Pet Insurance in Ireland

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Pet Insurance in Ireland: A 2025 Guide for Pet Owners

A trip to the vet can be as expensive as a weekend in Galway — especially if your pet needs surgery or long-term treatment. That’s where pet insurance comes in. It won’t stop your dog eating the socks, but it will soften the financial blow if something goes wrong.

Here’s a simple, no-nonsense look at the main pet insurers in Ireland right now, what they cover, and what to keep an eye on.

What to Look For in a Policy

Before jumping into the list, here are a few things worth checking in any pet insurance policy:

  • Vet fee cover — How much they’ll pay each year (usually €2,000–€4,000 on higher plans).

  • Lifetime vs. time-limited cover — Lifetime means they’ll keep covering a condition year after year as long as you renew; time-limited stops after 12 months.

  • Third-party liability — Important for dogs (if your pup knocks someone over in the park, this could save you a fortune).

  • Dental & extras — Some cover dental illness, behavioural treatment, or prescription diets; others don’t.

  • Age limits — Many start at 8 weeks, but some won’t take on older pets for the first time.

Pet Insurance Providers in Ireland (2025)

Here’s a quick breakdown of who’s offering what:

🐾 An Post Insurance

  • Three levels of cover (Essential, Premier, Premier Plus).

  • Vet fee limits from around €2,000 up to €4,000.

  • Includes third-party liability for dogs and multi-pet discounts.

  • Handy promotions (like free pet food with sign-up).

  • Watch out for: Routine care (vaccinations, flea treatments) isn’t covered; upper age limits for new pets.

🐾 Allianz

  • Vet fee cover up to €4,000 per year.

  • €250,000 third-party liability.

  • Extras like boarding fees, theft/straying, and even holiday cancellation on higher plans.

  • Watch out for: Premiums rise with age; routine care excluded; some breed restrictions.

🐾 Petinsurance.ie (Blue Insurance)

  • Offers lifetime cover, time-limited cover, and accident-only plans.

  • Vet fees up to €4,000 on higher policies.

  • Extras include advertising & reward if your pet goes missing, plus kennel/cattery fees.

  • Watch out for: Time-limited policies stop covering a condition after 12 months; waiting periods apply; no cover for pre-existing conditions.

🐾 SuperValu Insurance

  • One of the highest vet fee limits in Ireland.

  • Covers cats and dogs aged 8 weeks +, with no upper age limit.

  • Includes extras like behavioural treatment, dental illness, and prescription diets.

  • Watch out for: Premiums can still be hefty for older pets; always check excesses and exclusions.

🐾 Others / Comparison Sites

  • Services like CompareInsurance.ie and Dog.ie let you line up quotes from several providers.

  • Lifetime plans for a young, mixed-breed pet might start around €15–20/month.

  • Watch out for: Comparison sites show “best case” prices — your pet’s breed, age, and health can change things a lot.

Pet Insurance Comparison — Ireland (2025)
Insurer Vet Fee Cover Third-Party Liability Extras Watch Outs
An Post Insurance ~€2,000–€4,000 per year (plan dependent) Included (dogs) Multi-pet discount; occasional promos (e.g., free food); tiered cover levels Routine care not covered; upper age limits for new pets; excess applies
Allianz Up to €4,000 per year €250,000 Boarding fees; theft/straying; advertising & reward; holiday cancellation (higher plans) Premiums rise with age; routine care excluded; possible breed restrictions
Petinsurance.ie (Blue Insurance) Up to €4,000 on higher policies Included (most plans) Advertising & reward; kennel/cattery fees; lifetime & time-limited options Time-limited cover ends after 12 months; waiting periods; no pre-existing conditions
SuperValu Insurance Among the highest limits in Ireland Included Behavioural treatment; dental illness/accident; prescription diets Premiums higher for older pets; check exclusions & excess amounts

Heads up: details (limits, pricing, eligibility) can change. Always read the policy docs before buying.

So, Do You Really Need Pet Insurance?

Vet bills in Ireland aren’t cheap. A consultation alone can set you back €50+, and surgery can run into the thousands. Pet insurance isn’t legally required, but it’s often the difference between making a decision based on your pet’s health… or your bank account.

Final Word from Pet Angel Sitters

At the end of the day, the best policy depends on your pet, your budget, and how much cover you want. Take your time, read the small print, and compare what’s out there.

And while insurance covers the vet bills, we’ve got the cuddles and care covered. Whether you’re away for a day or a week, Pet Angel Sitters will keep tails wagging and whiskers twitching while you’re gone.

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