If you have a dog, cat, or an unusual pet, getting insurance in 2026 is really important. While cats and dogs still dominate the market, more people in the UK are welcoming exotic pets like birds, reptiles, and even potbellied pigs. Insuring these companions can be tricky and costly, so knowing your options and prices is key. Here’s a comparison of the top UK pet insurers, covering both common and exotic pets, so you can find the right plan for your furry, feathered, or scaly companion.
Quick Comparison of Top Pet Insurance Providers UK 2026
- Petplan: Best overall for dogs and cats; comprehensive cover; premiums from £15/month.
- Animal Friends: Great for exotic pets; flexible options; premiums start at £12/month.
- Direct Line: Strong on accident cover; premiums from £14/month.
- John Lewis Finance: Best customer service; premiums from £16/month.
- Bought By Many: Good for older pets; covers some exotic species; premiums from £13/month.
- More Than: Affordable basic cover; premiums from £10/month.
- Tesco Bank: Good value; covers cats and dogs only; from £9/month.
- LV=: Wide coverage; some exotic pets included; premiums from £15/month.
- Admiral: Multi-pet discount; basic cover; premiums from £11/month.
- Pet Insurance UK: Specialist exotic pet cover; premiums vary widely from £20/month.
1. Petplan
Petplan’s been a top UK insurer for dogs and cats for years, offering solid coverage. It covers accidents, illnesses, and routine care, with some policies offering unlimited vet fees. For 2026, monthly premiums start at about £15 for dogs and cats, depending on breed and age. While Petplan doesn’t specialise in exotic pet insurance, it does cover some common exotics like rabbits and guinea pigs with tailored policies.
Thing is, pros: Extensive coverage, including chronic conditions; many add-ons; good reputation.
Cons: Higher premiums for older pets; limited exotic pet options.
Best for: Dog and cat owners seeking thorough insurance.
Pricing: From £15/month for cats and dogs; additional for routine care.
2. Animal Friends
Animal Friends is known for covering exotic pets like birds, reptiles, rabbits, and small mammals. Monthly premiums for exotic pets start around £12 but vary greatly depending on species and age. Their policies include accident and illness cover, with some offering routine care as an add-on. Customer service scores highly, with a straightforward claims process.
Pros: Good exotic pet coverage; flexible plans; competitive pricing.
Cons: Some exotic species have limited coverage; premiums can rise sharply with age.
Best for: Owners of uncommon pets like hedgehogs, birds, and reptiles.
Pricing: From £12/month for exotic pets.
3. Direct Line
Direct Line provides good accident and illness cover for cats and dogs, with prices starting around £14 a month. Their policies often include third-party liability cover, useful for dog owners. They don’t focus on exotic pets, with limited options available. However, their pricing and reputation for fast claims make them a strong contender for traditional pets.
Pros: Good accident cover; liability included; quick claims.
Cons: No routine care; limited exotic pet options.
Best for: Dog and cat owners prioritising accident cover.
Pricing: From £14/month.
4. John Lewis Finance
Known for excellent customer service, John Lewis Finance offers pet insurance for cats and dogs with premiums starting from £16 a month. Their policies cover accidents, illnesses, and some routine care. They don’t currently insure exotic pets. The company scores well in FCA reports for transparency and claims handling.
Pros: Excellent customer service; comprehensive cover options.
Cons: No exotic pet cover; slightly higher premiums.
Best for: Owners valuing customer support and clarity.
Pricing: From £16/month.
5. Bought By Many
Bought By Many caters well to older pets and some exotic species, such as rabbits and guinea pigs. Their innovative policies include lifetime cover and no upper age limits for some pets. Premiums start at £13 per month but can vary depending on the pet’s health and age. Exotic pet cover is limited but growing.
Pros: Covers older pets; some exotic options; flexible plans.
Cons: Exotic coverage still limited; premiums rise with age.
Best for: Owners of older or less common pets.
Pricing: From £13/month.
6. More Than
More Than offers affordable basic cover for cats and dogs, with premiums from £10 per month. Cover includes accidents and illnesses but excludes routine care. Exotic pets aren't covered. Good for pet owners on a budget who want essential protection.
Pros: Low premiums; easy to understand policies.
Cons: No exotic pet cover; limited benefits.
Best for: Budget-conscious dog and cat owners.
Pricing: From £10/month.
7. Tesco Bank
Tesco Bank provides value pet insurance for cats and dogs only, with premiums starting at £9 a month. Their policies cover accidents, illnesses, and some routine care. Exotic pets are excluded. Tesco’s multi-pet discounts and flexible payment plans appeal to families.
Pros: Affordable; multi-pet discounts; routine care options.
Cons: No exotic pet insurance; limited coverage for older pets.
Best for: Families with multiple cats or dogs on a budget.
Pricing: From £9/month.
8. LV= (Liverpool Victoria)
Right now, lV= offers broad coverage that includes some exotic pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and ferrets. Premiums start at £15 per month and policies include accident and illness cover, with optional routine care. They’re known for flexible coverage and solid claims service.
Pros: Covers some exotic pets; flexible add-ons; good claims handling.
Cons: Exotic coverage limited to small mammals; premiums can be high for older pets.
Best for: Owners of small exotic pets and traditional companions.
Pricing: From £15/month.
9. Admiral
Admiral’s pet insurance includes basic accident and illness cover for cats and dogs, with multi-pet discounts available. Premiums start at £11 per month. Exotic pets aren't covered. The insurer is a good choice for multiple traditional pets but less suitable for exotics.
Pros: Multi-pet discounts; competitive pricing.
Cons: No exotic pet cover; basic policy features.
Best for: Owners with multiple cats or dogs.
Pricing: From £11/month.
10. Pet Insurance UK
Pet Insurance UK specialises in exotic pet coverage, including birds, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals. Premiums vary widely, often starting around £20 per month depending on the species and age. Their policies cover accidents and illnesses and sometimes routine care. Due to the specialist nature of exotic pet veterinary care, policies tend to be pricier than standard pet insurance.
Pros: Specialist exotic pet insurer; wide coverage; tailored policies.
Cons: Higher premiums; limited availability for some species.
Best for: Owners of rare or unusual exotic pets.
Pricing: From £20/month, depending on pet type.
How We Chose These Providers
We reviewed the top UK pet insurers based on several key criteria. First, coverage scope — including accident, illness, and routine care. Then, we looked at how well they cover exotic pets, a growing segment. Pricing was compared using typical monthly premiums for dogs, cats, and common exotic species. We checked customer service ratings, claims processing speed, and financial stability, referencing FCA data and consumer reports up to 2026. Lastly, we considered policy flexibility and any multi-pet discounts.
Final Verdict
For most dog and cat owners, Petplan remains a solid all-round choice, balancing coverage and cost. Animal Friends and Pet Insurance UK stand out for those with exotic pets, offering specialist policies that cover many unusual animals. But expect to pay more for exotic pet insurance, reflecting the specialised veterinary care these pets require. Budget-conscious owners might lean towards Tesco Bank or More Than for basic cover on traditional pets. Always check the fine print, especially for exotic pets, as coverage varies widely by species and insurer. Given the increasing popularity of exotic pets, having the right insurance in 2026 is more important than ever to protect your unique companion and your wallet.
Choosing the best pet insurance in the UK for 2026 involves balancing your pet’s needs, your budget, and the insurer’s coverage. Dog and cat owners have plenty of solid options, with Petplan and Animal Friends leading the pack. For exotic pets, specialist insurers like Pet Insurance UK provide tailored cover but at a higher price. Remember, not all insurers cover every exotic species, so do your homework before committing. With the right policy, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your pet’s health is protected, whatever their breed or species.
This article was created with AI assistance.
