Accident-only pet insurance

Compare accident-only pet insurance

Our pets are always getting into mischief. Whether that's raiding the food cupboard for extra treats, or chewing on the furniture. But when our pet's troublemaking tendencies result in an accident, you'll want to know you're covered financially.

Accident-only pet insurance is a budget-friendly option that can be a suitable option for young, healthy pets. It gives quick coverage for unexpected accidents, so you can rest easy knowing your wallet - and your furry friends - are happy.

Faith Tagg - Confused.com pet insurance expert
Written by Pet insurance expert 5 min read | Published 05/09/2025
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What is accident-only pet insurance?

Accident-only is a basic type of pet insurance policy that only covers the cost of vet treatment for injuries resulting from accidents.

An unexpected x-ray can set you back hundreds of pounds if your dog or cat breaks a bone. An accident-only policy can give you peace of mind that you'll be covered for accidents.

Unlike more comprehensive policies, accident-only doesn't cover illnesses or diseases, leaving you to pay out for the vet bills.

This type of policy may be suitable for young, healthy pets. Or for owners who just want basic financial protection against unexpected accidents.

What our pet insurance expert says

“Emergency pet insurance, like accident-only cover, can ease the financial stress of sudden vet visits if your pet is injured. Just remember, emergency vet insurance won’t cover illnesses, so it’s vital to know what’s included before you rely on it.”

Faith Tagg - Confused.com pet insurance expert
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What does accident-only pet insurance cover?

Accident-only pet insurance covers the cost of vet treatments after an injury resulting from an accident.

Policies define an accident as a sudden, unforeseen event that results in physical harm.

Here are some typical accidents that this policy will cover:

  • Fractures
  • Cuts
  • Ingestion of foreign objects
  • Burns

Accident-only won't pay out for illnesses or ailments not caused by an accident. This type of cover also won't pay out for any injuries or pre-existing conditions your pet had before the policy started.

Coverage limits and claim caps vary by insurer but often include an annual limit that applies to all accidents within a year. They'll also typically include a per-accident lifetime limit.

All policies require you to pay an excess, which is the initial amount you contribute toward a claim. And some may also require a co-payment, which is a percentage of the remaining costs.

What are the benefits of accident-only pet insurance?

Accident-only pet insurance is a budget friendly option. And can be a good choice for healthy, younger pets who aren't prone to sudden illnesses.

It's also beneficial for owners who can afford to cover potential illness costs, but may struggle to pay vet bills for sudden accidents.

The claims made through accident-only insurance are usually fairly straightforward too.

Policies can cover injuries from various accidents, including fights with other animals, accidental poisoning, and other traumatic incidents.

What are the disadvantages of accident-only pet insurance?

Though it might seem cost-effective, accident-only might not always be worth it.

This type of policy isn't suitable for older cats and older dogs, as they're more likely to need vet treatment for illnesses than younger pets. The same goes if your pet is prone to illness or has pre-existing conditions.

In the long-run it might be better to buy a lifetime pet insurance policy. This covers your furry friend throughout their life, making it the most comprehensive policy available.

Comparing accident-only pet insurance policies

Comparing policies is the best way to get the most suitable cover for your pet. Here's what you'll need to do to get quotes:

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Understand accident-only cover

When looking for the best policy, you'll want to be completely clued up on what an accident-only policy includes. The definition of "accident" and the specific types of treatment covered can vary between providers, so always check the policy wording.

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Check key policy details

You'll want to double check the claim limit. This is the maximum amount the insurer will pay out for any single accident. It's worth comparing this figure across different policies. You should also check the policy limit as some policies have an overall annual cap on what they'll pay out.

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Gather your pet's information

Aside from the cost, your pet is the most important variable. Here's where you'll want to think about your pet's information, and whether the policy is right for them. We'll go into more detail about this below.

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Compare quotes

Comparing quotes with us is quick and simple, and lets you ensure you're getting the best deal. If you have more than one pet, keep your eyes peeled for multi-pet policies, as some insurers offer discounts for insuring them on the same policy.

What details do you need to get a quote?

You'll need to give the following information about your pet to get a quote:

  • Age: Premiums increase with age, as older pets are seen as a higher risk.
  • Breed and type: Some breeds are more prone to certain accidents or are more expensive to insure.
  • Location: The cost of treatment can vary by location, which can affect your premium.
  • Pre-existing conditions: Accident-only policies won't cover pre-existing conditions, but they could affect the overall cost of your premium.

Understanding accident-only pet insurance

Other types of pet insurance

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