How much is pet insurance?

Wondering how much it’ll cost to insure your pet?

The first thing to note is that pet insurance costs vary, so there’s no single price that applies to every pet. Your premium can depend on a number of things. This can include your pet’s age, breed and where you live. The cover you choose will also affect the price.

Saying that, we can offer a guide based on the average price our customer’s pay.

Agria customers paid an average of £45.66 monthly for dog insurance and £24.12 for cat insurance during the first quarter of 2026. The average price paid for Agria horse insurance was £43.17 per month.

While these figures offer a useful guide, your quote may be higher or lower. The best way to see the actual cost of insuring your own pet is to get a pet insurance quote.

What affects the cost of pet insurance?

When calculating the cost of pet insurance, insurers consider several factors. Here’s some more detail on what can influence the price you pay.

Your pet’s age

Pet insurance often becomes more expensive as an animal gets older. Older pets are more likely to develop health problems or need veterinary treatment. Treatment can also become more complex as pets age. Some insurers apply a higher excess or ask owners to contribute towards claims for older pets.

Your pet’s breed

Some breeds have a greater risk of developing certain health conditions. Their size can also affect the cost of treatment and medication. For example, a larger dog may need higher doses of medicine than a smaller dog. Certain procedures may also cost more. However, every animal is different. As shown here, your pet’s breed is only one of several factors used to calculate the price.

Where you live

Veterinary fees can vary between different parts of the UK. Insurance prices may reflect treatment costs in the area where you live. Your address can therefore affect the price, even if another owner has a similar pet and chooses the same cover.

The type of policy

Different types of pet insurance offer different levels of protection. A policy with limited cover may initially cost less than a lifetime policy. However, it may provide less support for long-term conditions. Lifetime pet insurance can often cover eligible ongoing conditions across several policy years.

The amount of cover

Policies with higher vet fee limits usually cost more than those with lower limits. However, a higher limit can offer greater protection if your pet needs expensive or ongoing treatment. When buying pet insurance, consider how much you could comfortably pay yourself if treatment costs exceed the policy limit. Price matters, but the cheapest policy might not always provide the cover your pet needs.

Your excess

The excess is the amount you agree to pay towards an eligible claim. Choosing a higher excess may reduce your premium. However, you’ll need to pay more if you make a claim.

Optional benefits

Some policies offer optional benefits or extra cover. Adding these benefits can increase the price. Always check what’s already included before paying for extra protection.

Does pet insurance cost more for older pets?

Pet insurance usually becomes more expensive as pets age. This is because older animals have a greater chance of needing veterinary care. Some insurers also change the excess or introduce a contribution towards claims when a pet reaches a certain age. This means you could pay part of the treatment cost alongside your fixed excess.

Does lifetime pet insurance cost more?

Lifetime cover can cost more than policies with shorter or more limited protection. However, comparing policies based only on their monthly price can be misleading. A cheaper policy may provide a lower vet fee limit. It may also stop covering a condition after a set time or amount. Lifetime insurance can continue covering eligible conditions over several years. The cover limit usually resets when you renew the policy. Check the vet fee limit, excess, exclusions and renewal terms before choosing a policy.

How can I reduce the cost of pet insurance?

There are several ways to manage the cost without simply choosing the lowest level of cover.

• If you have more than one pet, check whether a multi-pet discount is available.

• Check whether paying annually costs less than paying monthly.

• Review optional benefits and decide whether you need them.

• Increase your excess, while being mindful you could still afford it if your pet needed treatment.

Be careful when reducing your cover to lower the price. A smaller saving now could leave you paying more towards treatment later.

Is pet insurance worth the cost?

Pet insurance is a great way to help protect you from unexpected veterinary bills. And while insurance can’t prevent illness or injury, suitable cover can make treatment decisions easier when your pet needs care.

As our data shows, modern veterinary treatment can be expensive, particularly when an animal needs specialist care, surgery or long-term medication. Insuring your pet before any health problems develop can come in handy should you face costly vet bills later down the line.

Though whether it’s worth it ultimately comes down to you. The right policy will depend on your budget, how much financial risk you could manage yourself, and of course, the individual needs of your pet.

Get a pet insurance quote

Average prices can help you understand what other owners have paid. However, only a personalised quote can show your actual cost.

Agria offers lifetime insurance for dogs, cats and horses, with different cover levels available.

Choose the cover that suits your animal and your budget. You can then enjoy more peace of mind if they need veterinary care.