Cheap pet insurance

Cheap pet insurance
Top tips for cutting the cost of pet insurance

With rising expenses for mortgages, rent, energy, and food, it’s tempting to skimp on non-essential expenditures like pet insurance. However, this can create tough decisions if your pet needs medical care, since there’s no NHS equivalent for animals, and treatment can range from £100s to £1,000s. This guide outlines what pet insurance typically covers, what to be cautious about, and how to locate an affordable policy.

1-min read on finding cheap pet insurance

Here’s a brief guide for those who are familiar with the process and simply want to secure an affordable policy. If you need more detailed assistance, our comprehensive guide is available below:

1. If you own a cat or dog, start by checking comparison websites to find the best price. Since not all comparison sites include the same insurers, it’s beneficial to use several. Consider visiting MoneySupermarket*, Compare The Market* (note that it doesn’t offer multi-pet quotes), Confused.com*, and Gocompare.
2. Next, obtain quotes directly from insurers and look for exclusive deals available only through ExEconomics. Check out Direct Line and Petplan*, as they are not featured on comparison sites. Additionally, some special deals for cat and dog insurance may not be listed in general comparisons.

If you’re insuring a different type of pet, there aren’t easy comparison tools available, but you can still get coverage for rabbits, budgies, guinea pigs, horses, parrots, reptiles, or other exotic pets.

What is pet insurance?

Having pet insurance means your beloved animal—whether it’s furry, scaly, slimy, or feathered—would be protected if it requires medical care for an injury or illness. This coverage helps offset some or all of the veterinary expenses.

Additionally, most pet insurance policies include liability coverage (to protect you if your pet causes an accident for which you are held liable) and coverage for loss or theft, though the specifics can vary depending on the policy type and coverage level.

In the UK, over half of households have pets, and the cost of pet insurance has been increasing in line with rising veterinary treatment costs. Long-term conditions like arthritis or diabetes, or injuries from accidents, can lead to substantial expenses, often reaching £1,000s.

Unlike car insurance, insuring your pet isn’t a legal obligation. However, keep in mind that if you decide against it and an unforeseen situation arises, you might face some tough choices.

What types of pet insurance can I get?

Pet insurance generally falls into different categories based on the level of coverage you choose. These range from basic policies, which often have a 12-month treatment limit, to more extensive lifetime coverage plans. Although the terminology for these coverage levels may differ between insurers, the primary types are usually as follows:

• Lifetime pet insurance: This insurance is designed to provide lifelong coverage for your pet, provided you renew the policy each year and do not cancel it. It is usually the most extensive and, consequently, the most costly type of insurance available. Typically, it covers veterinary expenses and treatments for any injuries or illnesses up to an annual limit.

Insurance providers generally exclude pets with pre-existing health conditions from their policies. This means that if your pet has a chronic condition (i.e., a long-term illness) and is not already insured, obtaining coverage might be difficult. However, if you secure a lifetime insurance policy while your pet is young and continue renewing with the same insurer, your pet will be covered for any chronic conditions or long-term issues that may arise later.

• Accident only: This insurance provides coverage for emergency care for your pet following an accident, up to a specified limit. The specifics of what constitutes treatment and an accident can differ between insurance providers, so it’s important to review the policy details carefully. As the most fundamental form of coverage, it tends to be the least expensive. However, be aware that it is limited in scope, and generally does not cover illnesses.
• Time limited: This policy activates when your pet’s symptoms first appear and typically remains in effect until either your financial limit is reached or 12 months have passed (whichever comes first). Once this period ends, the condition will no longer be covered, even if it reoccurs later.

As this is a temporary insurance option, it restricts the insurer’s payout obligations, making it generally more affordable compared to lifetime coverage.

• Maximum benefit: This type of coverage provides a set amount for each illness or injury your pet experiences. Unlike some policies, it is not restricted by a time limit, allowing you to renew it annually. However, once the allowance for a specific condition is depleted, you cannot make further claims for that condition, and this does not reset with each renewal. This can be beneficial for covering everyday minor injuries and illnesses your pet may encounter throughout its life. However, if your pet develops a chronic condition or requires costly treatments, such as surgery, you might find that the allowance is quickly exhausted.

What is multi-pet insurance?

You can frequently cover several pets with a single insurance policy. You will select the insurance type for your multi-pet policy from the available choices, and each of your pets will receive the same coverage. Additionally, some insurance providers may give you a discount for insuring multiple pets under one policy, potentially making it more cost-effective than purchasing separate policies for each pet. For further details on multi-pet insurance plans, see the information below.

What factors affect the cost of pet insurance?

When determining your insurance quote, insurers evaluate various aspects of you and your pet(s).

Although they are not obligated to disclose their exact process, the overall quote is influenced by their assessment of your risk level and the likelihood of you filing a claim.

Factors that could impact the cost of your insurance include:

• Pet’s health and medical history: This can significantly affect your insurance. Most providers usually exclude coverage for ‘pre-existing conditions,’ meaning that if your pet has any ongoing or past health issues, you won’t be able to file a claim for treatment. While there are some specialized insurers that may cover existing conditions, such options are uncommon and tend to be more costly.
• Pet’s age: As pets age, they are more prone to chronic health issues. Consequently, insurance for older pets tends to be more costly. Additionally, some insurance providers set age limits for coverage, which differ based on the type of animal, meaning they may refuse to insure pets beyond a certain age.
• Pet’s breed: Insurance costs can be higher for specific dog breeds due to differences in life expectancy and the likelihood of hereditary health issues. Some breeds are also more prone to certain illnesses or injuries, which can drive up insurance premiums.
• Where you live: Veterinary fees can differ significantly depending on your location. If you reside in a region where veterinarians generally have higher charges, it’s probable that your premium will be adjusted accordingly.

How much does pet insurance cost?

Determining the exact cost of pet insurance can be challenging due to various factors, such as the type and breed of the animal. According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), the average annual premium for pet insurance was £327 in 2022. However, your costs may vary significantly based on your pet’s specifics and the coverage required.

To secure the best rate for your pet, it’s essential to collect multiple quotes from various comparison sites and insurance providers. This will help you select the coverage that best meets your needs and budget.

Below, we outline the optimal approach to finding the most affordable pet insurance for cats, dogs, small animals, horses, and exotic pets.

Should I get my pet chipped?

In the UK, it is mandatory for all dogs over eight weeks old to be microchipped. Additionally, as of June 2024, it is now legally required for cats over 20 weeks old to be microchipped in England.

Non-compliance with these regulations can result in a £500 fine and potential legal issues.

Cats and dogs must be microchipped, or you could be fined

Microchipping aids in reuniting pets with their owners when they become lost. A tiny, scannable chip is embedded beneath the pet’s skin and registered. This allows for the pet to be returned to its owner if it is found after going missing.

The cost for microchipping typically ranges from £10 to £30 per animal. However, opportunities to have your pet microchipped at no charge might be available through Dogs Trust rehoming centers, Blue Cross centers, or certain local councils.

For cats, local charities occasionally provide free microchipping services or organize events where this service is offered at no cost.

Nine pet insurance need-to-knows

The pet population in the UK has now surpassed 20 million, with estimates suggesting that more than half of households have pets. Despite this, a significant number of pet owners still face substantial expenses due to a lack of insurance.

Even if you have substantial savings set aside for emergencies, having insurance can often be more cost-effective (especially if you need to make a claim). Before purchasing a policy, consider these nine important factors…

1 – Should I insure my pet?

Failing to insure your pet might lead to hefty expenses, potentially amounting to thousands of pounds. Consider how you would manage these costs without insurance coverage.

Veterinary bills can be quite high and escalate rapidly. For instance, an X-ray may set you back more than £300, while chemotherapy treatments can reach up to £5,000.

The key question is whether you could cover vet expenses spontaneously without insurance. If this seems challenging, it’s definitely worth giving serious thought.

2 – Is self-insurance worth it?

Self-insuring through a savings account can be a viable alternative, though it does carry the risk of facing substantial veterinary expenses.

In self-insurance, rather than paying premiums to an insurance company, you set aside money regularly into a savings account. This way, if your cat or dog falls ill, you’ll have funds available to cover the costs.

To make your money work a bit harder, consider depositing it into an easy-access or a fixed savings account each month for potential pet emergencies. If your pet stays healthy, you keep the savings. However, there are two major risks to keep in mind:

• The problem strikes before you’ve built up cash: Self-insurance requires having sufficient cash available for paying veterinary bills. The risk involved is that if your pet requires costly treatment before you’ve accumulated enough savings, you might end up in debt or face the difficult decision of euthanizing your pet. Alternatively, you could choose a policy with a high excess and make sure to save enough to cover it if a claim becomes necessary.
• You get sued: Without insurance, dogs aren’t protected against public liability. If Rex causes a car accident and the driver decides to sue, you could be held financially responsible. While this might be included in your home insurance, it’s crucial to verify this thoroughly before assuming coverage. On the other hand, cats are deemed ‘free spirits’ legally, so as their owner, you aren’t held liable for their actions.

You could consider liability-only cover for dogs

For dog owners seeking a safety net, joining the Dogs Trust could be a great option. The charity offers a third-party insurance benefit with a £25 annual membership fee (or £750 for a lifetime membership), and a reduced rate of £12.50 per year for those over 60. Membership is open to anyone 18 or older.

This insurance provides coverage up to £1 million for damages or injuries caused by any of your dogs to people, their property, or other pets. However, it’s important to note that if you own a breed classified as a ‘dangerous dog,’ coverage might not apply.

Keep in mind that £1 million is relatively modest compared to other personal liability insurance limits, especially if legal claims involve substantial loss of earnings due to serious injuries.

3 – What does pet insurance cover?

Pet insurance is designed to address major health problems rather than routine visits or vaccinations.

Generally speaking, although specifics can vary based on your policy, pet insurance typically covers significant, non-routine expenses, such as:

• Broken bones/injuries from accidents
• Many illnesses, from cancer to asthma, skin infections to bone diseases and arthritis
• Third-party liability cover
• The cost of advertising and a reward if you fall victim to dog/cat-napping

What does pet insurance usually exclude?

Your pet likely won’t be covered for the following:

• Routine injections such as flu, tetanus, parvovirus, annual boosters
• Routine check-ups
• Worming treatments
• Anti-flea medications
• Whelping costs

Generally, if you switch to a new insurance policy, coverage for pre-existing conditions may not be included. However, your current insurer should still cover any ongoing issues.

Each pet insurance provider has its own specific terms regarding coverage, so it’s crucial to carefully review the details when selecting a policy.

4 – You MAY be able to get free vet treatment

If you’re receiving benefits, you might be eligible for complimentary veterinary care for your pet.

Pet insurance or setting aside funds in a savings account for vet bills can be costly if you’re low on funds. However, organizations like the PDSA, Blue Cross, and the RSPCA may offer assistance.

These charities provide free or reduced-cost veterinary services to pets belonging to individuals on specific means-tested benefits and other qualifying conditions. As they are charitable organizations, they depend on donations to support their services, and some, such as Blue Cross, may request a contribution towards the expenses.

To determine if you qualify for aid, review the eligibility requirements of the PDSA, Blue Cross, and the RSPCA.

5 – You can’t get insurance for some pets, eg, ‘aggressive’ dog breeds or those with hereditary conditions

Certain dog breeds, such as pit bulls, Japanese tosas, and Brazilian mastiffs, are often considered too aggressive to insure. If your dog has any of these breeds in its lineage, it will likely be ineligible for coverage.

Starting February 1, 2024, owning an American bully XL in England and Wales without a Certificate of Exemption will be illegal. This restriction will also apply to Scotland beginning July 31, 2024. For more details and guidance on obtaining an exemption, check the Government’s website.

Getting standard pet insurance can also be challenging for pets used in commercial activities like racing, hunting, or farming.

If your pet has behavioral issues, often stemming from mental or emotional disorders, some insurance policies may cover treatment, including therapy.

Additionally, if you own a high-status breed, be aware that pedigree dogs are more prone to hereditary health issues. For instance, some breeds suffer from weak joints or hips due to long-term inbreeding and may need ongoing treatment.

Certain policies may exclude coverage for hereditary conditions, so it’s important to verify this with your insurer. Many also exclude conditions that pets are born with.

Typically, insurance premiums for pedigree pets are higher because they are more prone to long-term health issues and are more attractive to pet thieves. Avoid misrepresenting your pet’s breed to lower premiums; falsely claiming a purebred as a mixed breed can invalidate your policy and lead to denied claims.

6 – If your pet’s had treatment, beware switching

If your pet has had health issues, be cautious about switching to a new policy, as it might not cover those conditions.

When you obtain a new policy, most insurance providers exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions. This includes chronic problems requiring ongoing treatment, as well as complications or recurrences related to past injuries or illnesses.

If you’re still claiming for a treatment under your current insurance, and haven’t reached the maximum payout or the policy’s time limit, or if you have a comprehensive lifetime policy with no such exclusions, it might be better to stay with your current insurer.

However, you can switch to a new insurer if you’re willing to accept that your pet won’t be covered for the conditions it has already received treatment for.

For instance, if your dog had cataract surgery covered by your existing policy, and you have reached the treatment limit, you can move to a cheaper policy with similar terms. Be aware, though, that the new insurer will consider cataracts a pre-existing condition and exclude coverage for any future occurrences.

You might choose to switch policies if the cost of the current one is too high, accepting the risk that the old issue might recur without coverage.

Always disclose all pre-existing conditions to avoid policy invalidation, even if your new insurer is likely to exclude them.

7 – Some pets are too old to be insured

Obtaining insurance for older pets can be more challenging, often comes with higher costs, and usually requires you to cover a larger portion of veterinary expenses yourself.

As pets age, insurance premiums tend to rise, and some policies may set an age cap or require increased out-of-pocket expenses (referred to as ‘co-payment’ in insurance terms) when you make a claim.

Here are three key factors to watch for and consider:

• Ageing pets cost more to insure. The cost of insuring your pet is influenced by both its age and breed. Insurers use this information to assess the probability of your pet facing health issues or injuries. As your pet ages, the risk and consequently the insurance cost tend to rise.
• It’s harder to get cheaper cover for an old pet as there is less choice of policies. As your pet reaches a specific age—an age that can differ between insurance providers and is influenced by your pet’s individual circumstances—you may face challenges when trying to change policies. For instance, numerous insurers require that cats or dogs be nine years old or younger at the start of their coverage, which could leave you unable to switch insurers later on.
• A claim’s payout may not be as comprehensive as you thought. Policies don’t always present this information clearly. As your pet ages, not only will your insurance premiums likely increase, but many policies also require you to cover 20% of the treatment costs, in addition to the excess, once your dog or cat hits a specific age.

If your vet bill is £500, you might be required to cover 20% of that cost (£100) due to your pet’s age, in addition to the policy excess (e.g., £100). This would result in your total out-of-pocket expense increasing from £100 to £200, which amounts to nearly half of the total bill.

Such clauses in your policy can make your financial responsibility escalate quickly. Therefore, it’s crucial to carefully examine the policy details, as co-payment conditions are often detailed in the main body of the policy document rather than alongside the excess listed on your schedule.

8 – Typically the higher the excess (the amount you pay towards treatment), the lower the cost of cover

Adjusting your excess—the portion you cover upfront for any claim—can often reduce your insurance premium. By opting for a higher excess, you’re agreeing to handle a larger share of potential costs, which can lead to a reduced premium from your insurer.

When determining your excess, think about the amount you’d be willing to spend before making a claim. For instance, if you wouldn’t make a claim for less than £200, selecting a £50 excess may not be beneficial.

9 – Multi-pet policies could increase savings

Multi-pet policies might be the most affordable option, but it’s wise to compare them with individual policies as well.

Insurers frequently provide a discount of 5% to 10% for insuring multiple pets under a single policy. Despite this, it’s important to explore other options. A 10% discount on a multi-pet policy isn’t beneficial if you can secure two separate policies for 12% less.

Three comparison platforms—MoneySupermarket*, Gocompare, and Confused.com*—allow you to obtain quotes for multiple pets at once. They also provide the option to combine coverage for both cats and dogs into a single policy and apply any available multi-pet discounts. While this approach might not always yield the lowest premium, it simplifies the process of comparing against individual policies.

Alternatively, you can contact insurers directly that offer multi-pet discounts, such as Argos*, Direct Line, More Than, and Petplan*. To determine the best overall cost, use our comprehensive comparison system detailed below for each pet.

How to get cheap pet insurance

The path to discovering the most affordable insurance policy differs based on your pet’s type, so we’ve divided the information into four distinct categories.

• Cats and dogs
• Small pets, such as rabbits, guinea pigs, budgies and chinchillas
• Horses
• ‘Exotic’ pets, such as snakes, tarantulas, pot-bellied pigs

Dog and cat insurance

Cats and dogs are among the most popular pets and are also the easiest to insure, as their policies can be readily compared on major comparison websites.

Step 1: Get quotes from multiple comparison sites

To find the most affordable option, it’s crucial to consult multiple comparison sites. Each site examines different insurers and may offer varying prices.

We’ve listed the comparison sites according to the number of insurers they review, but it’s advisable to use as many as your schedule allows.

Try comparison sites in this order

Site	Official perk info & ExEconomics analysis
Try as many as you can, in this order…
MoneySupermarket*	It returned the highest number of providers for us in our research and can give quotes for up to seven pets on combined policies. If you buy an annual policy, you can also join the SuperSaveClub, which gets you an annual pass for days out.
Compare The Market*	It doesn’t offer multi-pet policies, though if you buy through it, you qualify for its special offer: a year’s 2for1 on cinema tickets and meals on selected days of the week. However, don’t be swayed by this and buy a more expensive policy, as there’s a trick to get Meerkat Movies and Meals for £1.
Confused.com*	Can give quotes for up to seven pets on a policy.
Gocompare	Can give quotes for up to six pets on one policy.
Then, to boost chances of finding a cheap quote further, try…
Quotezone* – it’s another comparison site, and you’ll also get access to Rewards+ within 60 days of buying a policy. It also includes discounted tickets at selected Cineworld and Odeon cinemas.
Petplan* – a big name pet insurer you won’t find on comparison sites.
Direct Line – another insurer you won’t find on any comparisons.

 

Step 2: Check hot deals not on comparison sites

Now, check if these exclusive offers offer a better rate than your lowest quote. Keep in mind that there isn’t a lot of feedback available for these providers, so if you decide to use them, please share your experience through the links provided at the bottom of the table.

Top deals comparisons miss

Waggel*	£55 Amazon voucher per pet insured. Buy a new cat or dog policy via our Waggel* link by 11.59pm on 8 October (must be a new quote, not a saved one), and you’ll get a £55 Amazon voucher per policy purchased (max £275 for for five policies).The voucher will be emailed around 90 days after the policy start date.
Napo*	£55 Amazon voucher per customer. Buy a new policy by 11.59pm on Tuesday 31 December, via Napo* link, and you’ll be emailed a £55 Amazon voucher (from Napo) within 75 days of the policy start date.
Agria*	£40 to £155 Amazon voucher. Take out a new policy via this Agria *link and you’ll be emailed an Amazon voucher within 120 days – you’ve then 60 days to claim it. The value will depend on the pet(s) you insure: £40 for a cat, £75 for a dog, £100 for a cat and a dog, £125 for two dogs and £155 for three dogs.
Animal Friends*	£35 Amazon voucher. Take out a new dog or cat insurance policy (which cannot be its basic accident-only cover) via this Animal Friends* link and you’ll be emailed a £35 Amazon voucher (from Animal Friends) within two weeks of having had your policy for three months.

 

Step 3: See if you can get cashback on top of the cheapest quote

Cashback websites occasionally provide financial incentives for purchasing a policy through their platform, potentially surpassing the offers from the sites mentioned earlier. However, it’s important to verify your quote, as the prices may not always align perfectly with those from comparison sites. Additionally, cashback isn’t guaranteed—there can be issues with tracking or payout. Consider exploring these two options…

• Route 1: Use a cashback site comparison. Quidco Compare* is a price comparison platform that offers a £25 reward when you purchase a cat or dog insurance policy through it. Similarly, Topcashback* features its own comparison tool, providing up to £24.30 for buying insurance policies for cats, dogs, or rabbits.
• Route 2: Find your cheapest insurer then go via a cashback site. After identifying your most affordable insurance provider, see what cashback offers are available through Quidco* and Topcashback*. Prioritize selecting the most suitable insurer before seeking cashback options. Avoid choosing an insurer based solely on the highest cashback offer.

Our Top cashback sites guide has full information on how these sites work.

Step 4: Always check the policy carefully before buying

Once you’ve identified the most affordable quote that meets your needs, it’s important to verify the details on the insurance company’s official website. Comparison sites might sometimes make assumptions to expedite the search process, which may not align perfectly with your profile.

Choosing an incorrect policy that doesn’t offer the coverage you expected can lead to a distressing situation, such as the heartbreaking decision of losing a pet or incurring significant debt.

Small pet insurance, such as for rabbits & guinea pigs

Since there are no comparison websites available for these types of pets, you’ll need to put in the effort to gather quotes on your own.

Before you begin, it’s crucial—though not a pleasant thought—to realistically assess how you would handle the situation if the animal fell ill, lacked insurance, and you had to decide whether to euthanize it. One option to consider is self-insurance.

Step 1: Get quotes direct from specialist insurers

Here are some websites you might want to explore if you’re interested in insuring a small animal that isn’t a cat or dog, and which you might not typically think of as ‘exotic.’ For those seeking insurance specifically for exotic pets, please refer to our section dedicated to exotic pet insurance.

Insurers to try for small pets

Insurer	More information
British Pet Insurance	For a wide range of pets. Includes gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, hedgehogs, mice, rats and more. It offers a 10% discount per policy if you insure more than one pet, though you’ll need to call for it to be applied.
ExoticDirect*	Also for a wide range of animals. Despite its name, it gives quotes for a wide range of not-so-exotic pets, including rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, gerbils, ferrets, birds and more.
Petplan*	For rabbits. A big name pet insurer, plus buy online for a 10% discount.
Sainsbury’s Bank	For rabbits. Also, Nectar card members can get a discount depending on Sainsbury’s supermarket and/or Sainsbury’s Bank transactions.

 

Step 2: See if you can get cashback on top of the cheapest quote

After identifying your most affordable insurance provider, see if it provides cashback when you purchase the policy through Quidco* or Topcashback*. It’s important to select the right insurer first and then look for cashback options, rather than choosing based on the highest cashback offer.

Cashback websites may offer a financial incentive for purchasing through their platform, which could result in a better deal than going directly to the insurer. However, always verify your quote, as the price may differ, and remember that cashback isn’t guaranteed—it might not track correctly or be paid out. For detailed information on how these sites operate, refer to our Top cashback sites guide.

Step 3: Always check the policy carefully before buying

Once you’ve identified the most affordable quote that meets your needs, it’s essential to verify it on the insurer’s official website. Comparison sites might make assumptions to expedite searches, which may not align with your specific situation.

Purchasing an incorrect policy could lead to the difficult choice of losing a pet or potentially incurring significant debt if the coverage falls short of your expectations.

Horse insurance

Unfortunately, there are no comparison websites for equine insurance. However, you can uncover affordable quotes by seeking insurance directly.

Step 1: Get quotes direct from specialist insurers

We’ve listed the top insurers and brokers below, so try as many as you’ve time for.

Insurers and brokers to try for horses

Insurer/broker	More information
SEIB	It provides cover for the horse and public liability, plus options to cover trailers, horseboxes, riding harnesses and so on.
Petplan Equine*	Part of big name pet insurer Petplan. It offers different policies for younger or ‘veteran’ horses and ponies.
NFU Mutual	Many Savers have reported good experiences – it covers horses (including veterans) and is worth a check.
Animal Friends	Offers tailored cover with a comparison table of its products.
The British Horse Society	By becoming a ‘gold member’ you will automatically be covered for up to £30 million of public liability cover and various levels of personal accident cover.
The following insurers have also been suggested by users. While we’ve not thoroughly checked them out, they are Financial Conduct Authority-regulated. If you try them, let us know how you get on.
KBIS
Shearwater Insurance

 

Step 2: See if you can get cashback on top of the cheapest quote

Once you’ve identified your most affordable insurer, consider whether they offer any cashback if you purchase the policy through Quidco* or Topcashback*. It’s important to prioritize selecting the right insurer first before searching for cashback options. Avoid choosing an insurer based solely on the highest cashback offer.

Cashback sites occasionally provide financial incentives for buying policies through their platforms, which can be more advantageous than purchasing directly. However, always review your quote carefully, as the price might differ. Keep in mind that cashback is not guaranteed and might not always be tracked or paid out. For detailed information on how these cashback sites operate, refer to our guide on the best cashback sites.

Step 3: Always check the policy carefully before buying

Once you’ve identified the most affordable quote that meets your needs, it’s important to verify the details directly on the insurer’s website. Comparison sites sometimes make assumptions to expedite the search process, which might not accurately reflect your situation.

Choosing an incorrect policy that doesn’t offer the coverage you expected could lead to a distressing situation where you might have to choose between losing a pet or incurring significant debt.

Exotic pet insurance, such as for parrots, snakes & pigs

From skunks and sugar gliders to possums and pot-bellied pigs, securing these unique pets often requires consulting a specialist provider, especially to safeguard against theft targeting rare or valuable animals.

For instance, if you own a python valued at £600, it’s crucial to scrutinize the coverage for loss due to death or theft. Similarly, if you have a tarantula that you like to showcase, you might want to consider third-party insurance in case it bites a guest. Alternatively, ensure the tank is exceptionally secure.

Get quotes direct from a specialist insurer

The insurers below are the only ones we’ve seen offering to insure the more weird and wonderful varieties of animal.

Insurers to try for exotic pets

Insurer	More information
British Pet Insurance	Cover for lizards, snakes, exotic birds, tortoises, small mammals and birds of prey. It offers a 10% discount per policy if you insure more than one pet, though you’ll need to call for it to be applied.
ExoticDirect*	Covers a huge array of out-of-the-ordinary critters, including parrots, cockatoos, snakes, lizards, terrapins, vultures, pot-bellied pigs and loads more.

 

How to complain about your insurance provider

The insurance sector often struggles with a poor reputation for customer service, and while one provider might work well for some, it can be a nightmare for others.

Typical issues involve delays or denials of claims, unjustified fees, or terms and conditions hidden in fine print. It’s usually a good idea to contact your provider directly first. If that doesn’t resolve the issue…

You can utilize the free complaints tool Resolver. This tool assists in managing your complaint, and if the company remains unresponsive, it also facilitates escalating your issue to the free Financial Ombudsman Service.

Pet insurance FAQs

Q – What happens if I forget an annual injection?

A – Always make sure your pet receives the necessary vaccinations from a veterinarian and that you obtain the relevant certificates. Neglecting to keep your pet’s vaccinations current could potentially void your insurance coverage.

Thankfully, the Association of British Insurers has acknowledged the impact of Covid-19 on access to veterinary services and has agreed to show leniency with policy requirements, particularly concerning up-to-date vaccinations and regular dental check-ups. However, they do expect you to schedule an appointment as soon as you can.

Once you are able to get your pet vaccinated, ensure that you store the vaccination certificates securely, as you may need to present them if you file a claim.

Q – Can I take my pet on holiday?

A – Some pet insurance policies offer international coverage, which can be beneficial if you frequently travel with your pet. This additional coverage typically includes veterinary expenses up to £1,000. Additionally, some insurers may reimburse costs associated with replacing your pet’s travel documents or quarantine fees due to lost documentation. You can also arrange for holiday cover to assist with travel and accommodation costs if you need to cancel or cut short your trip.

Since the end of the UK’s transition period with the European Union, the requirements for traveling with pets to Europe and Northern Ireland have changed.

Before the end of 2020, dogs, cats, and ferrets could travel to and from EU countries under the EU Pet Travel Scheme with a valid EU pet passport. To obtain this passport, pets needed to be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and examined by a vet before travel.

Currently, if you’re traveling to the EU or Northern Ireland, you’ll need to follow these updated procedures. While similar to the previous requirements, you will now need an animal health certificate (AHC) in place of the pet passport.

• You must have your dog, cat or ferret microchipped.
• You must vaccinate your dog, cat or ferret against rabies – your pet must be at least 12 weeks old before it can be vaccinated and you must wait 21 days after the primary vaccination before travel.
• You must visit your vet to get an AHC for your pet no more than 10 days before travel.
• In addition, if travelling to Finland, Malta, Northern Ireland, Norway or Republic of Ireland with a dog, you need to ensure it’s received treatment for tapeworm one to five days before arrival in these countries. This needs to be recorded on the pet’s AHC.

As long as your pet’s rabies vaccinations remain current, you won’t need to repeat the vaccinations for future travels to the EU or Northern Ireland, except for the tapeworm treatments required for dogs visiting the specified countries. However, you will need to see your vet to obtain a new Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for each trip.

More details can be found on the Gov.uk website.

Q – Are kennel or cattery fees included?

A – More insurance providers are now offering coverage for kennel and cattery expenses, with coverage amounts varying between £250 and £2,000. This can be especially useful if you face an emergency situation or need to be hospitalized and there’s no one else to care for your pet.

Certain policies also offer the option of including dog-walking coverage, should you be unable to walk your dog due to injury or illness.

Typically, coverage kicks in if your hospital stay extends beyond four consecutive days, although some policies may have more flexible terms.

Q – Am I covered if my pet damages my home?

A – Dealing with pets damaging your belongings is an unavoidable reality. While cats often leave their mark on furniture and dogs can be just as destructive, chewing on everything from carpets to shoes, finding an insurance policy that covers these issues can be challenging.

For example, Saga’s ‘Super Cover’ pet insurance policy includes coverage for “accidental damage caused by your pet to personal property owned by you or your family.” However, it excludes “damage caused by biting, chewing, scratching, fouling, urinating, or vomiting,” meaning many common pet-related damages won’t be covered.

On the bright side, you might already have accidental damage coverage through your home contents insurance. It’s worth giving your insurance provider a call to confirm your coverage.

Q – What if my pet has a life-threatening accident or illness?

A – Increasing numbers of insurance providers are willing to cover the cost of euthanizing your pet if a severe accident or critical illness makes this the most compassionate choice. Additionally, some insurers may also reimburse for cremation or burial costs, though this is typically subject to certain limits, with the more generous policies using the current market rate for your pet.

Q – At what point is pet insurance not worth it?

A – Given the numerous variables and the personalized nature of premiums for pets and their owners, it’s challenging to pinpoint a specific age or cost where insurance is definitively deemed ‘not worth it.’

The decision largely depends on your expectations for your pet’s health and, importantly, the amount you are prepared to spend. As pets age and become more prone to illnesses and injuries, insurance premiums tend to rise significantly. Consequently, you might find yourself covering a substantial portion of veterinary expenses out-of-pocket, and some insurers may even refuse to provide coverage for pets beyond a certain age.

Q – Can you downgrade pet insurance?

A – Yes. You can downgrade your pet insurance if you find that you no longer need the high-level coverage or if you wish to reduce your expenses. However, be aware that reducing your coverage to cut costs might lead to significant out-of-pocket expenses for a vet visit in the future. Additionally, if you decide to adjust your coverage during an active policy, you might incur a fee for making the change.

Q – What do I do if the insurer goes bust?

A – Pet insurance functions similarly to other types of insurance such as home, car, travel, or life insurance. If an insurance provider fails, the Government-backed Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) steps in to provide protection.

Here are the two primary ways it safeguards you:

• If you need to claim from a bust insurer

The primary goal of the FSCS is to ensure ‘continuity’. In the event that your insurer fails, it will seek out an alternative provider to assume your policy or offer a replacement policy.

Should you have any active claims or need to file a claim before a new insurer is appointed, the FSCS will cover these expenses.

• If it goes bust and you paid upfront

If you’ve purchased a year’s worth of coverage but the insurer collapses within a few months, you would be at a disadvantage.

To safeguard your interests, if the FSCS is unable to transfer your policy to a different provider, you will be granted a window to secure new insurance. Additionally, any payments you’ve made will be reimbursed as compensation through the FSCS.

The limits of the compensation depend on whether the policy is compulsory or not.

For mandatory policies like third-party car insurance, which is legally required, you receive full compensation with 100% of your premium refunded.

In contrast, for optional policies including pet, home, travel, life, and PPI insurance, you are reimbursed for 90% of the amount you paid. Therefore, in the worst-case scenario, you might lose up to 10% of the amount paid, though it’s more common for you to be transferred to a different insurer.