Compare Dog Pet Insurance

Getting Started with Low Cost Dog Pet Insurance

The UK is a nation of dog lovers, with around 12 million pet dogs living in British households. Although we all do our best to care for our pets, we often rely on veterinarians to help with medical issues and standard check-ups. This can be quite costly, which is why dog insurance is such a useful financial product for pet owners. The right coverage ensures that your four-legged friend receives treatment when they need it – without forcing you to break the bank in the process.

At Forces Compare, we have spent a great deal of time trying to help people get a deal that suits your needs for their pet insurance. So, let’s go over how you can compare dog insurance prices to help you find cover that suits your needs at a price that suits your budget.

How much is dog insurance?

The cost of dog insurance in the UK can vary widely based on several factors. Understanding these can help you anticipate the expenses involved and choose a plan that fits your budget while still providing adequate coverage for your pet. On average, pet owners in the UK can expect to pay £271 per year on dog insurance, but this will change depending on your circumstances and pet needs. Here’s a breakdown of what influences the cost of dog insurance:

• Breed: Some breeds are more expensive to insure than others due to their predisposition to certain hereditary conditions. Large breeds like Great Danes carry more weight and therefore are more likely to have joint problems.
• Age: The older your dog, the more expensive it is to insure. This is because older dogs are more likely to develop health issues. Age will also affect premiums differently based on the type of dog, as smaller dogs generally live longer than bigger breeds.
• Health history: Dogs with a history of health problems might be more expensive to insure, and some conditions might be excluded as pre-existing. For example, diabetic dogs will become more expensive to insure as they have a life-long condition that will require regular treatment.
• Type of coverage: Accident-only plans are the cheapest, while comprehensive lifetime coverage costs more. The less expensive policies only cover certain claims, such as accidents, so it’s worth considering what you’re looking to cover with the insurance.
• Location: Veterinary costs can vary depending on where you live in the UK, and insurers will adjust premiums accordingly. Unfortunately, there isn’t too much you can do to change this factor (beyond moving, of course!).
• Excess: Just like other forms of insurance, dog insurance has an excess that you can change to adjust the price of the policy. The excess is the amount you agree to pay towards any claim. Choosing a higher excess can help reduce your monthly premiums.

Calculating your costs

To get a precise idea of what you might pay, you’ll want to compare the different insurance providers to find a policy that’s cost-effective and meets your needs. At Forces Compare, we have done all of the grunt work to help you find a deal that suits your needs for your dog insurance – all you have to do is use our comparison calculator.

Tips for reducing dog insurance costs

Alongside finding a deal that suits your needs for your dog insurance, there are a few other things that you can do to keep the costs of the policy as low as possible. Be on the lookout for insurers that offer a no claims discount for dog insurance, as this can bring your policy price down year-on-year.

You might also want to consider paying the insurance annually instead of monthly to save on interest. If you have multiple pets, then you may also be able to save some money by using the same insurance company for all policies. Certain insurers offer multi-pet policies, allowing you to save on the overall costs associated with your policies.

What does dog insurance cover?

Dog insurance in the UK is designed to provide financial protection against various expenses related to your pet’s health and well-being. Coverage details can vary significantly among providers and plans, so it’s important to understand what is generally included and what might require additional premiums or a specific type of policy. Here’s an overview of what standard dog insurance typically covers:

• Veterinary bills: This includes treatments for illnesses and injuries, surgeries, medications, and sometimes hospital stays. Coverage for diagnostic tests such as X-rays and blood tests is also typically included.
• Emergency treatment: If your dog requires urgent care due to accidents or sudden illness, this is usually covered. Some policies also cover emergency treatment abroad.
• Hereditary and congenital conditions: Many comprehensive plans cover genetic conditions that your dog may inherit or congenital issues they are born with, as long as symptoms weren’t apparent before the policy started.
• Chronic conditions: Lifetime policies often cover ongoing conditions like diabetes or arthritis, as long as the condition didn’t start before the insurance policy was in effect.

Additional or optional Coverage

• Dental care: Generally speaking, dental care does not enjoy standard coverage on dog insurance policies. It may be offered as an add-on to cover routine cleanings or dental surgeries due to accidents.
• Behavioural treatments: Coverage for behavioural consultations and therapies that address issues like aggression or separation anxiety, provided they are carried out by a professional.
• Alternative therapies: Treatments such as acupuncture, physiotherapy, and hydrotherapy may be covered under more comprehensive plans.
• Euthanasia, cremation, and burial: If the worst happens, some policies cover the costs associated with euthanasia, cremation, or burial, helping manage the financial aspects of this difficult time.
• Third-party liability: if your dog injures someone or causes property damage. While not directly related to health, it protects against claims made against you and is particularly important for owners of larger breeds. Accident-only and time-limited policies usually won’t include third-party liability.

What’s typically not covered

There are certain things that are usually not covered in your dog insurance policy, so be mindful of this when comparing your options. Some of the most important things that you won’t typically find in your policy include coverage for:

• Pre-existing conditions: Conditions that exist before the policy starts are generally not covered.
• Preventive or routine procedures: Basic preventive treatments are usually not included in standard policies unless specified.
• Breeding costs: Costs associated with breeding, pregnancy, and birth are usually excluded.
• Grooming: Aesthetic grooming and bathing are not covered by insurance.

When selecting a dog insurance policy, it’s important to carefully review what each policy covers and to consider what coverage is essential for your pet’s needs. Make sure to check for any limits, excesses, and exclusions to fully understand your potential out-of-pocket costs and the comprehensive nature of the care your dog will receive.

Dog insurance for older dogs

Insuring an older dog comes with its own set of challenges and considerations. As dogs age, they are more susceptible to chronic illnesses, conditions that require ongoing treatment, and more frequent trips to the vet.

Consequently, obtaining insurance for an older dog can be more expensive and restrictive, but it is still an important step in ensuring they receive the care they need in their senior years. Here’s what you need to know about dog insurance for older dogs in the UK:

Challenges of insuring older dogs

The biggest obstacle to overcome when insuring an older dog is the higher premiums you’ll have to pay for insuring them. This is largely due to the higher risk associated with older dogs. It’s also worth noting that many older dogs will have a pre-existing condition that may be excluded from your policy.

Similarly, coverage limits will likely apply to the policy, with lower limits for older dogs. In some cases, insurers might refuse to insure older dogs on certain policies, such as lifetime insurance.

Tips for insuring older dogs

At Forces Compare, our goal is to make sure you can find a cost-effective way to insure your beloved canine companion into their golden years. So, consider the following tips when insuring your older dogs to keep premiums as low as possible:

• Start early: It’s advisable to insure your dog before they reach old age to avoid exclusions related to age and pre-existing conditions.
• Shop around: Compare what different policies offer for older dogs. Our services at Forces Compare are perfect for this.
• Review the policy annually: Your dog’s needs will change as they age, so review your policy each year to ensure it still provides appropriate coverage.

Benefits of getting insurance for older dogs

Despite the higher costs, there are significant benefits to having insurance for an older dog. For starters, it offers you and your family peace of mind that if something happens to your dog, they will receive solid veterinary care that is covered by insurance. This is even more important with older dogs, as many of the advanced treatments available can be prohibitively expensive.

Third-party dog insurance

Third-party dog insurance is an essential component of pet insurance that protects dog owners from the financial liabilities of damage or injury their pet might cause to other people or their property. This type of insurance is particularly significant for owners of larger or more active breeds that might accidentally cause harm. Here’s what you need to know about third-party dog insurance in the UK:

What is third-party dog insurance?

Third-party dog insurance covers the costs you might be legally responsible for paying if your dog injures someone, kills or injures another animal, or causes property damage. This can include legal fees, compensation payments, and other costs associated with a claim made against you.

This type of insurance is important for a few different reasons, the biggest one being legal liability. In the UK, you can be held personally responsible if your dog harms or damages a person, animal or property. This could result in a legal claim which could cost you thousands of pounds. With third-party dog insurance, you’re covered for these types of issues.

Coverage details

Third-party dog insurance is unique, so it’s not a surprise that there are a few aspects of the coverage that you’ll want to be aware of. This includes:

• Coverage limits: Third-party liability coverage usually has a limit, which can vary significantly depending on the policy. Common limits range from £1 million to £3 million.
• Exclusions: Policies may have exclusions, such as not covering incidents that occur on your property or incidents involving people who live in your household. Aggressive behaviour caused by lack of proper training or negligence may also be excluded.
• Excess: Some policies might include an excess that you must pay out-of-pocket before the insurance covers the remainder of a claim.

How to get third-party dog insurance

Securing third-party dog insurance works in the same way that any other insurance policy does. In some cases, it might even be included in your existing pet insurance policy. So before you take out third-party dog insurance, make sure you don’t already have it.

If you do need a standalone policy, then you can get quotes from various providers. Certain organisations in the UK, such as the Dogs Trust, offer a form of third-party liability coverage if you become a registered member with them.

Third-party dog insurance is an important safeguard for dog owners, protecting them against the potentially high costs of legal claims resulting from their dog’s actions. When selecting a policy, consider the coverage limits and exclusions to ensure it meets your specific needs and provides adequate protection.

Lifelong dog insurance

Lifelong dog insurance, often referred to as “lifetime coverage,” is considered the gold standard in pet insurance. This type of policy is designed to provide comprehensive medical coverage for your dog throughout its entire life, offering peace of mind that you can afford ongoing veterinary care.

What is lifelong dog insurance?

Lifelong dog insurance is a type of policy that continually renews each year and offers a reset on coverage limits annually. This means that any chronic or recurring illnesses your dog develops will continue to be covered year after year, as long as the insurance policy remains active and premiums are paid.

Benefits of lifelong coverage

The benefits of this type of coverage are well worth considering, as it offers continuous coverage for your dog throughout their life. This includes if they have an ongoing condition such as diabetes or arthritis. This comprehensive coverage also causes a huge range of possible issues such as accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions and in some cases routine care.

From a financial planning perspective, lifelong coverage is a smart move. It gives you clarity and peace of mind about how much you have to budget for your pet’s health expenses. Moreover, you won’t ever have to worry about a steep vet bill again, as your coverage will support you.

Considerations when choosing lifelong dog insurance

Although it is the gold standard for many pet owners, lifelong dog insurance isn’t always the best option. If you’re looking for a cost-effective plan, then this likely isn’t your best option. It’s also likely that the premium costs will increase as your pet dog gets older.
As with other types of pet insurance, pre-existing conditions that develop before the commencement or during the waiting period of the policy are typically not covered. So, depending on the conditions your dog has, it might not be feasible to go with this type of coverage.

Is it worth getting lifelong dog insurance?

While the initial cost of a lifelong dog insurance policy may be higher, it can be cost-effective in the long run, especially for breeds prone to hereditary conditions or for dogs that develop chronic illnesses. By covering ongoing treatments and procedures, these policies can save owners significant amounts in veterinary bills over the dog’s lifetime.

Lifelong dog insurance offers a way for pet owners to ensure they can always afford the best possible care for their dogs, from puppyhood through to old age. By providing continuous, comprehensive coverage, this type of insurance helps eliminate the worry of financial strain from unexpected health issues, allowing you to focus more on enjoying your time with your furry companion.

So, are you ready to find a policy that suits your needs for your pooch? Click the Get Quote button to get started.