How does multi-pet insurance work?

Looking after more than one furry friend? Multi-pet insurance makes life easier and cheaper for owners with two or more pets. Instead of juggling separate policies, you manage everything under one plan, with cover tailored to each pet.

Many insurers offer a discount when you bundle pets together, which can be a real help as we all know that the costs of pet ownership can add up. So whether you’ve got a pair of cats, a dog and a rabbit, or more exotic pets, a multi-pet policy helps keep costs down without compromising on care.

It’s also a time-saver. With one renewal date, less admin and a single point of contact, managing your pets' insurance gets a whole lot simpler. Peace of mind for you, and protection for all your pets in one place.

Why choose pet insurance for your pet?

Looking after your pet is always a serious financial commitment - but the day-to-day costs can be eclipsed by vet bills should something go wrong. Whether it’s a fairly routine illness, or a more serious illness or injury, the costs of investigations and treatment can quickly add up.

As an example, Animal Trust vets charge £1,779-£2,019 for a fracture repair, £1,019 for an endoscopy and £719 for a thyroidectomy. And because Animal Trust focuses on affordable care, prices at other vets could be even higher.

This is why so many owners make sure they have pet insurance in place. It makes it easier to say "yes" to the best treatment available.

So, depending on the type of policy you choose, and the treatment covered, you can see that pet insurance gives you peace of mind. And by choosing multi-pet insurance, you can simplify the admin and reduce costs compared to taking out separate policies.

What does multi-pet insurance cover?

What's covered

This depends on the type of policy you go for – but in general, multi-pet insurance policies may include these as standard or as optional extras:

  • 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 pets cause 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?

While pet insurance can help you manage the cost of care, there are still some common exclusions to be aware of:

  • Pre-existing conditions: Most policies won’t cover illnesses your pets 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 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 multi-pet insurance cost?

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

  • Multi-pet discount: Different insurers offer different discount levels - compare plans to seek out the best deal.

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

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

  • Your pets: Some types of pet and some breeds 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) will 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.

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

How to keep costs down

Want to protect your pets without breaking the bank? Here are a few ways to keep your premiums manageable:

  • Insure early: Taking out a policy when your pet is young and healthy can lock in lower premiums.

  • Compare cover types: Accident-only cover is cheaper but limited. Lifetime is the most comprehensive, but the most expensive. Maximum benefit or time-limited might offer a good middle ground.

  • Consider higher excess: Choosing a higher excess can reduce your monthly cost - just make sure you can afford it if you need to claim.

  • Spaying/neutering: Depending on the insurer, pets including dogs and cats that have been spayed or neutered can sometimes be cheaper to insure.

  • Always shop around: Not all policies are created equal – it pays to compare.

Things to consider

Before you sign up for a multi-pet insurance policy, think about what you really need – and what you’re comfortable paying.

  • Lifetime vs time-limited: Lifetime cover costs more, but it offers ongoing protection for long-term conditions – ideal if you want full, lasting peace of mind.

  • Pre-existing conditions: These are usually excluded, but some insurers may offer cover after a symptom-free period.

  • Claim limits: Different policies have different claim limits – make sure you know what those are before buying.

  • Excess options: Make sure you understand how excess works on policies you are considering. For example, sometimes a policy will have a fixed excess, but as your pets get older you’ll also need to pay a percentage of the treatment on top of the excess.

  • Cost vs benefit: As with most types of insurance, you may end up paying more in premiums than you ever claim for. But if you are unlucky enough to face big vet bills, you’ll be glad you have cover in place.

Pet insurance guides

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Page updated on 12th September 2025, Reviewed by Richard Groom