10 Best Pet Insurance Providers in the UK (Lifetime Cover Plans)
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:
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:
Comprehensive Lifetime Cover: High vet fee limits (up to ~£12k+ per year) and coverage for ongoing conditions
Award-Winning & Trusted: Which? Best Buy 2025.
Added Perks: 24/7 vet helpline for customers; 5 weeks free cover for rescue pets.
Cons:
Premium Price: Tends to be a bit pricier than some newer insurers (you pay for the high cover and service quality).
No Short-Term/Time-Limited Option: Only offers lifetime cover – which is ideal for most, but those seeking a very basic accident-only plan won’t find it here.
Excess for Older Pets: 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:
Long Track Record: 40+ years experience and very high claim payout rate (reportedly ~90% of claims paid within a week)
Unlimited/Lifetime Claims: No lifetime cap or per-condition cap on vet fees; coverage resets in full each year on lifetime plans.
Wide Vet Support: Many vets work directly with Petplan for claims, making the process easier; covers a broad range of pets (incl. exotics).
Cons:
Higher Premiums: 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.
No Routine Care Cover: Like most insurance, Petplan doesn’t cover routine treatments (vaccinations, neutering) and its dental cover has conditions (must do annual check-ups).
Excess and Copay on Old Pets: 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:
Customizable Lifetime Plans: Choice of vet fee limits (£3k to £15k) and even a pre-existing conditions option. All plans cover illnesses & accidents for life.
Great Value & Awards: Often lower cost than legacy insurers for similar cover; Defaqto 5★ and Moneyfacts 2024 award winner.
Extra Benefits: 24/7 video vet helpline included; dental illness covered on highest plan; no fees for policy changes; multi-pet discounts.
Cons:
Claims Delays Recently: Rapid growth led to some reports of slower claim payouts in busy periods (ManyPets is hiring more staff to improve this).
Premium Increases for Older Pets: 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.
No Direct Line for Complex Cases: 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:
Extremely High Cover Available: Up to £18,000 vet fees/year on Lifetime plans – highest in UK (great for peace of mind with expensive conditions).
Affordable Premiums: Tends to offer lower prices than many rivals for similar vet cover (especially for younger pets or lower-tier plans).
Charitable Impact: A portion of your premium helps animal charities; nice bonus for socially conscious pet owners. Also includes 24/7 online vet advice free.
Cons:
Premium Jumps: Reports of premiums increasing significantly as pets age or after large claims (common in the industry, but some cite AF’s hikes as steep).
Dental Illness Not Standard: Only covers dental treatment from accidents by default, not disease (unless you purchase add-on cover). Routine care not covered (standard across insurers).
Mixed Customer Service Reviews: 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:
Lifetime-Only & Customizable: One straightforward lifetime policy – you pick coverage up to £10k/year and your preferred excess. No confusing tiers or time-limited options.
Modern Perks: Smooth digital experience (online dashboard/app), 24/7 vet chats, and reward partnerships for pet services. High customer sentiment for claims transparency.
No Age Limit or Breed Exclusions: 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:
No Telephone Support: Everything is done online or via chat/email. If you prefer phone support for claims, Waggel’s fully digital approach might frustrate you.
Co-pay on Claims: 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.
Limited Add-ons: 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. 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:
Dog-Focused Coverage: Only insures dogs, so policies are tailored to canine health needs (including hereditary conditions, breeding risks, etc.). Top plan offers £15k/year vet cover.
Extras for Dogs: £25 annual vet check/vaccination voucher; covers working dogs and breeding (with appropriate plans) – things some generic insurers might not cover.
Agria-Backed Reliability: 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:
Dogs Only: 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).
Pricey for Some Breeds: Premiums can be steep for breeds prone to expensive health issues (e.g., bulldogs, large breeds) due to the comprehensive nature of cover.
Limited Plan Variety: 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.
7. 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:
Covers Older & Sick Pets: No age limit for new policies and will consider hundreds of pre-existing conditions – a lifesaver for pets with health history.
Highly Flexible: Choose up to £15k cover, and even £0 excess option. Tailor optional add-ons (dental illness, travel, etc.) as needed.
24/7 Vet Support & Extras: 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:
Higher Premiums for Top Cover: 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).
Dental Illness Not Standard: 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.
Online Focus: 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.
8. M&S Bank Pet Insurance – Broad Coverage from a Trusted Brand
Approx. Pricing: M&S Bank’s pricing is mid-range. With the online discount, a young dog on the Premier lifetime plan might be around £20–£25 per month in the first year (after discount and factoring the voucher). In subsequent years (no discount), that could go up to ~£25–£30+. Their Essential plan can be as low as ~£10 a month but note that’s not lifetime cover. Relative to peers, M&S is often competitive – you might find, for example, John Lewis or More Than quoting similarly since they share an underwriter. M&S does reward loyalty somewhat; however, as pets age, premiums will still rise. There’s no explicit multi-pet discount, but you can insure multiple pets. The added value of the gift card and vet helpline makes the first year especially good value. Overall, M&S is a great choice if you want a well-rounded lifetime policy from a familiar, trusted brand.
Pros:
Comprehensive Plans: Higher-tier plans are lifetime with solid vet limits (around £7k+ per year) and cover extras like dental (non-routine) and overseas travel.
First-Year Savings: 15% online discount + £50 M&S voucher with new lifetime policies effectively lowers your cost.
Reliable Service: Backed by RSA – known for efficient claims. 24/7 Vetfone helpline included for any health questions. Convenient to manage via M&S Bank if you’re already a customer.
Cons:
No Very High Limit Option: The vet fee limit on M&S Premier, while ample for most, is lower than some competitors’ top plans (e.g., £10k vs £15k or £18k offered by others). Super expensive cases might hit the cap.
Renewal Costs: After the initial discounts, premiums can climb. M&S isn’t immune to the usual year-on-year increases, especially if you claimed or your pet hits a new age band.
Lacks Pre-existing Cover: M&S does not cover pre-existing conditions (similar to most). If your pet has an existing issue, they won’t be as flexible as providers like ManyPets or Petsure in that regard.
9. Everypaw Pet Insurance – Value Lifetime Coverage & Free Perks
Approx. Pricing: Everypaw is positioned as budget-friendly lifetime cover. For a healthy mixed-breed dog, you might see premiums around £10–£15 per month for a lower-tier (£3k) lifetime plan, and around £20–£25 per month for the highest £10k plan. These are rough figures, but generally Everypaw undercuts some of the big-name competitors on price, making lifetime cover accessible to more pet owners. The trade-off is the vet fee limits aren’t as high as pricier plans like Petplan’s or Animal Friends’ top-end, but £7.5k or £10k annually will be plenty for the majority of situations. Also, keep an eye on the excess: Pinnacle often sets a fixed excess (around £99) and may add a 20% copay for older pets claims. Even with that, the overall cost tends to remain competitive. In short, Everypaw’s pricing is one of its strongest selling points for lifetime cover seekers.
Pros:
Lifetime-Only Policies: Everypaw doesn’t even offer inferior policy types – you get lifetime cover by default, ensuring continuous protection for conditions.
Great Value: Typically lower premiums for lifetime cover compared to many others, with a good range of vet fee limits (£3k to £10k) to choose from.
Free Perks: 24/7 online vet chat included; welcome gift box for your pet worth £35 – a nice bonus for signing up. Plus, insures rabbits in addition to cats and dogs (useful for multi-pet homes).
Cons:
Moderate Vet Limits: Maximum £10k/year cover may be insufficient only in very extreme cases, but it’s something to note if you want the absolute highest cover on the market.
Underwriter’s Reputation: Pinnacle’s previous brand (Argos) had decent but not top-tier customer ratings – some users reported claim processing could be a bit slow. It remains to be seen if Everypaw improves on that, but it’s a consideration that it’s not as tried-and-famous as Petplan etc.
Age Surcharges: Once pets become seniors, expect the usual addition of a 20% co-insurance on claims. Also, very young pets (under 8 weeks) can’t be covered until they reach the minimum age. Standard caveats, but worth mentioning that pre-existing conditions and routine care aren’t covered (as with any insurer in this bracket).
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:
Ultra-Complete Cover: 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.
Pet Care Extras: 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.
Pre-existing Consideration: 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:
New Company (Unproven): 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.
Premium Level Pricing: 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).
Age and Breed Limits: 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.