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Why does the region I live in affect pet insurance costs?

Jake Edmonds
Written by  Jake Edmonds
Saarrah Mussa
Reviewed by  Saarrah Mussa
5 min read
Updated: 08 Apr 2024

As with car and home insurance, your pet insurance premiums are affected by where you live.

Why does where I live affect my pet insurance?

The prices of vet fees and treatments vary across the country, which is then reflected in the price of pet insurance premiums.

Additionally, insurers also consider factors such as population density, crime statistics, and cost of living in your region when calculating your quote.

cat and dog

Will changing my address affect my pet insurance?

Yes, it can. As the cost of veterinary care and treatments differs depending on where you live, this affects the cost of your policy.

So, if you move to a location with a higher cost of living, it’s likely that you’ll also face higher vet bills – meaning your pet insurance premiums will increase, too.

On the flip side, an area with lower cost of living will typically come with cheaper vet bills and lower pet insurance costs, to boot.

Either way, if you move house, it’s important to let your pet insurer know of any changes to your address. That way, you can ensure that your policy remains valid and you’re paying the correct premium.

It’s also worth researching the cost of vet care in a new area before you move there, to get an idea of the quotes available to you.

How can I reduce my pet insurance premiums if I live in a high-risk area?

If you live in an area that’s pushing your pet insurance premiums up, there are still ways you can minimise those costs. For example:

  • Consider increasing your excess amount or reducing the level of cover – for example, picking a cheaper time-limited policy over a lifetime one

  • Some insurers offer discounts if you insure multiple pets with them, or if you pay for your pet insurance annually rather than monthly

  • Keep your pet healthy with regular vet check-ups and vaccinations to reduce the likelihood of expensive medical bills down the line

  • If you’re on means-tested benefits, you may be eligible for help with pet care costs. For example, the PDSA offers free or low-cost support to sick or injured pets, while the Blue Cross provides emergency care at its pet care clinics

Remember, it’s always good to shop around and compare quotes from different insurers.

What else can affect the cost of my pet insurance?

As well as your location, there are many other factors that affect the cost of your policy. These include:

  • Your pet’s age

  • Your pet’s species and breed

  • Your pet’s medical history – for example, any pre-existing conditions

  • The level of cover offered by the policy

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