Pet insurance for dogs and cats

Pet insurance can help protect you from unexpected veterinary bills if your dog or cat becomes ill or injured. It gives you financial support towards eligible treatment, helping you focus on your pet’s care rather than facing the full cost alone.

The right policy depends on your pet, your budget and the level of protection you need. Cover can vary significantly between insurers, so it is important to check the annual vet-fee limit, excess, exclusions and whether ongoing conditions can continue to be covered in future policy years.

Illustration of a dog and cat beside pet insurance paperwork

Why consider lifetime pet insurance?

Lifetime pet insurance is designed to provide ongoing support for eligible illnesses and injuries. The available vet-fee allowance renews each year when the policy is renewed, which can be especially valuable if your pet develops a condition requiring long-term medication, repeat appointments or specialist treatment.

Pre-existing conditions are generally excluded, so arranging cover before symptoms or health problems appear may give your pet access to broader protection.

Pet insurance does not usually cover routine care such as vaccinations, regular check-ups or preventative treatments. Always review the full policy documents to understand what is and is not included.

About Agria

Agria states that it specialises in lifetime pet insurance for dogs and cats and has been protecting pets for more than 130 years.

Agria states that, depending on the policy selected, it offers up to £20,000 towards eligible veterinary fees each year. The vet-fee allowance renews annually when the policy is renewed, helping provide continued protection for eligible ongoing conditions.

Agria currently reports that it pays 98% of claims and can arrange payment directly with your vet. Its policies also include free 24/7 veterinary video calls, giving customers access to professional advice when they are worried about their pet.

Additional benefits may include behavioural treatment, help if a pet becomes lost or stolen and third-party liability cover for dogs. The benefits, limits and exclusions depend on the policy chosen.

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What to check before choosing pet insurance

  • The annual veterinary-fee limit
  • The fixed excess and any percentage contribution
  • Whether ongoing conditions remain covered after renewal
  • Waiting periods and pre-existing-condition exclusions
  • Dental, behavioral and specialist-treatment cover
  • Age or breed-related restrictions
  • How claims are submitted and paid

No single policy is right for every pet. The right choice depends on your pet’s age, breed, health history and the amount you could comfortably contribute towards veterinary treatment.

Important information

This is general information only and is not financial advice. Policy terms, exclusions, eligibility criteria and limits apply. Read the policy documents carefully and check the current details with the insurer before choosing cover.

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