10 Best Pet Insurance Providers in the UK (Lifetime Cover Plans) - Updated for Dec 2025
When it comes to protecting your furry friend, lifetime pet insurance is widely recommended as the most comprehensive option. Unlike time-limited or per-condition policies, lifetime plans cover ongoing illnesses or injuries for the life of your pet (as long as you renew each year).
When it comes to protecting your furry friend, lifetime pet insurance is widely recommended as the most comprehensive option. Unlike time-limited or per-condition policies, lifetime plans cover ongoing illnesses or injuries for the life of your pet (as long as you renew each year). This is crucial because some ailments – like diabetes or arthritis – require treatment year after year. In fact, common claims such as arthritis in dogs (around £2,000 per case) or diabetes in cats (about £1,000) can recur and advanced surgeries (e.g. spinal surgery) can exceed £8,000. With vet fees rising, a good lifetime policy spares you from having to worry about costs if your pet develops a chronic condition.
Below we’ve ranked the 10 best UK pet insurance providers – with a focus on those offering excellent lifetime cover. We evaluated their coverage limits, features, customer reviews, and value for money. Most of these insurers offer robust lifetime plans (some exclusively so), meaning your pet’s conditions can be covered year after year. We’ve also noted approximate pricing (for a healthy young dog) and key pros and cons for each provider. Let’s dive in!
The best pet insurance providers in the UK for lifetime cover are:
Things have changed in the second half of 2025, and will continue to do so nearer the end of the year.
Vet treatment costs in the UK have increased sharply in recent years. According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), the average pet insurance premium is now around £389/year, and claims have recently reached record levels after climbing 32% compared with 2022.
Policies on average have become more expensive: lifetime policy premiums have increased by ~1% since March 2024.
The UK veterinary services sector is under review by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which is proposing reforms aimed at increasing price transparency on veterinary treatments and medicines, a change that could benefit pet owners and insurers alike.
With higher vet bills, a serious illness or accident could cost well above typical premiums. That makes choosing a good insurance policy more important than ever.
With all that in mind, we’ve changed our top list!
1. Agria Pet Insurance – Top Pick for Lifetime Cover
Agria is the world’s oldest pet insurer, founded in 1890, and a relative newcomer to the UK (since 2009) that has quickly earned an excellent reputation. Notably, Agria only offers lifetime policies, believing it’s the “most sensible choice for most people”. This focus on lifetime cover means any new illness or injury your pet develops can be covered year after year, with high annual vet fee limits. In fact, Agria boasts some of the highest vet fee limits in the market (often up to £12,500 or more). Agria is also trusted by professionals, reflecting its strong standing in the pet community.
Agria’s lifetime plans are flexible: you can tailor your coverage and excess to suit your needs. All policyholders get free 24/7 access to a vet helpline for any pet health concerns which adds peace of mind. Another unique perk – if you’ve adopted a pet from a participating rescue centre, Agria provides 5 weeks of free insurance to get you started. Agria covers dogs, cats, rabbits, and even horses under separate policies. Its commitment to pet welfare is evident not only in its insurance but also in charitable work (Agria supports rescues and even underwrites the Kennel Club’s insurance).
Approx. Pricing of Agria:
Agria’s premiums are mid-to-high range given the extensive coverage. For example, a lifetime policy for a young medium-sized dog might be in the ballpark of £25–£40 per month (approximately £300–£480 a year), depending on the cover level and excess. This is around the UK average for dog insurance, and while not the cheapest, Agria’s cover quality and claim reputation justify the cost for many.
Pros:
High vet fee limits (up to ~£12k+ per year) and coverage for ongoing conditions
Which? Best Buy 2025.
24/7 vet helpline for customers; 5 weeks free cover for rescue pets.
Cons:
Tends to be a bit pricier than some newer insurers (you pay for the high cover and service quality).
Only offers lifetime cover – which is ideal for most, but those seeking a very basic accident-only plan won’t find it here.
Like most providers, senior pets may incur a co-payment on claims (common once a pet is 8-10+ years old).
2. Petplan – Most Established & Reliable
Petplan is arguably the UK’s best-known pet insurer, with 40+ years in the industry and a strong reputation for paying claims. It’s a household name that many vets trust – Petplan even partners with numerous veterinary practices to offer direct billing (so the vet can be paid directly by Petplan). Their lifetime policies (marketed as “Covered For Life”) are extremely comprehensive, with no per-condition limit and no lifetime limit on payouts. This means if you opt for their highest tier plan, your pet is covered for illnesses/injuries up to the annual limit (e.g. £12,000) each year, and that limit fully reinstates on renewal. Petplan covers 90% of claims within 5 days, demonstrating excellent claims service, and they don’t pressure you with short claim submission windows. They insure dogs, cats, rabbits, and even exotic pets and horses, all underwritten by Allianz – a large global insurer (indicative of financial stability).
Petplan’s top lifetime plan offers £12,000 vet fees per year (with options for lower limits like £4,000 or £7,000 on cheaper plans). Notably, Petplan will consider covering some pre-existing conditions in certain circumstances (for example, if your pet has been symptom-free for a period), though generally pre-existing issues are excluded as with most insurers. They do cover hereditary and congenital conditions as standard, as well as dental treatment for illness provided your pet has annual dental check-ups (an important detail for coverage). Petplan also stands out for not increasing premiums due to claims – instead, pet age and overall veterinary inflation drive price changes.
Approx. Pricing of Petplan:
Petplan is known to be a premium-priced insurer. A comprehensive lifetime policy can cost roughly £40–£60+ per month for a dog (often around double some newer competitors. For instance, we’ve heard from a pet owner who was quoted £54/mo for Petplan’s £12k cover vs ~£32/mo from another provider for £15k cover. While Petplan’s premiums are higher, many owners stick with them for the reliability and hassle-free claims. If budget is a concern, their lower-tier plans or higher excess options can reduce the cost.
Pros:
40+ years experience and very high claim payout rate (reportedly ~90% of claims paid within a week)
No lifetime cap or per-condition cap on vet fees; coverage resets in full each year on lifetime plans.
Many vets work directly with Petplan for claims, making the process easier; covers a broad range of pets (incl. exotics).
Cons:
Tends to be one of the most expensive providers – often above £500/year for dogs, especially as they age. Expect premium hikes as pets get older.
Like most insurance, Petplan doesn’t cover routine treatments (vaccinations, neutering) and its dental cover has conditions (must do annual check-ups).
For senior pets, Petplan adds a 20% copayment on claims (in addition to a fixed excess), which is a common industry practice but still a cost to note.
3. ManyPets – Comprehensive Cover & Pre-existing Conditions
ManyPets (formerly “Bought By Many”) has rapidly become one of the UK’s most popular pet insurers thanks to its flexible plans and customer-first approach. It offers a range of lifetime cover options to suit different budgets: from a basic £3k-£4k per year Value plan, up to a Complete plan with £15,000 annual cover. All plans are lifetime (coverage resets annually), and even the cheapest includes illnesses and accidents for life. ManyPets is also one of the few insurers that will cover pre-existing conditions – their unique “Pre-existing” policy provides £1,500 cover for existing conditions (with some waiting periods) and £7,000 for new conditions. This makes ManyPets a go-to for owners whose pets have a medical history that other insurers might exclude.
Standout features include free 24/7 video vet consultations for policyholders and even a year of free pet sitting membership (ManyPets has offered TrustedHousesitters membership as a perk). The Complete plan is one of the few on the market that covers dental illnesses (not just accidents) as standard – a big plus given dental issues can cost hundreds of pounds to treat.
ManyPets is underwritten by Great Lakes (Munich Re), and notably has no upper age limit for new policies (so you can insure older pets).
Approx. Pricing of ManyPets:
ManyPets is generally affordable for the level of cover provided. For a young dog, the mid-tier lifetime plans might cost around £20–£30 per month, and even the top £15k Complete plan can be in the £30–£40/month range – often significantly cheaper than Petplan for similar cover. ManyPets also offers a multi-pet discount (up to 15%) if you insure more than one pet. Keep in mind premiums do rise as your pet ages (and a 20% copay is added for pets over 9). Overall, ManyPets tends to be cheaper-than-average for lifetime insurance, making it great value for the breadth of coverage.
Pros:
Choice of vet fee limits (£3k to £15k) and even a pre-existing conditions option. All plans cover illnesses & accidents for life.
Often lower cost than legacy insurers for similar cover; Defaqto 5★ and Moneyfacts 2024 award winner.
24/7 video vet helpline included; dental illness covered on highest plan; no fees for policy changes; multi-pet discounts.
Cons:
Rapid growth led to some reports of slower claim payouts in busy periods (ManyPets is hiring more staff to improve this).
Premiums do go up with pet age (like all insurers); some customers feel costs became high for senior pets. Transparency about why costs rise could be better.
While service is generally good, a few customers noted needing more proactive updates on complex claims. Overall satisfaction remains high, but there’s room to streamline customer service response times.
4. Animal Friends – High Cover Limits & Charitable Mission
Animal Friends is a well-known UK pet insurer that combines competitive coverage with a charitable twist. Founded in 1998, their mission was to offer pet insurance that helps raise funds for animal charities – and to date they’ve donated over £7 million to 650+ charities worldwide. But Animal Friends isn’t just about good causes; it also offers robust lifetime cover options. Notably, AF recently launched a Lifetime policy with up to £18,000 vet fees per year, the highest annual cover available from any UK insurer.
This is ideal for owners seeking maximum financial protection (for instance, if you have multiple pets or breeds prone to very costly conditions). More common Lifetime plans come with lower limits (e.g. £1k, £4k, £7.5k, £12k, etc.), so you can choose based on budget. All Animal Friends lifetime policies cover illnesses and injuries year after year, as long as you renew. They also include some useful extras: customers get free unlimited vet video consultations 24/7 via the Joii app – a handy feature for quick advice or if you’re unsure about a trip to the vet. Animal Friends covers alternative therapies, behavioral conditions, and even offers optional travel cover. Their claims process is fully online and they’ve insured over 1 million pets in the UK, showing they’re trusted by many.
In terms of customer feedback, AF often attracts pet owners because of its affordable pricing, but some reviews note that premiums can rise after claims or as pets age. It’s also worth noting that dental illness is not covered as standard (only dental accidents, unless you add extra cover), which is something to be aware of when comparing policies – routine dental care or disease might be out-of-pocket (which, as a reminder, could run £200–£500+ in treatment costs).
Approx. Pricing of Animal Friends:
Animal Friends is generally considered a budget-friendly option for lifetime cover. For many dogs, their policies start at around £10–£20 per month for modest cover levels, with higher-tier £12k–£18k cover plans costing more (possibly £25–£35+ per month depending on breed/age). They often run promotions for new customers as well. There is no multi-pet discount (unlike some competitors), but even so, insuring multiple pets with AF can turn out cheaper than one policy with a pricier insurer. Keep in mind the trade-off: you get great cover limits for the price, but the policy excess and fine print (like sub-limits on certain treatments) should be read carefully so you know what’s included.
Pros:
Up to £18,000 vet fees/year on Lifetime plans – highest in UK (great for peace of mind with expensive conditions).
Tends to offer lower prices than many rivals for similar vet cover (especially for younger pets or lower-tier plans).
A portion of your premium helps animal charities; nice bonus for socially conscious pet owners. Also includes 24/7 online vet advice free.
Cons:
Reports of premiums increasing significantly as pets age or after large claims (common in the industry, but some cite AF’s hikes as steep).
Only covers dental treatment from accidents by default, not disease (unless you purchase add-on cover). Routine care not covered (standard across insurers).
While many are happy, some customers desire a more personal touch – Animal Friends is quite digital-focused, which tech-savvy users like, but those preferring phone support may find it less hands-on.
5. Waggel – Digital-First Convenience (Lifetime Only)
Waggel is a newer pet insurance brand (launched in 2018) that does things differently – it offers just one simple lifetime policy (for dogs and cats) that you can customize online. Waggel’s philosophy is to make insurance easy and engaging, especially for younger, tech-savvy pet owners. The quote process is refreshingly quick: you adjust two main sliders – your annual vet fee limit (£1,000 up to £10,000) and your excess – and you instantly see your monthly premium. This transparency lets you find a balance between what coverage you want and what you can afford.
All Waggel policies are lifetime, so your chosen vet fee limit renews each year for ongoing conditions. Another perk: Waggel has no upper age limit for joining and no exclusion for any breed (they even cover breeds some insurers deem “dangerous”, though note that certain banned breeds cannot be insured by law). However, a sentiment analysis study found that Waggel might not be the best option for owners of breeds with high liability concerns (like certain power breeds), as the company could communicate those limitations better.
Waggel stands out for its member benefits. Customers get access to perks like free video consultations with vets, discounts on pet services (grooming, training apps, etc.), and even a unique rewards program – you earn points for things like healthy habits (e.g., walking your dog) which can be redeemed for rewards. In terms of claims, everything is managed via an online dashboard; Waggel keeps you updated on claim progress in real-time, which many find helpful. Reviews often praise Waggel’s friendly customer service and community feel. They reportedly had fewer complaints in reviews compared to many competitors, indicating a generally positive customer sentiment. Underwriting is by Red Sands (a reputable insurer that also backs several other pet insurance brands).
Approx. Pricing of Waggel:
Waggel’s pricing can vary widely since you choose the cover level. For a young dog on a mid-range £6,000 vet fee cover with a moderate excess, you might pay around £20–£25 a month. If you opt for the max £10,000 cover and low or zero excess, it could be £40+/month. Conversely, a smaller cover like £2,000 with a higher excess might be under £15. Waggel is competitive for many breeds – often on par with or cheaper than big insurers for similar cover, though not always the very cheapest. It’s worth getting a personalized quote. Importantly, Waggel does not charge a fixed excess per condition; instead it uses a co-insurance model (typically you pay a 10% portion of each claim, after a small fixed amount). This can actually benefit those with fewer claims, but if your pet has a very expensive treatment, you’ll pay 10% of that bill. Consider your risk comfort when choosing the excess structure.
Pros:
One straightforward lifetime policy – you pick coverage up to £10k/year and your preferred excess. No confusing tiers or time-limited options.
Smooth digital experience (online dashboard/app), 24/7 vet chats, and reward partnerships for pet services. High customer sentiment for claims transparency.
Happy to cover older pets (for a price) and all dog breeds legally allowed. Multi-pet capable (each pet its own policy, but managed together).
Cons:
Everything is done online or via chat/email. If you prefer phone support for claims, Waggel’s fully digital approach might frustrate you.
Every claim has a percentage co-pay. This can mean higher out-of-pocket costs on large vet bills (e.g. you pay 10% of a £5,000 surgery = £500). There’s no option for a traditional fixed excess only.
Waggel’s policy is comprehensive but doesn’t offer add-on modules (like travel or loss/theft cover) – it includes many things standard (travel, third-party liability, death cover, etc. are inbuilt), but if you’re looking for very specific cover extensions, you might find less flexibility than some insurers that offer optional add-ons.
6. Petsure – Best for Older Pets & Flexible No-Excess Cover
Approx. Pricing: Petsure’s premiums can range widely because of the level of customization. For a middle-aged dog with moderate cover (£5k/year vet fees, £99 excess), you might pay around £25–£30 a month. If your pet is older (say 10 years old) or you opt for a £0 excess and the full £15k cover, the cost could climb to £50+/month. Essentially, Petsure can be as affordable or as pricey as you design it: a low cover, high excess plan might beat competitors on price, whereas maxing everything out for an old pet will be expensive (but potentially the only way to get that level of cover for a senior animal). There’s no multi-pet discount explicitly, but you do get the convenience of one policy for up to 8 pets. Considering Petsure’s niche (older/pre-existing cover), many customers find the price worth it to insure pets that others decline.
Pros:
No age limit for new policies and will consider hundreds of pre-existing conditions – a lifesaver for pets with health history.
Choose up to £15k cover, and even £0 excess option. Tailor optional add-ons (dental illness, travel, etc.) as needed.
Free video vet consultations included; comprehensive standard cover (behavioral, complementary treatments, third-party liability for dogs, etc.). Industry-recognized (multiple awards, 5-star rated).
Cons:
If you need maximum cover for an older pet with issues, be prepared for a high premium. Petsure’s flexibility isn’t cheap at the top end (the “no excess” feature, for example, can significantly raise costs).
You must add it as an extra if you want coverage for dental diseases (their base policy covers dental accidents only). Adding all the extras can push the price up.
Petsure’s quoting is online; while they do have phone support, some traditionalists might find the process less familiar than old-school insurers. That said, their interface is user-friendly – just something to consider if you prefer a broker or in-person help.
7. The Kennel Club Pet Insurance – Lifetime Cover for Dogs Only
Approx. Pricing: Kennel Club’s lifetime cover costs are roughly in line with Agria’s (since it’s the same underwriter). Expect around £25–£45 per month for a typical dog on their top £15k plan, depending on breed and age. Puppies may start on the lower end, while older dogs or higher-risk breeds (like those prone to costly conditions) could be on the higher end. There’s sometimes a small discount for Kennel Club members or those who registered their puppy’s pedigree. While not the cheapest, the pricing reflects the high cover and specialized service – and many find it worthwhile for the added confidence of a policy designed “by dog people, for dog people.”
Pros:
Only insures dogs, so policies are tailored to canine health needs (including hereditary conditions, breeding risks, etc.). Top plan offers £15k/year vet cover.
£25 annual vet check/vaccination voucher; covers working dogs and breeding (with appropriate plans) – things some generic insurers might not cover.
Underwritten by Agria, meaning excellent claims service and a strong commitment to lifetime coverage. High customer satisfaction and Which? Best Buy backing through Agria.
Cons:
No cover for cats or other pets. Multi-pet households with cats will need a separate insurer for the felines (so no multi-pet discount here).
Premiums can be steep for breeds prone to expensive health issues (e.g., bulldogs, large breeds) due to the comprehensive nature of cover.
All plans are lifetime (which is generally a plus) and oriented toward comprehensive cover – if someone is looking for a very basic or cheap plan (accident-only or time-limited), those aren’t offered by Kennel Club.
8. Direct Line Pet Insurance – Great for Multi-Policy Households
Direct Line is a well-known UK insurer offering two main types of pet cover: Essential, their time-limited per-condition policy, and Advanced, which provides up to £8,000 of vet-fee cover per condition with no strict time limit. They don’t offer traditional lifetime cover, but their Advanced plan is strong enough for many owners who want good per-condition protection at a lower cost than lifetime insurers. Direct Line also includes 24/7 online vet support and offers extras such as third-party liability and holiday cancellation cover.
Pricing tends to sit in the lower-to-mid range, partly because the policies aren’t lifetime-based. With the UK’s average dog insurance premium at around £389 per year, younger or lower-risk pets can often get Direct Line cover for £10–£25 per month, depending on breed and excess. While the value is good, especially for straightforward needs, owners of pets with chronic or lifelong conditions may find that the lack of lifetime cover becomes limiting over time.
Pros:
Up to £8,000 per-condition vet-fee cover
Usually cheaper than lifetime insurers
Includes 24/7 vet helpline
Good for straightforward, short-term conditions
Cons:
No lifetime cover
Not ideal for chronic or recurring health issues
Essential plan is time-limited per condition
9. Purely Pets – Specialist Pet Cover
Purely Pets specialises in lifetime pet insurance and offers an impressive 15 cover levels, ranging from lower-tier policies (£1,000–£5,000 annual limits) to higher-tier Silver and Gold plans with up to £15,000 in yearly vet-fee cover. This flexibility makes it easy to tailor a policy to your pet’s needs and your budget. Their policies are straightforward, allow multiple excess choices, and often include access to a 24/7 vet helpline.
In terms of pricing, Purely Pets is often competitive for younger dogs, especially on mid-range lifetime plans. With the average UK pet insurance premium around £389/year, their mid-tier lifetime cover usually falls between £350–£500 per year, depending on your pet’s breed, age and postcode. Higher-tier policies do cost more, and like many lifetime insurers, renewal premiums can increase, particularly after claims.
Pros:
Wide range of lifetime cover levels
Generous higher-tier vet-fee limits
Strong pricing for younger pets
24/7 vet helpline available
Cons:
Renewal premiums can rise
Lower tiers may not give enough protection
Older pets may be more expensive
10. Napo Pet Insurance – All-in-One Cover with Dental & Wellness
Approx. Pricing: Napo’s pricing is mid-to-high given the extensive cover. For a young dog, policies might start around £20/month for a lower vet fee option (e.g. £4k or £8k per year), and go up to £35–£45/month for the full £16k cover with a low excess. It’s generally comparable to ManyPets on cost, sometimes slightly more due to the added services (but also frequently cheaper than Petplan). Napo aims not to be a “cheap policy that doesn’t cover what matters”; they position themselves as premium but still affordable. Some customers have reported that Napo was half the price of Petplan for equivalent cover, which is plausible. If you highly value dental cover and the training resources, Napo’s price becomes quite reasonable since you’d otherwise pay separately for those services. As always, make sure to compare quotes, but Napo often presents a fair deal for the breadth of cover you receive.
Pros:
Up to £16k/year lifetime cover, dental illness included, plus coverage of everything from alternative therapies to lost pet advertising. Few policies are this all-encompassing.
24/7 vet & behaviourist helpline at no extra cost; Napo’s Puppy Academy and training resources support your pet’s well-being beyond just insurance – a unique value-add.
Napo will cover conditions that have been symptom-free/treated in the past 2+ years (similar stance to ManyPets), so some pets with prior issues can get coverage. Also offers multi-pet discount.
Cons:
Still relatively new, so doesn’t have decades of track record. A small number of early customers reported dissatisfaction (e.g. claims taking longer during initial rollout). Napo is improving, but it’s not as time-tested as older insurers yet.
While not the most expensive, Napo isn’t a bargain provider. You pay for what you get – which is a lot – but budget shoppers might find cheaper basic policies elsewhere (albeit with less coverage).
Napo doesn’t cover every scenario – for instance, like most, it won’t cover certain brachycephalic (snub-nose) breed issues by default unless added, and once your pet hits a certain senior age, expect a mandatory 20% co-pay on claims. These are standard caveats, but worth noting Napo follows them too.
Remember that the “best” pet insurer can depend on your pet’s needs: for example, if you have an older dog with pre-existing conditions, Petsure (#7) might be your top choice; for unlimited cover and a stellar payout record, Petplan (#2) is a go-to; if you want cutting-edge perks and dental included, Napo (#10) is very compelling.
In choosing from these, consider factors like vet fee limits, customer reviews (we cited sources like Which? and Trustpilot sentiments), what’s covered or excluded (dental, pre-existing, etc.), and of course the cost. On average, dog insurance in the UK costs ~£300–£500 per year (cats around £150–£300), but it can be higher for certain breeds or if you opt for top-tier cover. All the insurers here have strong reputations and ratings, so it’s hard to go wrong – it’s more about which one aligns with your budget and preferences.
Finally, make sure to read each policy’s details before buying. Even the best insurance has limitations (for instance, none will cover routine vaccinations or spay/neuter by default, and almost none cover new pre-existing conditions). Use the above as a guide, then get quotes from your favorites to compare. With a lifetime policy from any of these top providers, you’ll be giving your beloved pet the protection they deserve for years to come. 🐾
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Lifetime pet insurance is a policy that provides a set amount of vet fee cover each year, and that amount fully renews annually for the life of your pet. This means if your pet develops a chronic condition (like arthritis, diabetes, or allergies), a lifetime policy will continue to pay for treatment year after year, as long as you keep renewing. In contrast, time-limited policies stop covering a condition after 12 months, and max benefit policies have a maximum payout per condition (once that’s reached, it’s excluded). Lifetime cover is considered the gold standard because pets, like us, can have ongoing health issues.
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The cost of pet insurance varies based on species, breed, age, your postcode, and the coverage level. On average, dog insurance in the UK ranges from £300 to £500 per year (about £25–£40 per month) for a middle-aged dog on a lifetime policy.
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Pet insurance (even the best ones) won’t cover everything. Routine and preventative care are generally not covered – this includes vaccinations, spaying/neutering, flea/tick treatments, worming, and regular health check-ups (with rare exceptions like the Kennel Club’s £25 wellness voucher). Pre-existing conditions are usually excluded, meaning if your pet already showed signs of an illness or was diagnosed before you bought the policy, insurance won’t pay for that issue.
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Covering pre-existing conditions is one of the hardest asks in pet insurance, but a few companies do offer it in a limited way. Generally, a pre-existing condition is any injury/illness that your pet had before your policy’s start date (sometimes even things that showed symptoms in the waiting period after you buy). Standard policies won’t pay for those. However, ManyPets has a Pre-existing policy that will cover conditions that haven’t needed treatment in the last 3 months (with up to £1,500 limit on those conditions). Petsure asks about pre-existing issues during quote and if they’re mild or long past, they might include them (for example, a past healed injury might be covered, or a condition that’s been stable for 2+ years). Agria/Petplan and others might not explicitly cover existing conditions, but if your pet has been clear of that condition for a certain number of years, they may consider it new again. Always disclose your pet’s medical history accurately; insurers will exclude known issues up front, but that’s better than finding out at claim time something isn’t covered.
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Dental coverage is a common point of confusion. Nearly all pet insurance policies will cover dental injury or accident-related treatment. For example, if your dog cracks a tooth in an accident, or your cat knocks out a fang, the cost to fix that (extraction, repair, meds) is covered. However, dental illness (like periodontal disease, tooth decay, gingivitis) is often excluded unless specified. Insurers exclude it because dental disease is very common and often preventable with home care – they expect owners to manage routine dental health. That said, some of the best policies do include dental illness: ManyPets Complete covers it, Napo covers it as standard, and Petsure offers an optional add-on for dental illness. Petplan will cover dental illness if you’ve been doing annual vet dental checks and vet recommends the treatment – essentially they require proof you’ve cared for the teeth and the issue wasn’t due to neglect.
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This is a common question. Pet insurance is an expense, and if your pet stays healthy, you might feel like you “wasted” money on premiums. However, it’s about risk management. Consider that the average pet insurance claim in the UK is around £800 and some can run into the thousands. For example, cruciate ligament surgery in a dog can cost £4,000, cancer treatments can exceed £5,000, and even something like a swallowed object (common in puppies) can cost £1,500+ with surgery.
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You can switch pet insurance companies, but do so with caution. When you move to a new insurer, anything that was treated or showed symptoms under the old policy will be considered a pre-existing condition by the new insurer and likely excluded.