If your pet has a pre-existing condition, you may need to look for an insurer that specifically covers pets with existing health issues.
Some industry leading insurance providers you can compare:
We’re partnered with Quotezone.co.uk. As an Introducer Appointed Representative of Seopa Ltd, trading as Quotezone.co.uk (FCA FRN: 313860), we receive a commission if you purchase insurance products through the link above/below. We do not provide advice or make recommendations. Your choice of provider is entirely your own.
The cost of your pet insurance is based on a range of factors that help insurers assess the likelihood of claims and the potential cost of veterinary treatment. While some details, such as your pet’s age or breed, can’t be changed, there are still steps you can take to help manage the cost of your premium.
1
Your pet’s age, breed, health history and any pre-existing conditions may affect both the cost and the cover available, as most insurers exclude conditions that existed before the policy started. Older pets and certain breeds that are more prone to health conditions usually cost more to insure.
2
The level of cover you choose affects the price. Accident-only policies are generally cheaper than accident and illness or lifetime cover, while optional extras such as routine care or dental cover can increase the premium.
3
Your chosen excess and reimbursement level will influence the cost. A higher excess or a lower percentage of vet bill reimbursement can reduce your premium.
4
Where you live can impact the price, as veterinary fees vary by region. Areas with higher treatment costs often lead to higher insurance premiums.
Tailored for you
We want to help you protect your beloved companion without breaking the bank. That’s why the pet insurance quotes are as unique as your furry friend, so you can give them the care they deserve.
What is Pet Insurance?
Pet insurance helps cover the cost of vet treatment if your pet becomes ill, gets injured or needs emergency care. It can help with everything from minor mishaps to long-term medical conditions, depending on the level of cover you choose. When you take out a policy, you’ll decide how much protection you need and what type of cover best suits your pet and your budget. Comparing policies is a quick and easy way to find the right balance between cost and peace of mind.
Lifetime Insurance
The most comprehensive and reassuring level of cover. Lifetime policies protect your pet against ongoing or recurring conditions for as long as you renew each year. It’s ideal if you want lasting protection for illnesses like diabetes or arthritis.
Maximum Benefit Insurance
Gives a fixed amount of money for each condition or injury. You can claim for the same condition until the limit is reached – as long as your policy remains active. Once you hit the cap, that condition isn’t covered again.
Accident-Only Or Time-Limited
Accident-only or time-limited plans are best for sudden, costly incidents or short-lived illnesses. Accident-Only Insurance provides cover if your pet is injured in an accident, for example, if your dog hurts a leg. It won’t cover illness, so it’s usually the most basic level of protection. Time-Limited Insurance Covers illness and injury for a set period (normally 12 months) from when treatment begins.
Pet Insurance FAQs
What does pet insurance cover?
Depending on the policy you choose, pet insurance can cover:
- Vet fees for accidents, illness and injury
- Surgery, scans and diagnostic tests
- Medication and hospitalisation
- Dental treatment (for illness or injury, depending on the insurer)
- Euthanasia and cremation costs (if your pet passes away due to illness or injury)
- Complementary therapies such as physiotherapy or hydrotherapy, if recommended by your vet
You can also add optional extras for even greater protection, including:
Third-party Liability (dogs only)
If your dog injures someone or damages property, this helps cover legal costs and compensation.
Lost or stolen pets
Helps pay for advertising, offering a reward, or compensating you if your pet isn’t found.
Travel cover
Covers vet fees abroad and travel cancellation costs if your pet becomes unwell before a trip.
Kennel or cattery fees
Pays for your pet’s temporary care if you’re hospitalised and unable to look after them.
How much is pet insurance?
The cost of pet insurance varies depending on:
- Your pet’s type, breed, and age
- Their health and medical history
- The type of policy you choose
- Any extras or add-ons you include
Pedigree pets and older animals are often more expensive to insure, as they’re more likely to develop hereditary or age-related conditions.
When comparing policies, pay attention to the vet fee limit – the maximum your insurer will pay per condition or per year. Chronic conditions can be expensive to manage, so it’s worth choosing a policy that gives you enough cover for long-term care.
Which pet insurance is right for me?
The right policy depends on your pet’s age, breed and lifestyle and how much you want to protect against future vet bills.
While cost is important, don’t just pick the cheapest policy. Some budget options may limit how much you can claim or exclude certain conditions. Always check what’s included before you buy.
By comparing quotes from multiple insurers, you can find cover that gives you the right level of protection at the best possible price.
How can I get cheap pet insurance?
Getting the best value for your pet insurance doesn’t always mean choosing the cheapest policy. Here are some ways to lower your premiums while keeping your pet well protected:
- Choose the right level of cover – Accident-only policies are usually cheaper than full illness cover. Consider what your pet really needs based on age, breed, and lifestyle.
- Adjust your deductible and reimbursement rate – A higher deductible or lower percentage of vet bills reimbursed can reduce your monthly premium.
- Start early – Insuring your pet when they’re young can keep premiums lower over their lifetime.
- Compare quotes – Prices vary between insurers, so shop around to find the best deal for the coverage you want.
- Look for discounts – Multi-pet policies and annual payments can save money.
- Keep your pet healthy – Routine vaccinations, regular checkups, and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of illness and may help keep premiums down.
- Review your policy regularly – Remove unnecessary add-ons or adjust cover as your pet ages to make sure you’re not overpaying.
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
In most cases, pet insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions. A pre-existing condition is any illness, injury, or symptom your pet had before the policy started or during any waiting period. This includes conditions that have been diagnosed, treated, or even just noticed by you or a vet.
There are two main types of pre-existing conditions:
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Curable pre-existing conditions – Some insurers may cover these if your pet has been symptom-free or treatment-free for a certain period (often 6–12 months).
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Chronic or incurable conditions – These are almost always excluded from coverage.
It’s important to read the policy carefully, as definitions and exclusions can vary between insurers. Some policies may also exclude related conditions that develop later, even if they appear different.
Keeping detailed health records for your pet can help clarify what counts as pre-existing and may improve your chances of getting certain coverage.
Can I have insurance for multiple pets?
Yes you can insure more than one pet! Many providers offer multi‑pet policies that let you cover all your animals under a single plan. These can be more convenient and may offer a discount compared to buying separate policies.
Who provides the Pet insurance quotes?
Pet Insurance quotes are provided by Quotezone.co.uk, which is a trading name of Seopa Ltd, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Mustard.co.uk acts as an Introducer Appointed Representative (IAR) of Seopa Ltd. Mustard.co.uk’s role is limited to introducing customers to the comparison service and it does not provide insurance advice or arrange policies.
Seopa Ltd is only responsible for the insurance comparison service accessed via Quotezone. Seopa is not involved in car or van insurance quotation or distribution activity on this website.
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