Pet insurance can be a life saver in so many ways, covering the cost of medical treatment that could otherwise be cripplingly expensive. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) reported that in 2019, pet insurers in the UK paid out £815 million to cover vet bills, a number that’s likely to  keep increasing.

Having pet insurance can mean you can have less worry about paying those unexpected vets bills, so it’s always worth strongly considering, but naturally you'll want to know roughly how much it’s going to cost.

How much does pet insurance cost on average?

The short answer is that it very much depends, both on whether you have a cat or a dog, as well as their age and general health, and some other factors. According to the ABI, the average annual premium for a pet insurance policy was £271 in 2019.

There are many factors that go into the cost of your pet insurance, and your premiums will always be worked out based on your specific pet and situation, so the average cost can only give you a rough idea. We answer some common questions about pet insurance costs with our helpful guide here.

What is the average cost of dog insurance?

Dog insurance tends to be more expensive than cat as naturally, treatment will cost more for a larger pet. But that also means there can be a big difference in cost depending on the average size of your dog’s breed, or common health problems associated with certain breeds.

For example, a flat-faced dog such as a bulldog or a pug can be more expensive as they’re more prone to breathing and heart problems.

What is the average cost of cat insurance?

Cat insurance generally costs less than dog insurance policies, but the cost can still be affected by similar factors such as the breed. Some more high maintenance breeds might mean more expensive insurance premiums, but many other things are still taken into account, such as your cat’s age and where you live.

Insuring a cat is just as important as insuring a dog, as health problems or injuries can lead to unexpected and very expensive vets bills. In the UK there are around 7.5 million domestic cats, but only around 1.3 million are insured, according to the ABI. This means a lot of people having to pay out of pocket for those bills.

How to get the most affordable pet insurance

When you choose a pet insurance policy, the most important thing is to make sure it covers everything you need for your pet. It might seem like a tempting way to get cheaper premiums, but if anything in your pet insurance policy isn’t accurate or certain things you need aren’t covered, you could end up having to pay the full cost of unexpected vets bills anyway.

Getting your pet microchipped can also help to keep the cost of pet insurance down. It’s a legal requirement to microchip your dog, but some pet insurers also offer a discount if your cat is chipped.

If you have more than one pet, you could also benefit from a multi-pet discount when you choose the same insurer.

Asda Pet Insurance

Our pet insurance policies offer multi-pet discounts, access to a 24 hour Vet Advice Line and the option to pay monthly by direct debit with no interest charges. Check out our Pet Insurance page for more details and to get a quote.