Can I take my pet on an abroad holiday?

Key takeaways

• Pet travel insurance is not a standalone cover - it might be included as part of your pet insurance and will provide vet fee cover for accidents, illness and emergencies abroad

• Pick a destination suitable for your pet - they might not enjoy very hot or busy places

• When traveling to Europe, your pet will need an Animal Health Certificate

• Pet insurance costs depend on your pet's age, health, and medical history, and the type of cover you choose

Does my pet insurance policy include travel?

Providers don’t usually offer a standalone pet travel insurance policy - but this type of cover might be included in your pet insurance policy.

Cover levels vary so check your policy documents well before you set off.

Do I need travel insurance for my pet?

Pet travel insurance isn’t legally required when you take your pet abroad, but it can provide peace of mind.  

Without pet insurance you could face hefty vet bills abroad if your pet falls ill or has an accident abroad. You might also have to pay for extra accommodation or new travel arrangements if a pet-related incident means you have to change your plans.

Pet travel insurance can also cover if you if the worst happens and your pet dies abroad - either to repatriate the body or arrange burial or cremation abroad.

Cover for pets will not normally be included in travel insurance - as this is an insurance product for people.

Does lifetime pet insurance cover travel? 

Lifetime cover is the most comprehensive type of pet insurance and the type of policy most likely to include pet travel insurance or ‘holiday cover’. This type of cover normally has the highest insurance premium and, once in place, will cover ongoing conditions up to pre-set cover levels.

Other types of pet insurance include time limited, maximum benefit and accident only.

You might receive a multi-pet discount if you insure more than one pet with your insurance provider, or if you buy multi-pet insurance.

Whether your pet is covered for travel by your lifetime pet insurance will depend on the following: 

• Your pet’s age, breed, health and medical history.  

• Your destination - some insurers only cover costs in countries included in the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)

What is the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)?

The PETS (England) Order 1999, also known as the Pet Travel Scheme, established a pilot scheme to allow pet dogs and cats to travel to certain countries and back to England without quarantine.

This was a first step in phasing out the UK's strict quarantine laws. The scheme involves microchipping, rabies vaccination, and a blood test to check the vaccination's effectiveness. The scheme included specific routes, countries, and documentation requirements.

What does pet travel insurance cover?

Policies vary but pet travel insurance normally includes:

• Cover for overseas veterinary treatment for illness or accidental injury

• Help with quarantine costs due to illness or misplaced travel documents

• Cover for additional accommodation bills if your pet is lost or too ill to return as scheduled

• Help with lost or stolen travel documents for your pet

• Pet-related emergency expenses abroad

• Holiday cancellation if you need to cancel your trip because your pet is ill or has died 

• Third party liability cover if your pet causes damage or injury 

• Theft or loss of a pet – the policy can cover a reward for a missing pet or the costs of finding one 

• Cover up to a set amount of days per year

What doesn’t pet travel insurance cover?

Typical exclusions on a pet policy might include:

• Undeclared pre-existing conditions

• Any claims due to not complying with the PETS rules and requirements – for example microchipping, neutering and vaccinating your pet

• Treatment abroad unless a vet advises your pet is too ill to travel on your scheduled return date

• Treatment that you can’t produce a receipt for

• Claims above a pre-set vet fee limit

• Claims if you are living in another country full-time

What are pre-existing conditions?

A pre-existing condition in pet insurance refers to any illness, injury, or symptom that a pet has or shows signs of before the insurance policy begins.

This includes conditions that have been diagnosed, treated, or for which symptoms have been observed prior to the policy's start date.

You will need to declare pre-existing conditions before taking out a pet insurance policy.

What about pet passports?

As of 2021, following the UK’s exit from the European Union, pet passports that were issued in Great Britain are no longer valid for travel to an EU country or Northern Ireland. However, if your pet passport was issued in an EU country or Northern Ireland, it remains valid for travel.

Instead, pet owners will need to obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC).

What is an Animal Health Certificate?

An animal health certificate (AHC) is an official document issued by a qualified vet. You need an AHC to take your pet dog, cat or ferret from the UK to the EU and Northern Ireland, plus Switzerland, Norway and some other countries.

Your pet must be a minimum of 12-weeks-old to get an AHC. The document declares that your pet is fit to travel abroad and that it is microchipped and vaccinated against rabies. You can include a maximum of five pets on a single AHC.

Your pet’s animal health certificate will be valid after the date of issue for:

• 10 days for entry into the EU

• 4 months for onward travel within the EU after you enter the EU

• 4 months for re-entry to Great Britain

Unlike a pet passport, an AHC isn’t valid for multiple trips. You’ll need a new one each time you go abroad.

What else do I need to take my pet to the EU?

If you take your pet to an EU country you must:

• Get your pet vaccinated against rabies. You will then need to wait 21 days after the vaccination before your pet can travel.

• Get your pet microchipped before, or at the same time as, their rabies vaccination. If you do not, they’ll need to be vaccinated again.

• Check if your dog needs tapeworm treatment - this will depend on your destination country.

• Show all the necessary documentation when you arrive in your destination country.

What do I need to do to take my pet out of the EU?

If you’re travelling to a non-EU country, you’ll need to get an Export Health Certificate (EHC).

You must nominate an official vet who will be sent the EHC. They’ll check your pet has met the correct health and identification requirements before you travel.

An EHC confirms that your pet meets the health requirements of the country you’re travelling to.

You’ll also need to complete an export application form (EXA) if you’re in England, Scotland or Wales.

The EHC and the export application form for each country and pet will tell you how to apply.

Check the rules of the country you’re travelling to for any additional restrictions or requirements before you travel.

Should I take my pet on holiday?

You should only take your pet on holiday if the destination and travel mode are suitable for them, and if your accommodation allows pets. While many pets will be allowed at campsites and Airbnbs, they may not be allowed to stay in resorts or fancy hotels.

Pet health is important. You should also consider your pet's temperament, age, and health before travelling. Will they be ok in transit? Can they handle new environments? Is the climate at your destination conducive to their well-being?

Older pets, those without prior travel experience, or pets that are naturally anxious might not be suitable for travel.

What should I do before travelling abroad with my pet?

• Plan for the entire duration of the journey, ensuring there are ample breaks for your pet to stretch, hydrate, and receive reassurance.

• Prepare for potential delays and consider their impact on your pet's routine.

• Scout out areas around airports that are suitable for walks and toilet breaks.

• Always check with transport operators regarding their pet travel policies before booking your tickets.

What if I need vet advice while abroad?

If you need vet advice while overseas you may be able to call your vet at home for advice or a video consultation.

Alternatively, you can visit a local vet and make a claim for veterinary fees on your pet insurance.

Can I take my pet on a plane? 

Airline policies for pet travel can vary significantly - so check well before you go. Some airlines allow smaller pets to travel in the cabin, while others may require larger pets to travel in the hold. Some airlines only allow registered assistance dogs, while most airlines that allow animals usually only allow cats and dogs. There will usually be a fee to pay for your pet.

Whether your cat or dog can travel in the cabin will depend on:

• The airline

• Pet’s breed

• Pet’s size and weight

• Whether it’s a registered assistance dog

• Whether it’s a short or long-haul flight

• How many pets are already booked on the flight (there is normally a maximum number)

Which airlines don’t allow pets?

Airlines that do not allow pets include:

• easyJet

• Jet2

• Ryanair

How can I take my pet across the channel?

Eurostar doesn’t allow most pets on the train - only guide and assistance dogs.

Pets can cross the channel via the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle, provided they have the necessary documents. You’ll need to go to the pet reception at the terminal for final checks before you travel.

Ferry companies also offer pet travel options, but their policies and associated costs can differ.

Can I take my pet on a road trip?

Yes, you can take your pet on a road trip - it might be the best option for your pet’s healthcare as your own car will be a familiar environment to them.

Make sure you:

• Secure your pet with a harness, crate, or carrier to prevent injury during sudden stops.

• Keep the car well-ventilated and provide plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

• Plan regular breaks for toilet needs and exercise.

• Bring along familiar items like toys or blankets to offer a sense of security.

• Avoid feeding your pet right before travel to prevent motion sickness.

• Avoid direct air conditioning on your pet and never allow them to travel with their head out of the window.

• Don’t leave your pet unattended in a hot car, even for a short period.

Can I take my pet to a hotel?

There is not a universal policy regarding taking pets to hotels. Some hotels allow pets if certain rules are stuck to, while others are genuinely pet-friendly.

Hotels may have restrictions about the size and type of dog or cat, the number of pets you can take, and whether they can be left unattended in a hotel room. There may also be extra fees.

Can I take my guide dog or assistance animal on holiday?

Yes, you can generally take your guide dog on holiday. Recognized guide and assistance dogs are permitted to travel in the cabin with their handlers on most airlines, and they are also allowed in most types of accommodation.

However, ‘emotional support’ animals may not enjoy the same privileges, as they are not normally legally recognised as assistance animals.

Does pet insurance include travel cover?

Some pet insurance policies include travel cover, while others offer it as an optional extra or don't include it at all.

When choosing pet insurance cover, there are various levels of cover to choose from, including time-limited, accident only and a lifetime policy.

You can compare pet insurance policies ahead of your trip with MoneySuperMarket.