Last updated: September 2026
Quick answer: Pet insurance cost in the UK averages around £389 a year, according to the Association of British Insurers, but real prices range from a few pounds a month for a young crossbreed on basic cover to well over £50 a month for a high-risk breed on lifetime cover. For a young dog on a lifetime policy, expect roughly £20 to £40 a month for many popular breeds. Breed, age, postcode, policy type and excess are what move the price, and premiums rise as your pet gets older.
This guide shows what owners typically pay, why two pets can cost very different amounts to insure, and how to get good cover without overpaying.
Average pet insurance cost in the UK
The ABI put the average pet insurance premium at £389 a year in 2023, about £32 a month. That figure mixes dogs and cats, every breed, every age and every type of cover, so treat it as a starting point rather than a quote.
The level of cover changes the price a lot. MoneySuperMarket data shows an average premium of £98.42 for single-pet policies with a £1,000 vet fee limit and £367.54 for a £10,000 limit. Those averages cover different pets and policies, but the direction is clear: higher limits cost more, and very low limits are cheap for a reason.
Pet insurance cost by breed
Breed is the biggest single factor for dogs. Insurers price on how often each breed claims and how expensive those claims are. Typical lifetime prices for puppies, according to Perfect Pet Insurance:
| Breed (puppy, lifetime cover) | Typical monthly premium | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cockapoo or mixed breed | £10–£25 | Lower inherited risk |
| Labrador (around 10 weeks old) | £20–£36 | Joint problems such as cruciate and hip conditions |
| French Bulldog | £50–£80 | Breathing, spinal and skin conditions |
Flat-faced breeds such as French Bulldogs, Bulldogs and Pugs are among the most expensive to insure because of breathing problems that can need surgery; see BOAS surgery costs. Large breeds prone to joint problems also cost more, reflecting the price of operations such as cruciate ligament repair and hip dysplasia surgery.
Cats are generally cheaper to insure than dogs, although pedigree cat breeds with known inherited conditions cost more than moggies.
Pet insurance cost by age
Premiums rise as pets get older, because older pets claim more. ManyPets notes that increases tend to get steeper from around seven or eight years old. As one illustration, a comparison site gives the example of a Labrador paying around £36 a month at age 2 and £70–£115 at age 8.
Age also changes what you pay when you claim. Many insurers add a co-payment from a set age, such as 15% for dogs aged 8 or over with some insurers and 20% from age 10 with others. See excess and co-payment explained and pet insurance for older dogs.
The seven factors that set your price
| Factor | Effect on your premium |
|---|---|
| Species | Dogs usually cost more than cats |
| Breed | High-risk breeds can cost several times more than crossbreeds |
| Age | Rises every year, faster from around 7–8 |
| Postcode | Higher where vet fees are higher; fees in London and the South East run 10–20% above the national average |
| Policy type | Lifetime costs more than time-limited, maximum benefit or accident-only |
| Vet fee limit | Higher limits cost more |
| Excess | A higher voluntary excess lowers the premium |
Every premium also includes Insurance Premium Tax at 12%.
Why the cheapest policy is often poor value
A low price usually means less cover: a low vet fee limit, time-limited cover that stops after 12 months, or a high co-payment. Compare what each policy would actually pay on a realistic claim. A single operation such as foreign body removal costs £1,500 to £3,500, which can exceed a year of premiums on its own. Our guides to lifetime vs time-limited vs maximum benefit cover and how much vet fee cover you need help you compare.
How to pay less without losing cover
- Insure early. Premiums are lowest when your pet is young, and nothing is excluded yet. See pre-existing conditions.
- Raise the voluntary excess instead of lowering the limit.
- Pay annually if you can.
- Compare at renewal, but be careful if your pet has any health history. Read switching pet insurance and why pet insurance goes up.
- Don’t pay for extras you don’t need, such as optional add-ons you already have elsewhere.
Frequently asked questions
How much is pet insurance per month in the UK?
The ABI average works out at about £32 a month. For a young dog on lifetime cover, many popular breeds cost roughly £20 to £40 a month; high-risk breeds cost considerably more.
Why is French Bulldog insurance so expensive?
French Bulldogs have a high rate of breathing, spinal and skin problems, and treatment can be costly, so insurers charge more.
Is it cheaper to insure a cat than a dog?
Usually, yes, though pedigree cats with known inherited conditions cost more than moggies.
Will my premium go up every year?
Usually, as your pet ages and vet fees rise. A claim doesn’t automatically raise your price, but a long-term condition can.
Is pet insurance worth the cost?
For most owners who couldn’t pay a large vet bill from savings, yes. We run the numbers in is pet insurance worth it?
Key takeaways
- The ABI average premium is £389 a year, but breed, age and cover level create huge differences.
- High-risk breeds such as French Bulldogs can cost several times more than crossbreeds.
- Premiums rise with age, faster from around seven or eight.
- Cheap policies often mean low limits or time-limited cover; compare what each would actually pay.
New to the basics? Start with how pet insurance works.
This guide is general information, not financial advice. Prices are typical ranges, not quotes. Always get a quote for your own pet.