Pet insurance by breed
Pet insurance for different cat and dog breeds
Prices from £5.30
How does my pet's breed impact insurance costs?
Size and weight of animal
As a general rule, the bigger your pet is the more expensive their insurance will be. There are a couple of reasons for this:
Larger animals often run up higher medical costs - they need more anaesthetic and higher doses of medication and they're more challenging to operate on or treat. They are also more prone to certain health conditions.
Larger animals are also more likely to cause damage to people, property and pets. They may not be more aggressive than small dogs but they can reach higher, have stronger jaws and their heavier weight means they're more likely to hurt or break anything they collide with.
Estrelea Mountain Dog | Chihuahua | |
|---|---|---|
Average insurance price | £10.26 | £10.44 |
Risk of health conditions
Certain breeds are more likely to develop specific illnesses. For example, Bulldogs often have respiratory issues and Great Danes can be at a particularly high risk of heart disease.
Pet insurers will charge more to cover animals that are more likely to develop a medical condition, because it is more likely the insurer will have to pay out to cover their treatment.
Pedigree breeds
Pedigree breeds often cost more to insure than mutts and moggies:
Monthly insurance costs | Pedigree | Mongrel / Moggy |
|---|---|---|
Cat | £8.68 | £7.20 |
Dog | £15.03 | £11.49 |
This is because pedigree animals are more susceptible to developing health conditions.
They also generally cost more to buy and therefore have a higher replacement value, and they're more attractive to thieves.
Aggressive tendencies
Signs of aggression - such as biting people or other animals - is more common in some dog breeds.
For example 0.0%
Pet insurers will usually charge more to cover aggressive animals: they are more likely to injure another person or animal so the insurer is more likely to have to pay out to cover costs associated with an attack.
On average, this extra charge is £14.29
Dangerous Dogs breeds
The Dangerous Dogs Act is a UK law that makes it illegal to own, sell, breed, give away or abandon the following dog breeds:
American XL Bully
Dogo Argentino
Fila Brasilerio
Japanese Tosa
Pitbull Terrier
Exceptions can be made if owners of existing dogs can prove to a court that their pet is well behaved. However, you are likely to find it difficult to get insurance for these breeds. Most insurers will not cover them.
Insurers also often will not cover dogs that are mixed with banned breeds. They may cancel your policy if they receive veterinary evidence that your dog has this sort of heritage - even if you weren't aware of it yourself.
Dog Breeds | Average Cost | Cat Breeds | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Cockapoo | £10.70^ | Birman | £10.56^ |
Golden Retriever | £14.46^ | Ragdoll | £8.14^ |
French Bulldog | £24.46^ | Maine Coon | £11.44^ |
Dog insurance average cost
£14
.55^ a month
Cat insurance average cost
£8^ a month
What type of pet insurance policy should I get?
What does pet insurance cover?
Cover varies by provider and policy, so always check your insurance documents.
-
Typically covered
✔ Vet bills e.g. medicines, treatments and prescriptions
✔ Hospital visits
✔ Diagnosing illnesses e.g. consultations, X-rays, MRIs
✔ Dental treatment for accidents, like breaking a tooth
✔ Alternative therapies e.g. hydrotherapy or acupuncture (when recommended by a vet)
✔ Euthanasia (putting pets down)
✔ Lost and stolen pets e.g. advertising, rewards, refund of purchase price
✔ Third party liability cover e.g. your dog harms someone or their property
✔ Emergency boarding fees e.g. if you are unexpectedly hospitalised
-
Not typically covered
✖ Routine care e.g. pet vaccinations, boosters, regular check-ups
✖ Routine dental treatment including routine check-ups
✖ Fleas and worming
✖ Elective or cosmetic treatments
✖ Cremation and burial
✖ Training and obedience classes
✖ Banned breeds or dog breeds classed as dangerous
✖ Unvaccinated or unmicrochipped animals
Can I get pet insurance for pre-existing conditions?
Yes. You can cover most pre-existing conditions if you take out specialist pet insurance. These policies will almost certainly be pricier than standard policies.
Average cost of pre-existing condition pet insurance
£12
.88^ a month
What is the lifelong cost of owning a dog?
Select a dog breed and our calculator will tell you how much you can expect to spend on your furry friend throughout their life.
Costs included:
Food costs
Insurance costs
Grooming fees
Toys
Vaccinations
Purchase price
Our expert says…
While opting for a cheaper pet insurance policy might save you a few pounds a month, it's crucial to consider what the policy covers and the actual cost of veterinary care if your pet gets sick. According to the ABI, the average claim in the UK was £668
^ in 2023, almost 50% higher than the average cost of a policy. Consulting your vet about potential conditions and their costs can help you choose the right coverage for your pet.
Lauren Chong Pet Insurance Expert
Which animals can I get pet insurance for?
-
Dog insurance
We also offer puppy insurance.
-
Cat insurance
We also offer kitten insurance.
-
Horse insurance
-
Rabbit insurance
Compare pet insurance quotes from the UK's leading insurers
We compare quotes from 37
What information do I need to get a pet insurance quote?
-
Pet’s age
-
Pet's breed or size
-
Pet's cost
-
Pet's behavioural history
-
Pet's medical history
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Pet's health*
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Can I cover more than one pet on the same policy?
Yes, you can get multi-pet insurance, where all your pets are covered under one policy.
Multi-pet insurance can make it easier to manage your pet cover. It can also be cheaper, because many insurers offer discounts if you cover more than one animal on the same policy.
What is the most expensive dog breed to insure?
Three of the most expensive dog breeds to insure are:
Sarloos Wolfhounds (average cost £55.81
^ )Entlebucher Mountain Dogs (average cost £54.97
^ )Pit Bull Mastiffs (average cost £68.45
^ )
The Sarloos Wolfhound, Entlebucher Mountain Dog and Pit Bull Mastiff are the most expensive breeds to insure because they’re considered higher-risk by insurers.
The Sarloos Wolfhound’s wolf ancestry and rarity means it can need specialised medical care, which bumps up costs. Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are active working breeds prone to joint problems, driving up vet bills. Pit Bull Mastiffs, meanwhile, are powerful dogs often subject to breed restrictions and higher liability risks.
What is the cheapest dog breed to insure?
Three of the cheapest dog breeds to insure are:
Terriers (average cost £5.04
^ )Minatare poodles (average cost £10.41
^ )Chihuahuas (average cost £9.29
^ )
These breeds are considered lower-risk by insurers because they’re generally smaller, healthier, and less prone to expensive hereditary conditions.
Terriers, miniature poodles and chihuahuas often have fewer claims for joint or breathing issues, and their lighter weight means lower vet bills for common treatments compared with larger breeds.
Are pedigree pet breeds more expensive to insure than crossbreeds?
Yes, pedigree dogs and cats are usually more expensive to insure than animals that are a mix of breeds.
Because they’re bred from a limited gene pool, they’re more prone to hereditary and congenital health problems such as joint issues, heart disease or breathing difficulties. These conditions can lead to more frequent or costly vet visits, which pushes up insurance premiums.
Mixed-breed or cross-breed dogs tend to be hardier and less likely to suffer from inherited conditions, so they’re generally cheaper to insure.
On average, you will pay £15.03
A pedigree cat costs £8.68
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One of the best ways to get the lowest prices and best deals is to compare quotes from different companies. We do the work for you, comparing quotes side-by-side and giving you all the information you need so you can choose the right deal for your needs and your wallet.
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No, not every company can be included in our service. This is because some companies don’t want their products included on comparison sites, and some decide that they would rather not pay a fee. There are also a few smaller providers who can struggle to cope with the volume of customers that can find their products if they appear on MoneySuperMarket.
Our goal is to search deals from as wide a range of companies as possible so that you can choose the deal that suits you.
Is pet insurance eligible for SuperSaveClub and rewards?
Yes, you can earn SuperSaveClub rewards when you buy pet insurance through MoneySuperMarket.
This includes:
Up to £10, which you can withdraw as a pre-paid Mastercard or a gift card for brands like Sainsbury's and Amazon.co.uk
Free Days Out pass (worth £180), which gives free entry to a range of UK attractions (you must download our app to get this)
Cashback of up to 10% when you spend at brands including eBay, Just Eat and Argos
To earn SuperSaveClub rewards on purchases you must:
Sign up to SuperSaveClub (it's free)
Be signed in to your account when you make the purchase
More information can be found on our SuperSaveClub homepage.
Is pet insurance eligible for Price Promise?
Yes, pet insurance is included in our Super Save Price Promise.
If you buy through us then find the same deal for less we will:
refund the difference
give you a gift card worth up to £20
Terms and conditions apply. More information can be found on our Price Promise page.
Reviewed on 9 Dec 2025 by
Based on the 10 percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted less than £5.3 for pet insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket in the month of November 2025 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
Accurate as of 01 December 2025.
Based on the average monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for dog insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between September 2025 and November 2025 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
Based on the 51st percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for dog insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between September 2025 and November 2025 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
Based on the 51st percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for dog insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between September 2025 and November 2025 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
Based on the 51st percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for dog insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between September 2025 and November 2025 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
Based on the 51st percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for dog insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between September 2025 and November 2025 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
Based on the 51st percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for dog insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between September 2025 and November 2025 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
Based on the 51st percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for dog insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between September 2025 and November 2025 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
Based on the 51st percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for dog insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between September 2025 and November 2025 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
Based on the 51st percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for cat insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between September 2025 and November 2025 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
Based on the 51st percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for cat insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between September 2025 and November 2025 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
Based on the 51st percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for dog insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between July 2025 and September 2025 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
Based on the 51st percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for dog insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between September 2025 and November 2025 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
Based on the 51st percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for dog insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between September 2025 and November 2025 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
Based on the volume of dog insurance quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between September 2025 and November 2025.
Based on the volume of dog insurance quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between September 2025 and November 2025.
Based on Pet Insurance enquiries on MoneySuperMarket between 2025-01-01 and 2025-04-01 where the quote was for all covertype.
ABI data 2023
Based on 1 visit per month – average ticket value £15.30 (Oct 24)
T&Cs and restrictions apply, see here for more information
Based on the 51st percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for dog insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between September 2025 and November 2025 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
Based on the 51st percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for cat insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between September 2025 and November 2025 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
Based on the 51st percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for dog insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between September 2025 and November 2025 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
Based on the 51st percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for cat insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between September 2025 and November 2025 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
Based on the 51st percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for dog insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between September 2025 and November 2025 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
Based on the 51st percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for cat insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between September 2025 and November 2025 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
T&Cs and restrictions apply, see here for more information
T&Cs apply, click here for more information
Based on the 51 percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted less than £12.88 for pet insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket in the month of April 2024 where only 1 pet was included in the quote and the pet did have a pre-existing medical conditions
Based on the 51 percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted less than £8 per month for cat insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket in the month of November 2025 where only 1 pet was included in the quote and the pet didnt have pre-existing medical conditions
Based on the 51 percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted less than £14.55 per month for dog insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket in the month of November 2025 where only 1 pet was included in the quote and the pet didnt have pre-existing medical conditions