Pet owners are being warned about their furry friends’ health
A third of pet owners across Britain are leaving themselves dangerously vulnerable to eye-watering veterinary costs by choosing not to insure their furry companions, new findings reveal. Research from Tesco Pet Insurance shows that 33% of owners have no protection whatsoever, whilst a further 33% confess they could only manage to pay £150 if their pet fell ill or suffered an injury.
Many pet owners remain unaware that conditions such as canine arthritis typically cost around £190 to treat, with standard claims for routine injuries and ailments frequently reaching several hundred pounds – and sometimes exceeding £1,000.
Cost fears keep owners uninsured
The research suggests financial pressure and mistrust of policies are stopping many from taking out cover.
Among those without insurance:
- 46% believe pet insurance is too expensive
- 29% say they cannot afford it
- 17% say the excess makes it poor value
- 12% believe policies do not cover all illnesses
- 6% do not think insurers will pay out
One in ten (10%) admit they have never even thought about pet insurance, while 8% say they did not think they would need it. Yet the gamble often backfires. Well over half (55%) of uninsured owners say they have already had to pay out of pocket for treatment, with the average one-off cost coming to £169.
Many owners simply couldn’t pay
A lack of insurance leaves many owners with few options if the worst happens. A third (33%) say they could only contribute up to £150 towards vet bills, while 11% admit they would not be able to pay anything at all.
Instead, 20% say they would need to dip into savings, and a quarter (25%) would have to rely on a credit card.
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The real cost of common vet claims
Tesco Pet Insurance data shows how quickly costs can escalate. Average claims for some of the most common injuries and illnesses include:
Top 5 Accident Claims (Dogs)
Average Cost
Top 5 Illness Claims (Dogs)
Average Cost
Animal attack injuries
£883
Arthritis/DJD
£190
Bite wound
£483
Atopy
£196
Cat bite abscess
£313
Corneal ulcer
£396
Cat fight
£291
Cruciate rupture
£1,350
Cut pad
£429
Cushing’s disease
£305
Top 5 Accident Claims (Cats)
Average Cost
Top 5 Illness Claims (Cats)
Average Cost
Anal furunculosis
£599
Arthritis/DJD
£162
Animal attack injuries
£575
Cardiomyopathy
£434
Bite wound
£394
Cystitis
£339
Burn
£258
Dentistry
£460
Cat bite abscess
£255
Diabetes
£239
Alex Cross, chief customer officer at Tesco Insurance, said: “Pets enrich our lives in so many ways, whether that’s through offering companionship or comfort, and it’s only natural that as owners, we do our best for them too.
“However, with rising living costs still proving a challenge for households, pet owners across the nation are looking at where they can cut back; for some, that may be exploring different food options, reducing treat and toy budgets, or even cutting out insurance.
“It’s incredibly important, however, that pet owners consider the consequences of this. Pet insurance not only helps cover expensive vet bills for any illnesses or injuries, but it also gives you reassurance that your pet’s health and wellbeing will be taken care of in case the worst happens.”
She urged owners to consider their pet’s age, breed and the level of cover they choose, warning that cheaper or limited policies may leave them badly exposed when serious treatment is needed. The research was carried out by WALR among 3,006 cat and dog owners in an online survey.
