10 Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Pet Insurance in the UK
Pet insurance is one of the most talked-about topics in our group chat — and for good reason. Whether it’s comparing cover levels, debating excess fees, or sharing stories about surprise vet bills, it’s a hot topic among dog owners. Some of the most frequently discussed insurers in the group include: ManyPets, Pet Plan, Napo, Waggel.
👉 If you're keen to join the conversation, you can JOIN THE GROUP HERE.
I recently switched my 6-year-old dog, Button, from ManyPets to Animal Friends. It gave me a slightly lower cover but at a more affordable monthly premium. If you’re feeling unsure about where to start, here are 10 essential things to consider to help you choose the right policy.
1. Type of Cover : Lifetime, Time-Limited or Accident-Only
Lifetime : Covers ongoing illnesses/injuries as long as renewed Chronic issues (e.g., arthritis)
Time-Limited : Covers each condition for up to 12 months Short-term illnesses
Accident-Only : Only covers accidental injuries Budget-conscious owners
🔎 Best for most dog owners: Lifetime cover, especially for breeds prone to long-term conditions.
2. Vet Fee Cover: Aim for at Least £7,000–£10,000/year
Vet bills add up fast, especially for surgeries or ongoing treatment. Especially if you are living in London. Most pet insurance give you the option to decide the vet fee cover.
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid policies with per-condition caps unless budget is tight.
3. Excess and Co-Payments: Know What You’ll Owe
Excess: Commonly £75–£125 per year or per condition, that is, you pay this fee each time you make a claim.
Co-payments: Often 20% of the claim cost for older dogs (usually from age 8 or 9)
Different insurers vary and typically allow you to choose your combination of excess and co-payment. Generally, the higher the excess and co-payment percentage, the lower the monthly premium. It’s important to compare policies and work out which offers the best value for your needs.
Example from two leading UK insurers:
Napo: Low excess of £75–£99, with no co-payment until age 10
ManyPets: £69–£99 excess plus 20% co-payment after age 9
🧠 Always check whether the excess applies per claim, per year, or per condition.
4. Cost by Age & Breed
Pet insurance premiums increase as your dog ages. Breed and location also matter.
🔍 Example for a Maltipoo in London:
Puppy (6 months): £25–£35/month
Age 5: £45–£60/month
Age 10+: £85–£120+/month
➡️ Lifetime policies are more expensive but safer for aging pets.
5. Waiting Periods & Pre-Existing Conditions
Standard Waiting Times:
Accidents: 48 hours
Illnesses: 10–14 days
Pre-existing conditions are usually not covered unless:
Your pet has been symptom and treatment-free for 24 months (e.g., ManyPets)
🚨 Important: Anything noted in your vet’s records—even minor—could be classified as “pre-existing.”
6. Dental, Behavioural & Extra Cover
Not all policies are equal. Some offer extras that can save you money in the long run:
Dental cover (for illness, not just injury): Napo, ManyPets Complete
Behavioural therapy: Napo includes up to £500/year
24/7 vet video calls: Napo, ManyPets, and Waggel offer this
🐾 Napo is one of few that includes dental illness cover as standard with no strict dental history requirements.
7. Third-Party Liability (Dog Owners Only)
This is essential if your dog injures someone or damages property.
Typically covers £1M–£3M
Especially important for dogs that go off-lead or live in urban areas.
8. Breed-Specific Exclusions: Read the Fine Print
Some insurers may charge more or even exclude coverage for breeds with known issues.
Examples:
French Bulldog: BOAS (breathing issues), spinal problems
Dachshund: IVDD (disc disease)
✅ Napo confirms it does not exclude breed-related health issues, and covers hereditary conditions.
9. Use Comparison Sites—but Also Go Direct
Don’t really know where to start? Start with comparison tools to give you a good overview:
But also check directly with the insurance site directly as some providers don’t appear on comparison sites or may offer exclusive deals on their own websites.
10. Check Customer Reviews & Claims Handling with other dog parents!
Don’t just focus on price or flashy features. Ask other dog owners (especially in group chats!) and read reviews that specifically mention claims experience — not just cost. A lower premium means nothing if the insurer makes it hard to get reimbursed when you need it most.
🔍 Bonus Tip: Puppies vs Older Dogs
Puppies: Choose lifetime cover early, before any conditions develop—this locks in cover before exclusions apply.
Older Dogs (8+): Expect co-pays and higher premiums. Look for plans that specialise in senior dogs, like Animal Friends or Lifetime Pet Cover.
👉 If you're keen to join the conversation, you can JOIN THE GROUP HERE.
p/s This post is meant to serve as a helpful guide based on my own research, personal experience with my dog Button, and insights shared by the YapYap community. Every dog (and budget) is different, so please take the time to do your own homework, read the policy details carefully, and choose what feels right for you and your pup.
