Here at Confused.com, we compare 4 types of pet insurance. These each work in slightly different ways:
Accident only
Time limited
Maximum benefit
Lifetime
All pet insurance policies cover treatment costs for accidental injury.
Depending on your policy you could get cover for much more too.
Exactly what is covered can differ from insurer to insurer, so check your policy documents to see what you can claim for.
Common pre-existing conditions:
Diabetes
Airway problems
Joint issues
Most pet insurance policies will not cover pre-existing conditions.
A pre-existing condition is any health condition your pet is diagnosed with before you take out a pet insurance policy.
Any condition you’ve previously claimed for through pet insurance is also classed as a pre-existing condition.
If you have lifetime pet insurance, things are different. Here, a previously claimed-for condition should be covered again when you renew your policy, as long as you remain with the same provider.
Cover for pre-existing conditions will usually still be excluded if you take out a new policy with a new provider.
Learn more about pet insurance for pre-existing conditionsTo give you an idea of what you're likely to pay, here's the average monthly price pet owners pay for their insurance:
| Policy type | Dog | Cat |
|---|---|---|
|
Accident only
|
£7
|
£5
|
|
Time limited
|
£13
|
£8
|
|
Maximum benefit
|
£12
|
£9
|
|
Lifetime
|
£19
|
£12
|
Prices based on Confused.com data taken between 01/06/23 - 31/08/23. Costs shown are based on the average price paid for cover across all ages, breeds and in all locations.
How much you'll pay for your pet insurance is based on:
The type of policy you choose, as policies that cover more tend to cost more.
The amount of cover you want, as the higher the amount of treatment you can claim for, the more you'll typically pay for your policy.
Your pet’s age, breed and species, as older pets, certain breeds, and certain types of pet are more prone to health issues than others.
Whether your pet is neutered or spayed, as this can help prevent things like testicular cancer.
Whether your pet is vaccinated, as this can protect them from certain illnesses, and lower the risk to insure them.
The excess on your policy, as the more you're willing to pay towards the cost of a claim, the cheaper your policy will tend to be.
According to the Association of British Insurers, the average pet insurance claim is £848*.
But this is only an average, and more complicated issues could cost thousands.
Spinal surgery, which is the most common high value claim, costs between £8,000 and £10,000**, for example.
Here at Confused.com, you can select between a cover level of at least £1,000, £2,000, £3,000 or £4,000 - giving you real flexibility over your pet's cover.
*Association of British Insurers study, looking at 1,029,000 pet insurance claims filed in 2021.
**ABI study 2022
Taking out enough cover is important.
But taking out too much cover can be a problem too, as this can leave you with a policy that you can't afford.
To ensure you get the right amount of cover, think about:
This should help you get the right cover amount when the time comes.
Pet insurance usually doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions. Learn more about finding cover for a pet with a pre-existing condition.
Your pet's vaccinations are vital to maintain their health. But if you have a new pet it can be overwhelming to work out what you need. We're here to help.
Whenever your pet requires emergency medical care or ongoing treatment, you should check with your insurer to see if you can make a pet insurance claim.
Dogs thefts are increasing as demands for canine companions rise. Here's how you keep your dog safe.
Many people are unaware of the cost of vet treatments and don't insure their pet - leaving them out of pocket if their pet needs care. Pet insurance can help.
A guide on the options available to you when you're planning your holiday - do you bring your pet with you or keep them at home?
Page last reviewed: 12 October 2023
Reviewed by: Matthew Harwood
cookie usage
We use cookies, some of which are essential to make our website work. For us to use our non-essential cookies, we need your consent. You can consent by accepting all or alternatively, manage your cookies at any time. For more information, read our cookie policy.
