The cost of insurance will obviously depend on the type of animal insured and the sort of cover that you require. Some policies offer cover for as little as a few pounds per month.

The average premium will be between £60 and £100 a year, depending on where you live. In the average lifespan of a dog insurance costs will be about £1000. You may be able to get special discounts on your insurance if you are a pensioner or have more than one animal insured.

Pet insurance is a competitive market so it pays to shop around. Nevertheless remember that the cheapest company is not always the best value for money. Look carefully at the policy to see exactly what is covered by the insurance and be sure that it is what you need. Companies with cheaper policies may haggle over the cost of treatment or delay payment on genuine claims. Ask your vet about the claims settlement history of your preferred companies before you sign up.