Did you know that 67% of pet owners admit they’ve never reviewed their insurance policy in over two years? According to a 2025 study by the Association of British Insurers, most pet owners are unknowingly overpaying or missing crucial coverage updates. In this article you’ll discover the exact questions to ask your provider right now—and the one hidden cost that catches owners off guard every spring. The strongest tip? Your renewal date might be costing you hundreds.
📊 Key Figures 2026
- 67% of pet owners haven’t reviewed their policy in 2+ years (Association of British Insurers, 2025)
- Average premium increase: 18% year-on-year for dogs over 7 years old (PDSA Pet Care Report, 2025)
- Only 42% of policies cover hereditary conditions without additional cost (Royal Veterinary College analysis, 2026)
Sources: ABI, PDSA, RVC
Why Spring Is the Critical Review Window
Spring brings renewal notices, vet bills for seasonal allergies, and—crucially—your pet’s birthday. This is when premiums jump most noticeably. If your dog or cat turned another year older since last renewal, your excess may have changed without you noticing.
Many owners assume their policy ‘carries over’ unchanged. It doesn’t. Insurers recalculate risk annually, especially for pets over 5 years old, where claims frequency rises significantly.
The Three Coverage Gaps Insurers Won’t Highlight
1. Hereditary & Congenital Conditions. Hip dysplasia in Labradors, patella luxation in Chihuahuas—these are genetic, yet many standard policies exclude them or charge a fortune. Springer Spaniel Biscuit, from Manchester, was rejected for cover on ear disease because his breed is genetically predisposed. His owners paid £800 out of pocket.
2. Dental Work. A single tooth extraction can cost £300–500. Most basic policies don’t cover this. By age 7, 80% of dogs have dental disease—yet fewer than 15% of policies include preventative dental care.
3. Behavioural Treatment. Anxiety medication and trainer fees aren’t typically covered. With stress-related illness rising in pets post-lockdown, this is a real blindspot for owners of nervous animals.
✅ Expert Tip
Request a policy comparison schedule from your current insurer before renewal. Ask specifically: (1) Does this cover hereditary conditions for my pet’s breed? (2) What’s the annual benefit limit—and is it per condition or per year? (3) Are wellness visits (vaccinations, flea treatment) included? You’ll often find you’re paying for coverage you don’t need.
When to Switch Providers
Switching is harder once your pet has a pre-existing condition. However, if your current premium has jumped more than 20% and your pet has no claims history, switching is often cheaper than staying loyal. New providers frequently offer ‘welcome discounts’ for transfers.
Check comparison sites like MoneySuperMarket or Confused.com in late February or early March—before renewal notices arrive. Many owners find they can cut costs by 30–40% by switching, even with an older pet.
⚠️ Warning
Never let a policy lapse, even for one day. If you cancel and re-apply, any condition your pet develops in between becomes ‘pre-existing’ and uninsurable for life. Always have new cover active before cancelling the old policy.
The Lifetime vs. Annual Debate (Still Relevant in 2026)
Lifetime policies are more expensive upfront but protect you long-term. Annual policies are cheaper initially but can exclude conditions once claimed—meaning your pet loses coverage for that illness forever. For young pets (under 4), lifetime is almost always the better choice.
For older pets, the maths shift. If your 8-year-old cat has never claimed, annual might offer short-term savings—but if they develop chronic kidney disease (common in older cats), you’ll wish you’d locked in lifetime coverage.
Five Questions to Ask Your Insurer This Week
1. Will my premium increase again next year? (Most will, especially for pets over 5.)
2. What excess am I paying—and does it change with age?
3. Are hereditary conditions for my breed excluded?
4. If I claim, will future premiums rise or will this condition be excluded forever?
5. What’s the annual or lifetime benefit cap?
Write down the answers. You’ll need them if you switch providers or make a claim.
Spring renewal is the moment pet owners regain control. Sixty-seven percent of you haven’t checked in over two years—and that silence is costing money. Your pet’s age, health history, and the rising cost of vet care have all changed since you first signed up. Have you noticed your renewal premium creeping up year after year? Now’s the moment to act. Spend 20 minutes this week on a policy audit—it could save you hundreds and protect your pet properly when it matters most.