We all go the extra mile for our pets. But many of us are forking out huge sums of money on expensive insurance policies

A recent Which? Survey found that many of us are struggling to keep on top of pet insurance costs. Seven in 10 pet owners reported an increase in price last year. Cat owners reported an average increase of £40, and dog owners a whopping £84. 

For those of us who have recently bought a pet (sales of puppies and kittens have soared in lockdown), it’s worth doing some research to find the best deal. 

First thing to consider is that as our pets get older, insurance premiums rise. This means it’s cheaper to insure our pet the younger they are. Which? Found that dog owners with 10-12 year old pets were paying 80 per cent more than owners of pets under four. And it was similar for cats.

With money tight right now, many of us will opt not to renew our pet insurance. Instead, we might put money aside for any trips to the vet. Yes, this is the most affordable option, but it can put us in a risky position. It’s impossible to know how many times our pet will need medical care. Unfortunately, it’s more than we might hope. The Which? Survey found that over a third of dog owners had to claim on insurance last year, and a quarter of cat owners.  

With this in mind, if you decide to get insurance, here’s how to make sure you get the cheapest deal:

Top 5 Tips

1. Do your homework: Thousands of customers have rated their pet insurance provider online. You can read the reviews for dog insurance here and for cat owners click here.
2. Get the right level of cover to save money: It’s worth getting a policy that covers both injury and illness. We should avoid policies from which you can claim less than £2,000 a year.
3. Find out the needs of your breed: Certain breeds are more prone to injury or illness. Speak to your vet about common conditions – they should be able to help you estimate how much insurance you need.
4. Make sure your pet is up to date with jabs and boosters: Keeping your pet as healthy as possible will save you money on insurance.
5. Get your pet micro-chipped: This is a legal requirement for dogs. Some insurance companies offer a discount if your cat is micro-chipped, so it’s worth checking first.