Keeping your furry friend in good health takes a lot of care and attention. But no matter how well you look after them, accidents can still happen.
That's why it's a good idea to get pet insurance, so you're covered if things go wrong or there's an emergency.
It can help to cover your vet bills, because let’s face it – they’re not always cheap!
While we can’t guarantee what your insurer will or probably won’t cover, the below is a general guide. If in doubt, contact your insurer.
What does pet insurance cover?
Pet insurance gives you a safety net if your pet becomes ill or injures themself. And it means you have support with vet treatment and medication costs.
We’ve broken down what vet bills a typical pet insurance policy will and won’t cover.
Does pet insurance cover routine visits?
Most insurance policies cover unexpected events – and pet insurance is no different.
They'll likely cover accidents or illnesses, but they don't cover all trips to the vet.
Your pet insurance policy won’t cover standard healthcare like:
- annual health assessments
- check-ups
- routine procedures like jabs and worming treatment
Does pet insurance cover vet visits?
If you’re looking for help with vet bills, pet insurance policies usually cover you up to a certain amount.
Our Lifetime pet insurance covers up to £10,000 of vet fees. Our Time-Limited Extra pet insurance covers up to £4,000 of vet fees.
Your pet insurance should cover you for your cat or dog’s diagnosis and any of the following treatment they need (up to your chosen vet fee limit). This could include:
- consultations with your vet
- examinations, including X-rays, MRI and CT scans
- medication
- surgery
- alternative therapies your vet recommends for your pet
- dental treatment your pet needs after an accident
Check your policy documents to see what’s covered and what your limits and exclusions are.
What doesn’t pet insurance usually cover?
It's always worth checking what your pet insurance doesn’t cover.
Most policies don’t cover:
- grooming
- bathing
- nail clipping*
- defleaing
- deworming
- vaccinations
- spaying or neutering
- microchipping (if you own a dog, you're unlikely to get pet insurance if they're not microchipped)
You should aways check your policy documents to see what is and isn’t covered. And to check your policy limits and exclusions.
*Some vets might agree to cut your pet’s nails as part of another procedure if you ask them. They might offer if your pet is put under anaesthetic too.
Although most types of pet insurance won’t cover it, it might be less expensive if it’s alongside another treatment.
Am I covered if I have a vet healthcare plan?
No, healthcare plans don't replace insurance.
Healthcare plans are for vaccinations, pest treatments and health checks. They might also offer discounts on vet care and medication.
But they don't cover accidents or illnesses. That's why pet insurance is important – it covers you for the unexpected.
How much does pet treatment cost without insurance?
If your pet has suffered with any of the below, then this is what it might cost you in vet bills.
These average costs are based on what we paid out for some of the most common vet claims between August 2024 and August 2025.
It's important to remember that vet prices are different around the UK.
| Condition | Treatment cost for dogs (£) | Treatment cost for cats (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Musculoskeletal (arthritis, elbow or hip dysplasia, patella luxation) | 1,114 | 851 |
| Tumours | 1,111 | 1,030 |
| Trauma/injury (bites, heat stroke, poisoning, fractures, swallowing a foreign object) Content | 936 | 943 |
| Gastrointestinal issues | 896 | 895 |
| Eye issues | 749 | 457 |
| Ear infections | 418 | 397 |
| Skin wounds / infections | 383 | 449 |
It really depends on the vet surgery. But it always costs to take your pet to see a vet – even if it’s just for a quick examination.
A consultation fee might cost between £30 and £300, depending on where the vet is and the time. For example, it’s likely to cost more on a weekend, out of hours or on a bank holiday.
Consultation fees can vary – it depends on where the vet is and the time. For example, it's likely to cost more on a weekend, out of hours or on a bank holiday.
Costs can also vary wildly depending on the type of treatment your pet needs and the type of pet they are. Typically, treatments for dogs cost more than the same treatment for cats.
Data from the ABI found that insurance companies paid out £1.23 billion in pet insurance claims in 2024. The average claim costs £685.
Do insurers pay vet bills directly?
They can, but it depends on how your vet wants to be paid.
While it's sometimes easier for your insurer to pay, vets often prefer to be paid upfront. This means you’ll probably need to pay them first and then claim the cost back from your insurer.
Can I see a vet for free?
There’s no NHS equivalent for our furry companions. This means that healthcare for pets costs money.
There are other ways you can get help for your cat or dog's health. Our pet insurance includes access to 24-hour online vet consultations with PawSquad.
That means you can get advice before deciding if you need to take your cat or dog to a vet surgery. If it’s an emergency, you should take them to the vet straight away.
With PawSquad, our customers don’t have to pay extra for:
- advice from a vet who’s registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, with at least five years of clinical experience
- consultations by call, video or messaging
- follow-ups on your pet’s health, and any treatment plans
Some charities like the PDSA, offer some free pet treatments if you get:
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax support
- Universal Credit with a housing element
You just need to live in the catchment area of one of its local vet surgeries.
