How does pet insurance work?

Vet bills can add up fast – even a short stay or minor surgery can cost hundreds, if not thousands. But with pet insurance in place, you don’t have to choose between your bank balance and your animal’s health.

Depending on the type of policy you choose, it will cover vet bills if your pet gets sick or injured. Some policies also include extras like dental treatment and behavioural therapy.

Pet insurance can be surprisingly complex, with different types of policy available. The terms and conditions can also vary depending on the provider you choose. But the information we’ve put together will help make things clear - and please make sure you compare insurers to find the right fit for you and your pet.

What type of pet insurance is right for you?

There’s a pet insurance plan out there to suit everyone: it all depends on your pet and what’s important to you.

Loading image

Dog Insurance

Cover your dog’s illnesses and accidents, helping with unexpected costs.
Loading image

Cat insurance

Cover your cat for peace of mind about illness and injury.
Loading image

Rabbit Insurance

Protect your bunny and your pocket from unexpected vet costs.
Loading image

Exotic Pet Insurance

Protect less common pets like reptiles or birds against illness and injury.
Loading image

Horse Insurance

Choose the cover you want, for horse, rider and equipment.
Loading image

Multiple Pet Cover

Cover several pets under one policy, often at a discounted rate.

What does pet insurance cover?

This depends on your pet and the type of policy you go for – but here are examples of things that may be covered as standard or optional extras:

Typically covered

  • Vet fees for accidents and illnesses.

  • Surgery, scans and hospital stays.

  • Prescription medications.

  • Complementary/alternative treatments, like physiotherapy, hydrotherapy or acupuncture.

  • Third-party liability in case your pet causes injury or damage to others.

  • Loss of the pet due to going missing or dying.

  • Advertising and reward costs to help you find lost or stolen pets.

  • The cost of your holiday if you need to cancel it because your pet needs emergency lifesaving treatment near to your holiday beginning.

What isn’t covered?

  • Pre-existing conditions: Most policies won’t cover illnesses your pet had before you took out insurance.

  • Routine care: Vaccinations, worming, flea treatments and regular check-ups are usually not included.

  • Pregnancy and birth: Complications or costs related to pregnancy are often excluded.

  • Waiting period: Some policies have a short wait before cover starts (e.g. 14 or 30 days).

  • Insurer-specific exclusions: Insurers and individual policies may have their own exclusions, such as limits on how much they will pay per condition.

When it comes to dental cover, insurers differ in terms of whether they include it, and if so to what extent. See our guide to pet insurance with dental cover for more details.

Always check the small print so you know exactly what’s included – and what’s not – before you buy.

How much does pet insurance cost?

The cost of pet insurance can vary a lot – it all depends on your pet and the type of policy you choose. Some of the key factors that affect the price include:

  • Policy limits: More generous cover limits will cost more.

  • Excess: A higher excess (the amount you pay towards a claim) usually means lower premiums.

  • The type and breed of your pet: Some pets are more prone to health problems, which can increase premiums.

  • Age: Older pets usually cost more to insure (and some insurers may decline to accept pets over a certain age).

  • Where you live: Vet costs vary by location, which can impact pricing. For example, because vets in towns and cities typically charge more than those in rural areas this may be reflected in the policy premium.

  • Type of cover: The four main types of pet insurance (lifetime, accident-only, time-limited and maximum benefit) differ - so make sure you choose the right type for your needs and your budget. Lifetime is typically the most comprehensive, and therefore the most expensive. See our guide for more info: What are the four types of pet insurance?

The best way to find out how much cover would cost for you is to compare quotes from leading pet insurance companies. That way, you can weigh up what’s included and make sure you’re getting good value.

Latest guides

You might also be interested in

Page updated on 17th September 2025, Reviewed by Richard Groom