Dog & puppy insurance

Loving, loyal and incredibly intelligent, dogs make wonderful pets. But for many of us, dogs are more than just a furry companion. They join us on family days out and we even celebrate their birthdays – they’re almost like our children.

In short, we’d do anything for these waggy-tailed wonders, and we like to believe they’d do anything for us.

But although we don’t like to think about it, our beloved family pet can have accidents or get ill, and these unforeseen circumstances can lead to hefty bills. That’s where dog insurance comes in handy – the right plan can help take care of your claim costs, allowing you to concentrate on caring for your canine friend, not worrying about your wallet.

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Underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance plc

Why do I need a dog insurance policy from M&S Bank?

Best friends take care of each other, that’s why pet insurance for dogs is a must. From Alsatians with arthritis to Terriers with tumours, it can help pay those unexpected vet bills, so you can get your pet the best care, regardless of cost.

At M&S Bank, we have three levels of insurance for dogs, allowing you to find the perfect cover for you and your four-legged friend. Our benefits include:

  • Veterinary fees
  • Dental cover
  • Travel expenses
  • Death from injury or illness
  • Cover for advertising
  • Emergency boarding
  • Third-party liability

Find out more about our essential, standard and premium pet cover here.

But what else makes M&S Bank’s dog insurance so great? We think the following benefits separate us from the pack:

  • Three levels of cover, so you can find the perfect plan to suit you and your dog.
  • 15% discount on new policies when buying online (excludes renewals and amendments to existing policies). Prices rise at renewal†
  • 24-hour vetfone™ access. We know life isn’t perfect, and sometimes things can’t wait until the morning. That’s why we provide 24-hour guidance from qualified veterinary nurses on this freephone helpline.
  • Monthly fees with no additional costs.
  • 5% multi-pet discount – perfect if you’re introducing a new furry family member.

Is pet insurance worth it for a dog?

Still wondering whether pet insurance for dogs is worth shelling out for? The following shows some of the most common dog claims and the average cost to treat them. Footnote 1* Tummy troubles come in at £487 – which could make for an expensive day should you discover your Labrador’s eaten something they shouldn’t have.

Joints
Average cost £997.77

Arthritis is a common joint problem for dogs and can cause a lot of discomfort as well as long-term damage. Catch it early by looking for potential signs, like difficulty rising, limping, stiffness, swollen joints or disinterest in exercise.

Skin
Average cost £634.63

There are many different causes of skin disease, and many different ways it can manifest too, so it's really important to keep an eye out for excessive itching, biting, over-grooming or changes to the appearance of your dog’s skin.

Non-illness
Average cost £180.18

Although your pet may not be poorly, non-illness problems can still be expensive to fix. They can include expensive breakages, third-party injury and costs incurred by a lost or stolen pet.

Gastrointestinal
Average cost £675.09

Ranging from common problems such as upset tummies and pancreatitis to rarer ones like intestinal lymphangectasia, some stomach conditions can be fatal. Symptoms include abnormal faeces, vomiting, constipation and your dog being in obvious abdominal pain.

Growths/Tumours
Average cost £768.16

Many growths or tumours are harmless and easily treated, but if a growth turned out to be cancerous, the costs could be in the thousands. If your dog has an unusual growth, it's always best to get it looked at to check it’s nothing sinister – especially if it has grown quickly or is causing your dog irritation.

Hormonal
Average cost £951.56

Including conditions such as diabetes, Cushing’s disease, hypothyroidism and pyometra, hormonal issues can cause a variety of symptoms, from excessive urination to weight loss. If you notice anything unusual, pay your vet a visit.

Traumas
Average cost £572.67

Physical injuries caused by a fall, a fight or being hit by a car can be potentially life-threatening, so they always require proper examination. If your dog experiences a trauma, take them straight to the vet.

Neurological
Average cost £850.26

Caused by damage to the central nervous system, there are a number of neurological conditions that can affect dogs such as canine dementia and epilepsy. Among many others, symptoms can include changes in behaviour, seizures and vision problems.

Eye
Average cost £681.04

No matter your dog’s age, there are a number of eye conditions that can cause them problems, such as corneal wounds, conjunctivitis and cataracts. These can be very uncomfortable for your dog, so in some cases, surgery is necessary.

Heart
Average cost £840.91

Heart disease is just as common in dogs as it is in people, making early diagnosis important. Symptoms will depend on the type and severity of the disease, but may include fatigue, loss of appetite and changes in weight.

Footnote 1*[1] Based on the average annual dog claims cost to M&S Pet Insurance between July 2018 and June 2019.

† Excludes renewals and amendments to existing policies. Your price will increase at renewal, because as your pet gets older they are more likely to get ill. A claim being paid can also cause your renewal price to increase significantly. Your excess will increase when your pet turns 9.

Existing dog insurance customer
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Important documents

M&S Pet Insurance policy booklet

M&S Pet Insurance claim form

M&S Pet Insurance Premier product information document

M&S Pet Insurance Standard product information document

M&S Pet Insurance Essential product information document

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FAQs

How do I make a claim?

If you need to make a claim, you should call us as soon as possible on 0800 980 8750. Please have your policy number or claim number when you call.

Does M&S Pet Insurance cover my pet when abroad?

If you choose our premier policy you'll get cover up to £2,000 for vet fee treatment in any EU country that is included in the Pets Travel Scheme. You'll be covered for three trips in any period of insurance and each trip can last up to 60 days.

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Find out why getting insurance for your puppy or kitten is important

Keeping your dog healthy

Dogs wriggle their way into our hearts – and occasionally worm their way into trouble. But although we never know what life will bring, there are some simple steps you can take to keep your dog happy and healthy from nose to tail:

Provide the basics. All pups need a balanced diet, fresh water and regular exercise to keep them healthy. The recommended amount of food and exercise for your dog will depend on its lifestyle, diet, age and general health, all of which your vet can help you understand.

Keep them entertained. Walks, playing fetch, chasing their tail – whatever they’re into, encourage it! Playing is vital for a dog’s mental and physical health. It’s also important for dogs to socialise – both with humans and other animals. They’re most receptive when they are puppies, so the earlier they can be socialised, the better.

Watch your food. Certain ‘human foods’ are dangerous for dogs to eat, such as chocolate, onions, garlic and grapes. Be sure not to leave these lying about the house, as we all know dogs have a habit of sniffing out forbidden snacks!

If they’re home alone… take them out on a long walk before you leave. The physical and mental stimulation should tire them out, so they’ll appreciate some quiet time when they’re home. You could also try some interactive, food-dispensing toys. But remember, dogs shouldn’t be left alone for lengthy periods of time.

Do home check-ups. While visits to the vets for regular check-ups are great, giving your dog a once-over yourself every now and again will help you spot any issues early. There are a few key areas you can check to keep your dog comfortable, such as their ears, claws, eyes and teeth.

Groom them. Depending on the breed of your dog, they may require a little TLC to help them look and feel their best – whether that’s the odd shampoo or a regular brush.

Looking for a quote?

Getting a dog insurance quote is quick and easy. We only need a few details and you can apply straightaway, faster than you can say ‘Sit!’.

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If you’re an existing customer, find out how to renew, change your policy or make a claim.