism, and road traffic injuries. According to the Cats Protection charity, dental disease is one of the most common health issues in cats over three years old.
Cat insurance typically costs between £10 and £30 per month. Pedigree breeds such as Bengals and Ragdolls may cost more to insure than domestic shorthairs.
Compare cat insurance options or visit our cat insurance comparison page for quotes.
Common Vet Expenses in the UK
Veterinary care can be costly, particularly for accidents or long-term health conditions. While actual fees vary, here are typical UK averages:
| Treatment Type | Average Claim Payout |
|---|---|
| Lameness | £536.91 |
| Stomach Upset (Vomiting/Diarrhoea) | £335.00 |
| Vomiting | £508.11 |
| Foreign Body Ingestion | £789.02 |
| Ear Infection | £216.89 |
Estimated vet costs based on average claim payouts from ManyPets. Actual costs may vary.
According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), the average UK pet insurance claim was £685 in 2024. Source: ABI
This content is for editorial purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
How much does pet insurance cost?
Pet insurance costs vary widely based on species, breed, age, location, and cover level. Below are typical monthly ranges for UK pet owners.
| Pet type | Typical monthly cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dog (accident only) | £5 to £15 | Cheapest option, injuries only |
| Dog (lifetime) | £20 to £60+ | Breed and age affect cost significantly |
| Cat (accident only) | £3 to £10 | Indoor cats may pay less |
| Cat (lifetime) | £10 to £30+ | Pedigree breeds cost more |
These are indicative ranges based on publicly available market data. Your actual quote depends on individual circumstances. Premiums typically increase as pets age, and pre-existing conditions are not covered. Source: Association of British Insurers (ABI).
What affects pet insurance premiums?
Several factors determine how much you pay for pet insurance. Understanding these can help you find the right balance between cost and cover.
- Breed: Pedigree and larger breeds typically cost more to insure than crossbreeds due to higher risk of hereditary conditions.
- Age: Older pets are more likely to need veterinary care, so premiums increase with age. Some insurers will not offer new policies for pets over 8 to 10 years old.
- Location: Vet fees vary by region. Urban areas (particularly London and the South East) tend to have higher costs, which is reflected in premiums.
- Cover level: Lifetime cover is the most expensive type. Accident-only policies are the cheapest.
- Excess: Choosing a higher voluntary excess can reduce your monthly premium.
- Neutering: Some insurers offer lower premiums for neutered or spayed pets, as they may be less likely to develop certain conditions.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) recommends that pet owners consider insurance as part of responsible pet ownership, particularly given rising veterinary costs.
What pet insurance covers and what it does not
Typically covered
- ✓Vet fees for illness and injury
- ✓Surgery and hospitalisation
- ✓Prescription medication and diagnostic tests
- ✓Dental treatment caused by accident or illness (some policies)
- ✓Third-party liability cover for dogs
- ✓Death from illness or accident (some policies)
Typically not covered
- ✗Pre-existing conditions
- ✗Routine treatments (vaccinations, flea and worming treatments)
- ✗Dental problems caused by lack of care
- ✗Pregnancy and breeding costs
- ✗Cosmetic or elective procedures
- ✗Behavioural issues (excluded by most policies)
Always check the policy wording for a full list of exclusions and limits before purchasing cover.
How to compare pet insurance
Price is important, but it should not be the only factor when choosing pet insurance. Here is what to check when comparing quotes:
- Annual and per-condition limits: Make sure the cover amount is high enough for potential treatment costs in your area.
- Excess amounts: Check whether the excess is a fixed amount, a percentage of the claim, or both. Some policies charge a higher excess for older pets.
- Age limits: Some insurers will not offer new policies for pets above a certain age, or may increase the excess significantly.
- Exclusions: Read the policy documents carefully. Common exclusions include pre-existing conditions, dental caused by neglect, and breeding costs.
- Waiting periods: Most policies have a waiting period (typically 14 days) before cover begins for illness. Accident cover usually starts immediately.
- Cover type: Decide whether accident only, time-limited, maximum benefit, or lifetime cover is right for your situation.
To get started, you will need your pet's species, breed, age, and any known medical conditions, along with your postcode.
Pet Insurance FAQs
Is pet insurance worth it?
Is pet insurance worth it?
Pet insurance can help protect you from unexpected vet bills that could run into thousands of pounds. A single emergency surgery can cost over £5,000, which is significantly more than most owners would pay in premiums over several years. Whether it is worth it depends on your financial situation and your pet's health.
What does pet insurance cover?
What does pet insurance cover?
Most pet insurance policies cover vet fees for accidents and illnesses, including surgery, hospitalisation, diagnostic tests, and prescribed medication. Some policies also cover dental treatment, third-party liability (for dogs), and complementary therapies. Routine treatments like vaccinations and flea treatment are not usually covered.
How much does pet insurance cost per month?
How much does pet insurance cost per month?
Dog insurance typically costs between £20 and £60 per month for lifetime cover, depending on breed, age, and location. Cat insurance is usually between £10 and £30 per month. Accident-only policies can be significantly cheaper, starting from around £3 to £5 per month.
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
No. Pre-existing conditions (any illness or injury that occurred before the policy start date) are excluded from almost all pet insurance policies. This is one reason to consider taking out insurance while your pet is young and healthy.
Can I get pet insurance for an older dog?
Can I get pet insurance for an older dog?
Yes, though options may be more limited and premiums higher. Some insurers will not offer new policies for dogs over 8 to 10 years old. Others may apply a higher excess or exclude certain conditions. It is worth comparing quotes from multiple providers to find the best option.
What is lifetime pet insurance?
What is lifetime pet insurance?
Lifetime pet insurance resets the cover limit each year when you renew, meaning ongoing and recurring conditions remain covered. It is the most comprehensive and typically the most expensive type of pet insurance. It is particularly valuable for pets with chronic conditions that need ongoing treatment.
Does pet insurance cover dental treatment?
Does pet insurance cover dental treatment?
Some policies include dental cover for treatment needed as a result of an accident or illness. However, dental problems caused by lack of care (such as gum disease from poor dental hygiene) are usually excluded. Check the policy wording carefully if dental cover is important to you.
Can I use any vet with pet insurance?
Can I use any vet with pet insurance?
Most UK pet insurance policies allow you to use any registered veterinary practice. Some policies may have a preferred provider network, but this is less common. Always check with your insurer before starting treatment if you are unsure.
Is there a waiting period for pet insurance?
Is there a waiting period for pet insurance?
Yes. Most policies have a waiting period of around 14 days for illness cover. This means conditions that appear during the waiting period will not be covered. Accident cover usually starts from the policy start date or the next day.
Does pet insurance cover medication?
Does pet insurance cover medication?
Yes. Most pet insurance policies cover prescribed medication as part of the treatment for a covered condition. This includes ongoing medication for chronic conditions if you have a lifetime policy. Over-the-counter products and routine preventative treatments are not usually covered.
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How we created this page
This page was written and reviewed by the MySupermarketCompare editorial team to help UK pet owners understand pet insurance and compare their options. We have referenced publicly available data from the RSPCA, the Association of British Insurers (ABI), the British Veterinary Association (BVA), and Cats Protection. This page does not constitute financial advice.
More Pet Insurance Options
Explore all our pet insurance comparison pages to find the right cover for your situation.
Important information
MySupermarketCompare is an insurance comparison website. We introduce customers to our quote partner, Seopa Ltd (trading as Quotezone), to help them compare pet insurance options. Seopa Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 313860). Information on this page is general and is not financial advice.