You already know finding the right protection for your dog, cat or other pet can be quite a challenge. As you search for a cover, you may have questions such as:

• How much cover does my canine friend need?
• Which provider will be right for my pets?
• What is multi-pet insurance?
• I have one cat and one dog, do I need a multi pet insurance protection package?
• What are the Vet fees Limits, if any?

To ensure you have the right information and make a wise decision, QuoteZone offer independent and impartial comparison of Kittens, Puppies and Bunnies insurance plans from the over 20 top providers in NI.

With over  75,000 animal lovers in Northern Ireland, why not share that love and support pets in need. 

Pet insurance for  dogs, cats and rabbits fall into 4 main categories in Northern Ireland

• Accident only should work out the cheapest. Often costing less than £5 a month, it is designed to help if your dog needs a vet’s attention as a result of an accident – but it won’t pay out for illnesses
• Time limited dog cover. Whilst basic, it does provide some much-needed financial help with the Vet’s bills if your dog or cat needs short term treatment. The nice thing about this type of protection is that costs are normally cover a full 12-month period. On the downside, this cover will not pay out for the same illness within the 12-month period, i.e. if it recurs.
• Per condition dog insurance NI. This is a step-up with the selling point is that it is time constrained, but in the other hand it comes with a cap on the total amount that can be claimed for any one medical condition, Expect caps to range from GBP4,000 to GBP 8,000 and occasionally higher, again pay attention to the small print. It does work out more expensive than the Time Limited policy type.
• Lifetime cover for dog, cat or rabbit. Being the most expensive on offer, it is also the most comprehensive cover that is currently available. As it says on the tin it covers any vet treatments for the lifetime of the pet, but it does come with a cap which does vary, so again please read the policy for full details. The costs can range from GBP 13 to over GB80 per month. Standard terms are used within the industry to describe this product, so look out for “Covered for Life”, ” Lifelong” and “Long Term Cover” (John Lewis)

What is the cost of Pet Insurance?

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The cost of pet insurance will depend on a number of factors, some of the more important determining factors based on the actual per are listed below. Pet insurance policies can be paid monthly. When comparing, take note of what level and extent of cover they provide, as these do vary widely and many have limits on vet fees. It is advisable to shop around for pet insurance in Northern Ireland to make sure that you can get the right policy tailored to you and your pet needs! Lastly, on price cheap pet insurance does exist, but expect the cover to be limited. 

• Breeding : Mongrels and mixed breeds are cheaper to cover than pedigree breeds.
• Size Matters : Big equates to more expensive premiums in the domestic animal world. 
• Sex Matters : insurance for male dogs (even if they have been neutered or spayed) is a little more expensive than the female equivalaent
• Cross Breeds : The premium for example a Cockapoo or a Labradoodle will be determined by the dominant breed and varies slight across breeds 
• Toy Dogs: These breeds typified by the Chihuahua, Yorkshire terrier and the ever present Shih Tzu can be insured on time limited plan from GBP5.79 per month
• Working Breeds : This category includes the beagle, Jack Russell are hard animals and this is reflected in a reduced premium similar to that of a small doggy.
• Larger : Breeds in this category include the German Shepard, Boxer, Dalmatian and Siberian Huskies and attract a hefty premium, so expect to pay GBP11 plus per month.
• Tendency : Some breed have a tendency to develop conditions that are specific to the breed, the bulldog being a good example.

Pet Insurance excess

All pet insurance polices will come with an excess, the amount that you as the owner will be liable for should you need to make a claim. The excess can be on a per-claim basis or on an annual basis.

Best to avoid polices that also require a percentage of each claim to be met by the owner. A small percentage of Vet fees can mean that you are liable for a significant payment, which defeats the purpose of insurance 

What Does Pet Insurance NI Cover?

The NHS does not offer protection for animals. This means you will have to pay any bills from out of your pocket in case your companion gets ill, has an accident or is injured. These costs can be taken care of by taking out proper animal vet protection.

There are different types of pet insurance NI policies available in the market today. The policies also come with some extras. For example, some policies provide cover if your dog or cat goes missing. Depending on which the provider you choose, the cover could be a one-off payment up to an agreed limit if your furry friend is not found. The payment can also cover the costs of offering a reward to people to encourage them to find your lost friend, or the costs of advertising. Some covers include third party liability, should your pet cause an accident or injure someone else.

However, if your dog, cat or rabbit has a pre-existing condition, the condition is unlikely to be covered by your policy if you move providers. The same also applies to routine trips to the vet for things such as vaccinations and neutering.

Pet Insurance NI FAQ’s

You could pay from £2.56 per month* *Price per month for cover based on a dog, Holly, aged 2, no known medical conditions, up-to-date vaccinations, and microchipped. Based on quote data provided by Seopa Ltd during August 2023. The quote price you could achieve is dependent on your individualcircumstances.