Dog insurance for Britain’s most popular pet
In the UK, dogs have rightfully claimed the title of Britain’s most beloved pet, with an estimated 12 million (Statista Feb 24) of us sharing our lives with them. It’s easy to see why they hold a special place in our heart. Our furry friends keep us active, offering unwavering love and companionship, help reduce stress levels, and even enhance our social lives. They are an integral part of the family so why wouldn’t we want to protect them in any way we can?
With our pet insurance, you can rest assured that your beloved pet will receive the care they need should they ever fall ill or become injured. Our goal is to ensure they can return to their favourite activities whether its playing fetch, snuggling on the sofa or getting into places they shouldn’t! Because at Purely Pets, we understand your dog is not just a pet, but a cherished member of the family.
Our Dog insurance cover levels
Your peace of mind and your dog's happiness is at the heart of everything we do. With our range of 15 levels of lifetime cover, you have the freedom to select the policy that best suits you and your pet. You know them best!
Our Defaqto 5 Star Rating applies to vet fees £6,000-£15,000.
Lifetime Bronze
- Lifetime cover
- Vets fees from £1,000-£5,000
- Flexible Excess Options
Lifetime Silver
- Lifetime cover
- Vets fees from £6,000-£10,000
- Flexible Excess Options
Lifetime Gold
- Lifetime cover
- Vets fees from £11,000-£15,000
- Flexible Excess Options
The Purely Pets Promise
We're here for you and your cherished pet, every step of the way. From (not so!) perfect puppy and crazy kitten to sweet senior and all those moments in between.
Why choose Purely Pets
See the most popular breeds that we cover
What does pet insurance for dogs cover & what’s included in vet fees?
Step into the world of pet insurance, designed with your dog in mind. In this special section, we uncover the comprehensive care and protection your beloved pet deserves. Explore what our dog-specific insurance covers and the ins and outs of vet fees. It’s all about ensuring your dog’s health and happiness with the peace of mind that you both deserve.
Dog 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 examinations, medication 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.
For more information on what veterinary treatment is included within your policy, read our policy wording.
Lifetime cover is a type of dog insurance that provides coverage for the whole life of the pet, subject to the policy being renewed each year. 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.
Dog insurance policies may provide coverage for the theft of a pet, so it is important to check the policy details before purchasing a dog 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.
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 typically covers the cost of any necessary treatment related to your pet's teeth, gums and mouth, including the cost of any required medication.
Here at Purely Pets, we cover dental treatment for accident only in year 1 and from year 2 onwards, we also cover dental illness*. For more details, please read our policy wording.
With Purely Pets' Gold Lifetime cover products, you can claim up to £2,000 on dental treatment.
*Subject to evidence of annual dental check-ups, and any treatment recommended by the vet has been carried out at your own expense.
What type of pet insurance policies can I get?
What you can buy from Purely Pets: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 consultations, 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.
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.
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 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, medication, and more but please refer to your policy terms for full conditions for what’s included in your policy.
Pet advice & news
Understanding and managing arthritis in dogs
27/11/24
Canine arthritis, also called osteoarthritis, is a common cause of stiffness and lameness in older dogs (as well as their humans!). Around 80% of dogs over 8 years old have DJD, and 35% of the overall population.
Dog Ear Infection: Symptoms, Causes, and Remedies for Treatment
28/10/24
Dogs ear infections are extremely common. The medical name for an ear infection is otitis. The most common ear infections involve the outer ear (the flap and canal), but dogs can also get middle and inner ear infections. Most ear infections have bacteria and/or yeast elements. Up to 75% of ear infections are thought to be due to underlying allergies. Which means they often come back if the underlying cause is not under control.
Diarrhoea in dogs and cats: Causes, symptoms, and solutions
30/09/24
Diarrhoea is characterised by soft poos passed several times a day. It’s often associated with vomiting. We call this gastroenteritis. If your dog is otherwise well, in most cases they’ll get better within 24–48 hours. Diarrhoea is usually caused by something they ate and gets better with diet management.
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.
Here at Purely Pets, we cover dental treatment for accident only in year 1 and from year 2 onwards, we also cover dental illness*. For more details, please read our policy wording.
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.
*Subject to evidence of annual dental check-ups, and any treatment recommended by the vet has been carried out at your own expense.
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.
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 are more prone to fall ill.
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 dog 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.
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.
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 types of dog 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 24/7 vet video consultations or travel cover.
Here at Purely Pets, we love dogs just as much as you do, and want to make sure they get the cover they deserve. That's why we only offer lifetime protection.
If you would like to talk to one our pet insurance policy specialists, you can get in touch with us on 0330 102 5748 to find out more about our dog insurance policies or to find out more about making hassle-free claims with Purely Pets.
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.
There is no type of pet insurance that is the best for everyone, the right choice always depends on circumstances. You should look for pet insurance which meets the needs of you and your pet.
Lifetime pet insurance provides the most comprehensive cover. 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.
Some policies include added benefits, our cover includes 24/7 access to expert vet care from the comfort of your home as standard.
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 on 0330 102 5748 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:
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Skin issues e.g. rashes and dermatitis
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Digestive problems e.g. vomiting and diarrhoea
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Ear infections
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Intestinal parasites
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Bacterial or yeast infections
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Gum disease
For possible exclusions to Purely Pets insurance policies, please refer to our policy wording here.
Even if your select the most comprehensive lifetime policy for your pet, it still may not cover pre-existing conditions. This includes any illness or injury your dog has or shows signs of developing before you take our insurance.
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 for dental treatment.
Dental cover as a result of an accident is covered in the first year of the policy and dental illness is covered after the policy has been live for a minimum of 12 months*.
Coverage varies between policies (£2,000 is available on our Gold & Silver Lifetime plans & £500 on Bronze). It’s important to read the terms and conditions of the policy when selecting an insurance plan.
Depending on the insurance plan, there may be a maximum amount that can be reimbursed. It is also important to note that pre-existing conditions will not be covered.
*Subject to evidence of annual dental check-ups, and any treatment recommended by the vet has been carried out at your own expense.
Training a dog as a first time owner
Jennifer Macindoe, BVMS MRCVS
Veterinary SurgeonShort sessions: start with 5-10 minute training sessions focusing on basic commands like “sit” and “stay.” Use treats as positive rewards. Take your dog on short, relaxed walks to build confidence and socialisation. Allow them to explore at their own pace. Let them sniff, it provides excellent mental stimulation.
Insuring a dog
Jennifer Macindoe, BVMS MRCVS
Veterinary SurgeonThe benefits of insuring a dog include financial protection, access to necessary treatments and specialist care, and peace of mind. Insurance provides reassurance that you’re prepared for unforeseen medical costs, allowing you to focus on your dog’s well-being.