Cheapest pet insurance in the UK

We all want what’s best for our pet but it doesn’t mean you should pay over the odds for insurance. How much you will have to pay depends on factors such as the age of your pet, its health history and whether you opt for basic or comprehensive cover.

In this guide we offer some tips and tactics for lowering costs and getting discounts on your pet insurance – while still getting the cover you need.

• What's in this guide?

  What's in this guide?

  1. What’s the cheapest type of policy?
  2. When does it make sense to buy the cheapest pet insurance?
  3. What affects the cost of pet insurance?
  4. How can I lower my pet insurance rates?
  5. Frequently asked questions

What’s the cheapest type of policy?

Accident only pet insurance is typically the cheapest type of policy you can get for your furry friend. As the most basic level of cover, it will pay out if your pet is hurt or in an accident. However, your critter won’t be protected if it falls sick.

When does it make sense to buy the cheapest pet insurance?

The most obvious reason you would buy the cheapest pet insurance deal is if it’s the only one you can afford.

However, you might also get the cheapest insurance possible if it suits your pet’s situation. If your cat or dog is still young, then accident only insurance might be a suitable level of cover.

What affects the cost of pet insurance?

There are various factors that insurers use when working out your pet’s insurance premium. These include:

• Age
• Type of pet and breed
• Your address
• The type of policy you choose

How can I lower my pet insurance rates?

There are many ways to lower your insurance premium including:

• Only pay for the cover you need. While you can never predict what will happen in life, if you have a young pet you might not need as much cover for vet fees, for instance.
• Get your pet micro-chipped. While you’re legally required to microchip your dog these days, some insurers will offer you a discount for getting your cat microchipped.
• Try to pay annually. Insurance companies typically charge more to customers who pay monthly, so try paying in an annual lump-sum if possible.
• Stay on top of jabs. Making sure your pet has all the necessary vaccinations will safeguard against illness and having to make a claim. This can lower your insurance costs in the long run.
• Take out insurance when your pet is healthy. Insurance companies won’t cover a pre-existing condition once your pet has fallen ill or been injured. So taking out insurance when your pet is young and healthy could save you from paying for expensive vet bills out of your own pocket down the track.
• Multi-pet policies. Some insurance companies will offer you a discount for insuring multiple pets, so putting all your furry friends on one policy could save you money.
• Turn to a specialist. You might find you have less affordable insurance options if you have an unusual type of pet like a bird, a lizard or a snake. One way to keep costs down is to use an insurance broker.

Frequently asked questions

• Do I have to get pet insurance?

  You’re not legally required to get pet insurance. There are alternative ways you can make sure your pet will be protected.

  You can self-insure, for instance. This means putting money aside and saving up, so you can pay for vet bills when required. You’ll have to be strict with yourself and you’ll need to think carefully about how much you will need to put away each month.

  However, if your pet develops a recurring condition it could cost thousands of pounds. And by this stage, once it has developed a problem, it is very difficult to get insurance.

  Also vital to remember is that you wouldn’t use the money to pay for routine treatments like vaccinations, spaying or neutering, or getting rid of flees.

  You’d want to save the money for anything you would have claimed on an insurance policy for.

• What types of pet insurance are there?

  Each insurer will have its own selection of pet insurance policies and deals. Generally, there are four main types of policy:

  1. Accident only insurance. This will protect your pet if it needs treatment after an accident but won’t cover illness.
  2. Time limited pet insurance. This policy covers illnesses and accidents but only for a limited time.
  3. Maximum benefit pet insurance. This covers accidents and illnesses with no time limit, but there is a financial cap on how much the insurer will pay out for an individual claim.
  4. Lifetime pet insurance. The most comprehensive policy around, this will cover your pet for all injuries and illnesses for the duration of your pet’s life. Each policy will have its limits and exclusions though.