Pet insurance

We offer lifetime cover policies for your pet. We'll be there to support you, year after year.

Pet insurance

The benefits of Policy Expert pet insurance

24/7 vet advice

Advice is only a call away. Day or night, we're here to help.

Lifetime cover for your pet

Lifetime protection means we're here for your pet at every stage of their life.

You're in good company

We're trusted by over 1.6 million customers.*

What is pet insurance?

Pet insurance is there to cover your pet in the event of an accident or illness, and to help you manage the costs associated with veterinary care. We understand that pets are cherished members of the family, and their health is a top priority.

Our pet insurance policies aim to provide peace of mind by covering unexpected medical expenses for your furry companions.

What does pet insurance cover?

It’s important to note that coverage varies depending on the specific policy you choose.
Treatments
Vet fees up to £4,000 up to £7,500 up to £15,000
Complementary treatment £1,000 £1K £2,000 £2K
Behavioural treatment £1,000 £1K £1,000 £1K
Dental care £2,000 £2K accident only £2,000 £2K accident & illness
Liability (dogs only)
Third party liability £500,000 £500K £1,000,000 £1M £2,000,000 £2M
Other covers
Emergency boarding/minding Up to £600 Up to £1,200
Missing pet Included Included
Holiday cover Optional Included
Farewall cover Optional Optional
Other features
24hr vet advice line Included Included Included
Pet loss support services Included Included Included

Our insurance services across Policy Expert are rated excellent on Trustpilot

Policy wording

Our policy wording has been reviewed by the Plain English Campaign, who champion policies that are crystal clear.

Here's something that might surprise you:

From the pet insurance claims we handle each year, the most common aren't what you'd expect.

  • Foreign objects swallowed by curious pets is the most common pet claim we see.

  • Diarrhoea, vomiting, spinal conditions and fractures are the second most common types of pet claim.

We know pets inside out, which is why you can trust us with their cover.

Why do I need pet insurance?

Pet insurance helps make sure your pet gets the right care at the right time, without unexpected costs catching you off guard.

We know your pet is part of the family. That's why we're here for you whenever you need us. From curious cats to unpredictable pups, we've got you covered with 24/7 advice and out-of-hours support.

What isn’t covered by pet insurance?

While pet insurance provides comprehensive coverage, there are some exclusions to be aware of:

  • Pre-existing conditions.
  • Neutering.
  • Routine check-ups and vaccinations.
  • Cosmetic procedures.
  • Breeding costs.
  • Claims for illness within the first 14 days of cover.
  • Always review your policy details carefully to understand the specific exclusions.

Our types of pet insurance policies

Your best friend deserves the finest. That's why we only offer lifetime cover,  to help give you complete peace of mind. Specific policies include:

  • Dog insurance

    Whether you've got a bouncy Labrador puppy or a loyal Cocker Spaniel, life seems wonderful until you need to make a claim. That's when the details really matter. Understanding what your cover includes can save you a lot of worry when your four-legged friend needs help.

  • Cat insurance

    Cats have a knack for landing on their feet, but that doesn’t mean they’re immune to life’s little surprises. Whether you’ve got a dignified British Shorthair lounging on your sofa or a curious Domestic Shorthair exploring every nook and cranny, cat insurance can save you from unexpected vet bills that’ll make your whiskers twitch.

  • Multi pet cover

    Multi pet insurance means all your furry friends get their own cover, neatly bundled together in one easy-to-manage account. No more juggling different insurers for your cat or dog. Everything's in one place online, so you can spend less time on admin and more time on cuddles.

Policy Expert and Blue Cross Partnership

We’re pleased to introduce our partnership with Blue Cross, one of the UK’s leading animal welfare charities. This collaboration brings together Policy Expert’s insurance expertise with Blue Cross’s century-long commitment to helping sick, injured, and abandoned pets across the country.

This partnership reflects our commitment to responsible pet ownership, which starts with proper protection for unexpected vet bills and extends to supporting organisations that help pets in need.

Our pet insurance expert says...

“Lifetime pet insurance means your pet stays protected. Unlike other policies, lifetime cover doesn't expire – it continues to cover ongoing conditions for as long as you renew. With vet costs rising, it gives you peace of mind that your pet can get the treatment they need, throughout their life.”

Linda Crichton, Chief Service and Operations Officer

Policy Expert customer experiences

Very pleased with the pet policy quote

Very pleased with the pet policy quote, all my questions answered, our puppy is very precious to us and we now have peace of mind his health will be cared for in the future.

Row of five bright pink stars indicating a full five-star rating or excellent review.

Michael, March 2026

Absolutely excellent experience

Absolutely excellent experience of taking out our pet policy. Everything was explained well and options offered to suit your pocket.

Row of five bright pink stars indicating a full five-star rating or excellent review.

Lynn, February 2026

Very helpful and informative about getting new pet insurance

Spoke with Amy she was very helpful and informative about getting new pet insurance for our Tibetan terrier and ended up saving lots of money compared to our original provider.

Row of five bright pink stars indicating a full five-star rating or excellent review.

Customer, February 2026

Our insurance services are rated excellent on Trustpilot April 2026

What you need to get a pet insurance quote

Be prepared with the following details:

  • Your pet's breed.

  • If they have been neutered.

  • Microchip status of your pet.

  • Whether vaccinations are up to date.

  • With this information, we can provide you with an accurate quote tailored to your pet’s needs.

How we calculate your pet insurance cost

Several factors influence the cost of pet insurance, including:

  • A purple tick
    Your pet’s age and breed.
  • A purple tick
    Your location.
  • A purple tick
    The level of cover you choose.
  • A purple tick
    Any optional extras you add to your policy.
  • Your specific premium may vary based on the factors mentioned above.

FAQs

Will pet insurance cover neutering?

We do not cover routine procedures like neutering. These are typically considered preventative care and are the owner’s responsibility.

If I need to make a claim, can you pay my vet directly?

In some cases, we can pay your vet directly instead of reimbursing you later - we call these direct claims. We'll need to review your individual situation first as it depends on your specific policy terms and whether your vet is happy to accept direct payment. This option isn't guaranteed, but it can be especially useful for bigger bills. Contact us for more info.

What is Co-payment?

Co-payment (also called co-insurance) means you pay a percentage of each claim and we pay the rest. This can reduce your premium, but you'll share the cost when you claim. As your pet gets older, co-payments are required to keep your cover affordable.

How do vaccinations affect pet insurance?

Keeping your pet up-to-date with vaccinations is crucial. At Policy Expert, we require pets to be vaccinated against common diseases. Failure to do so could result in claims being rejected. For more information, check out our guides on dog and puppy vaccinations and kitten and cat vaccinations.

Can I get instant cover for my pet?

You can purchase cover to start immediately. However, there is a waiting period before claiming – 14 days for illness cover and 48 hours for accident cover.

Which dog breeds will you not cover?

While we strive to offer coverage for as many breeds as possible, some high-risk or legally restricted breeds may not be eligible for insurance. Always check with us directly for the most up-to-date information on breed restrictions.

Does my pet’s age affect pet insurance?

Age impacts what you'll pay and what cover you can get. As pets age, health problems become more common, so costs rise. It's important to know that past a certain age, co-payments are required – you'll contribute a percentage to each claim.

How does my address affect pet insurance?

Vet costs vary across the UK, so your location plays a part in your premium.

Explore our guides and expert tips

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