Vet bills
Here's a break down of fees and what to expect should your pet fall ill.
*51% of consumers could save up to 67.46% on a lifetime Pet Insurance Policy. Consumer Intelligence, December 2020.
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Pet insurance
Save up to 67% on your pet insurance*
- Save up to 67% on your pet insurance*
- Insure all your pets and get multi-pet discounts
- Compare quotes from over 25 providers
Why should I take out pet insurance?
For most of us, pets are part of the family, so when a beloved four-legged friend suffers an illness or injury, it is upsetting and, very often, extremely expensive.
Vet bills can make a significant dent in your finances, so it’s worth planning for unexpected costs so you’re covered if your pet needs medical treatment.
Read our vet fees and costs guide
There are four types of pet insurance:
Accident only: Provides cover for vet bills if your pet is injured in an accident. It’s the cheapest type of pet insurance.
Time limited: These policies provide cover for a specific time, usually 12 months, to cover accidents or short-term illnesses.
Per condition: Also known as ‘maximum benefit’ cover, per condition policies allocate a fixed sum of money to treat each illness or injury.
Lifetime: This type of cover is more expensive than the others but protects your pet over the course of its life.
What does pet insurance typically cover?
When you take out a pet insurance policy, some features come as standard. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Vet fees/medical treatments cover
- Kennel and cattery fees (should your pet need to stay for recovery)
- Liability cover
- Advertising costs and rewards
There are exceptions to what pet insurers will pay out for, so it’s important to check the small print when taking out a policy.
Exemptions usually include cover for routine check-ups, pre-existing medical conditions and behavioural problems.
Compare policies and deals from the leading pet insurance brands
We compare over 20+ pet insurance brands to bring you the best deals
Explore
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Cat insurance
Your cat's policy cover can vary, depending on pedigree to age. Compare and find a policy which suits you and your cat.
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Dog insurance
Taking out cover for your beloved dog, can often cushion the blow should you find out they're in need of medical attention
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Puppy insurance
Puppies and mischief go together hand-in-hand. Puppy insurance can protect your pup should they find themselves in any sticky situations!
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Kitten insurance
Don't rely on their nine lives to get them out of trouble, kitten insurance can provide a peace of mind for your new little buddle of fluff.
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Horse insurance
Medically speaking, horses can be expensive, as well as prone to theft. Horse insurance can provide protection should the worse happen.
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Rabbit insurance
Rabbits are much loved family pets across the UK, and should they become ill, ensure you've got them covered to keep them hopping and happy.
How much is pet insurance?
How to reduce the cost of pet insurance
What do I need to run a pet insurance quote?
Why compare quotes with MoneySuperMarket?
Pet insurance for a cat younger than five years old costs on average £116 a year. For dogs aged below five expect to pay around £225 a year*.
Insurers may charge you more to spread the cost of your pet insurance in monthly payments so it can often work out cheaper to pay for a policy upfront for the year. The cost of pet insurance will be determined by the policy type but will also vary depending on the type of and breed of your pet, its age and any existing medical conditions.
*51% of customers paid on average £116.40 for a cat aged under five and £225.12 for a dog aged under five. Stickee data, correct as of May 2020.
Here are some money-saving tips to help bring down the cost of cover:
Keep your pet healthy: whether it’s feeding your pet a nutritional diet or keeping on top of its vaccinations, having a healthy pet will help lower your premiums.
Opt for a higher excess: your premium is likely to decrease if you’re willing to pay a higher excess on any claim you make. But keep the excess affordable in case you have to pay it.
Take out multi-pet cover: some insurers offer a discount of 5% - 10% if you insure more than one pet on a single policy.
Pay annually: paying for your policy upfront is usually cheaper as some insurers charge interest on monthly instalments.
It always pays to shop around for cover to see what policies and prices are best suited to your pet and your budget.
You’ll need to provide the following information so we can help you find you pet insurance quotes:
- Your pet’s age
- The breed or size of your pet
- The health of your pet (and if it has been neutered)
- How much you paid for your pet (if you bought it rather than adopting it)
- Your pet’s behavioural history
- Your pet’s medical history
Before picking a pet insurance policy, it’s important to compare those available by using a site such as MoneySuperMarket.
Running a pet insurance comparison means you’ll be able to see personalised quotes for your pet to help you choose the right one for you.
The right pet insurance policy for you might not be the cheapest, as cheaper policies might not provide the full cover you need.
Lifetime pet insurance guide
Ideal for pets needing continual medical care.
Pet passports explained
Taking your pets abroad needn't be a trial.
How much are puppy injections?
Understanding the cost of essential puppy vaccination.
The real cost of a cat
Here's what to expect when tallying up the costs of your kitty.
Guide to pet insurance
Helping you find the best policy to suit your pet.
Multi-pet insurance
Animal lover? Provide cover for all your beloved pets with one single policy.
Which breed of dog is right for you?
Match your pet-preferences with the ideal pooch.
Which breed of cat is right for you?
Just like dogs, cat breeds can hold very differing temperaments, too!
Adopting a new pet?
Everything to consider before making the commitment.
Preparing your home for a new dog
Everything to consider before bring home a puppy.
The Dangerous Dogs Act
Understanding the 'type' of dog which could be affected by the Act.
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