Pet insurance is a type of insurance policy designed to help pet owners cover the costs of veterinary care for their pets. Similar to health insurance for humans, pet insurance provides financial protection against unexpected medical expenses resulting from accidents, illnesses, injuries, and sometimes routine wellness care.
What is the best pet insurance in 2024? At a glance
- Best overall – Agria
- Best for reliability – PetPlan
- Best dog insurance – The Kennel Club
- Best for pre-existing conditions – Many Pets
- Best for simplicity – Waggel
How Much is Pet Insurance?
The cost of pet insurance can vary widely depending on several factors, including:
- Type of Coverage: The level of coverage you choose will impact the cost. Basic coverage for accidents and illnesses is typically less expensive than comprehensive coverage that includes additional benefits such as wellness care, dental coverage, and alternative therapies.
- Pet’s Age and Breed: Older pets and certain breeds may be more expensive to insure due to higher risks of health issues or hereditary conditions.
- Location: The cost of pet insurance can vary based on your location and local veterinary costs.
- Deductible and Reimbursement Level: Choosing a higher deductible or lower reimbursement level can lower your monthly premium but may result in higher out-of-pocket costs when filing a claim.
- Pre-Existing Conditions: Pets with pre-existing conditions may not be eligible for coverage or may have higher premiums.
On average, pet insurance premiums can range from $20 to $50 per month for dogs and $10 to $30 per month for cats. However, these are just rough estimates, and actual costs may be higher or lower depending on the factors mentioned above.
It’s essential to carefully review policy details, coverage limits, exclusions, and any additional fees to understand the total cost of pet insurance. Additionally, consider obtaining quotes from multiple insurance providers to compare prices and coverage options before making a decision.
How to choose the right insurance for you
There is no shortcut to doing this: you need to put aside an hour or so to request quotes from three or four different providers. You’ll need to enter in your own details as well as your pet’s and you’ll need to make choices about many of aspects of the cover that you want. You will then be given a personal quote, usually followed up with an email. By the end of this process, you will have three or four price offers, and you can decide which company to follow up on.
There is no such thing as a ‘bad’ policy, provided – and here is a huge caveat – that you are confident that you understand the coverage you are buying. The following companies are among the most popular pet insurance providers in the UK. I’ve ranked them according to their pros and cons. (And if you’ve recently acquired a new pet, you may want to read my guides to the best dog food and the best cat food next.)
List Of Best Pet Insurance Which Can Be Recommended
- Agria
Agria is a well-known provider of pet insurance, particularly in Europe. They offer a range of insurance products tailored to pets, including dogs, cats, and horses. Agria is recognized for its comprehensive coverage, flexible policy options, and focus on providing high-quality care for pets.
Key features of Agria pet insurance may include:
- Accident and Illness Coverage: Agria typically offers coverage for veterinary expenses related to accidents, illnesses, and injuries, including surgeries, medications, and diagnostic tests.
- Lifetime Coverage: Some Agria policies provide lifetime coverage, ensuring that your pet is protected against chronic conditions and ongoing medical needs throughout their life.
- Optional Add-Ons: Agria may offer optional add-ons or riders to customize your policy, such as coverage for routine wellness care, dental treatment, and alternative therapies.
- Direct Payment to Vets: Agria often offers the option for direct payment to veterinarians, so you don’t have to pay out of pocket and then wait for reimbursement.
- 24/7 Helpline: Some Agria policies include access to a 24/7 helpline staffed by veterinary professionals who can provide guidance and support for pet health concerns.
- Online Account Management: Agria may provide online account management tools that allow policyholders to easily manage their policies, submit claims, and track reimbursement status.
- Multiple Pet Discounts: Agria might offer discounts for insuring multiple pets under the same policy, making it more cost-effective for households with multiple pets.
It’s essential to review the specific coverage options, terms, and conditions of Agria pet insurance policies to ensure they meet your pet’s needs and fit within your budget. Additionally, consider reading reviews and testimonials from other pet owners who have experience with Agria insurance to gauge customer satisfaction and overall reputation.
All policy holders have free 24/7 access to the Pet Health Helpline, allowing immediate contact with a qualified veterinary nurse. Agria offer insurance for cats, dogs rabbits and horses.
Petplan
Petplan is a well-established pet insurance provider known for its comprehensive coverage options and customizable plans. Here are some key features and aspects of Petplan pet insurance:
- Coverage Options: Petplan offers a variety of coverage options to suit different needs and budgets. Their plans typically cover accidents, illnesses, and injuries, including diagnostic tests, surgeries, medications, and treatments.
- Customizable Policies: Petplan allows pet owners to customize their policies by selecting coverage limits, deductibles, and reimbursement levels that best fit their preferences and budgetary constraints.
- Lifetime Coverage: Some Petplan policies offer lifetime coverage, ensuring that chronic conditions and ongoing medical needs are covered throughout the pet’s life, provided the policy is maintained.
- Optional Add-Ons: Petplan may offer optional add-ons or riders for additional coverage, such as coverage for routine wellness care, dental treatment, alternative therapies, and behavioral therapies.
- Direct Payment to Vets: Petplan often provides the option for direct payment to veterinarians, allowing policyholders to avoid upfront costs and receive reimbursement quickly.
- 24/7 Customer Support: Petplan typically offers access to 24/7 customer support to assist policyholders with inquiries, claims processing, and any pet health-related concerns.
- Online Account Management: Petplan provides online account management tools that allow policyholders to easily manage their policies, track claims, and access important documents and information.
- Multi-Pet Discounts: Petplan may offer discounts for insuring multiple pets under the same policy, making it more affordable for households with multiple pets.
- Quick Claims Processing: Petplan is known for its efficient claims processing system, with many claims being processed and reimbursed promptly.
Before purchasing a Petplan policy, it’s essential to review the specific coverage details, terms, and conditions to ensure they meet your pet’s needs and your expectations. Additionally, consider reading reviews and testimonials from other pet owners who have experience with Petplan insurance to gauge customer satisfaction and overall reputation.
The Kennel Club
The Kennel Club is a prominent organization dedicated to the promotion of purebred dogs in the United Kingdom. It serves as the primary governing body for canine activities in the UK and is responsible for maintaining breed standards, registering pedigree dogs, organizing dog shows and competitions, and promoting responsible dog ownership.
Here are some key aspects and services provided by The Kennel Club:
- Breed Registration: The Kennel Club registers pedigree dogs, maintaining a comprehensive registry of purebred dogs in the UK. Registration with The Kennel Club ensures that a dog’s pedigree is officially recognized and documented.
- Breed Standards: The Kennel Club establishes and maintains breed standards for various dog breeds, outlining the ideal characteristics and traits for each breed. These standards serve as a benchmark for breeders, judges, and dog enthusiasts.
- Dog Shows and Competitions: The Kennel Club organizes and sanctions a wide range of dog shows, competitions, and events throughout the year. These events showcase the talents, beauty, and diversity of purebred dogs and provide opportunities for breeders, exhibitors, and dog enthusiasts to come together.
- Health Testing and Screening: The Kennel Club promotes responsible breeding practices and encourages health testing and screening for hereditary diseases and conditions prevalent in specific dog breeds. They provide guidance and resources to breeders to help improve the health and welfare of pedigree dogs.
- Education and Training: The Kennel Club offers educational programs, training courses, and resources for dog owners, breeders, judges, and enthusiasts. These programs cover various topics, including dog care, training, behavior, and responsible breeding practices.
- Rescue and Rehoming: The Kennel Club supports and collaborates with rescue organizations and charities dedicated to the welfare and rehoming of dogs in need. They provide assistance, funding, and resources to help address issues related to dog welfare and homelessness.
- Advocacy and Policy: The Kennel Club advocates for the rights and interests of dog owners, breeders, and enthusiasts at local, national, and international levels. They work to influence legislation and policies affecting dogs and promote initiatives to safeguard the well-being and rights of dogs.
Overall, The Kennel Club plays a vital role in promoting and protecting pedigree dogs, advocating for responsible dog ownership, and advancing the welfare and interests of all dogs in the UK.
Many Pets
Many Pets offer good cover at competitive prices, with a number of novel offerings which may be of interest if other insurance providers do not meet your needs. The range of options include “value” insurance with a maximum of just £2000 vets’ fees per year (and much lower monthly premiums) right up to the most comprehensive pet insurance covering up to £15000 per year.
This is one of the few insurers to allow cover for pre-existing conditions, subject to certain controls. Customers have access to free vet video calls, as well as a year’s free pet sitting with TrustedHouseSitters membership worth around £100 per year. Many Pets is underwritten by Wakam SA.
Waggel
Waggel is a digital-first pet insurance provider based in the United Kingdom. It offers pet insurance policies designed to provide comprehensive coverage for cats and dogs, with a focus on transparency, simplicity, and customer-centric service. Here are some key features and aspects of Waggel pet insurance:
- Customizable Policies: Waggel offers customizable pet insurance policies that allow pet owners to tailor coverage to their specific needs and budget. Policyholders can choose from different levels of coverage, deductibles, and reimbursement options to create a policy that meets their requirements.
- Transparent Pricing: Waggel is known for its transparent pricing model, which aims to eliminate hidden fees and surprises. The company provides clear and upfront pricing information, making it easier for pet owners to understand the cost of coverage and make informed decisions.
- Digital Platform: As a digital-first insurer, Waggel offers a user-friendly online platform where pet owners can easily manage their policies, submit claims, track reimbursements, and access pet-related resources and information.
- Quick Claims Processing: Waggel strives to provide fast and efficient claims processing, allowing pet owners to receive reimbursement for covered expenses promptly. The company aims to streamline the claims process through its digital platform, reducing paperwork and administrative burdens for policyholders.
- Customer Support: Waggel provides responsive customer support to assist policyholders with inquiries, claims processing, and any pet-related concerns. The company offers various channels for customer support, including email, phone, and live chat.
- Focus on Pet Health and Well-being: Waggel emphasizes the importance of pet health and well-being, offering resources and guidance to help pet owners maintain their pets’ health and prevent illness and injury. The company may provide access to vet consultations, wellness tips, and educational content on pet care.
- Community Engagement: Waggel may engage with its community of policyholders through social media, online forums, and events, fostering a sense of belonging and collaboration among pet owners. The company may also support pet-related charities and initiatives to give back to the pet community.
Overall, Waggel aims to redefine the pet insurance experience by offering transparent, customizable policies, digital convenience, and responsive customer support. Pet owners seeking comprehensive coverage and a modern, user-friendly insurance experience may find Waggel to be a suitable option for insuring their beloved pets.
Lemonade Pet Insurance
While Lemonade offers a singular plan covering both accidents and illnesses, it stands out with its array of additional options, surpassing many competitors in variety. The core coverage includes diagnostic tests, surgeries, injections for covered conditions, prescription medications, and more. For an extra fee, customers can opt for add-ons such as vet visit fees, acupuncture, tooth extractions, behavioral therapy, wellness exams, annual blood work, vaccines, boosters, and even specialized care packages for puppies or kittens, featuring microchipping.
By the close of 2024, waiting periods will stand at 14 days for illnesses, 30 days for orthopedic conditions, with no waiting period for accidents. These changes will initially affect new and renewed policies in Mississippi, New Hampshire, Washington, and Nebraska, with a nationwide rollout; policyholders are advised to review their policy for current regulations. One limitation is Lemonade’s availability, as it’s only accessible in 37 states and the District of Columbia.
The maximum annual coverage varies from $5,000 to $100,000, with reimbursement rates set at 70%, 80%, or 90%, and deductibles ranging from $100 to $500 annually. Additionally, Lemonade offers a 10% discount on pet insurance when bundled with homeowners, renters, or car insurance policies. Customers can also avail of a 5% discount for adding another pet and another 5% discount by opting for annual premium payments instead of monthly installments.
Embrace Pet Insurance
Embrace pet insurance provides comprehensive coverage for the typical concerns of unexpected illnesses and accidents. However, where the company truly excels is in its wellness plans, crafted to promote pet health and diminish the likelihood of avoidable ailments.
Embrace offers a versatile pet wellness plan encompassing vaccinations, spaying or neutering surgeries, annual wellness examinations, preventive medications, grooming services, teeth cleaning, training sessions, and even massage therapy. This reimbursement-based plan necessitates claim submission. Clients can select from three annual reimbursement options ($250, $450, and $650) tailored to both their financial constraints and their pet’s anticipated requirements. Opting for a wellness plan facilitates easier budgeting for preventive care, mitigating the need for a substantial veterinary expense during the annual visit.
Further advantages of choosing an Embrace pet insurance plan include a broad spectrum of maximum annual coverage limits (up to unlimited) and deductible options ranging from $200 to $1,000. These diverse choices render Embrace an excellent selection for pet owners across various budgetary considerations.
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
While many pet insurance plans typically cater to dogs and cats, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance stands out by extending coverage to horses, making it an established and reputable choice. Their plans for accidents and illnesses encompass common equine issues like colic, with optional preventive care add-ons available. For dogs and cats, ASPCA offers various coverage options, including an accident-only plan, known for its affordability, and the comprehensive Complete Coverage, addressing a wide range of conditions from arthritis and hip dysplasia to behavioral disorders, cancer, and hereditary conditions that may manifest later in a pet’s life. Additionally, alternative therapies such as acupuncture and physiotherapy are covered. The waiting period for accident coverage is 14 days.
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance provides two levels of add-on coverage to handle expenses like wellness exams, vaccines, and dental cleanings, though they don’t offer a standalone wellness plan. Notably, their policies cover microchip implantation for lost dogs or cats. Deductibles range from $100 to $500 annually, with coverage limits ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 on the lower end, and reimbursement rates between 70% to 90%. ASPCA’s coverage is available in all 50 states and offers a 10% discount for insuring multiple pets.