How are premiums likely to grow for older dogs?

As your dog ages, you may notice your premiums increase, this is for several reasons, including:<ul><li>Increased health risks – dogs become more susceptible to conditions as they age. This includes arthritis, heart disease and cancer</li><li>Frequent vet trips – vet trips tend to become more frequent as your dog gets older. This could be for check-ups, medical treatments or care</li></ul><ul><li>Ongoing conditions – an older dog is more likely to have ongoing or long-term conditions</li></ul>

What impact can common health conditions have on premiums?

Common health issues can affect insurance premiums. Your premiums are assessed on various factors, including breed, age and health:<ul><li>Breed - some breeds are more prone to specific health issues than others. For example, a flat-faced breed may be prone to breathing issues. Breeds with higher risks of a particular health condition may incur a higher premium</li><li>Age - older dogs are more at risk of health issues</li><li>Health - long-term conditions can make your insurance more expensive. It could also mean insurance is unable to cover the condition</li></ul>If you're in the early stages of buying or adopting a dog, consider its breed and health risks before going ahead. We insure pets from 8 weeks old, so you can start your policy as soon as you get your puppy home. This can help cover any future conditions your dog may develop. Illnesses within the initial 14 days and accidents in the first 48 hours are not covered by your policy.

Dog breeds – tips and advice

All dogs are different. Finding the breed that will fit perfectly into your home and life is really important.

Read about our most popular breeds

Labrador Retriever…

Beagle…

Border Terrier…

Chihuahua…

Cost of vet bills

Just like us, dogs can get ill or have an accident every now and then. Our claims table shows some of the most common claimed for conditions. Information is based on MORE THAN insurance customers between 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2023. You can also see the average claim cost, excluding excess. Find out more about what each one entails by clicking on the condition name.

Condition	Number of claims	Average paid out
	3,143	£1,005
	2,844	£107
	2,685	£572
	2,276	£742
	1,673	£1,351

Condition

Number of claims

3,143

Average paid out

£1,005

Condition

2,844

Average paid out

£107

Condition

2,685

Average paid out

£572

Condition

2,276

Average paid out

£742

Condition

1,673

Average paid out

£1,351

Based on MORE THAN data 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2023. Average cost paid out includes excess.

The average cost of pet insurance

The average cost of insuring your dog with MORE THAN is £196.27 per year. This is based on a limited cover policy, such as our Classic or Basic policies. For a policy with lifetime cover, such as our Premier plan, the average is £256.50 per year.*

The cost of looking after your pet's health doubles every four to five years. That's why your renewal price increases each year and your excess will increase when your pet turns 9. If a claim is paid, the price you will pay next year can double.

It’s important you budget for renewal prices to increase as your pet gets older. There is no limit to how much your renewal price can increase over time.

*Based on new customers who purchased annual cover. Excludes optional extras and includes any applicable discounts (MORE THAN data January to August 2023)

As your dog ages, you may notice your premiums increase, this is for several reasons, including:

Increased health risks – dogs become more susceptible to conditions as they age. This includes arthritis, heart disease and cancer
Frequent vet trips – vet trips tend to become more frequent as your dog gets older. This could be for check-ups, medical treatments or care

Ongoing conditions – an older dog is more likely to have ongoing or long-term conditions

Common health issues can affect insurance premiums. Your premiums are assessed on various factors, including breed, age and health:

Breed - some breeds are more prone to specific health issues than others. For example, a flat-faced breed may be prone to breathing issues. Breeds with higher risks of a particular health condition may incur a higher premium
Age - older dogs are more at risk of health issues
Health - long-term conditions can make your insurance more expensive. It could also mean insurance is unable to cover the condition

If you're in the early stages of buying or adopting a dog, consider its breed and health risks before going ahead.

We insure pets from 8 weeks old, so you can start your policy as soon as you get your puppy home. This can help cover any future conditions your dog may develop. Illnesses within the initial 14 days and accidents in the first 48 hours are not covered by your policy.

"There is no National Health Service for animals. All veterinary work is private and bills can add up quickly. Comprehensive cover can give you peace of mind should your furry friend need urgent or long-term care. "

Luke Mangion, MORE THAN vet

Insuring your dog

Insuring your four-legged friend can give you added peace of mind should the worst happen. Insurance is recommended by the British Veterinary Association to help you with the cost of vet fees.

Our Premier pet insurance has achieved a 5 Star Defaqto Rating. Rest assured that your pets are in safe hands with one of the highest quality offerings on the market.

(Defaqto rating applies to Classic £8,000, Premier £1,000, £2,000, £4,000 & £6,000.)

Start a pet quote

Find out more about different dog breeds in our guides

Some breeds are more susceptible to different illnesses than others. The right insurance can help to give you the peace of mind that you can keep your pet happy and healthy.

Tips and advice if you're thinking of becoming a dog owner

Our in-house vet, Luke Mangion, share his advice for anyone thinking about getting a dog.

Types of dog breeds

Over time, dogs have been bred for different jobs and purposes, such as sheep dogs or racing dogs. Today, dogs are mainly bred to be our pet and furry companion. There are seven main groups of dog breeds.

Pastoral

Working

Toy

Gun

Terrier

Hound

Utility