How expensive is dog insurance?

Want to know how much dog insurance might set you back? In this guide we break down what affects costs and what you typically get for your money. Plus, find out what you could face coughing up in potential vet fees if something goes wrong.



Jump to:

• How much is pet insurance for dogs?
• What’s included in the cost of dog insurance?
• What’s not included in the cost of dog insurance?
• How does the level of dog cover affect cost?
• What it could cost you if you don’t have dog insurance
• Is it worth paying for dog health insurance?
• How can I save money on dog insurance?
• Protect your pup with dog insurance

How much is pet insurance for dogs?

Getting straight down to it, exactly how much is pet insurance a month for a dog?

Well, the answer to that depends on a range of things, including:

• Your dog’s age – the older they get, the more susceptible they are to falling ill
• Their breed – some breeds are prone to inheriting certain genetic conditions
• If your dog has any pre-existing conditions – this makes them more likely to need future treatments and potentially be at risk of developing other conditions
• Your chosen cover level – lifetime insurance with a high vet limit is usually more costly than, for example, accident-only cover
• Where you live – the price of vet treatment varies by region with towns and cities often more expensive than rural areas.

Breed also has a big impact on the cost of dog health insurance. So, to help put things into perspective, let’s take a quick look at a few dog breeds and which inherited conditions could affect the price of cover.

Bulldogs

The stocky and loveable Bulldog has become a popular member of many UK homes. As robust as they may seem, this breed is prone to conditions such as:

• Brachycephalic syndrome
• Cherry eye
• Joint problems

Bulldog insurance through British Pet Insurance start from £51.71 a month.¹

French Bulldogs

The popularity of the French Bulldog has surged in recent years. But did you know that Frenchies are at risk of developing:

• Brachycephalic syndrome
• Conjunctivitis
• Ear infections

French Bulldog insurance through British Pet Insurance start from £51.71 a month.²

Cane Corsos

The Cane Corso is an athletic and powerful dog with a commanding demeanour. But it’s important to be aware that they’re susceptible to falling ill with conditions such as:

• Cherry eye
• Entropion
• Hip dysplasia

Cane Corso dog insurance with British Pet Insurance start from £69.44 a month.³
 

What’s included in the cost of dog insurance?

What’s included in dog insurance will vary depending on policy you choose, but generally most dog insurance plans cover the costs of:

• Treatment for illness and injuries
• Diagnostics, like X-rays and scans
• Emergency care or hospitalisation
• Alternative treatments and therapies
• Advertising and reward costs (if your dog goes missing)
• Third-party liability (if your dog injures someone or damages property)
• Behavioural treatments
• Emergency dental treatment for an accident
• Emergency boarding fees if you’re taken ill

It’s important to remember that some treatments or conditions may have individual limits. This means you can only claim up to a specific amount for each condition, regardless of whether your overall vet fee limit is higher.
 

What’s not included in the cost of dog insurance?

It’s important to check the details of your dog insurance carefully as your policy usually won’t cover things such as:

• Pre-existing medical conditions
• Preventative treatments (like teeth cleaning)
• Neutering or spaying
• Elective or cosmetic treatments
• Microchipping
• Vaccinations and boosters

In a nutshell, it’s important to know that cover varies between providers and policies, so you need to do your homework to know exactly what is and isn’t included in a policy.
 

How does the level of dog cover affect cost?

Different types of dog insurance vary in cost and what they cover:

Accident-only dog insurance

Accident-only cover is usually the cheapest type of dog insurance. But as the name suggests it only covers injuries, not illnesses. This could be risky if your dog’s breed has a high risk of developing a genetic illness.

Time-limited and maximum benefit dog insurance

Time-limited or maximum benefit policies strike a balance between cost and cover. They’re a bit pricier but they do give your pet extra protection. While they’re usually cheaper than lifetime insurance, they do come with a cap on how much they’ll cover.

With a time-limited policy, this means you’re only covered for a set time, usually 12 months. Once this time frame ends, the policy will no longer provide cover unless it is renewed or extended. This type of policy is often chosen for short-term needs or temporary situations where long-term protection isn’t needed.

With maximum benefit cover, you’ll only be able to claim up to a certain amount for each new illness or injury. Once this fixed limit is reached, no further claims can be made for that specific condition, even if ongoing treatment is needed. However, you can continue to claim for other unrelated illnesses or injuries.

Lifetime dog insurance

Lifetime dog insurance is usually the priciest choice, but that’s because it’s the most comprehensive. It covers your dog for any new illnesses or injuries they develop after you get the policy, and as long as you keep renewing, they’ll be covered year after year for their entire life.

What it could cost you if you don’t have dog insurance

Some pet parents choose to self-insure and put money aside each month instead of getting dog insurance.

But this is a risky move, as it’s hard to plan exactly how much money you’d need to set aside for unexpected future vet bills. And the costs of consultations, tests, diagnosis, and treatment can soon snowball into eye-watering amounts.

To give you an idea of cost, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) reported that in 2024:

• The average pet insurance claim cost was £685
• The cost to treat a pet who’s eaten something they shouldn’t is around £4,000
• Treating elbow dysplasia can cost over £50,000.

Thinking about saving money instead of getting dog insurance? Take a look at our blog, Pet Insurance vs Savings, where we break it all down to help you decide what’s best for you and your pup!

Is it worth paying for dog health insurance?

Just like us, dogs can fall ill or have an accident at any time. But unlike us, there’s no such thing as an NHS. And as we’ve seen above, the cost of vet treatment can be staggeringly high.

So, ask yourself… would a hefty vet bill put a strain on your finances or mean compromising on your pup’s care? If so, it’s worth thinking about investing in dog insurance.

How can I save money on dog insurance?

If you’re wanting to try and keep costs down, you could save money on dog insurance by:

• Looking into different levels of cover – but be careful, as choosing a cheap policy may cost you more in the long run
• Insuring your dog when they’re younger and healthier
• Going to the vet for regular check-ups to help spot potential problems before they get worse
• Keeping your dog fit and healthy with a breed-appropriate diet and exercise.

Protect your pup with dog insurance

When it comes to dog health insurance, it’s not just about cost but the value it can bring when your canine companion needs it most.

British Pet Insurance offers a range of dog insurance options to suit the individual needs of your pup.