Do you need pet insurance for puppies and kittens?

A Which? survey of 7,300 members who own puppies or kittens (young pets less than two years old) has found that 52% didn't have pet insurance.

But is it necessary to have cover for young pets? 

Here, we look at the average costs involved in insuring your young pet and the potential risks of not having a policy in place.

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• Find out more: best pet insurance 2024.

How do pet insurance costs increase with age?

If you've recently welcomed a new puppy or kitten into your family and plan to insure your pet, it's a good idea to consider purchasing cover early on. 

That's because as pets age, insurance premiums typically rise.

Data from comparison site GoCompare shows the average median price of dog and cat insurance policies as they age.

• Find out more: best and worst dog food brands

What are the advantages of skipping pet insurance?

Unlike microchipping, which is required by law for dogs in the UK and soon to be compulsory for cats, no law states that you must have pet insurance.

Choosing not to get insurance may offer short-term savings by avoiding premiums. 

Plus, without insurance, you have the freedom to select where your pet receives treatment and which vet to see, giving you more control over their early care. You can also decide which treatments they need without insurance rules, tailoring their care to their specific needs. 

While not having pet insurance initially may offer short-term financial benefits and more flexibility, it's important to consider the potential long-term costs and risks associated with not having cover for your young pet. 

What are the risks of not getting pet insurance for young pets?

In the short term if your young pet develops health issues or has an accident without insurance, you could also face unexpected and costly vet bills. 

The cost of treating a serious pet condition can be eye-watering, with expenses easily reaching thousands of pounds; but even the average claim sets you back. According to Tesco Bank Pet Insurance data, the average cat claim amounts to £691, while for dogs, it's even higher at £822. It’s also worth noting that young and untrained pets may be prone to accidents.  

But not having pet insurance could mean paying more over time, as premiums typically increase as pets age. 

Also, as pets age, they may develop chronic conditions that insurance companies might not cover. Our research found that only a few policies — around 29% for dogs and 21% for cats – may cover pre-existing conditions. 

Remember, insurance may not cover all the costs. Routine pet healthcare, for example, usually won’t be covered, so that's check-ups, vaccinations or flea and worm treatments. Also, expect to pay an excess when you make a claim. If you have a co-payment policy, where you pay a percentage of each claim, you'll have to pay this along with the excess. 

• Find out more: pet insurance explained.

6 tips for getting the right pet insurance cover

If it’s your first time taking out pet insurance or you’re looking to switch policy, here are six things worth looking out for:

1. Pre-existing conditions Make sure your policy will provide cover for any existing health issues your pet might have. If you wait until they develop a condition and then try to take out pet insurance, it might lead to higher costs or not be covered at all. 
2. Ongoing conditions Some plans limit coverage for recurring illnesses. Look for a policy that offers coverage for ongoing conditions each year, such as lifetime pet insurance.
3. Waiting period Be aware of how long you have to wait before you can make a claim. Waiting periods vary, so check the details carefully.
4. Preventive care and pregnancy Keep up with vaccinations and other preventive measures, as some insurers may not cover illnesses that could have been prevented. Also, pregnancy might not be covered unless you have a specific breeder policy.
5. Dental coverage Check if dental treatment is included in your policy. Some plans don't cover dental treatment resulting from illnesses or they might require you to pay for routine dental care yourself.
6. Holiday cancellation Look for policies that offer coverage if you need to cancel a holiday because of your pet's illness. Make sure you understand the criteria for making a claim, and check if you're already covered under your travel insurance to avoid overlap.

Find out more: 6 traps to avoid when taking out pet insurance.

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4. Alan Boswell Insurance Brokers Ltd (FRN 301), for the introduction of non-investment landlord insurances, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority to provide advice and arrange insurance contracts. Alan Boswell insurance brokers Ltd is registered in England at Prospect House, Rouen Rd, Norwich NR1 1RE, company number 02591252.

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