Looking for the best dog insurance in the UK? We’ve compared the top providers so you don’t have to. Here’s everything you need to know to find the right policy for your four-legged friend — without overpaying.
Why Your Dog Needs Insurance
Let’s not sugarcoat it: vet bills in the UK are expensive. A torn cruciate ligament can cost £2,000–£4,000. Cancer treatment? £5,000–£10,000+. Even a straightforward emergency consultation with X-rays can run to £500 before you’ve blinked.
Dog insurance isn’t a legal requirement, but it’s the difference between choosing the best treatment for your dog and choosing based on what you can afford. With the average UK vet bill rising year on year, it’s become an essential for responsible dog owners.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
| Provider | Best For | Policy Type | Monthly Cost (avg) | Vet Fee Limit | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petplan | Overall reliability | Lifetime | £25–£45 | Up to £12,000/yr | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| ManyPets | Value & flexibility | Lifetime / Time-limited | £15–£30 | Up to £15,000/yr | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ |
| Agria | Pedigree & breeders | Lifetime | £20–£38 | Customisable | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ |
| Animal Friends | Budget cover | Lifetime / Accident-only | £10–£22 | Up to £8,000/yr | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| John Lewis | Mid-range all-rounder | Lifetime | £18–£35 | Up to £12,000/yr | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Waggel | Eco-conscious owners | Lifetime | £18–£32 | Up to £10,000/yr | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Prices are indicative for a healthy, neutered adult dog (2–5 years). Your quote will depend on breed, age, location and claims history.
Types of Dog Insurance Explained
Before comparing providers, understand what you’re buying:
Lifetime Cover (Recommended)
The gold standard. Your vet fee limit resets every year when you renew, and conditions are covered for your dog’s entire life — as long as you keep renewing.
Best for: Most dog owners. Especially important for breeds prone to chronic conditions (Labradors, German Shepherds, Bulldogs).
Annual / Time-Limited Cover
Covers each condition for 12 months from the first claim, or up to a set amount — whichever comes first. After that, the condition is excluded.
Best for: Owners on a tight budget who want protection against one-off accidents and illnesses.
Accident-Only Cover
The cheapest option. Only covers injuries from accidents — no illness, no ongoing conditions.
Best for: Very tight budgets. Be aware this won’t cover cancer, allergies, arthritis or any health condition.
Maximum Benefit
A set amount per condition with no time limit. Once you’ve claimed to the limit for a specific condition, it’s excluded permanently.
Best for: A middle ground between lifetime and time-limited.
The Top UK Dog Insurance Providers Reviewed
1. Petplan — Best Overall
Why we rate it: Petplan has been insuring UK pets since 1976 and remains the most trusted name in the business. Their lifetime policies are comprehensive, claims are paid promptly, and many vets accept direct payment from Petplan — meaning you don’t have to pay upfront and wait for reimbursement.
Key features:
- Lifetime cover up to £12,000 per year
- Direct vet payment widely accepted
- Covers dental illness (not just injury)
- Complementary treatment included (hydrotherapy, acupuncture)
- 24/7 vet video consultations
Watch out for:
- One of the pricier options — premiums increase noticeably with age
- No multi-pet discount
- Excess structure can be confusing (percentage + fixed)
Ideal for: Owners who want the most reliable, comprehensive cover and don’t mind paying a premium for peace of mind.
Trustpilot: 4.5/5 ★
2. ManyPets — Best Value
Why we rate it: Formerly known as Bought By Many, ManyPets has shaken up the UK pet insurance market with flexible, affordable policies. They’re one of the few insurers to offer cover for pre-existing conditions — a game-changer if your dog has a history.
Key features:
- Lifetime cover up to £15,000 per year
- Pre-existing condition cover available (after 24 months symptom-free)
- 15% multi-pet discount
- Optional wellness add-on (covers flea treatment, worming, vaccinations)
- Transparent online claims process
Watch out for:
- Some customers report slower claim processing times
- Wellness cover costs extra
- Pre-existing conditions require a qualifying period
Ideal for: Younger dogs, multi-pet households, or owners wanting a modern, flexible insurer.
Trustpilot: 4.6/5 ★
3. Agria — Best for Pedigree Breeds
Why we rate it: Swedish-owned Agria is a favourite among breeders and pedigree dog enthusiasts. Their lifetime policies are customisable, and they offer genuine breeder insurance that covers puppies from birth. If you’ve bought a pedigree pup, there’s a good chance the breeder’s Agria cover transferred to you.
Key features:
- Customisable annual vet fee limits
- Breeder and rescue pet discounts
- Optional wellness and dental add-ons
- Strong veterinary partnerships across the UK
- No upper age limit for renewals
Watch out for:
- Higher excess on certain breeds (Bulldogs, Cavaliers)
- Fewer short-term or budget policy options
- Less well-known — some vets may not accept direct payment
Ideal for: Pedigree dog owners, breeders, and anyone wanting highly customisable lifetime cover.
Trustpilot: 4.4/5 ★
4. Animal Friends — Best Budget Option
Why we rate it: If you need cover but money is tight, Animal Friends offers some of the most affordable policies in the UK. They also donate to animal charities with every policy sold, which is a nice touch.
Key features:
- Lifetime cover from around £10/month
- Accident-only policies available from ~£5/month
- Charitable donations with every policy
- Straightforward online claims
Watch out for:
- Lower vet fee limits (typically £4,000–£8,000/year)
- Excess can be high on budget policies
- Customer service reviews are mixed
- Fewer add-on options
Ideal for: Budget-conscious owners who want basic protection without breaking the bank.
Trustpilot: 4.0/5 ★
5. John Lewis — Best Mid-Range
Why we rate it: The John Lewis name carries weight, and their pet insurance (underwritten by RSA) delivers solid lifetime cover at a reasonable price. It’s a no-fuss option that does what it says on the tin.
Key features:
- Lifetime cover up to £12,000 per year
- Dental illness cover included
- Boarding kennel fees covered
- Holiday cancellation cover
- Third-party liability up to £2 million
Watch out for:
- Not the cheapest, not the most comprehensive — firmly mid-range
- No wellness or preventive care add-ons
- Limited breed-specific information
Ideal for: Owners who want reliable cover from a trusted high-street name without going premium.
6. Waggel — Best for Eco-Conscious Owners
Why we rate it: Waggel is a newer entrant that’s built a loyal following through its ethical approach. They plant a tree for every policy, offer a members’ community, and their policies are genuinely competitive.
Key features:
- Lifetime cover up to £10,000 per year
- Member perks (discounts on pet food, accessories)
- Tree planted with every policy
- 24/7 online vet access
- Simple, transparent policy documents
Watch out for:
- Lower maximum vet fee limits than Petplan or ManyPets
- Relatively new — less track record
- Limited direct vet payment options
Ideal for: Environmentally conscious dog owners who want decent cover with a feel-good factor.
What to Look For When Comparing Dog Insurance
Vet Fee Limit
The maximum your insurer will pay per year (lifetime) or per condition (time-limited). Higher is better — aim for at least £7,000 per year for lifetime cover.
Excess
The amount you pay before insurance kicks in. Usually a fixed amount (£75–£150) plus a percentage co-payment (10–20%) for older dogs. Check both.
Waiting Period
Most policies won’t cover claims made in the first 14 days (illness) or 48 hours (accident). Some conditions have longer waiting periods.
Exclusions
Every policy excludes pre-existing conditions (except ManyPets, in some cases), cosmetic procedures, breeding costs, and routine care. Read the fine print.
Dental Cover
Often overlooked. Dental treatment can cost £500+. Some policies cover dental illness; others only cover dental injury. Check before you buy.
Third-Party Liability
Covers you if your dog injures someone or damages property. Essential for dog owners — look for at least £1 million cover.
How Much Does Dog Insurance Cost in the UK?
Average monthly costs vary hugely by breed:
| Breed | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Labrador Retriever | £25–£40 |
| German Shepherd | £30–£50 |
| French Bulldog | £40–£65 |
| Cockapoo | £20–£35 |
| Staffordshire Bull Terrier | £22–£38 |
| Golden Retriever | £28–£45 |
| Border Collie | £18–£30 |
| Cavalier King Charles | £35–£55 |
Based on lifetime cover for a 2-year-old neutered dog in England. Your quote may differ.
Factors that affect price:
- Breed — breeds prone to health issues cost more
- Age — premiums rise significantly after age 8
- Location — London and the South East tend to be priciest
- Claims history — previous claims increase premiums
- Excess level — higher excess = lower premium
Tips to Save on Dog Insurance
- Start young. Insuring a puppy is cheaper, and you’ll avoid pre-existing condition exclusions.
- Pay annually. Most insurers charge 5–10% more for monthly payments.
- Increase your excess. A £100 excess vs £75 can noticeably reduce premiums.
- Multi-pet discount. If you have multiple pets, check ManyPets or Agria for discounts.
- Don’t just auto-renew. Compare quotes every year. Loyalty doesn’t always pay.
- Check cashback sites. Quidco and TopCashback often have pet insurance deals.
Dog Insurance for Older Dogs
Finding affordable cover for senior dogs (8+ years) is harder but not impossible:
- Petplan covers dogs of any age with no upper age limit for starting a policy
- Agria also has no upper age limit for renewals
- ManyPets accepts new policies for dogs up to 10 years old
Expect higher premiums and co-payments. A typical lifetime policy for a 10-year-old Labrador might cost £60–£90/month. It’s still worth it — older dogs are more likely to need expensive treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dog insurance worth it in the UK?
Yes, for most owners. A single emergency can cost thousands. Insurance spreads that risk into manageable monthly payments. If you couldn’t comfortably cover a £3,000 vet bill tomorrow, insurance is worth it.
What’s the best type of dog insurance?
Lifetime cover is the best option for most dogs. It provides ongoing cover for chronic conditions and resets annually — crucial for breeds prone to long-term health issues.
Can I insure a dog with pre-existing conditions?
Most insurers exclude them. ManyPets is the notable exception, offering cover for pre-existing conditions after a symptom-free qualifying period (usually 24 months).
Does dog insurance cover neutering/spaying?
No. Routine procedures including neutering, vaccinations, and flea treatments are not covered by standard pet insurance. Some wellness add-ons (ManyPets, Agria) partially cover these.
When should I get dog insurance?
As soon as possible — ideally when your dog is a puppy. The younger and healthier your dog is when you start a policy, the fewer exclusions you’ll face and the lower your premiums will be.
Does where I live affect my premium?
Yes. Urban areas (especially London and the South East) typically have higher vet costs, which pushes up premiums. Rural areas tend to be cheaper.
The Verdict
For most dog owners, we recommend ManyPets as the best overall value — competitive prices, high vet fee limits, and the flexibility to cover pre-existing conditions.
If budget is no object, Petplan remains the gold standard — the most trusted name, the widest vet acceptance, and consistently comprehensive cover.
On a tight budget? Animal Friends offers genuine protection from as little as £10/month.
Whatever you choose, having some cover is always better than none. Your dog can’t choose their own insurance — that’s on you.
Related Reading:
- Best Dog Food for Labrador Retrievers UK 2026
- Best Dog Food for German Shepherds UK 2026
- Best Joint Supplements for Dogs UK 2026
- Senior Dog Care: The Complete UK Guide
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