How much is puppy insurance in the UK?

Puppy insurance in the UK typically costs between £15-£50 per month depending on your breed, age, location and level of cover. Lifetime cover costs more than time-limited policies, and brachycephalic breeds (like French Bulldogs) tend to be more expensive to insure.

What age should I insure my puppy?

You should insure your puppy as soon as you get them, ideally from 8 weeks old. Most insurers require puppies to be at least 8 weeks old. Getting insurance early means conditions that develop later will be covered, as pre-existing conditions are typically excluded.

What does puppy insurance cover?

Puppy insurance typically covers vet fees for accidents and illnesses, third party liability, death from illness or accident, theft or straying, and advertising/reward costs. Some policies also include dental cover, behavioural treatment, and complementary therapies.

Puppy Insurance

UK Pet Insurance for Puppies

Puppy Insurance UK 2025

Compare puppy pet insurance quotes from leading UK insurers. Find the best pet insurance for puppies - lifetime cover, accident & illness protection, and vet fee limits up to unlimited.

Get dog insurance for puppies in minutes. Pet insurance puppy options from just £10/month. Whether you're insuring a dog for the first time or switching providers, we'll help you find the right cover.

Puppy Pet Insurance Calculator

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Breed *

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Additional Details

Neutered / Spayed

This may reduce your premium slightly

I have other pets

Multi-pet discounts may apply

Estimated Monthly Premium

£24.15 - £63.00

per month

(£290 - £756 per year)

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Lifetime & time-limited options

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*Indicative pricing only. Actual premiums depend on individual circumstances.

Why Do You Need Pet Insurance for Puppies?

Puppy pet insurance is essential for protecting both your new pet and your finances. Puppies are curious and prone to accidents, and vet bills can quickly add up. Here's why insurance for puppies matters:

Rising Vet Costs

Vet bills have increased significantly. A simple operation can cost £1,000+, and complex treatments can reach £5,000-£10,000. Pet insurance puppies helps cover these unexpected costs.

Puppies Have Accidents

Young dogs are curious explorers. Swallowed objects, broken bones, and cuts are common puppy emergencies. Dog insurance for puppies ensures you never have to choose between treatment and cost.

Illness Protection

From minor infections to serious conditions like parvovirus, puppies can fall ill unexpectedly. Good pet insurance for puppies covers diagnosis, treatment, and medication.

No Pre-Existing Conditions

Get new puppy insurance UK as early as possible before any health issues develop. Pre-existing conditions are excluded from most policies, so don't delay getting cover.

Third Party Liability

If your dog causes injury or damage to others, you could be liable. Most puppy dog insurance includes third party cover up to £1-3 million.

Peace of Mind

Focus on enjoying life with your new puppy, not worrying about potential vet bills. Insurance for puppy owners gives you financial peace of mind.

Types of Pet Insurance for Puppies

Understanding the different types of puppy pet insurance helps you choose the right policy. Whether you're looking for pet insurance for a puppy or an older dog, here are the main options:

Recommended

Lifetime Cover

The most comprehensive pet insurance puppy option. Your vet fee limit resets each year, meaning ongoing conditions remain covered throughout your dog's life.

Vet fee limit renews annually
Ongoing conditions covered for life
Best for chronic conditions like allergies

From £25/month

Maximum Benefit

A set amount per condition with no time limit. Once you hit the limit for a condition, it's no longer covered, but you have unlimited time to claim.

Fixed amount per condition (e.g., £4,000)
No time limit for treatment

From £18/month

Time Limited (12 Months)

Cover for each condition lasts 12 months from the first treatment date. A more affordable pet insurance puppies option.

Good for short-term conditions
More affordable than lifetime

From £12/month

Accident Only

Budget-friendly insurance for puppy owners. Covers accidents only - no illness cover, making it suitable as basic protection.

Covers accidents and injuries
Most affordable option

From £5/month

Puppy Insurance Prices 2025 - How Much Does It Cost?

Puppy insurance prices vary based on breed, age, location, and cover level. Here's a comprehensive guide to puppy insurance cost in the UK:

£5-£15

Accident Only

Basic accident cover for healthy dogs

£12-£30

Time Limited

12-month condition limits

£20-£50

Lifetime Cover

Comprehensive ongoing cover

£50-£100

High-Risk Breeds

Pugs, French Bulldogs, etc.

Puppy Insurance Prices by Breed (Monthly)

Breed	Accident Only	Time Limited	Lifetime
Mixed Breed / Crossbreed	£5-£10	£10-£20	£15-£30
Labrador Retriever	£8-£12	£15-£25	£20-£40
Cockapoo / Labradoodle	£7-£12	£12-£22	£18-£35
Jack Russell Terrier	£5-£10	£10-£18	£15-£30
German Shepherd	£10-£15	£18-£30	£25-£50
Pug	£15-£25	£30-£50	£40-£70
French Bulldog	£20-£30	£35-£55	£50-£80
English Bulldog	£25-£40	£45-£70	£60-£100

*Puppy insurance prices shown are indicative. Actual premiums depend on age, location, and vet fee limit chosen.

Breed

Brachycephalic breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs) cost 2-3x more due to higher health risks. Mixed breeds are typically cheapest.

Age

Puppies under 1 year often cost slightly more due to accident risk. Puppy insurance cost increases as dogs age.

Vet Fee Limit

Higher limits (£10,000+) increase premiums. We recommend at least £5,000 for adequate puppy insurance cover.

Dog Insurance for Puppies by Breed

Different breeds have different pet insurance puppy costs based on their health risks. Here's a guide to typical monthly premiums for puppy and dog insurance:

Labrador Retriever

£20-£40/month

Popular family breed. Prone to hip dysplasia and joint issues. Lifetime pet insurance for puppies recommended for potential ongoing treatment.

French Bulldog

£40-£80/month

Brachycephalic breed with higher health risks. Breathing problems, skin conditions, and spinal issues are common. Higher insurance for puppy premiums reflect this.

Cockapoo

£18-£35/month

Popular crossbreed with generally good health. May inherit conditions from parent breeds. Usually mid-range pet insurance puppies premiums.

German Shepherd

£25-£50/month

Large breed prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Also susceptible to digestive issues. Mid to high puppy pet insurance premiums typical.

Pug

£40-£70/month

Brachycephalic breed with specific health needs. Breathing issues and eye problems common. Pug puppy insurance is essential.

View Pug Insurance Guide →

Jack Russell Terrier

£15-£30/month

Energetic small breed with good overall health. Can be prone to patellar luxation and eye conditions. Affordable Jack Russell dog insurance available.

View Jack Russell Insurance Guide →

Mixed Breed

£15-£30/month

Often healthier due to genetic diversity. Usually the most affordable to insure. Still important to have insurance for puppies for accidents and illness.

What Does Puppy Pet Insurance Cover?

✓ Usually Covered

Vet fees - Treatment for accidents and illnesses
Diagnostic tests - X-rays, scans, blood tests
Medication - Prescription drugs and treatments
Surgery - Operations and post-operative care
Third party liability - If your dog injures someone
Travel cover - Treatment abroad (check limits)

✗ Usually Excluded

Pre-existing conditions - Anything before cover started
Waiting period claims - Usually 14 days for illness
Routine vaccinations - Preventative treatments
Neutering/spaying - Unless medically necessary
Dental (routine) - Unless caused by accident
Food and supplements - Prescription diets (some policies)

Tips for Cheaper Pet Insurance for Puppies

Insure Early - Get New Puppy Insurance UK

Get new puppy insurance UK as soon as you get your dog (from 8 weeks). This ensures no pre-existing conditions are excluded and locks in lower premiums before age increases costs.

Consider Higher Excess

Choosing a higher excess can significantly reduce your monthly pet insurance puppy premium. Just ensure you can afford the excess if needed.

Pay Annually

Most insurers offer a discount (typically 5-10%) on dog insurance for puppies if you pay for the full year upfront rather than monthly.

Compare Quotes

Don't just accept the first quote. Prices for puppy pet insurance vary significantly between insurers, so use our comparison tool to find the best deal.

Pet Insurance for Puppies FAQ

Can you get dog insurance?

Yes, you can get dog insurance for dogs of almost any age, from puppies as young as 8 weeks old to senior dogs. Most UK insurers offer pet insurance for puppies and adult dogs. The earlier you get dog insurance for puppies, the better, as pre-existing conditions won't be covered. Some insurers have upper age limits (typically 8-10 years for new policies), but many offer cover for older dogs too.

How much is puppy pet insurance in the UK?

Puppy pet insurance in the UK typically costs between £15-£50 per month for lifetime cover, depending on breed, age, and location. Accident-only pet insurance puppies cover can be as low as £5-£10/month, while brachycephalic breeds like French Bulldogs may cost £50-£80/month due to higher health risks.

What age can you get pet insurance for a puppy?

Most insurers offer pet insurance for a puppy from 8 weeks old, which is when they typically leave their mother. We recommend getting insurance for puppy as soon as you bring them home to ensure any conditions that develop later are covered.

What do I need to know about insuring a dog?

When insuring a dog, you'll need to provide your dog's breed, age, and your postcode. Consider what level of cover you need - lifetime cover is best for ongoing conditions, while time-limited is more affordable. Check the vet fee limits, excess amounts, and any breed-specific exclusions. Getting puppy dog insurance early means fewer exclusions for pre-existing conditions.

Can I get pet insurance for a 5 year old dog?

Yes, you can get pet insurance for 5 year old dog from most UK insurers. At 5 years old, your dog is still relatively young and you should be able to find good puppy and dog insurance options. However, any conditions your dog has already been treated for will likely be excluded as pre-existing conditions. Premiums may be slightly higher than for puppies, but comprehensive cover is still available.

Where can I get new puppy insurance UK?

You can get new puppy insurance UK from comparison sites like ours, direct from insurers like PetPlan, More Than, or Animal Friends, or through your vet. We recommend comparing quotes from multiple providers to find the best pet insurance for puppies. Use our calculator above to get instant estimates and compare cover options.

Is puppy dog insurance worth it?

Yes, puppy dog insurance is generally worth it. A single vet emergency can easily cost £1,000-£5,000+, while complex conditions like cruciate ligament surgery can exceed £5,000. Monthly premiums of £20-£40 for pet insurance puppies provide financial protection and peace of mind.

What is the difference between lifetime and time-limited cover?

Lifetime pet insurance puppy cover renews your vet fee limit each policy year, so ongoing conditions remain covered for your dog's entire life. Time-limited insurance for puppies only covers each condition for 12 months from first treatment - after that, it becomes a pre-existing condition and is excluded.

Does pet insurance for puppies cover vaccinations?

No, standard pet insurance for puppies doesn't cover vaccinations, microchipping, or routine preventative treatments. These are considered routine healthcare costs. However, some insurers offer optional "wellness" add-ons that cover vaccinations and annual check-ups.

How long is the waiting period for insurance for puppy?

Most insurance for puppy policies have a waiting period of 14 days for illness claims and 48 hours for accident claims. Some policies have longer waiting periods for specific conditions like cruciate ligament problems (often 6 months).

Why is French Bulldog insurance so expensive?

French Bulldogs and other brachycephalic breeds have significantly higher health risks. They're prone to BOAS, skin fold infections, spinal problems, and eye issues. Puppy pet insurance premiums are higher for these breeds to cover the increased risk of expensive treatments.

What's the best pet insurance puppies option for first-time owners?

For first-time owners, we recommend lifetime pet insurance puppies cover with at least £5,000-£7,500 vet fee limit. Look for policies with good third party liability (£1M+), 24/7 vet helplines, and clear terms. Avoid the cheapest accident-only dog insurance for puppies unless budget is very tight.

Can I get free puppy insurance?

Yes, many insurers offer free puppy insurance for a limited period when you get a new puppy. This is typically 4 weeks free puppy insurance, 5 weeks free puppy insurance, or even 6 weeks free puppy insurance depending on the provider. Breeders often provide these vouchers with new puppies, and some vets offer them too. This free period lets you try the cover before committing to a paid policy.

What is 4 weeks free puppy insurance?

4 weeks free puppy insurance is a promotional offer from pet insurers that gives new puppy owners 4 weeks of cover at no cost. Many breeders provide these vouchers when you collect your puppy. It typically includes vet fee cover for accidents and illness during the trial period. After 4 weeks, you can continue with a paid policy or switch to another provider - but remember any conditions that develop would become pre-existing.

How do I get 5 or 6 weeks free puppy insurance?

5 weeks free puppy insurance and 6 weeks free puppy insurance offers are available from various insurers. You can get these through: (1) Breeder vouchers - ask your breeder if they partner with an insurer; (2) Vet promotions - many vets offer free insurance to new puppy registrations; (3) Kennel Club - if your puppy is KC registered, you may get free cover; (4) Direct from insurers - some offer online signup promotions. Compare what's included, as cover levels vary.

Is free puppy insurance worth it?

Free puppy insurance is absolutely worth activating as it provides immediate cover when your puppy first comes home - a high-risk time for accidents and illness. However, don't rely on it long-term. The free period is short (4-6 weeks), and you should arrange permanent puppy pet insurance before it expires. If your puppy develops any conditions during the free period, continuing with the same insurer ensures they remain covered.

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