Best Insurance for Dogs in the UK

Choosing the right pet insurance is critical for protecting your furry friend—and your peace of mind. Vet bills can quickly run into thousands of pounds, and having solid cover in place can make all the difference.

Below, I’ve ranked 10 leading UK dog insurance providers based on Trustpilot ratings (where available), and included monthly cost estimates and coverage highlights to help you choose the best insurance for your dog.

1. Petplan

• Trustpilot rating: ~4.7 (20K reviews) 

• Estimated cost: Average around £23–£27/month, based on Waggel’s £274/year average or Nimblefins' £32/month average across UK ≈ £300–£500/year

• What’s covered:

  • Covered for Life® plans (£4k, £7k, or £12k per year, refreshed annually)

  • Vet bills, pet therapies (hydrotherapy, acupuncture), dental, behavioural issues (if annual check‑up & treatments done within 6 months), legal liability, theft/loss, missing pet cover

• Website link

2. Agria Pet Insurance

• Trustpilot rating: Highly rated (won “Best Pet Insurance Overall”)

• Estimated cost: Likely around £25–£40/month (comparable to Petplan and higher average vet‑cover policies)

• What’s covered: Lifetime policies with vet fees reinstated each year if renewed; likely comprehensive, given awards

• Website link

3. Waggel

• Trustpilot rating: Ranked 3rd in providers based on 500 Trustpilot reviews

• Estimated cost: Aligns with UK average—around £25/month (based on Waggel average report)

• What’s covered: Digital-first, easy-to-manage policies; specifics typically include accident & illness; details need quote comparison tool view

• Website link

4. Animal Friends Insurance

• Trustpilot rating: ~4.5 (44K reviews)

• Estimated cost: Around £23–£30/month, fitting into UK average price range

• What’s covered: Offers lifetime and time-limited policies; includes typical vet bills, optional extras; known for straightforward service (numerous reviews available on their site)

• Website link

5. Tesco (Tesco Bank) Pet Insurance

• Trustpilot rating: ~4.5 (13K reviews)

• Estimated cost: Likely £20–£30/month on average

• What’s covered: Standard cover including vet bills, accident & illness; Tesco Bank often offers multi‑policy discounts (e.g., combined home & pet) and straightforward claims process.

• Website link

6. ManyPets

• Trustpilot rating: ~4.3 (29K reviews under “ManyPets”, per suggestion section)

• Estimated cost: Varies: average £25/month, but can skyrocket—for one case trending from £530/year to £2,692/year due to age/inflation

• What’s covered: Lifetime cover, chronic condition support; however premiums escalate sharply with age due to inflation and risk recalculations

• Website Link

7. Purely Pets Insurance

• Trustpilot rating: Mixed; “somewhat happy” overall with pricing and simplicity, though some complaint about premium increases and claims delays

• Estimated cost: Likely £15–£25/month, on the lower end for straightforward policies

• What’s covered: Basic accident & illness, easy policy setup, competitive pricing; may lack some extras and have customer service limitations

• Website link

8. More Than

• Trustpilot rating: Not specified, but historically award‑winning provider (“Best Pet Insurance”)

• Estimated cost: Likely £20–£35/month, in line with other established brands

• What’s covered: Lifetime cover, personal touch service (script-free call centres), RSPCA partnerships; standard vet bills and extra service quality

• Website link

9. Fetch (formerly Petplan in U.S., but here UK Fetch)

• Trustpilot rating: Not UK‑specific, but Fetch rebranded Petplan in U.S. However UK branch still “Petplan”

• Estimated cost: Aligns with Petplan pricing (~£25/month)

• What’s covered: Same “Covered for Life®” benefits as Petplan (since it's the same company in the UK)

• Website link

10. Churchill / More generic providers

• Trustpilot rating: Specific pet‑insurance rating not readily available; Churchill offers pet insurance among services

• Estimated cost: Likely £20–£30/month, but varies widely due to risk/region

• What’s covered: Standard pet cover (vet bills, accident/illness, possibly time-limited); rely on general insurer benefits

• Website link

Choosing the Right One for Your Dog

1. Budget vs. Peace of Mind
   Low-cost policies (Purely Pets, basic Tesco) may sound tempting, but comprehensive Lifetime cover (Petplan, Agria) can save more in the long run.

2. Understand Pricing Trends
   Providers like ManyPets may start reasonably, but prices may double as your dog ages or inflation bites—plan ahead

3. Look for Extras
   Petplan and Agria include dental, behavioural, legal liability—things other providers may exclude or charge extra for

4. Claims Experience Counts
   Waggel (digital ease) and Animal Friends (large satisfied base) offer smoother claims. Purely Pets has positive notes on efficiency but some mixed reviews

5. Customer Service Quality
   More Than’s script‑free call centres and RSPCA backing may win trust for hands‑on support

Final Thoughts

• For the most complete cover with refreshing annual limits and extras: Petplan or Agria are top-tier.

• If digital convenience and manageable pricing matter: Waggel and Animal Friends shine.

• For budget-conscious owners, Tesco, Purely Pets, or More Than still deliver solid basics.

• Keep an eye on price hikes—especially if insured long-term—as seen with ManyPets.

• Always compare policy details, excesses, and conditions, and request a quote tailored to your dog’s age, breed, and health history.