Table of Contents
What is dog insurance?
Dog insurance is a type of pet insurance that provides cover for Veterinary expenses related to a dog’s illness or injury. This type of insurance can help cover the cost of veterinary visits, surgeries, and medications.
Some policies also provide cover for things like lost or stolen dogs, Third party liability, and even behavioural therapies. The cost and cover of dog insurance can vary depending on the specific policy, the breed and age of the dog, and the location of the owner.
It’s important to compare different policies and understand the cover details before purchasing a policy.
Why do I need dog insurance?
There are several reasons why you may want to consider getting dog insurance in the UK.
First, veterinary costs can be very high, especially if your dog requires major medical treatment such as surgery. Having insurance can help to cover these costs, making it easier for you to provide your dog with the necessary care.
Second, some breeds are more prone to certain health conditions than others, and the costs of treating these conditions can be significant. Insurance can help to alleviate the financial burden of these treatments.
Third, some policies also include cover for lost or stolen dogs, which can be helpful if your dog ever goes missing.
Fourth, our policy offers third-party liability cover to your dog insurance policy which will protect you in case your dog causes injury or damage to someone else or their property.
Overall, dog insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection in case your dog needs unexpected veterinary care, or if something unexpected happens.
What does pet insurance for dogs cover?
Pet insurance for dogs generally covers medical expenses related to a dog’s illness or injury. The specific cover can vary depending on the policy, but some common cover options include:
- Veterinary visits: This can include cover for regular check-ups, as well as diagnostic tests, treatments, and surgeries.
- Medications: Some policies cover the cost of prescribed medications and drugs.
- Behavioural therapy: Some policies will cover the cost of behavioural therapy if your dog has behavioural issues, it may be covered under the policy.
- Lost or stolen dogs: Some policies will provide cover if your dog is lost or stolen.
- Third-party liability cover: Some policies will cover any legal liabilities that may arise due to your dog’s behaviour or actions.
- Alternative therapies: Some policies may cover alternative therapies such as acupuncture, hydrotherapy and chiropractic treatments.
- Congenital and hereditary conditions: Some policies will cover for any congenital and hereditary conditions, this cover varies greatly from policy to policy.
It’s important to note that not all policies will include all of these cover options, and there may be limits or exclusions on certain types of treatment.
Dog insurance quote
starting from £6.42 per month
How much does dog insurance cost?
The cost of dog insurance can vary widely depending on several factors, including the specific policy, the breed and age of the dog, and the location of the owner.
Some other factors that can affect the cost of dog insurance include the level of cover, the deductible excess, and any additional riders policies or endorsements that are included in the policy.
In general, the average cost of dog insurance in the UK can range from £20 to £50 per month for a standard policy, however, it can be much higher for older dogs or dogs with certain health conditions.
Some policies can cost as much as £80 or £100 per month depending on the cover options.
It’s also important to note that the cost of the insurance can also vary depending on the area you live in. For example, if you live in a densely populated urban area, your insurance may be more expensive than if you live in a rural area.
Get a quote now from £6.42
Cheap dog insurance in the UK
When looking for cheap dog insurance in the UK, there are a few things you can do to lower the cost of your premium:
- Opt for a higher excess: Some insurance policies will require you to pay an excess, which is a fixed amount that you need to pay towards each claim. Choosing a higher excess will lower your premium.
- Choose a lower coverage level: Some policies will offer more coverage than others. If you’re looking for a cheaper policy, you may be able to find one that offers a lower coverage level.
- Compare prices: Compare the prices of different policies from different insurers. You can use comparison websites or contact individual insurers directly to get quotes.
- Look for discounts: Some insurers may offer discounts for things like multi-pet policies or paying annually instead of monthly.
- Get a policy with a limited coverage: Some policies have a limit on the amount they pay out per year, per incident or per condition. Choose a policy with a limit that you can afford.
It’s important to keep in mind that a cheaper policy may also mean a lower coverage level and higher exclusions. It is recommended to review the policy details and compare the coverage, exclusions, and limits before making a decision.
It’s also important to note that, if you have a specific breed of dog, it’s possible that the insurance premium will be higher, because certain breeds are considered more prone to certain health conditions.
What affects the price of dog insurance?
There are several factors that can affect the price of dog insurance, including:
- The breed and age of the dog: Some breeds are more prone to certain health conditions than others, and the cost of insuring these breeds may be higher. Additionally, older dogs may be more expensive to insure than younger dogs.
- The level of cover: The more cover you want, the higher the cost of the insurance will be. For example, a policy that includes cover for accidents only may cost less than Lifetime cover.
- The location of the owner: Insurance costs can vary depending on where you live. For example, if you live in a densely populated urban area, your insurance may be more expensive than if you live in a rural area.
- Excess level: A higher excess means that you will pay more towards any claim before the insurance pay out, which can lower the cost of the policy.
- Additional benefits: Some policies may include additional benefits, such as cover for lost or stolen dogs or third-party liability cover, which can increase the cost of the policy.
- Pre-existing conditions: If your dog has pre-existing conditions, the cost of the insurance may be higher or the conditions may not be covered at all.
Compare dog insurance UK
When comparing dog insurance in the UK, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Coverage: Different insurance policies will offer different levels of coverage. Be sure to review the policy details to see what is covered and what is not. Some policies may cover routine care, such as vaccinations and check-ups, while others may only cover unexpected illnesses or accidents.
- Exclusions: Most insurance policies will have exclusions, so it’s important to review the policy details to understand what is not covered. For example, some policies may not cover pre-existing conditions or certain breeds of dog.
- Policy limits: Review the policy limits to understand the maximum amount that the insurance company will pay out for each condition or incident.
- Premiums: Compare the premiums for different policies to understand the cost of each policy. Keep in mind that policies with higher coverage levels may have higher premiums.
- Excess: Some policies will require you to pay an excess, which is a fixed amount that you need to pay towards each claim. Compare the excess for different policies to understand how much you will need to pay out of pocket for each claim.
- Reputation: Check the reputation of the insurance company by reading reviews or asking for recommendations from other pet owners.
- Comparison websites: There are many comparison websites that allow you to compare different dog insurance policies and their features side by side.
By considering these factors, you can compare different dog insurance policies and find one that offers the right balance of coverage, exclusions, and cost for your needs and budget.
Types of dog insurance
What are the different types of pet dog insurance?
There are several types of dog insurance available, each with their own cover options and benefits. The most common types of dog insurance include:
- Time-limited: This type of policy provides cover for medical expenses related to an illness or injury, but only for a specific period of time, usually 12 months.
- Maximum benefit: This type of policy provides cover for medical expenses related to an illness or injury, up to a certain amount, regardless of how long the treatment lasts.
- Lifetime: This type of policy provides cover for medical expenses related to an illness or injury for the entire life of the dog, subject to any terms and conditions in the policy.
It’s important to note that not all policies will include all of these cover options, and there may be limits or exclusions on certain types of treatment, also the cover options and costs can vary widely depending on the specific policy. It’s a good idea to compare policies and understand the cover details before purchasing a policy.
What is lifetime dog insurance?
Lifetime dog insurance is a type of insurance policy that provides cover for Veterinary expenses related to an illness or injury for the entire life of the dog. This type of policy is designed to give you peace of mind and financial protection in case your dog needs unexpected veterinary care, regardless of how long the treatment lasts.
With a lifetime policy, you typically pay a higher premium than with other types of policies, but you have the benefit of being able to claim for a condition that your dog suffers from for the rest of its life.
The cover will typically include treatment for new conditions that arise after the policy has been taken out, subject to any terms and conditions in the policy. Some policies will have a limit or cap on the amount that can be claimed per condition and per year, others will have a lifetime limit.
What is Maximum benefit dog insurance?
Maximum benefit dog insurance is a type of insurance policy that provides cover for veterinary expenses related to an illness or injury, up to a certain amount, regardless of how long the treatment lasts. This type of policy is designed to give you peace of mind and financial protection in case your dog needs unexpected veterinary care.
With a maximum benefit policy, you typically pay a lower premium than with lifetime policies, but you have a limit on the amount of money you can claim over the life of the dog. Once the maximum benefit limit is reached, the policy will no longer cover the cost of treatment for that condition.
The cover will typically include treatment for new conditions that arise after the policy has been taken out, subject to any terms and conditions in the policy. Some policies will have a limit or cap on the amount that can be claimed per condition and per year, others will have a lifetime limit.
What is time limited dog insurance?
Time-limited dog insurance is a type of insurance policy that provides cover for Veterniary expenses related to an illness or injury, but only for a specific period of time, usually 12 months. This type of policy is designed to give you peace of mind and financial protection in case your dog needs unexpected veterinary care, but only for a limited period of time.
With a time-limited policy, you typically pay a lower premium than with lifetime policies, but you have a limit on the amount of time that you can claim for a condition. Once the time limit is reached, the policy will no longer cover the cost of treatment for that condition and you’ll have to renew the policy if you want to keep your dog covered.
The cover will typically include treatment for new conditions that arise after the policy has been taken out, subject to any terms and conditions in the policy. Some policies will have a limit or cap on the amount that can be claimed per condition and per year, others will have a lifetime limit.
What are the most common dog health problems?
There are many different health problems that can affect dogs, but some of the most common include:
- Arthritis: This is a degenerative condition that affects the joints and can cause pain and stiffness. It is more common in older dogs and large breeds.
- Dental problems: Dental problems such as tartar build up and gum disease are common in dogs.
- Skin allergies: Dogs can develop allergic reactions to food, flea bites, and environmental allergens such as pollen or mold. This can cause itching, redness, and skin irritation.
- Ear infections: Dogs with floppy ears are more prone to ear infections, which can cause pain, discharge, and a foul odour.
- Gastrointestinal issues: Dogs can experience a variety of gastrointestinal issues, including vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation.
- Obesity: Like in humans, being overweight can lead to a variety of health problems such as diabetes, joint problems and heart disease.
- Cancer: Cancer is a leading cause of death in older dogs, and can affect many different parts of the body, including the bones, skin, and organs.
- Parvovirus: This is a highly contagious virus that can cause severe diarrhoea and vomiting in dogs. It’s more common in puppies and unvaccinated dogs.
- Hip dysplasia: This is a genetic disorder that affects the hip joint and can cause pain and lameness in dogs. It’s more common in large breeds.
It’s important to note that this list is not exhaustive and there may be other health problems that can affect dogs. It’s always important to consult with a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
We have a full list of common vet statistics through first vet
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?
It depends on the specific policy and insurance company. Some dog insurance policies exclude pre-existing medical conditions, meaning that they will not cover treatment or expenses related to a condition that existed before the policy was purchased. Other policies may cover pre-existing conditions but with limitations, exclusions or higher premiums.
It’s important to note that pre-existing condition can be defined differently by each insurance company, for example, some companies may consider a condition pre-existing if the dog showed any signs of it before the policy was purchased, while others may consider a condition pre-existing only if the dog had been diagnosed and treated for it before the policy was purchased.
It’s important to disclose any pre-existing conditions when applying for dog insurance and to read the fine print of the policy to understand the cover details and exclusions. If you’re not sure if a condition is considered pre-existing or not, it’s best to contact the insurance company and ask for clarification.
Keep in mind that if you have a dog that has pre-existing conditions, it may be more difficult to find an insurance policy that covers them, and if you do, it may be more expensive than a policy without pre-existing conditions cover.
Is dental treatment covered for dog insurance?
Whether dental treatment is covered by dog insurance depends on the specific policy. Some policies include cover for routine dental care, such as teeth cleaning, while others may not cover dental treatment at all. Some policies may only cover dental treatment if it is related to an accident or injury and not for routine dental care.
It’s important to check the cover details of the policy and understand what is covered and what is not. Some policies may have limits on the amount of cover for dental treatment, or may exclude certain types of dental procedures.
It’s also important to note that some policies may have a waiting period before dental cover becomes effective, usually between 4-8 weeks, so it’s important to plan accordingly.
If dental care is important to you, it’s a good idea to look for a policy that includes cover for routine dental care or to purchase a rider policy specifically for dental treatment.
Is it a legal requirement to microchip my dog?
In the United Kingdom it is a legal requirement to have your dog microchipped and register its details on an approved database. This has been a legal requirement since April 2016, under the Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015. The regulations apply to all dogs aged eight weeks and older, and failure to comply can result in a fine.
Microchipping is a quick and simple procedure that involves inserting a small microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, under the dog’s skin between the shoulders. The microchip contains a unique identification number that can be read by a special scanner. This number is linked to the owner’s contact details on a national database, so that if your dog is lost or stolen, it can be easily reunited with you.
The microchip is permanent and does not need to be replaced. It’s a good idea to update your contact details on the database if you move or change your phone number.
Microchipping is a simple and effective way to help reunite lost dogs with their owners, and it’s a legal requirement in the UK, so it’s important to comply with it.
What age should I insure my puppy?
You can insure your puppy as soon as it is 8 weeks old, however, it is important to note that some policies may have a waiting period before cover becomes effective, usually between 14 days, so it’s best to plan accordingly.
It’s a good idea to insure your puppy as soon as possible, as it can help protect you from the high cost of veterinary care in case your puppy gets sick or injured.
Also, some policies may have a limit on the age of the dog, so it’s important to check the policy details and understand the terms and conditions before signing up.
It’s also important to note that if your puppy has a pre-existing condition, it may be more difficult to find an insurance policy that covers it, and if you do, it may be more expensive than a policy without pre-existing conditions cover.
Overall, insuring your puppy as soon as possible can provide peace of mind and financial protection in case your puppy needs unexpected veterinary care, or if something unexpected happens. It’s a good idea to research different policies and compare the cover options before making a decision.
Can I get insurance for my pedigree dog?
Yes, you can get insurance for your pedigree dog. Pedigree dogs, like any other dogs, can be insured for medical expenses related to an illness or injury. Some insurance policies may have specific cover options for certain breeds or may have exclusions for certain conditions that are more common in certain breeds.
However, it’s important to note that some breeds are more prone to certain health conditions than others, and the cost of insuring these breeds may be higher. For example, certain breeds such as Bulldogs, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers are known to be more prone to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia, cancer, or arthritis, and the cost of insuring these breeds may be higher than insuring other breeds.
It’s important to disclose the breed of the dog when applying for dog insurance and to read the fine print of the policy to understand the cover details and exclusions.
It’s also important to note that not all policies will include all of the cover options, and there may be limits or exclusions on certain types of treatment. It’s a good idea to compare different policies and understand the cover details before purchasing a policy.
What do I need to get a dog insurance quote?
When you’re getting a quote for dog insurance, you will typically be asked to provide some basic information about your dog and your cover needs. Here are some things you may need to provide:
- Your dog’s breed, age, and gender
- Your dog’s current health status, including any pre-existing conditions
- Your preferred level of cover (accident only, time-limited, maximum benefit, lifetime)
- Your desired policy start date
- Your contact information, including your name, address, and phone number
- Information about any other pets you have and their cover status
It’s important to have this information handy when you’re getting a quote, as it will help the insurance company provide you with an accurate and detailed quote.
It’s a good idea to compare different policies and cover options to find the best policy for your needs at an affordable price. Also, before signing up, it’s important to understand the cover details and exclusions of the policy.
Dog insurance quote
starting from £6.42 per month
