Pet insurance for Dogs - The top 16 most expensive dog breeds in the UK revealed

The UK has always loved dogs, with more than 13.5 million canine companions currently being kept as pets across the country. Brits spend more than £5 billion each year on vet bills, yet surprisingly, just 25% of owners currently have an active pet insurance policy to cover these costs and future health issues that may affect their dog. 

Data suggests that the average cost to insure a dog is around £156 a year. However, not all dogs are made equal, and there are a number of factors that could make your annual pet insurance premium skyrocket, such as a health issue, the cost of treatment, the frequency of visiting the vet and even where you live in the UK. Specific dog breeds can also cost more to insure than others. 

We conducted our own research, looking at some of the most popular dog breeds to determine which were the most expensive to insure. 

Analysing the results of the research, Money Expert’s Commercial Director, Liz Hunter said, “The results of our research show that the Cane Corso is the most expensive breed at an average of £1,283.71 a year to insure, while Mastiffs and Rottweilers sit in second and third place. This is most likely due to the fact that they are a large breed and therefore prone to certain health issues. Cane Corsos also have a history of being protective and have the potential to be aggressive in nature, which can be seen as a higher risk by insurance providers. There are also fewer providers willing to insure this breed, which means higher prices and less choice for pet owners.”

“Also featuring high on the list is the French Bulldog, a highly popular breed and one that topped the list of the UK’s most stolen dogs in 2024. Because of this, alongside well-documented health issues such as respiratory and joint problems, makes them a high risk dog to insure.” 

“Other breeds include the Golden Retriever and the Labrador, both often featuring in the UK’s most popular dogs in annual reports. Whilst these breeds feature lower down the list, the cost to insure them is more than double the current UK average for dog insurance due to their high risk of genetic health issues and injuries from active lifestyles”

“If you have a dog or are thinking about owning one in the future, it's important that you consider purchasing pet insurance so you’re fully protected for most eventualities. A pet insurance policy can protect you against unexpected bills, compensation if your pet dies or is lost, and costs incurred if your pet injures someone. It’s worth noting that most pet insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions and these can make obtaining insurance more difficult in the future.” 

How to reduce your pet insurance premiums

Pet insurance premiums can be costly, but there are ways to lower your annual costs. Here is some advice for pet owners on how they can reduce their pet insurance premiums.

Sign up to a monthly vet health plan

Vet visits, even for routine checkups, can be costly. Pet Health Plans offered by many vets can help manage these costs. These plans typically involve a monthly fee based on your pet's size and cover expenses such as routine medications, vaccinations, checkups and consultations. Some even offer additional benefits like free microchipping.

Signing up for a Pet Health Plan provides financial predictability, ensuring no unexpected costs. Your vet should inform you in advance of any price changes to the plan, allowing you to opt out if necessary. 

Use a comparison site 

Pet insurance premiums increase annually due to both your pet's age and inflation, which may lead to unaffordable costs. If you've recently adopted a pet or need to renew your policy, use a price comparison site like MoneyExpert to compare rates from multiple providers and find a more affordable option.

Remember that switching pet insurance providers can be risky, especially if your pet has pre-existing conditions, as a new insurer may not cover these. While switching may offer short-term savings, it could lead to higher costs in the long run if the new policy doesn't provide adequate coverage. Always double-check the terms of a new policy before switching to ensure it meets your pet's needs and provides the necessary coverage.

Pay upfront for your insurance

Paying your premiums by monthly direct debit can make life easier by breaking the cost up into manageable chunks over a year. However, insurers charge more for this option as you’re opted into a credit agreement, paying interest on top of the annual premium. Therefore, if you can, it’s worth paying for your insurance in full to get the very best deal.

Bundle your insurance policies

Do you have other policies with any insurance providers for your car or home? If so, speak with them to see if they offer any multi-cover insurance policies that may include the option to insure your pet. Some insurers like Direct Line, for example, offer discounts for having multiple policies with them. Plus, it’ll make it easier when you go to contact them as all your policies will be in the same place. If you have more than one pet to insure, it’s worth looking into multi-pet policies as it’s usually cheaper to have multiple pets insured through the same provider. 

Utilise virtual vets

Some policies come with access to a virtual vet where you can speak to a professional about your pet's health concerns without the need to visit the surgery. They’re often able to provide owners with help and advice for non-emergencies, which could prevent a costly trip to the vets. However, always remember to see a vet if you’re unsure or your pet is in need of emergency life-saving treatment. 

Check your other benefits

Some policies include money off incentives and partnerships with brands relating to your pet, such as supplies, food and treats. The most common incentives include refer a friend schemes, cashback or discount codes to use at the checkout. These could make a significant difference to your monthly costs, so it’s worth comparing incentives before securing a deal.

Keep your pet healthy

A healthy dog will likely mean fewer vet trips, which could help you save money on your pet insurance premiums in the long run. Keep on top of regular vet check ups and annual treatments such worming and vaccinations. Remember that some insurance providers might not cover treatment for certain diseases or health issues if your pet isn't vaccinated against them, as vaccination could have prevented these illnesses.

Ensure that your dog is on good quality food and gets the recommended amount of exercise it needs on a daily basis. When choosing a pet, it's crucial to consider the specific type and breed, as some are predisposed to certain diseases and illnesses. Being aware of these risks allows you to take preventative measures early on, potentially reducing the likelihood of your pet developing these issues in the future.

Other Important points to remember 

With some insurance providers, the vet is paid directly, saving you the wait for reimbursement. Typically, you cover the excess, and the vet and insurer handle the rest, saving you time and money during a potentially stressful period.

To prevent claim issues, review your policy to ensure all details are accurate and current, including your pet's vaccination and medication status. Also, check for exclusions or pre-existing conditions that may impact coverage.

If you're concerned about the cost of your pet insurance or if you think you may struggle to afford upcoming payments due to the rising cost of living, it's crucial that you reach out to your insurance provider as soon as possible. They have specialists who can discuss your situation and find a solution to help lower your payments or make them more manageable at no additional cost.