Best Pet Insurance Companies in UK
Best Pet Insurance Companies, Veterinary bills for pets, like so many other current living costs, have been constantly rising. They will rise by 10% in 2022 as a result of higher vet personnel costs, medical supply prices, lab-testing fees, and advanced drugs. According to an American Veterinary Medical Association survey, the average yearly cost of vet visits for houses with a dog in 2022 was $362, and $321 for those with a cat.
If you own a pet—roughly 66% of U.S. families do—buying pet insurance may help reduce the costs of your furry (or feathered or scaly) friend’s healthcare. It’s useful to understand which pet insurance companies provide the most value for your money and Max, your yellow Labrador, or Bella, your Siamese cat.
Because only Maine has agreed to this model law, it’s more vital than ever to read and understand the fine print before signing up for a policy. We’ve done a lot of the research for you here, but keep in mind that factors such as your dog or cat’s breed, age, and zip code will all play a role in the pricing and best choice of pet insurance for you. It is also critical to understand what pet insurance companies cover and do not cover. Preexisting conditions, cremation and burial costs, pregnancy and breeding, and cosmetic activities all fall under this group.
Our recommendations for best pet insurance
Here’s a closer look at each pet insurance provider and what they have to offer.
Best for add-on to basic coverage: Lemonade Insurance Company
Although Lemonade only offers one plan for both accidents and illness, it offers more add-on options than the majority of the other firms on this list. Diagnostic tests, surgery, injections for covered diseases, prescription drugs, and other services are all covered under the basic coverage. Extras such as vet visits, physical therapy, dental illnesses, behavioral therapy, and end-of-life and remembrance can be added for a fee, in addition to several preventative care packages that can help cover things like wellness exams, routine blood work, vaccines, boosters, and more. There’s even a puppy and kitten preventative care package that includes additional vaccinations, more wellness visits, spaying/neutering, and micro chipping. Waiting periods for accidents are two days, 14 days for illness, and six months for crucial ligament events.
Best for a family plan for multiple pets: Met-life All Pets Insurance
Met life has been in the insurance industry for over 150 years. Pet First, a pet insurance firm that has been in business since 2004, was placed under the Met Life umbrella in 2019. For an additional monthly expensive it provides complete accident and illness coverage as well as a protective care plan for services such as dental cleanings, blood work, and micro-chipping. The accident waiting time is the best in this group—coverage begins at midnight on the day you sign up—while the illness waiting period is more normal at 14 days.
Met life is the only insurer that allows you to cover up to three pets on the same policy with a shared deductible.
Best for covering horses: ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
Most pet insurance policies cover only dogs and cats, but if you own a horse, the ASPCA, a well-known and established brand, offers covers for accidents and illness. Both forms include colic (a common condition in horses), and preventive therapy is available. Its coverage for dogs and cats includes an accident-only plan, which is the least expensive choice. Complete Coverage is also offered, which covers both accidents and illness—from arthritis and hip dysphasia to behavioral disorders, cancer, and even acquired illnesses that may not manifest themselves until later in a pet’s life—as well as alternative therapies like acupuncture and physiotherapy. Accident coverage has a 14-day waiting period.
There are two levels of add-on coverage that pay for wellness checks, vaccinations, and dental cleanings, but there is no standalone wellness plan. A plus: ASPCA policies cover microchip implantation to assist in the recovery of a missing dog or cat. Annual deductibles range from $100 to $500, coverage limits from $3,000 to $10,000 (on the low end), and reimbursement rates range from 70% to 90%. The ASPCA provides insurance in all 50 states and offers a 10% discount for insuring more than one pet.
Best for 100% reimbursement rate: Figo Pet Insurance
Rusty Sprat launched Figo Pet Insurance in 2013 in Chicago. One of Figo’s main advantages is that it offers reimbursement rates of 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100% (the latter is unique for pet insurance policies). This, combined with an unlimited yearly coverage option (as well as $5,000 and $10,000) and deductibles ranging from $100 to $1,500 (depending on your pet’s age—higher amounts are for older pets), allows you to create a more personalized plan. These factors, along with the species, breed, age, gender, and location of your pet, all affect the monthly plan rates.
Figo also provides “powerups” for standard care such as vaccinations, annual checks, and diagnostic tests. Waiting periods for accidents are one day, which is better than most other insurers, and 14 days, which is more usual. There is also no upper age restriction for coverage, though older animals are more expensive to insure. It’s also worth noting that Figo’s plans cover both illness and injuries, while some other insurers only offer accident-only protection.
Best for covering exotic pets: Nationwide Pet Insurance
If you need insurance for your exotic bird or iguana (or a variety of tiny animals such as ferrets, chinchillas, potbellied pigs, rabbits, and turtles), choose Nationwide, a Br-ea. California-based company. It offers Whole Pet, Major Medical, and Wellness protection (but not all states provide wellness policies). When you insure four or more pets, Nationwide will give you a 10% discount. All of its plans have a 14-day waiting period.
The maximum every year coverage is $10,000, with reimbursement percentages limited at 50% and 70%. However, there is an annual cap for each ailment in Major Medical insurance. To receive the best coverage possibilities, Nationwide suggests recording a pet before the age of eight.
Best for pet owners on a budget: Odie Pet Insurance
Odie, a newcomer to the pet insurance market, was founded in 2020 and is headquartered in Agora Hills, California. Except for Alaska, it offers accident-and-illness and accident-only plans with lower-than-average prices for dogs and cats. Wellness add-on for preventive care are also available, including a Basic Plan and a Plus Plan, which pay out more for services like spaying and teeth cleaning.
Odis’s deductibles range from $50 to $1,000, with several options in between that can help you save money on insurance. The cost of lower prices: The plans are not as comprehensive as those offered by other insurers. The maximum yearly coverage varies by plan and ranges from $5,000 to $40,000, with reimbursement rates ranging from 70% to 90%. When you enroll more than one pet, Odie offers a 5% multi-pet discount. There are two drawbacks to consider: Unlike many pet insurance, Odis’s sends a cheque via mail, and there is no mobile app for account management.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Is pet insurance worth it?
Pets are typically valued members of the family, thus it is important to think about their wellbeing in order for them to enjoy long and healthy lives. When it comes to paying for treatment for an illness or accident to your animal, pet insurance can provide you peace of mind. Veterinary care is be costly, and insurance can help you cover those costs.
How does the reimbursement process work?
Your veterinarian will send you a bill for the services performed when your pet is treated for an injury or sickness; you must pay the bill before sending it to the insurance provider. Some businesses allow you to accomplish this online or using an app. Following that, you will be compensated (by direct deposit or mailed cheque) in accordance with the plan and reimbursement period you choose.
Can I choose my own veterinarian?
Most insurance companies let you choose your own veterinarian as long as they are certified. However, you may have to use one of the insurance company’s doctor partners who uses its software if you wish to use the direct-to-vet payment option.
Are there waiting periods before coverage begins?
Yes, all plans include waiting periods before coverage comes in. Waiting periods varies between accident-only and accident-and-sickness (or illness) plans, with the former typically being shorter and the latter typically being longer. A usual waiting period is 14 days, however severe injuries and diseases, such as hip dysplasia, have six-month or longer wait times.