Pet insurance: 10 essential dos and don’ts to protect your pet

The number of insurance companies offering coverage to pets is on the rise in the UK, and many pet owners are wisely choosing to insure their pets against unexpected veterinary costs, loss, and emergencies. However, the vast range of policies, insurers, and nuanced terms can make selecting the right coverage challenging. If you’re considering pet insurance, our top ten dos and don’ts will help you find the ideal policy for your pet’s protection and your peace of mind.

1. Do insure your pet early, before any illness or injury

Insurance's purpose is to provide financial support when unforeseen health problems arise. To benefit, your pet must be insured before any illness or injury occurs. Waiting until after your pet is ill or injured is too late, as insurers commonly exclude pre-existing conditions from coverage.

2. Don’t withhold or falsify information on your insurance application

Full honesty is crucial when declaring your pet’s health history, including any hereditary risks or previous conditions. Omitting or falsifying information can invalidate your policy, causing claims to be denied even for unrelated conditions. It may also lead to legal consequences.

3. Do verify your policy covers your specific pet and breed

Some policies exclude certain pet types or categories such as working dogs or breeds on the controlled list in the UK. For example, standard dog insurance may not cover breeds classified as dangerous under legislation. Make sure to check if your insurer offers appropriate coverage or a bespoke policy tailored for your pet’s needs.

4. Do insure your pet while young and healthy to lock in better rates

Most insurers have upper age limits for new policies, often around seven or eight years. Insuring your pet early can result in lower premiums and continuous coverage, while switching insurers at an older age typically leads to higher costs and exclusions based on age and existing health history.

5. Do understand the health requirements to keep your policy valid

Many policies require annual health checks and up-to-date vaccinations, unless there is a valid veterinary exemption. Failing to meet these conditions can result in denied claims or policy invalidation, so regular veterinary care remains essential not just for health, but also for insurance purposes.

6. Don’t expect insurance to cover routine or preventive care

Pet insurance generally excludes routine treatments such as annual vaccinations, booster shots, and routine dental care. These costs are usually borne by the owner, so budget appropriately to cover preventable healthcare and maintenance costs for your pet’s wellbeing.

7. Don’t settle for the first insurer you find—shop around

Comparing multiple providers can save money and ensure you get a policy that matches your pet’s needs. Price comparison websites can be useful, but note that some insurers like Direct Line and Aviva UK only sell directly and won't appear on broker sites. Always compare details beyond price.

8. Don’t overlook additional policy benefits beyond veterinary fees

Many insurers offer optional add-ons such as third-party liability coverage, which protects against damage or injury caused by your pet, and lost pet recovery services, which can be invaluable in stressful situations. Consider these extras when selecting a policy.

9. Don’t forget to update your insurer about personal or pet-related changes

Changes like moving home or alterations in your pet’s lifestyle can affect your policy’s terms and premiums. Promptly informing your insurer ensures you remain properly covered in the event of a claim.

10. Do maintain a contingency fund for uninsured or excess costs

Some treatments and vet visits may cost less than your policy’s excess, which is the fixed amount you pay towards a claim. Having savings set aside helps cover these costs, along with any part of veterinary bills not covered by insurance.