How to compare pet insurance

Step 1: Choose the right cover type first

Before comparing prices, decide which cover type suits your pet. Accident-only is cheapest but covers very little. Lifetime is most comprehensive. For a full explanation, see our guide on pet insurance cover types.

Step 2: Compare vet-fee limits

Within your chosen cover type, compare the vet-fee limit. For lifetime cover, this is the amount that renews each year. A limit of £4,000 per year provides significantly less protection than £12,000 per year for a pet with an expensive chronic condition. The right limit depends on your pet, its breed, and what you are prepared to pay.

Step 3: Understand the excess structure

Check whether excess is charged per claim, per condition, or per policy year. For pets with recurring conditions, per-condition or per-policy-year excess is generally more cost-effective. Use our pet excess calculator to model the difference.

Step 4: Check for co-payments and age limits

Some policies introduce co-payments when your pet reaches a certain age. A policy that looks cheap at year one may become more expensive in practice as your pet ages. Check the co-payment structure and any age-related changes before buying.

Step 5: Read the exclusions

Common exclusions include pre-existing conditions, certain hereditary conditions (sometimes breed-specific), dental treatment, preventative care, and elective procedures. Understand what is not covered as well as what is.

Step 6: Consider the insurer's reputation

Check that the insurer is FCA authorised. Look at independent review sites for claims handling experience. A cheap policy that is difficult to claim against is poor value.