What is lifetime pet insurance?

Key takeaways

• Lifetime pet insurance policies offer extensive cover, renewing annually and covering medical conditions that develop during the policy period

• Be aware that policy prices can increase with age, and that annual claim limits apply

• Lifetime pet insurance tends to be more expensive than other types of pet insurance

What is a lifetime pet insurance policy?

Of the different types of pet insurance, lifetime insurance policies generally offer the most comprehensive cover. This type of policy covers both accidents and illnesses and, as long as you keep renewing it each year, any medical conditions your pet develops should continue to be covered.

However, lifetime policies have limits on how much you can claim each year, either across all conditions or for each condition separately. Some policies also have additional treatment-specific limits. The annual limits reset when the policy renews.

How does lifetime insurance work?

You can pay for lifetime pet insurance monthly or annually and, as long as you keep the policy active, you can claim for vet bills that arise along the way, within the claim limits and subject to any exclusions.

It is unlikely that a lifetime pet insurance policy will cover pre-existing conditions, but if your pet develops any health condition while the lifetime policy is in place, it should be covered within the annual claim limit. If a condition returns or requires ongoing treatment, a lifetime policy can continue to cover it in subsequent policy years, as long as the policy is renewed.

What is covered by lifetime pet insurance?

While each policy is different, a typical lifetime policy includes:

• Vet costs: Veterinary fees for treatment up to a certain amount, depending on the policy you choose. Your claim limit will reset each year and previously claimed conditions will still be covered.

• Third-party liability: Some dog insurance policies include cover if your dog injures someone or damages their property and you are legally responsible.

• Dental injuries: Some lifetime policies cover dental treatment related to an illness or injury, but routine dental cover is generally excluded.

• Certain alternative therapies: If your vet recommends hydrotherapy or acupuncture, for example.

• Cattery/kennel costs: If you become ill, the policy may cover boarding costs.

• Lost or stolen pets: The policy may cover advertising costs to find a lost or stolen pet.

• Euthanasia: If necessary, the policy may cover the cost of euthanising the pet.

What isn’t covered by lifetime pet insurance?

Check your policy wording, but a typical lifetime policy may exclude:

• Pre-existing conditions: Illnesses, injuries or symptoms that existed before the policy started, unless the insurer specifically agrees to cover them.

• Routine and preventative care: Vaccinations, flea and worming treatments, routine check-ups and nail clipping.

• Neutering and spaying: Usually excluded unless medically necessary and covered under the policy.

• Routine dental treatment: Dental cleaning and other preventative dental care. Treatment for dental illness or accidents may be covered, depending on the policy.

• Pregnancy and breeding: Costs associated with pregnancy, giving birth, breeding and related complications are commonly excluded.

Are there limits to what is covered by lifetime pet insurance?

Yes. As with all pet insurance policies, lifetime plans have certain exclusions. There may, for example, be age limits and some policies also exclude hereditary conditions.

Common cover limits:

• Age limits: Pets are typically covered from eight weeks old, but some insurers won’t offer a new lifetime policy to pets above a certain age. Policy costs may also increase with age.

• Annual limits per condition: There is a limit on how much you can claim per condition per year.

• Per condition limit: Some lifetime policies have an annual claim limit for each condition. Once this limit is reached, you'll need to cover any additional costs until the limit resets when the policy renews.

How much does lifetime pet insurance cost?

Premiums are influenced by factors such as the pet's age, location, pre-existing health conditions, breed, current health, and the level of excess.

As lifetime insurance is the most comprehensive pet insurance cover, it is usually more expensive than other types of pet insurance, but prices do start from £3.52^[1] for cats and £4.85^[2] for dogs

For more pet insurance pricing information, visit our dedicated pet insurance statistics page.

How does lifetime insurance compare with other types of pet insurance?

Lifetime policies stand apart by offering continuous cover for conditions that develop while the policy is in effect, with a preset annual claim amount. Lifetime policies are often more expensive but can be helpful for pets with chronic or recurring conditions.

Alternatives to lifetime pet insurance

• Time-limited pet insurance: This kind of policy is less comprehensive and generally does not cover pre-existing conditions. You may also struggle to get time-limited cover as your pet gets older.

• Maximum benefit pet cover: A maximum benefit policy will cover your pet cat or dog for each illness or injury up to a specified, preset amount. Unlike a time-limited policy, there is no time limit on how long you can claim for a condition. But you do have a claim limit, after which you will have to pay any remaining costs yourself. If your pet has a pre-existing condition before you take out your maximum benefit policy, that condition will not be covered.

• Accident-only pet insurance: This option covers accidents but not illnesses and is generally the most affordable but least comprehensive.

Can I switch lifetime policies?

Yes, you can. When renewal time comes around, premiums may increase due to the pet's age or past claims, and you may want to see if you can find a different lifetime policy that meets your pet’s needs. Just be aware that switching policies can be costly if the pet has pre-existing conditions, and new policies typically include an initial no-claim period.

How can I find cheaper pet insurance?

When you’re looking to find the right pet insurance quote, it's essential to provide detailed information about your pet and your own circumstances to make sure that you find a policy that offers the best cover for your pet's unique needs.

There are some ways to reduce the cost of lifetime pet insurance without compromising too much on cover:

• Compare quotes: Shop around and compare policies from different insurers to find affordable cover that meets your needs.

• Increase your excess: Choosing a higher excess can lower your premiums, but you'll pay more towards any claims.

• Consider multi-pet insurance: Insuring multiple pets with the same provider may qualify you for a discount.

• Remove optional extras: Avoid paying for additional benefits, such as lost pet advertising or dental cover, if you don't need them.

• Keep your pet healthy: Regular vaccinations, worming and preventative care can help avoid health problems and meet policy requirements.

Remember, the cheapest policy isn't always the best value. Check the exclusions and annual claim limits before buying