Pet insurance
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- Buy pet insurance for less than £10.88 per month[1]
- Get covered for unexpected costs. On average, an X-ray can cost over £300 & an MRI scan over £2,500
- Plus, enjoy fantastic rewards, on us*
[1] 51% of our customers were quoted less than £10.88 per month in September 2024 for their pet insurance based on the monthly cost when paying for the policy in one annual payment, excluding any interest charged on instalment payments.
Pet insurance comparison
from 34 leading providers with 42 products to choose from[2]
[2] Correct as of December 2024.
Why do I need pet insurance?
We love our pets – they’re a part of the family. But, sadly, there’s no version of the NHS for animals if they fall ill or get injured. And vet bills can be shockingly high.
Having the right pet health insurance in place means you could potentially cover the vet bills for your dog or cat and afford the care they need.
At Compare the Market, we can help you find and compare prices for pet insurance in minutes. It’s a quick way to find a policy that suits you and your furry friend.
Read on to find out more about the different types of pet insurance for your dog or cat, what it includes and how much it costs.
What pet are you looking to insure?
Cat
Indoor or outdoor cat, moggy or purebred, we can help you find cover for your feline friend.
Learn more about cat insurance.
Dog
Puppy or older dog, pedigree or mutt, we have a range of policies for you to compare.
Learn more about dog insurance.
You can buy pet insurance for most animals, but if it’s not a cat or a dog you may need specialist cover.
Types of pet insurance policy
To find the best pet insurance policy for you, you’ll need to weigh up the pros and cons of the options available. This usually boils down to the level of cover you want and how much you’re willing to pay.
There are four main types of insurance for pets:
Lifetime pet insurance
Lifetime pet cover is the most comprehensive pet health insurance available. If you maintain the policy, your pet could be covered for accidents, injuries and illnesses that develop while they’re insured.
Time-limited pet insurance
Time-limited pet insurance covers illnesses and accidents, for up to 12 months from when the condition was diagnosed or up to the limit of the policy, whichever happens first. After that, the condition won’t be covered, even if you renew.
Maximum benefit pet insurance
Maximum benefit pet insurance covers accidents and illnesses up to a maximum amount per condition. Once you’ve reached the limit, your pet will no longer be covered for that particular condition.
Accident-only pet insurance
Accident-only pet insurance covers vet bills if your pet’s hurt in an accident, but not if they become ill. Compared to more comprehensive policies, it’s likely to be cheaper and might work out well if you have a young dog or cat that’s fit and healthy.
What’s the best level of pet insurance?
The best pet insurance for you depends on your budget and your needs. But whichever policy you choose, always read the policy documents carefully. Make sure you know what’s included and what’s not to avoid any nasty surprises.
What does pet insurance cover?
Pet insurance policies can vary. Make sure you read the terms and conditions carefully so you know what’s covered and what isn’t.
Your pet insurance policy could cover:
- Vet fees and treatment if your pet is ill or injured.
- Diagnostic tests and scans including X-rays and MRIs – cover limits may apply.
- Emergency dental treatment in the event of an accident.
- Compensation if your pet dies or goes missing.
- Advertising fees and reward money if your pet goes missing.
- Kennel and cattery fees if you’re temporarily unable to care for your pet
- Third-party liability cover is a common feature of dog insurance. Offers cover if your dog injures someone, causes an accident or damages someone’s property.
- Alternative treatments like physio, acupuncture or homeopathy, if they’re recommended by your vet.
- Overseas emergency vet costs if you take your pet abroad on holiday with you to certain countries.
- Putting your pet to sleep and other costs related to euthanasia.
Pet insurance won’t typically cover:
- Treatment for pre-existing conditions – injuries and illnesses your pet was already suffering from when you took out the policy.
- Vaccinations and boosters.
- Any condition that could have been prevented by routine vaccinations, for either cats or dogs.
- Illnesses or injuries that occur in the ‘waiting period’ after taking out a pet insurance policy – typically, this is the first 14 days.
- Microchipping your pet – this is required by law for dogs before they’re eight weeks old and for cats by the time they’re 20 weeks old.
- Neutering or spaying your pet and other preventative treatments.
- Routine medical treatment, such as annual check-ups, worming and flea treatments.
- Routine dental care and dental treatment resulting from illness.
- Cremation or burial costs.
- Cosmetic treatments or any other elective medical treatment not recommended by a vet.
- Pregnancy care, so always check first if you plan on breeding your pet.
Accident-only pet insurance won’t cover illness and is unlikely to cover:
- Compensation if your pet dies or goes missing
- Alternative treatments
- Advertising fees and reward money
- Kennel and cattery fees.
It’s important to check any policy carefully before you buy to make sure it includes the cover you need. For example, some policies won’t include overseas cover and holiday cancellation as standard. But you may be able to add them to your policy for an extra cost.
Where can I get pet insurance quotes?
You can get pet insurance quotes using Compare the Market’s pet insurance comparison tool.
Give us a few details
Let us know about you, your pet and the type of cover you’re looking for.
Compare policies
We’ll help you search for a list of suitable policies so you can compare the different features and costs.
Protect your pet
Choose a policy that suits your needs and give your furry friend the protection they deserve.
How much is pet insurance?
The cost of your pet insurance will depend on:
- The type of policy you choose – policies that offer more cover tend to cost more.
- The amount of cover you want – policies with lower maximum pay-outs may be cheaper, but they might not pay for everything if your pet has a serious accident or condition.
- The insurance provider you choose – each provider prices according to their claims history and experience of risk.
- The age and health of your pet – insuring older pets tends to be more expensive as they’re more likely to develop illnesses or conditions.
- The type and breed of animal – for example, certain breeds of dogs may be more prone to hereditary diseases.
- Whether your pet has been spayed or neutered – this can eliminate the risks associated with breeding and pregnancy. It also makes pets less likely to stray.
- The size of the compulsory excess – how much you’ll have to pay towards a claim.
- Where you live – a trip to the vets may be more expensive in certain areas.
And remember, the cheapest pet insurance premium might not offer all the cover you want.
| Pet insurance premiums | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pet | Monthly premium[4] | Annual premium[5] |
| Dog | £12.85 | £155 |
| Cat | £6.72 | £81 |
[5] 51% of our customers were quoted less than £154.20 for their dog insurance in September 2024. 51% of our customers were quoted less than £80.59 for their cat insurance in September 2024.
[4] 51% of our customers were quoted less than £12.85 per month in September 2024 for their dog insurance based on the monthly cost when paying for the policy in one annual payment, excluding any interest charged on instalment payments.
51% of our customers were quoted less than £6.72 per month in September 2024 for their cat insurance based on the monthly cost when paying for the policy in one annual payment, excluding any interest charged on instalment payments.
How can I get cheaper pet insurance?
Here are a few top tips to help you find a cheap pet insurance quote:
- Pay a higher excess – the higher the excess, the cheaper your premiums are likely to be. But you’ll need to be sure you can afford the excess if you need to make a claim.
- Choose a contribution policy – where you pay a percentage of the claim in addition to the compulsory excess.
- Keep your pet healthy – looking after your pet properly could save you hundreds (or even thousands) of pounds in vet bills.
- Vaccinate your dog or cat and don’t miss any booster jabs – this can help avoid some serious illnesses. If your pet isn’t vaccinated and they fall ill with a disease they could’ve been protected against, your insurance provider might refuse to pay the claim.
- Spay or neuter your pet – this could potentially lower your premiums, as it means pets are less likely to catch or develop various illnesses and conditions.
- Choose your breed wisely – pedigree dogs and cats can make wonderful pets but might be more prone to inherited disorders. That could make them more expensive to insure
- Compare pet insurance quotes – our pet insurance comparison service allows you to compare quotes from a wide range of insurance providers.
Find more money-saving tips in our guide to the average cost of pet insurance.
What our expert says...
“It’s not just upsetting if your cat or dog is injured or becomes ill unexpectedly – it can be extremely expensive. Knowing you’re covered financially by pet insurance means you can focus on finding the best care for your pet and getting them well again.”
- Anna McEntee, Home, pet and travel insurance expert
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
Typically, most pet insurance policies won’t cover pre-existing conditions. These are conditions your pet had before the policy started, such as diabetes.
You may be able to find a specialist policy that covers historical pre-existing conditions. These are conditions your pet has had in the past but hasn’t had symptoms of or treatment for in a specified period of time. For example, in the past two years.
However, these types of specialist policies are rare and might not cover all conditions.
Can I cover more than one pet on the same policy?
Some insurance providers offer multi-pet insurance. If you insure more than one pet with them, you might get a discount. This type of policy could also be easier to manage in terms of paperwork.
Currently, you can’t compare multi-pet insurance with us. But some of the providers you can compare through us may have the option of adding a pet to your policy.
To do this, run a comparison search on our site for one pet and find the policy you want. Then click through to that policy provider’s site and see if it gives you the option to add another pet to your policy.
Why compare pet insurance with Compare the Market?
We're rated Excellent on Trustpilot[2]
We compare prices for 34 trusted pet insurance providers[3]
Enjoy fantastic rewards, on us*.
[2] As of January 2nd 2025, Compare the Market had an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 64,551 people who left a review on Trustpilot. The score 4.8 corresponds to the Star Label ‘Excellent’.
[3] Correct as of December 2024.
What do I need to compare pet insurance?
To compare pet insurance with us, we’ll need to know:
- Your pet’s age and breed
- Whether your pet is male or female
- How much you paid or donated for them
- Whether your pet has been neutered or spayed
- Whether they’re microchipped.
Frequently asked questions
What is co-insurance?
In terms of pet insurance, co-insurance means that you agree to cover a percentage of the vet costs if you need to make a claim. This is in addition to the fixed excess you pay when you make a claim.
The percentage you’re expected to pay varies, depending on the policy, but 10-20% is typical.
Co-payment insurance policies may be more common when insuring older pets, who are more at risk of falling ill. Not all insurance providers offer the option of co-insurance so do double check if you are unsure.
Is it worth paying for pet insurance?
Pet insurance could protect you from costly vet fees if the unexpected happens. Even indoor pets can get into scrapes or fall ill.
When you take into consideration that a fracture repair could cost over £2,000, pet insurance could be a small price to pay in comparison.
How does my pet’s age affect pet insurance?
Insurance premiums often go up as your pet gets older. That’s because they’re more likely to suffer from health conditions, making them more of a risk for insurance providers.
Your policy excess might go up too. Or – depending on your policy terms – you may be asked to co-pay a percentage of the costs if you make a claim.
If you want to insure an older cat or older dog, make sure you shop around. And remember that the cheapest pet insurance may not always provide the best cover. Look for the policy that gives you the level of cover your older pet needs.
Do I need to pay an excess for pet insurance?
For most types of pet insurance, you’ll have to pay an excess with each claim. Pet insurance policies can have:
- A set excess – £90 per claim, for example
- A voluntary excess – an amount you choose to pay to get a lower premium in addition to the set excess
- A contribution excess – a percentage of the claim, sometimes called a co-payment
- A combination of the above – so, for example, a £90 excess plus 10% of the claim plus the voluntary excess as well.
Most providers will specify if the excess is likely to change as your pet gets older.
How does my address affect pet insurance?
While your address shouldn’t affect the cost of your pet insurance drastically, vet bills do vary across different regions. This means you might find those costs passed on in your premiums.
If you live in London, for example, you’ll likely find vet bills are more expensive than outside of the capital.
Does pet insurance include kennel or cattery fees?
Pet insurance could include cover for boarding your pet in a kennel or cattery if you need to go into hospital and are unable to look after them. There may be a minimum number of days you need to be in hospital for in order to claim.
Check the terms and conditions of your policy to be sure this is covered.
Can I get cover that starts immediately?
No, there’s usually a waiting period before your pet cover begins. This is to stop people using their new pet insurance policy to cover conditions they already knew their pet had.
Cover usually starts around 14 days after the policy start date. Check the terms and conditions of the specific policy to be sure.
Is it better to pay for pet insurance annually or monthly?
If you can afford to, it’s usually cheaper to pay upfront in one annual payment. If you pay monthly, it’s likely you’ll be charged interest.
What pets can I get covered?
You can typically get animal insurance for dogs, cats, rabbits and horses. At Compare the Market, we only compare prices for pet insurance that covers dogs and cats, including puppies and kittens.
If you have another type of pet, you might need to look for a specialist pet insurance provider.
In some cases, it’s possible to find cover for guinea pigs, ferrets, chinchillas, tortoises, snakes, lizards, parrots and other exotic animals.
What should I do if my pet goes missing?
If your dog or cat is microchipped, contact the microchipping company to see if they’ve been handed in anywhere. Failing that, get in touch with your local animal rescue centre, ask your neighbours and put the word out on social media.
Pet insurance could help if your pet goes missing. Some policies offer help with advertising and reward money if your pet goes astray.
Will pet insurance cover life-threatening injuries or illness?
Accident-only insurance will only cover your pet if they have a life-threating accident. Maximum benefit, time-limited or lifetime pet insurance could also cover life-threatening injuries or illness. But there could be cover limits and exclusions.
Can I travel with my pet to Europe?
You can, but you’ll need to get an animal health certificate (AHC) to travel to Europe or Northern Ireland with your pet. And you’ll need to prove your pet has a microchip and a valid rabies vaccination.
Other requirements may apply depending on where you’re travelling to GOV.UK offers more information on taking pets abroad.
You might also want to consider pet insurance with overseas cover. Not all providers offer this feature, so check it’s included when comparing policies.
How do I claim on pet insurance?
To make a claim on your pet insurance, call your provider’s claims line. It’s a good idea to have your policy number ready. With some policies, your vet might be able to claim on your behalf, so check with the vet.
If your pet is ill, you may be able to get an idea in advance of whether you’ll be covered for a particular treatment. Speak to your insurance provider’s claims team to find out.
You’ll need to know what evidence you need to provide for your claim, such as invoices and receipts.
Submit your claim as soon as possible. You might have to pay the bill and claim back the money. However, if the bill is less than your excess, then it might not be worth claiming.
What happens if I can’t afford vet bills?
If you can’t afford vet bills, you could try:
- Shopping around online to get prescribed medication more cheaply
- Credit-based payment plans from the vet
- Swapping to a different vet with lower fees
- Seeing if your pet is eligible for free or low-cost treatment through an animal charity.
Start by speaking honestly to your vet. Let them know what you can afford in case they can suggest alternative treatments.
Will property be covered if my pet damages it?
Dog insurance could cover your legal liability for third-party damage caused by your dog to another person’s property. Check the terms of your policy to see what’s covered.
However, pet insurance doesn’t cover damage to your own property. Likewise, most home insurance policies exclude pet damage.
You may be able to add accidental damage cover to your home insurance policy. But even this might exclude pet damage caused in particular ways, such as chewing or scratching.
Does pet insurance cover ‘cherry eye’ in dogs?
Whether your pet insurance covers ‘cherry eye’ depends on what type of policy you have and if this is the first time your dog has had the problem.
Cherry eye, which is a problem with the dog’s third eyelid, might be helped by medication. But if the gland in the eyelid has swelled up surgery is often required.
Talk to your pet insurance provider to check if you’re covered.
Does pet insurance cover BOAS surgery?
Whether your pet insurance covers BOAS surgery depends on the type of policy you have and if their BOAS is being treated as a pre-existing condition. It will also depend on the severity of the condition, and whether any other treatment options are possible.
If in doubt, talk to your pet insurance provider. They’ll let you know if your cover includes BOAS treatment and eventual surgery if needed.
