Pet insurance in the UK
A comprehensive guide.
Are you confused about the different pet insurance policies, providers, and premiums? If so, then this article is for you.
Recently, I was struck by the same questions and confusion as you. For what felt like the longest time, I was shopping around, researching, and reading up on the best pet insurance policies for Button my two-year-old Maltipoo.
I didn’t get anywhere. Until I did.
With so many different pet insurance types, so-called “bargin deals,” and different types of pet and dog insurance out there, it’s easy to become overwhelmed.
That ends now.
This article is a comprehensive guide to pet insurance in the UK, a collection of everything I found, summarised into a (hopefully) easy to read, clear guide to help you provide the love and care your dog needs.
I know my dog did.
So, without further ado, let’s get to the article!
What is pet insurance, and what does it cover?
When I first heard the words “pet insurance,” I thought how difficult can it be to understand? Apparently very.
Despite this, pet insurance is an insurance type that covers your pet, in my case, my Maltese, for various instances:
If your pet is to fall and become injured
Vet fees (usually anywhere from £1,000 to upwards of £15,000)
If your pet is to go missing
Dental illness and coverage
Third-party liability (if your dog somehow chews through your neighbour's fence… again)
Death
When shopping for the best dog insurance, I noticed that not all pet insurance providers are equal. Some policies do not contain the same coverage as others. Therefore, it’s essential to do your research.
Well, in this case, I’ve done it for you… but you get the point!
What’s not covered by pet insurance?
So, now that I’ve discussed what’s included in pet insurance, what about what’s not included?
Typically, the following is not included:
Chronic health conditions that have already developed before purchasing insurance
Historic conditions
Pet pregnancy
Also, it’s worth mentioning that most pet insurance providers have a waiting period of at least two weeks before the policy kicks in.
What are the different types of dog insurance policies?
Who would have guessed that there are four main types of pet and dog insurance policies to choose from? Certainly not me.
My poor Maltese does not know how lucky he is not to have to compare policies… he just sits there and chews everything. Like, everything...
Anyways, the four main types of policy are as follows:
Lifetime
Time-limited
Accident-only
Maximum benefit
I will now explain each of these in more detail below. Because let’s face it, those names mean nothing to you.
Lifetime pet insurance
Lifetime pet insurance does exactly as it says on the tin: it provides coverage for your pet year on year, so long as you pay the premium.
This is also the most popular type of insurance - and one that I found most companies to offer, if not the only policy they provide.
Time-limited
Time-limted pet insurance lets you make a medical claim within a given period of time, usually up to one year.
This option seems more affordable than lifetime pet insurance, but doesn’t offer quite as many benefits.
Accident-only
Okay, accident-only is the most affordable policy out there. However, personally, I would steer clear of this - why? Because it doesn’t provide the best protection and coverage for your pet.
However, if you can only afford this one, it’s definitely better than no insurance!
Anyways, accident-only insurance provides vet fee coverage for accidents and unexpected injuries, not medical conditions or other issues.
Maximum benefit
Finally, we have maximum benefit insurance. This type of insurance covers all new medical conditions up to a certain period of time. You can claim on this insurance type up to the maximum limit to help your pet get the care they need.
I’d say this is second best behind the lifetime policy, mainly as once your maximum benefit package ends, you’ll struggle to renew it again (or at least for the same cost).
So, what pet insurance is available in the UK?
Okay, (deep breath), now that I’ve gotten through the more complicated questions, it’s time to dive deep into my research.
That’s right - here’s what I found, a round-up of the best dog insurance policies in the UK. I’ve narrowed it down to five to make things a little simpler.
Bought by many insurance
Voted the best pet insurance provider in 2021, Bought By Many have been providing pet insurance since 2012.
I won’t lie; I hadn’t heard of them before I did a quick Google search. However, it’s clear to see why they’re a popular choice.
They also offer free 24/7 video calls with vets, up to £15,000-lifetime vet cover fee, and a free pet sitter membership worth £99.
I know - I was impressed, too!
What policies are available?
Lifetime pet insurance (renewed annually)
Policies are also available to pets with conditions that ended two or more years ago
Pre-existing coverage package
And more
To find out more, click here.
2. Tesco pet insurance
If you happen to have your Tesco Clubcard handy, which, let’s face it, we all do (who doesn’t love a meal deal), then I think you should consider Tesco pet insurance.
Tesco Clubcard members receive a guaranteed discount on all policies (there are four in total).
Not only do you gain access to a policy that best suits you, but you also speak to a professional vet over the phone or video any time of day. This is a massive bonus, providing dog parents with that much-needed reassurance.
What policies are available?
Standard (six months)
Premier (six months)
Accident and injury
Extra (lifetime)
To find out more, click here.
3. Direct Line pet insurance UK
Next up, we have Direct Line. I must admit, I haven’t much of Direct Line since their old adverts back in the early 2000s.
Although they were founded back in 1985, I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered dog insurance for as little as £9.69 per month. Talk about a BARGAIN.
Unlike other insurance providers, it was a welcomed addition to find that they also offer a multi-dog discount (12.5%, to be exact). So, while I don’t yet have another four-legged friend, it’s good to know for the future!
What policies are available?
Essential cover (12 months)
Advanced (12 months or lifetime)
Multi-pet discount
To find out more, click here.
4. Healthy Pets pet insurance
Founded back in 1996, Healthy Pets pet insurance appears to have been a popular choice for many households.
When looking at the provider, I could only find a lifetime policy and a maximum benefit policy. You need to fill out a quote for an accurate estimation and run-down of their policies. However, they are a Feefo platinum award winner for 2021.
Certainly worth checking out, even if you have to fill in a quote to find out more...
What policies are available?
Maximum benefit
Lifetime policy
To find out more, click here.
5. Waggel
Finally, another UK based insurance company, Waggel, was founded back in 2017. They have been providing great deals on dog and other pet insurance policies for the last four years.
Becoming a member of Waggel is also rather appealing. For example, similar to Tesco pet insurance, you also gain access to free video calls with vets up to 24-hours a day. If I had access to such expertise during the first few months of having my Maltese, I wouldn’t be off the phone with them!
The main plan is an annual coverage; you can track claims in real-time, you can support a charity of your choosing when signing up (win!), and you receive various perks and discounts unique to you.
What policies are available?
Annual coverage
Membership benefits
To find out more, click here.
Frequently asked questions
I’ve also put together a short FAQ below to answer some of those burning questions I first had when looking up pet insurance for my pup.
Do pet insurance premiums go up after a claim?
Most pet insurance premiums are reviewed on an annual basis. So, if like me, you were shocked by the price, then brace yourself…
Your premiums are likely to go up after a claim, depending on how severe the claim, and how often you put a claim in.
Is it worth getting lifetime pet insurance?
If you’re looking for the ultimate package, then lifetime pet insurance can be a great option!
For example, if your dog is to develop arthritis, dysplasia, or other chronic conditions, then your insurance will cover potential treatment and other care.
Without lifetime dog or pet insurance, then you may struggle to find a provider, or worse, have to pay privately. I’ll save you the effort of looking at the prices: let’s just say it sucks—big time.
What is the average cost of dog insurance UK?
According to Compare the market, the average cost of dog insurance in the UK is £171. However, this varies massively depending on the breed, your dog's age (it’s better to buy when they’re young, and that is why I purchased dog insurance for my two-year-old Maltipoo).
