Dog Insurance

Protecting your furry friend

  • 98% claims paid *
  • 24/7 vet video consultations
  • Claims paid directly to vets
  • Interest free payments
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Our Dog insurance cover levels

As award winning pet insurance specialists we’ve designed 15 levels of cover, giving you the freedom to choose what’s right for you and your dog. Just click the options below to find out more.

Defaqto 5* rating applicable to Dog vet fees from £6000+ and Cat vet fees from £8000+.

The Purely Pet Promise

At Purely, we’re here to support you. That’s why all Purely Pets Customers get access to unlimited video consultations 24/7 with a qualified vet. Our easy to use online portal ‘Manage My Policy’, enables you to access your policy 24hrs a day. This provides greater flexibility, allowing you to manage your policy at a time that suits you, so that you can spend more time with your furry friends, and less time managing your insurance. Get a quote

It’s estimated that 13 million of us in the UK (Statistica Apr 22) own a dog, making them Britain's most popular pet, and it's not difficult to understand why. They help us keep fit and active, provide love and companionship, reduce our stress levels and can even help to improve our social lives.

Simply put, they’re part of the family, which is why at Purely Pets we offer cover that enables you to provide them with care they need to make a swift recovery if they fall sick or get injured. So that they can get back to playing games of fetch, snuggling up on the sofa and sniffing every single lamppost, clump of grass and other dog they pass on the way to the park.

Why choose Purely Pets?

24/7 Free Video Calls with a Vet

24/7 Video Calls with a Vet

Flexible Excess Options

Flexible Excess Options

Online claims management

Online claims management

Direct payment to vet

Direct payment to vet

Lifetime Cover up to £15,000

Lifetime Cover up to £15,000

No upper age limit

No upper age limit

What does pet insurance for dogs cover & what's included in vet fees?

Pet insurance typically covers veterinary bills, including diagnostic tests, surgeries, medications, and hospitalisation. Additionally, some policies provide coverage for accidental injuries, such as broken bones, and certain hereditary conditions.

Depending on the policy, the right dog insurance for you may also provide coverage for things like boarding fees and loss from theft/straying. Ultimately, it is important to read through your policy carefully when selecting an insurance plan for your dog.

Take a look at what you can expect to have covered when taking out Purely Pets Lifetime Gold:

  • Veterinary fees/veterinary treatment

Pet insurance may be able to provide financial protection in the event that your pet needs to visit a vet, allowing you to access the care your pet needs without worrying about the cost.

Pet insurance policies usually cover a variety of veterinary-related expenses, including check-ups, prescriptions and emergency treatment, giving you peace of mind that you can always provide the best care for your pet. For more information, take a look at our policy terms and conditions.

Vet fees may be covered up to our vet fee limit of £15,000 (this level of coverage is available through our Gold Lifetime plan).

Vet fees do not cover treatments/ procedures such as flea treatment (killing or controlling) and spaying and castration (even if seen as routine treatment).

For more information on what veterinary treatment is included within your policy, read our policy wording.

  • Lifetime cover

Lifetime cover is a type of dog insurance that provides coverage for the whole life of the pet. It offers a wide range of benefits, from covering vet fees for unexpected illnesses and injuries that veterinary treatment may be required for, to loss from theft/straying and help with covering boarding fees.

Lifetime cover may also provide cover for long-term medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. In addition, it may be able to cover alternative treatments, such as acupuncture and specialised care physiotherapy.

  • Loss by theft/straying

Some insurance policies may provide coverage for the theft of a pet. However, some, policies may not cover medical costs associated with the theft or straying of the pet, and so it is important to check the policy details before purchasing an insurance plan.

Purely Pets covers loss by theft or straying and advertising costs/reward up to £2,000 when you take out our Gold Lifetime cover.

  • Emergency boarding fees

Boarding fees vary depending on the type of business, location, and services provided. Generally, boarding fees include the cost of food, bedding, and basic amenities.

Depending on the business, additional services, such as grooming, walks, and playtime, may also be included in the total fee. It is important to research the different boarding services available to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money.

Here at Purely Pets, we offer boarding fee cover of up to £2,000 as part of our Gold Lifetime coverage. Boarding fees can only be claimed in certain situations details of which can be found in the policy wording.

  • Dental cover

Many pet owners may not realise the importance of regular brushing and check-ups, leading to potentially expensive and painful dental issues down the road.

For more information on how Purely Pets may be able to help with dental treatment cover, please refer to our policy terms and conditions.

See the other benefits you will receive upon approval from our dog insurance policies.

What isn’t covered by dog insurance e.g. pre-existing conditions?

Before taking out an insurance policy, it's important to find out what your policy may not cover as well as seeing what you may be covered for.

Here are some of the exclusions that may apply:

  • Pre-existing conditions

  • Dogs used for trade, work, profession, and business

  • Vaccinated pets are covered, however, unvaccinated pets will not be covered for the illnesses that could have been prevented from the vaccination.

To see more exclusions that may apply to your policy, please refer to our policy wording here. If you have any questions regarding this topic, please get in touch with one of our insurance specialists on 0330 102 5748.

What type of pet insurance policies can I get?

What you can buy from Purely Pets:

  • Lifetime pet insurance

Lifetime pet insurance is a type of insurance that offers continuous cover and lifelong protection for your pet. This type of insurance covers the cost of medical treatments and procedures, such as check-ups, surgery, and hospitalisation.

Lifetime pet insurance typically includes coverage for illness or injuries that may occur throughout your pet's life, provided the condition has only developed within the period of insurance.

What you can buy from other insurance providers:

  • Accident only pet insurance

Accident only pet insurance is a type of pet insurance that covers veterinary treatment required for injuries caused by accidents. This type of pet insurance provides coverage for medical bills associated with an accident, including hospitalisation, surgery, lab tests, and medications.

  • Time limited pet insurance

This type of pet insurance provides coverage for a specific amount of time, usually 12 months. When the time limitation begins is dependent on the policy terms of your insurance provider.

During this time, your pet is covered for certain types of illnesses and accidents, as well as any necessary treatments. Once the time limit or financial limit has been reached there will no longer be any further cover for that condition.

  • Maximum benefit pet insurance

Maximum benefit pet insurance provides a financial amount per condition, with no time limit subject to the policy being renewed. Once this financial limit has been reached, then there will be no further cover for that condition.

Maximum benefit pet insurance may cover accidents, illnesses, surgeries, prescriptions, and more but please refer to your policy terms for full conditions for what’s included on your policy.

Customer reviews

We’re committed to improving our Pet Insurance products wherever possible, which is why feedback from our customers is so important to us. We’re incredibly proud of our Excellent Trustpilot rating and you can read the latest reviews from our fantastic customers below.

Pet advice & news

border collie with tennis ball in their mouth

Do Border Collie dogs bark a lot? An in-depth analysis

25/06/24

Border Collies are known for their intelligence, agility, and hardworking nature. However, they also have a reputation for being quite vocal. When considering owning a Border Collie, one question that frequently pops up is: Do Border Collie dogs bark a lot? This extensive guide will delve into the barking habits of this breed, why they bark, and how dog owners can manage a Border Collie's excessive barking.

Young puppy resting next to its mother

The science behind dogs licking their puppies

24/06/24

As pet owners, we often observe our dogs engaging in behaviours that intrigue us. Among these behaviours, dogs licking puppies stands out as a fascinating phenomenon. This article probes into the causes and implications of this behaviour, providing an understanding for pet owners.

cocker spaniel laying down

Are Cocker Spaniels easy to train?

21/06/24

Cocker Spaniels are known for their charismatic, lively, and jovial nature, making them a beloved addition to many homes. But, are Cocker Spaniels easy to train? The answer is a resounding yes!

Our Pet Insurance awards

Bia
British Claims
Insurance Choice Awards
Moneyfacts Consumer
Uk Brooker Awards
Defaqto
Bia
British Claims
Insurance Choice Awards
Moneyfacts Consumer
Uk Brooker Awards
Defaqto
Bia
British Claims
Insurance Choice Awards
Moneyfacts Consumer
Uk Brooker Awards
Defaqto
Bia
British Claims
Insurance Choice Awards
Moneyfacts Consumer
Uk Brooker Awards
Defaqto

Find out more

You can find out more about our Dog Insurance product below and there’s more help available on our FAQs page.

Dogs, more so than other pets, are sometimes more likely to suffer from sickness and injury due to how active and sociable they are.

Some types of dogs are more prone to health issues, including large breeds which are likely to have joint issues.

Aside from joint issues and upset stomachs, dogs can also face some of the more common health issues that may be covered within a dog insurance policy such as:

Gum disease

Gum disease can be a serious problem that affects dogs and can also be very costly for a pet owner if left untreated. Insurance can cover the cost of treatments needed to treat gum disease.

It can also cover the cost of teeth extractions, which may be necessary in advanced cases, or for the replacement of lost teeth due to gum disease.

When taking out a pet insurance policy with Purely Pets, we will only cover dental illness from year 2.

Ear infections

Ear infections are a common ailment for dogs and can be caused by a variety of reasons such as bacteria, fungi, mites, or allergies. Symptoms can include head shaking, pain, swelling, and discharge from the ear.

Treatment usually involves antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and ear cleaning. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent hearing loss or even worse, deafness.

Dog owners may be able to utilise their pet insurance coverage to help cover the cost of medical treatment for ear infections, as they can be expensive and may not be covered by routine veterinary care.

Obesity

Dog obesity can lead to joint problems, diabetes, and a shorter lifespan. Fortunately, pet owners can take steps to help their canine companions stay healthy.

Regular exercise and a balanced diet are key components of weight maintenance, and pet insurance may be able to cover the cost of veterinary care/vet fees for related health issues that have stemmed from obesity.

Pet owners should also talk to their vet about the best way to help their dog maintain an ideal weight. Preventative care at home may also help you avoid the cost of vet fees in the future as well!

To get a pet insurance cover quote for your furry friend or to find out more information about what may or may not be covered within your comprehensive policy, you can get a quote through our website.

If you would like to talk to one of our pet insurance specialists, you can get in touch with us on 0330 102 5748.

If you own a happy and healthy pet, you might wonder 'is it worth insuring my dog?'

You should always protect your furry friend with dog insurance – here are three reasons why:

  • Vet bills can be costly: Even the healthiest of pets can sometimes fall ill or get into an accident, and veterinary fees don't come cheap. With a pet insurance policy in place, you can get them the care they need if the have an accidental injury, without worrying about expensive vet bills. Plus, if your dog injures someone else, or their property, third party liability cover can help pick up the pieces.

  • Your pet deserves the best care: Without dog insurance, it's easy for pet owners to go for the cheapest option available to treat their furry friend, but they deserve so much more. Dog insurance will cover the cost of veterinary treatment throughout your dog's life, meaning you can get your pet the right treatment, when they need it most.

  • Get covered before new illnesses develop: Trying to find  insurance once your pet is already ill is tricky. Pet insurance providers often won't cover a pre-existing condition, so you'll still need to pay the veterinary fees associated with this illness or injury. Read the policy wording carefully to check if your dog's pre existing condition is covered or not. Cover from Purely Pets includes dental being accident only in year 1 and dental illness from year 2 onwards.

Here are some of the more common reasons behind the cost of a policy:

Age

Pet ages are one of the primary factors that affects the price of pet insurance. Generally, insurance providers may consider young puppies and senior dogs to be higher risk than adult dogs, and this is reflected in the premiums.

Young puppies are more prone to certain health issues due to a less developed immune system, while older pets may have existing medical problems.

Breed 

Certain dog breeds are more prone to certain health issues, which can increase the premium of your dog insurance.

Larger breeds, such as Great Danes, typically cost more to insure due to the potential for higher veterinary bills as they are at an increased risk of suffering from joint/hip related issues.

Other breeds such as English Bulldogs are known to have respiratory issues which may also be considered when calculating the cost of a pet insurance policy.

Excess 

Excess is a term which is used to describe the amount of money that the dog owner must pay towards the cost of each claim.

The cost of the excess can affect the price of the pet insurance. For example, if the excess that you contribute towards veterinary bills is higher, then the cost of the insurance is likely to be lower.

Other factors such as pre-existing conditions may not be covered within a pet insurance policy, however, if you are approved then this may also factor into your overall premium.

If you would like to talk to one our pet insurance quote specialists or make a hassle-free claim, you can get in touch with us on 0330 102 5748 or manage your policy on our website.

Having a pet is a long-term commitment which is why we offer three different levels of lifetime coverage for your dog or cat.

Lifetime insurance for your dog will provide coverage (upon approval) for your beloved companion for the duration of their lifetime, as long as the policy is renewed each year – just as the name suggests!

Here are some of the other types of insurance policies available and what they all mean:

Lifetime insurance

These policies provide cover for the life of your pet and offer comprehensive coverage. They include cover for veterinary fees, third party liability, death from illness, death from accident, and more.

They may also offer additional benefits such as access to a vet helpline or travel cover.

Maximum benefit policies

With maximum benefit plans, you get a predetermined amount of funds for each medical issue that arises with your pet, and these funds will keep being used for treatments until the money is completely used up.

Once this limit is reached, there is no further cover for that condition.

Time-limited

Time-limited pet insurance policies will usually provide a fixed amount to pay for the treatment of any sickness or injury your pet may suffer from.

It will also come with a designated length of time for which this treatment will be covered - typically 12 months from the start of the illness or injury or from the first date of treatment, as long as the policy is still active.

The time limit doesn't refer to the total duration of the policy, but the maximum amount of time that any given illness or injury will be covered for.

Accident only policies

Accident-specific policies provide a fixed amount to cover the medical expenses related to accidental injury sustained by your pet. However, any accidents that occurred prior to the policy's commencement will not be eligible for coverage.

If you would like to talk to one our pet insurance policies specialists, you can get in touch with us on 0330 102 5748 to find out more about our insurance policies or to find out more about making hassle-free claims with Purely Pets.

Lifetime pet insurance is the most comprehensive, continuous cover, meaning it protects your dog more than other plans. Pet owners must be aware that even the best lifetime policy may not cover the cost of pre-existing conditions. That's why it's a good idea to get covered before your dog develops any new health issues.

Pet owners should look for a company that has good reviews when it comes to claims. Here at Purely Pets, we pride ourselves on hassle free claims, making it easy for you to get the help you need when you need it most.

And look for a policy that includes benefits like dental cover as standard. Our comprehensive cover can help if you dog has a dental illness (from year 2 onwards).

Purely Pets can provide you with an online quote for your pet in minutes.

With a range of lifetime options available offering vets fees cover from £1,000-£15,000 and the option to choose your excess we can help you find the right cover for you and your pet at a price that suits you.

We also have a specialist Pet Insurance team that you can call to get a quote or discuss your options in more detail.

As all pet owners know, dogs are constantly getting themselves into trouble. So it comes as no surprise that dogs are quite prone to the odd bump and scratch.

The most common health problems seen in dogs include:

  • Skin issues e.g. rashes and dermatitis

  • Digestive problems e.g. vomiting and diarrhoea

  • Ear infections

  • Intestinal parasites

  • Bacterial or yeast infections

  • Gum disease

  • Obesity

For other possible exclusions to Purely Pets insurance policies, please refer to our policy wording here.

Unfortunately, we do not cover pets with pre-existing conditions.

No, at Purely Pets, you cannot cover more than one dog on the same insurance policy.

However, multiple pets can be insured but each pet will have their own benefit limits. Therefore, any claims that may happen will not impact the other pets policy.

Yes, Purely Pets currently offer cover of up to £2,000 (available on our Silver & Gold Lifetime plans) for dental treatment.

This coverage varies between policies, so it’s important to read the terms and conditions of the policy when selecting an insurance plan.

Some plans may cover routine cleanings, while others might cover more complex procedures like extractions or root canals as a result of dental illness.

Some policies may only cover dental treatment as a result of an accident.

Some plans may even cover the costs of dental X-rays or specialty treatments such as orthodontics should your pet suffer from a dental illness for example.

Depending on the insurance plan, there may be a maximum amount that can be reimbursed. It is also important to note that certain pre-existing conditions may not be covered*.

*Annual health check is required

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