We hate to think about anything happening to our much-loved canine companions such as accidents, illness or our dog getting lost. Life happens however, and the unexpected can occur at any time - and when it does, it counts to have all protections in place to help cover the costs, give your dog the best care and make the situation as stress-free as possible.
What exactly does pet insurance do, however? What does it include, and do we even need it at all?
Read on for our guide to pet insurance for dogs and how having the right policy can give you, as a dog owner, peace and reassurance.
What is pet insurance for dogs?
Insuring your pet simply means you pay a regular premium to a pet insurance provider so that if unexpected costs arise related to your dog, you’ll receive compensation.
Having pet insurance for your dog means you’ll be helped to cover costs, for instance, if your dog dies, gets ill or injured and needs veterinary treatment. Depending on the terms of the cover, you could also receive financial help if your dog needs to stay in a kennel, have important surgery, or gets sick or hurt when overseas.
Types of pet insurance
There are various types of pet insurance for dogs available, so you can choose the one most suited to your dog’s needs and/or your financial situation.
Lifetime cover pet insurance
The most common type of pet insurance will cover costs for the span of your dog’s lifetime, and is the most comprehensive form of pet insurance. You’ll usually pay yearly for each year of your pet’s life, and it may get more expensive as they get older.
Non-lifetime cover pet insurance
Sometimes called annual cover, you will pay out yearly on a rolling basis. Choosing this type usually costs less and you can shop around each year for the best deal - however the cover is generally less comprehensive and might not include the protection you need.
Accident only pet insurance
This is the most basic type of dog insurance, and only covers if your pet has an
accident (for instance, if they’re hit by a car) but doesn’t cover treatment for illnesses or health issues.
What does dog insurance usually cover?
Pet insurance for dogs covers all kinds of scenarios, and though you hopefully won’t need to use it for long stretches of time, it’s useful to have the security for when things can and do happen. As well as paying for veterinary treatment, most insurance policies cover the following:
Death by accident or illness
If your dog sadly passes away prematurely, perhaps by accident or an unexpected illness, you can get back the cost of what you paid for your dog.
If your dog goes missing
If your dog gets lost or goes missing for a certain period of time, some pet insurers contribute costs towards missing pet posters or reward money. For some policies, this extends to the theft of your dog.
If you travel with your dog overseas
Some pet insurance companies cover the costs of treatment should your dog get ill or harmed when on holiday or travelling overseas.
Costs for kennels or dogs’ homes
If you need to leave your dog in a kennel for a period of time, perhaps because you’re going into hospital, some insurers will help you pay for this.
End of life costs
It’s usually covered by insurance if your dog has come to the end of their life and a vet deems it kinder to put the dog to sleep than have them endure continual pain. Cremation or burial costs may not be covered, however.
What isn’t covered by dog insurance?
There are also scenarios that a typical dog insurance policy does not usually cover, such as the following:
Treatment for recurring illnesses.
Whether you receive cover would depend on the illness or health condition, but many are not included in a standard insurance policy.
Dental treatment.
Dogs’ dental work is only covered by some providers, and it sometimes depends if the teeth are affected by illness.
Complementary treatments.
Treatments such as acupuncture, hydrotherapy, osteopathy (recommended by a vet) are usually not provided as standard.
However, be sure to shop around. There are some providers, such as Waggel, that do provide cover for the above scenarios as part of their standard policy. They even cover dogs with some long-term illnesses including diabetes and cancer - something that can be hard to find in other pet insurance brands.
Other scenarios that usually aren’t covered by standard dog insurance policies include:
Pregnancy/breeding
The vet bills for a pregnant dog, or a dog used for breeding, aren’t usually covered.
Third-party liability
If your dog harms someone or damages property, the costs of legal fees are usually an add-on rather than included in standard policy.
Routine or elective treatments
Things such as grooming or cosmetic treatments, preventative measures or routine check-ups aren’t usually covered by insurance.
Pre-existing conditions
If a dog has a condition brought on by an accident, illness or injury before the policy begins, those costs won’t be covered. Check the terms of your chosen pet insurance provider to see exclusions and inclusions.
However, it’s a great idea to read through policies and compare differing dog insurance providers as some will cover things that others don’t. Many Pets for example DO offer policies that cover pregnancy, third-party, and pre-existing conditions, so it’s always advised to do your research to find the best policy for you and your pup!
When you’re choosing a pet insurance provider, read the full terms of the cover to check what’s included from top to bottom - this way you’ll find a policy of the most value to you and your pooch.
Why should you get pet insurance for dogs?
Keeping a pet can be costly, and insurance certainly adds to that bill - but the benefits of owning a lovable dog companion are endless, and (we think you’ll agree) far outweigh the expense. To make your decision easier, some providers offer extra perks alongside standard cover.
With Waggel’s standard pet insurance policy, for instance, you’ll also receive added features such as free discounts and offers, a 24/7 video vet service, online behaviour consultations, the ability to make fully digital claims, and donations to a charity of your choosing.
We know nothing can prevent the emotional distress of something happening to your dog - but it’s reassuring to know that if something unexpected happens, they will have access to the right health care and protection - and you will at least receive compensation to make the process easier.
Should you get insurance for your puppy?
When you bring your puppy home, the last thing on your mind might be insurance. But insurance shouldn’t be reserved just for older dogs, especially when pups are just as prone to illnesses and accidents!
If you’re looking to get a puppy, or are bringing one home in the next few weeks, it’s smart to look into insurance as soon as possible. You never know what kind of mischief your new puppy could get into, and it’s always best to be prepared for the worst case scenario.
Whether you're looking for insurance for your puppy or an older dog, the types of insurance and coverage we’ve already mentioned still apply.
What to consider before insuring your puppy
For absolute peace of mind, you should think about insuring your puppy regardless. But there are a couple of points you should consider when choosing the type of cover that’s best for you, for instance;
Insurance prices differ for different breeds. If you’re at the beginning stages of bringing a puppy into your life and you’re yet to choose a breed, you should also consider how your chosen breed will affect the overall costs of your insurance.
Insurance costs differ between breeds and sizes, as each type of dog brings common health issues that their specific breed is typically known for. Bigger dogs, like Dobermans, Labradors and Golden Retrievers tend to be more prone to joint problems like arthritis and dysplasia, and this is something your insurer will take into account. The smaller the breed, the less you tend to pay.
Your pup’s sex will also affect how much you pay. The sex of your pup will also be factored in when shopping around for insurance as male puppies tend to be more expensive to insure than female puppies.
This is down to certain characteristics that male pups tend to have thanks to their high testosterone levels. It can make them more likely to be in situations, especially with other dogs, that make them prone to injuries and other issues. It’s also been found that female puppies and dogs have a quicker recovery time when it comes to injuries and diseases, so costs less to insure.
Costs rise as your pup gets older. As your pup transitions into an adult, they become more susceptible to health problems - just as we do! This means, as you calculate how much your new family member is going to cost you, you should always take your first payment as a starting point, remembering that this cost will rise.
How to keep your puppy happy and healthy
The best way to help keep your puppy’s insurance costs as low as possible in the beginning is to make sure you’re raising a happy and healthy pup! A few ways you can make sure your pup is in great shape include;
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Regular check-ups. Your puppy’s first couple of months are crucial. They’re starting to explore the world, teething like mad, and their body is going through a lot of changes. That said, it’s important to keep an eye on your pup to catch any conditions, illnesses or potential accidents that could turn into something less treatable. In their first few months, be sure to stay in contact with your vet and attend regular health checks to make sure everything’s looking good. After that first initial health check, you’ll have all the information you’ll need for your insurance provider to get the best coverage possible.
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Vaccinations and worming. Staying on top of vaccinations and worming is very important for your puppy. With them being at such an explorative age, who knows what they might pick up! Plus, puppies are extremely prone to worms, no matter how careful you are. Ensuring you stay up to date with their latest jabs and worming medications makes for a healthy pup.
- Food & Diet. Feeding your pup the right stuff can set them on track to becoming a fit and healthy adult dog! This includes feeding them puppy food that is going to get them the right nutrients and go easy on their sensitive tummies. This also goes for the adult food which they’ll eventually transition to. Certain meats, veggies and added nutrients are great for maintaining their digestive health, as well as their joints and coats.
Here at Pooch & Mutt, our
puppy food, as well as a whole range of both
functional and tasty adult dog food, ensures we can be with you every step of the way. Using nutrient-packed, natural ingredients like chicken, turkey, salmon, pumpkin, sweet potato (to name a few) as well as added vitamins, probiotics and
supplements, we’ve got your pup’s healthy diet covered.
Dog and pet insurance FAQs
Let’s answer some further commonly asked questions about getting pet insurance cover for your dog…
Is dog insurance worth it?
Most dog owners see their pooch as a much-loved and valued member of their family, so though there’s a cost to getting your pet insured, we think it’s very much worth it for the peace of mind in keeping your dog safe and healthy.
It could be even more worth it if you have an old dog, a dog with a specific health condition, a pedigree dog that may be of high value (therefore more likely to be stolen), or if your dog’s breed is predisposed to health issues.
If you aren’t sure you can afford a big yearly pay-out, there are other ways of paying, such as monthly or quarterly, which might make it more economical for you.
Do you need pet insurance for a dog in the UK?
No one is required to get pet insurance, and it’s not illegal if you don’t get it. As experts and enthusiasts in the health and wellbeing of dogs, we are big advocates of getting the right pet insurance. If you take the risk of paying out for your dog if and when they need it, it could end up costing you much more in the long run. If you can’t pay for vet treatment when the time comes, this could put your dog at significant risk.
Can I get pet insurance for an older dog?
Older dogs can be insured just like younger dogs can - but it can often cost a bit more, as they’re more likely to need ongoing veterinary care.
Should my puppy come with insurance?
When getting your pup from a reputable breeder, they’ll often hand them over alongside a puppy pack which will contain all the necessary information about their health and previous treatments. However, it’s not a legal requirement for your puppy to be insured, so breeders aren’t expected to give you your puppy with coverage already set up. This can be set up by you when your pup comes home.
What age can you insure your puppy?
Most insurance providers will cover puppies between the ages of 6-8 weeks. It’s best to get insurance as soon as possible before any illnesses or conditions develop, and worsen as they grow. The sooner you’re covered, the easier it’ll be to swerve any curveballs thrown your way.
What breed is the cheapest to insure?
The size and breed of your chosen pup will determine your insurance cost. Generally speaking, larger breeds will end up costing you more than smaller breeds. So breeds that grow up to be on the smaller side, like Jack Russells, Yorkshire Terriers and Shih Tzu will cost you the least to insure.
Our friends at Waggel offer award-winning pet insurance cover fuelled by a love of pets, tech and doing things differently. Check out their dog insurance policies for peace of mind in keeping your dog safe, happy and healthy.
Comments (2)
Hi, I’m looking to cover my 3 dogs, Storm who’s 6, Flint and Wurzel who are 6 months. They are all German shepherd’s. Thankyou
Hi Vanda many thanks for your comment. If you head over to https://www.waggel.co.uk/ they can help you set up your insurance. If you need any help regarding our products feel free to email poochpoochandmutt.com. Thank you!
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