The cost of pet insurance in the UK

A new report from Go.Compare Pet Insurance has revealed the cost of pet insurance across the UK, as well as across the regions in England.

The report, out this month, is based on data taken from all Go.Compare pet quotes between the 1^st November 2023  and the 31^st January 2024.  According to the research*, it’s the UK’s island communities like Jersey who are paying the highest premiums on average. Across the countries, the average cost of pet insurance is as follows:

Across the English regions, the nation's capital comes in top for pet insurance costs, with £80 separating the cheapest and most expensive averages.

Rhys Jones, Go.Compare’s pet spokesperson has commented: “A pet is part of the family for many, so understandably you want to do all that you can to look after them, and pet insurance can help to save a lot of stress as a pet owner by providing cover for things like accidental injury or unexpected illness.

“According to recent figures from ManyPets, the average cost of a UK veterinary consultation in November 2023 was £53.82^**. Given this is just an average cost for a consultation, and does not take into account any additional tests or medication, an insurance policy can help provide peace of mind should your dog or cat become poorly and need medical care.”

The Go.Compare pet insurance index also highlights that it’s not just where you live that can impact how much you pay for pet insurance, it’s also determined by risk factors the insurer measures your pet against. These include:

• Vet costs: These costs can vary depending on where you live, and an increased likelihood of expensive vet bills will be one of the biggest contributors to paying more for a pet policy.
• Age and pre-existing illnesses: Older animals will often be more expensive to insure than their younger counterparts. This is because they’re more likely to fall ill and need more treatment. You’re also likely to pay more if your pet has a pre-existing condition.
• Breed: For pedigree cats and dogs, pet insurance costs can rise because they’re more prone to hereditary conditions. The index has revealed that the top five dog breeds to insure are as follows:

The comparison site has also outlined five practical things you can do that can help bring the cost of pet insurance down:

• Getting the level of cover right: Generally, there are three types of pet insurance and it’s important that you understand the differences and the varying levels of cover that these policies offer. For example, Accident-only and time-limited pet insurance are cheaper but better for one-off, short-term illnesses and injuries.  Maximum benefit and lifetime pet insurance can cost more but often help cover chronic conditions.

You could also consider copaying for insurance, which is often compulsory for older pets, but choosing to make copayments at any age could help lower the cost of your premiums.

• Keep your pet healthy: It might seem obvious but the more you look after your pet’s diet, weight, teeth and exercise, the less likely you are to visit a vet.
• Spay or neuter your pet: Neutering or spaying your pet means they’re less likely to wander, become aggressive or develop certain health conditions, including some cancers.
• Opt for a higher excess: If you can afford to pay a higher excess in the event of a claim, this could help keep your pet insurance costs down.
• Compare policies: Always compare pet insurance prices and never accept the first quote you are given.

To read the report in full, visit: https://www.gocompare.com/pet-insurance/how-much-does-pet-insurance-cost/.      

For more information about insuring your pet go to https://www.gocompare.com/pet-insurance/