Pet insurance

Find affordable cover for your dog or cat in minutes [1]
10% OF CUSTOMERS RECEIVED A PRICE OF £3.60 PER MONTH OR LESS[2]

  • Compare deals from over 30 trusted UK pet insurers[3]
  • Fast quotes • Flexible cover options • No hassle comparison

Easily Compare Quotes from Trusted Pet Insurance Brands

We’re committed to helping you find great deals on pet insurance. We’ve also partnered with Defaqto, an independent financial researcher, so you can see prices alongside star ratings and product information all at once.

When you compare pet insurance with us, we search for quotes from over 30 trusted pet insurers, including:[3]

Pet Insurance Policy Types

There are four main types of pet insurance - you just need to decide on the right one for you and your pet.

  1. Lifetime pet cover

    The most comprehensive cover available for your pet
    Pays for illnesses/injuries with no time limit on each condition
    Provides cover for new illnesses, not pre-existing ones
    Limited amount you can claim in a year

  2. Accident-only cover

    As the name suggests, this covers accidental injuries alone
    Helps you manage the costs associated with unexpected injuries your pet might suffer
    Doesn’t cover illnesses, diseases or have any other benefits
    Doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions

  3. Time-limited cover

    Provides a fixed sum for each illness or injury your pet gets
    Can be a cheaper option as there are limits to how much, and for how long, you can claim
    You can’t claim again for a condition after 12 months
    No cover for pre-existing conditions

  4. Maximum benefit insurance

    Covers your pet for each injury or illness up to a specified limit
    No time limit on how long you can claim, like with an annual policy
    You can keep claiming for the same condition until you reach the limit
    Once you reach the financial cap, there is no more coverage for that condition

More people claiming on pet insurance than ever

According to the ABI, pet insurance payouts topped the £1 billion mark for the third year in a row in 2024. With vet costs so high for owners, could you afford to pay out of pocket for your pet’s healthcare?

Why should I take out pet insurance?

Medical treatment for pets is often expensive and pet insurance helps towards these costs so you’re not left out of pocket. Get protection and help your furry friend in their time of need.

Key points:

  • Pet insurance helps cover vet bills for dogs, cats and more
  • While it’s not a legal requirement, it’s a good idea
  • Without pet insurance, you’d have to pay vet bills yourself

Protect Your Pet and Your Peace of Mind

Cats and dogs, young and old can all benefit from the right pet insurance. You can even get cover for your horse.

Dog insurance

Protection for your pooch, whatever the shape or size. This insurance can cover injuries, illness and third-party losses.
[Find out more about dog insurance](/content/pet-insurance/dog-insurance/ "Find out more about dog insurance"/index.html)

Cat insurance

Cover your pampered Persian or cuddly moggy. You can take out cat or kitten insurance for indoor or outdoor cats, to cover all sorts of scenarios that might end in a vet visit.

Senior pet insurance

Cover for age-related conditions and chronic illness. Senior pets often need extra care - and that could mean higher vet bills.
[Find out more about senior pet cover](/content/pet-insurance/insuring-an-older-pet/ "Find out more about senior pet cover"/index.html)

Pet insurance for pre-existing conditions

Specialist insurance for a very special pet. Make sure your furry friend has the right level of cover for all their health needs every step of the way.
[Find out more about pet insurance for pre-existing conditions](/content/pet-insurance/pre-existing-medical-conditions/ "Find out more about pet insurance for pre-existing conditions"/index.html)

How it works: Compare, pick, save

  1. Share your details

    Tell us about you and your pet - name, age, address, cover type and medical conditions

  2. Select cover

    Compare policies and find the one which suits you and your pet

  3. See if you can save

    Choose the cover you like and give your pet the protection they deserve

What does pet insurance cover?

The protection you’ll get depends on the type of policy you go for and policies vary between insurers. As well as veterinary treatment for accidents and/or illnesses, here’s what pet insurance generally covers:

What’s covered What’s not covered
Diagnostic costs for illnesses including the cost of consultations, examinations, tests, X-rays, MRIs, medication, bandages, surgery and hospitalisation Vaccinations, routine vet check-ups, or preventative flea, worm and tick treatment
Euthanasia if it’s necessary and to prevent further suffering. Defaqto says that 79% of pet insurance policies offer euthanasia cover as standard or as an optional add-on Having your pet castrated or spayed or treatments needed because of your pet becoming pregnant, or giving birth
Third-party liability (dogs only) might cover legal costs if your dog is responsible for hurting someone or causing damage Any pre-existing conditions your pet was showing signs of before you took out the policy. If they first become ill while you have lifetime pet insurance, they’ll continue to be covered for that treatment as long as you keep renewing the policy
Alternative therapies. Defaqto says that 93% of pet insurance policies cover four or more alternative therapies like hydrotherapy or acupuncture Dental treatment like scaling, polishing or teeth extractions. That said, Defaqto reports that 99% of pet insurance policies cover emergency dental work for injuries caused by an accident
The cost of posters and advertising to find your lost pet and some policies even cover a reward if found Cremation and burial costs. Defaqto says that just 44% of pet insurance policies cover cremation or burial costs as standard
Boarding fees if you have to be hospitalised for emergency medical treatment and your pet needs to stay in the kennel or cattery. There is a usually a minimum number of days you need to be in hospital for

How much is pet insurance?

For dogs aged one to five, the average cost of insurance works out at just £228 a year. For cats it's £139.[4] As your pet gets older, your insurance costs are likely to rise. The average cost of cover for cats aged eight and over is £303 a year, and it’s £555 a year for dogs aged eight and over.[4]

It's not just age that determines your premium though. Insurers consider a host of factors including:

  • The type of cover you're purchasing - Lifetime is usually the most expensive and accident-only is the cheapest
  • Your pet’s breed - Pedigree animals will generally be more expensive to insure as they have a higher value and are more vulnerable to genetic illnesses.
  • Your pet’s size - Larger dogs are often more expensive to insure than smaller breeds.
  • Your location - Your postcode also reflects your premium, with urban areas being slightly pricier.
  • Previous claims - If you’ve claimed on your pet insurance before, the price will likely increase

Does Pet Insurance Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?

No, pre-existing conditions aren’t usually covered. If you need to insure a pet with a pre-existing condition, you might need to find a specialist insurer.

If you buy a lifetime policy when your pet’s young, and you keep renewing, you’ll be covered for any future chronic health problems.

You could also exclude the condition from your policy and cover any medical treatment yourself. You’ll still be able to claim for other new conditions your pet develops.