Pet insurance
Why consider pet insurance?
Pets are part of the family, and caring for them can involve unexpected medical expenses. Pet insurance can help cover vet bills if your pet becomes ill or injured or needs medical treatment. Make sure you understand what is covered before you buy.
This page explains the types of cover available in Ireland, what is and isn’t included, how premiums vary by age, breed and policy type and what to check before choosing a policy, including exclusions, excess amounts and limits for ongoing conditions.
What types of pet insurance cover are available?
You can get insurance for dogs and cats, and some insurers also cover rabbits, birds and horses. Most policies, depending on the level of cover, may include:
- Vet fees for illness and injury
- Boarding kennels or cattery fees if you are in hospital
- Holiday cancellation if your pet goes to hospital or goes missing
- Advertising if your pet goes missing
- Rewards for lost or stolen pets
- Death of your pet from illness or accident
- Theft of your pet
- Third party liability and legal costs if your pet damages property or injures someone (may already be covered under your home insurance)
Main types of pet insurance
Accident only cover: Covers treatments after accidental injury (e.g. being hit by a car). Usually the cheapest policy.
Annual cover or time-limited cover: Covers treatments for illness or injury up to a financial limit per policy year (‘maximum benefit’). Each condition is covered for a maximum time, usually 12 months.
Lifetime cover: Covers treatments for illness or injury up to a financial limit per year for the pet’s lifetime. Does not cover pre-existing conditions or illnesses/injuries within the first 14 days of the policy.
Tips for getting the best deal on pet insurance
- Shop around and compare prices online or by phone
- Check if after-hours emergency care is included
- Know whether the policy covers injury only, or both injury and illness
- Speak to your vet about common conditions for your pet’s breed
- Check for restrictions on cover for ‘bilateral conditions’ (affecting both sides of the body)
- Be familiar with policy limits to avoid unexpected impacts on claims
How do you pay for pet insurance?
- Pay premiums monthly by direct debit or as a yearly fee (charges may apply for direct debit)
- Premiums vary by location, breed and age of your pet
- Older pets cost more to insure; some insurers won’t accept pets over a certain age (usually 6 to 8 years)
- Some breeds may only be insured up to age five
- Discounts may be available for insuring multiple pets, applying online or if owners are over 60
What’s not covered by pet insurance?
- Pre-existing conditions
- Routine treatments (vaccination, neutering, flea/worm control, pregnancy, birth)
- Claims for preventable injuries or illnesses (e.g. missed vaccinations)
- Third-party liability claims for certain breeds identified under the Control of Dogs Act and related regulations, or crosses with those breeds
- Other excluded breeds (check your policy document)
When does cover start and what are the costs if you claim?
Most policies won’t accept claims made before 14 days from the start date.
Are there any extra costs if you need to make a claim?
- You must pay an excess – the first part of any claim
- You may pay towards treatment costs once your pet reaches a certain age (usually 5–6 years)
- Premiums may increase after a claim or at renewal
Find out more about how to make a claim.
Can you cancel your pet insurance policy?
You can cancel free of charge within 14 days of taking out the policy (legal cancellation period). Your insurer must refund you, minus any pro-rata deduction for time insured and any administration fee.
If you cancel during the period of cover, you may have to pay the rest of the annual premium. If you paid upfront, you may not get anything back – check your policy terms.
