Lifetime pet insurance provides cover for your pet for the whole of their life. You can rest assured with a lifetime policy, as it's the most comprehensive form of pet insurance that you can buy. As long as you renew the policy every year, it will stay in place for as long as you and your pet need it.
With lifetime cover, it's common for there to be annual limits on things like vets fees, but these can vary depending on the insurer.
Lifetime pet insurance will pay out for most of your unforeseen vet bills for your pet's entire life. This offers peace of mind as ongoing conditions are covered along with accidents and illnesses.
The number of pet owners buying insurance has recently risen by 4.5% to 3.7million, according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI). But to benefit from lifetime pet insurance, you need to stay with the same insurer. So it's important to choose the right one.
By taking your time and researching your options it's easy to find an affordable policy that works for you and your pet.
The amount you pay for pet insurance is influenced by several factors including where you live, how old your pet is and what breed they are. If you're looking for lifetime pet insurance for your dog or cat, this is what you can expect to pay:
Average cost of a lifetime pet insurance insurance policy*:
Dog
£21
Cat
£13
Each policy is different and depends on your pet. When you ask for a quote you'll have to give details about both you and your pet.
Insurers will use your details to calculate the risk of you making a claim on your policy. This risk level is then used to work out the price you'll pay for your policy.
As your pet gets older and requires more treatment, the price you pay for insurance may rise. This is because as they get older the risk of them needing vet care, and you making a claim on your pet insurance, rises. According to ABI, pet insurance payouts topped £1 billion in 2022, setting a new record since records began.
You're not locked into a policy just because it's called lifetime pet insurance though. If you're given a renewal quote that seems high, shop around to see what other insurers are offering. But remember, if your pet developed an illness during your existing policy, you'll be covered.
You could find a new policy which is cheaper however, it won't necessarily cover pre-existing conditions. Prior to buying a new policy we recommend you check the policy wording to ensure it meets your needs.
With a lifetime pet insurance policy, you'll usually be covered for:
You may not be covered for:
The type of pet insurance you buy will depend on the cover you want and your budget. If you have three cats, for example, multi-pet insurance could be your best option. But if you just have one dog and you want basic cover, an annual policy may be best.
Cover levels can vary between insurers, so remember to check your policy documents before you buy to make sure you've got the level of cover you need.
There are ways which might help save you money on your lifetime pet insurance policy, you could:
Lifetime pet insurance tends to be the most expensive option, but there are ways to save money.
If lifetime cover isn't the best option for you, there are other types of pet insurance you can choose from including:
Maximum benefit
Time limited
Accident only
"If you want to give your pet the best possible protection against accidents and illnesses, then lifetime cover is worth considering. Nobody wants to be stuck with vets bills that can go into the £1000's, so having the right level of cover in place will give you and your pet peace of mind."
"Any conditions that your pet has at the start of the policy won't be covered, and you'll need a pre-existing conditions policy instead."
Pet insurance usually doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions. Learn more about finding cover for a pet with a pre-existing condition.
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Page last reviewed: 10 October 2023
Reviewed by: Matthew Harwood
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