What are the most and least expensive dog breeds to insure in the UK?

Pet ownership levels have been rising steadily in the UK since the onset of the pandemic, driven partly by the health- and mood-boosting benefits these animal companions provide, recent studies by several industry non-profits have shown.

The latest figures from the Pet Food Manufacturers Association (PFMA), for instance, have revealed that around 17.4 million, or almost two-thirds (62%), of all British households currently own at least one pet, a slight increase from 17 million last year.

Dogs remain the pet of choice for many, with 34% of UK homes having at least one – equivalent to about 13 million canines. Cats came in a close second, with 28% of pet-loving households owning one or more furry felines, which number around 12 million.

This is the second straight year that the PFMA has conducted the survey. Last year’s poll showed that 3.2 million homes have adopted a “pandemic pet,” with almost three-quarters (74%) saying that their pets helped improve their mental well-being during one of the most stressful times in recent memory.

“Our research confirms the belief that many more people are benefitting from pet ownership, and we are reassured by the mental health findings,” said PFMA deputy CEO Nicole Paley. “However, it is clear that we need to consider the welfare of these new pets.”

A separate study by People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) – a Telford-headquartered veterinary charity – has found that 24% of all owners have acquired their animal companions in the past two years, meaning 5.4 million pets have been brought into UK homes since the COVID-19 crisis began in March 2020. The number includes 2.5 million dogs and 2.5 million cats.

The non-profit’s latest animal well-being report also revealed that 36% of pet owners were first-timers, a slight jump from 34% in 2021, largely because of the spike in dog ownership.

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And as pet ownership grows across the country, there is likewise an increase in awareness of the true value pet insurance provides.

The latest data from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) has shown that the number of owners taking out coverage reached 3.7 million last year – the highest ever recorded since 2017 – a rise of 4.5% from 2020. The figure is equivalent to 4.3 million pets covered by insurance.

The association also revealed that insurers across the country reported processing a record £872 million in pet claims – about £2.4 million a day – a 9.2% ascent from the previous year. According to the ABI, these numbers indicate a sharp rise in the cost of treatment, making purchasing pet coverage more essential.

“With no NHS for pets, insurers are there to protect you and your furry friend when they get into mishaps or fall ill,” said Jonathan Purvis, the association’s policy adviser for general insurance. “As the cost-of-living crisis starts to bite, insurance can give you the peace of mind that, should your pet need medical care, the costs won’t leave you feeling sick as a parrot.”

Read more: New data show millions of uninsured pets in British households

How does pet insurance work in the UK?

Pet insurance plans are designed to protect pet owners from the financial impact of unexpected veterinary expenses. Policies vary between insurers but each outline which conditions and expenses are covered and the maximum payout or annual limit.

In the UK, there are four main types of pet insurance policies, according to the government-backed financial guidance website Money Helper. These are:

• Lifetime coverage: As the name suggests, this provides pets lifetime protection, regardless of age or existing conditions. This is the most comprehensive type of policy and one where the owner pays premiums throughout the pet’s life.
• Annual or time-limited coverage: This type of policy is renewed every year, giving the owner the option to find more affordable coverage. Annual plans cost less than lifetime policies but offer limited cover, which often excludes pre-existing conditions. Money Helper also warns that pet owners may struggle to find insurance as their pets get older.
• Accident-only coverage: The most basic and cheapest level of protection available, this covers injuries or death caused by accidents – such as being hit by a car – but not illnesses.
• Maximum benefit coverage: Also known as a per-condition plan, this pays out a fixed sum to treat each illness or injury for as long as the policy remains in force.

Read more: Why pet insurance is booming

What does pet insurance cover?

What a pet insurance plan covers varies significantly between insurance providers and policies, but Money Helper explains that the level of protection can be broken down into costs associated with veterinary bills and “the items included on top of those.” Among these are:

• General veterinary expenses: These include treatments for accidents, injuries, and illnesses.
• Hereditary and congenital conditions: Generally not classified as existing or ongoing conditions, Money Helper notes that pet owners need to make sure the cover is “unrestricted rather than only under certain circumstances.”
• Long-term and ongoing conditions: These are typically covered only by lifetime policies.
• Dental care: This covers emergency dental care due to accident, illness, or injury, but not cosmetic work. However, not all policies provide this type of coverage, so it pays to double-check.
• Alternative treatments: These include homoeopathy, acupuncture, and physiotherapy if recommended by a vet.
• Breeding risks or costs: This type of cover suits owners planning to use their pets for breeding.

Some pet insurance policies also cover:

• Pet loss or theft
• Death by illness or injury
• Liability cover
• Cattery and kennel fees
• Treatment for behavioural problems
• Any emergency treatment the pet might need when travelling abroad

Read more: Five expensive and weirdest pet-related insurance claims

How much does it cost to own a dog in the UK?

In a recent analysis, pet insurance specialist ManyPets ranked 30 of the most popular dog breeds in the UK based on the cost of owning them. To do this, the insurer considered a range of factors, including the dog’s purchase price, pet insurance rate, annual cost of feeding, and veterinary expenses. Here’s how much it costs to own the most and least expensive dog breeds, according to the study.

Read more: Is dog insurance worth it? Learn your answer to that question here

Source: ManyPets

How much does it cost to insure a dog?

Premium prices for dog insurance differ greatly depending on a range of factors. The purer the breed, for example, the greater risk the dog has of developing hereditary disorders. This is the reason why insurance for purebred or pedigree canines are more expensive than those for crossbreeds.

The dog’s size also has a major impact on rates. Bigger dogs tend to have shorter lifespans because they are more prone to health issues associated with ageing, including canine cancer, development disorders, and tumours, which experts say may be linked to their accelerated growth.

Other factors that influence dog insurance premiums include:

• The dog’s age
• The dog’s location
• Pre-existing conditions
• Behavioural issues
• Level of coverage

Read more: Pet owners risking the lives of their travelling pets

What are the cheapest dog breeds to insure in the UK?

The table below ranks the dog breeds with the least expensive insurance costs based on ManyPets’ analysis.

What are the most expensive dog breeds to insure in the UK?

Meanwhile, here’s the list of dog breeds with the most expensive premiums.