Research reveals pet insurance costs vary significantly depending on region

A huge 41% of households have a pet, according to the Pet Food Manufacturers' Association 2020 Pet Population Report. While insuring just one pet might seem affordable, the cost of covering multiple pets can set pet owners back £1,000s each year. Especially if you live in an area where insurance costs are higher than average.

The pet insurance postcode lottery

The cost of pet insurance can depend on the area you live in. According to our data, pet insurance is most expensive in Greater London, with an average premium of £480 per pet. 

The cheapest place to insure your pets is in Northern Ireland, with an average premium of £289. Compared to the rest of the UK, this saves Irish pet owners an average of £191 per year. 

In England, Southern regions tend to have insurance premiums that are significantly more expensive than in the North. For example, the North East has an average premium of £306, but the average premium in the South East is almost 33% higher.

Cost to insure most popular dog breeds in London

Based on our data, the top four most popular dog breeds are currently the Cocker Spaniel, French Bulldog, German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever. The following graph shows the average cost of pet insurance for each of these breeds in Greater London. 

Pedigrees aren't the only expensive dogs to insure in London - even insuring cross breeds can be pricey. On average, pet insurance for London dog owners will cost £643 for a large crossbreed, £468 for a medium, and £298 for a small one.

In comparison, in the West Midlands the average insurance cost for crossbreeds is £416 for a large, £248 for a medium and £212 for a small crossbreed. 

Cats are often cheaper than dogs across the country. However, they are more expensive to insure in London, costing £234 on average. In the West Midlands, insuring a cat costs just £152. 

What else increases pet insurance costs?

Veterinary fees

Vet bills are expensive – for example, a simple fracture could cost £1,000s to repair. Veterinary treatments and the cost of living are higher in London and the South of England, which is probably the main reason why insurance prices in these regions are more expensive.

Breed

Some pedigree cats and dogs are prone to hereditary conditions that can increase the cost of pet insurance. 

For example, the French bulldog, pug, British bulldog, and shih-tzu are brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds. As a result, these dogs can have trouble breathing and might suffer from a range of related health issues, which makes them more expensive to insure.

Age

Pet insurance costs will often rise each year just because your pet is ageing. As animals age they’re more likely to suffer with an age related illness. Pet insurance companies take this into account and usually increase insurance prices for older pets.

Before purchasing multiple pets consider the cost of insurance in your area

Many pet owners buy a new cat or dog without taking into consideration the cost of caring for one. It can be particularly expensive for owners with multiple pets, especially those living in regions such as London or the Southern UK where pet insurance costs more. 

Many owners will try to cut costs by opting for the cheapest pet insurance possible. But this type of insurance might cost owners more in the long run, especially if your pet has pre-existing conditions. This is because a cheaper policy might not cover all your pet’s needs, which means you’d have to pay up the rest. 

Make sure to compare pet insurance prices in your area before committing to a new animal companion.