Last updated: September 11, 2025
Accident-only pet insurance in the UK is the cheapest way to protect your pet in 2025. But is it worth it? While these policies cover emergencies like broken bones or accidents, they don’t include illness — which is often where the biggest costs arise.
In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what accident-only pet insurance UK 2025 covers, when it makes sense, and the pros and cons compared to other types of pet insurance.
👉 Quick answer: Accident-only is the most affordable policy, but it offers limited protection if your pet develops an illness.
What Is Accident-Only Pet Insurance?
Accident-only pet insurance is the most basic level of cover available in the UK. These policies pay out for unexpected injuries such as:
- Road traffic accidents
- Falls or fractures
- Cuts, wounds, or poisoning
- Emergency surgery due to an accident
However, they do not cover illness, routine vet visits, or ongoing conditions.
Related: Best Pet Insurance UK 2025 — Full Guide & Comparison
How Much Does Accident-Only Cover Cost in 2025?
Accident-only policies are usually the cheapest:
- Cats: from £5–7 per month
- Dogs: from £7–10 per month
Costs vary by breed, age, and location. For young pets, this type of cover can look attractive, but for senior cats and dogs the risks of illness are higher.
According to MoneyHelper, accident-only policies are best suited to owners who want a safety net but can’t afford comprehensive cover.
Related: Cheap Pet Insurance UK 2025 – Affordable Options for Dogs & Cats
Pros and Cons of Accident-Only Pet Insurance
Pet owners often ask about the pros and cons of accident-only pet insurance. Here’s how it compares:
Pros
- Cheapest premiums: Often the lowest-cost pet insurance option.
- Emergency cover: Protects against accidents like road traffic incidents, falls, or poisonings.
- Good for young, indoor pets: Works if illness risk is low and budget is tight.
- Simple to understand: Clear accident-only focus.
Cons
- No illness cover: Excludes conditions like cancer, diabetes, arthritis.
- Limited protection: Owners must pay all illness-related vet bills.
- False economy: Can cost more in the long run if illness strikes.
- Fewer add-ons: Often lacks dental, travel, or complementary therapy cover.
In summary: Accident-Only is the cheapest option, but it carries major risks. It may suit owners on tight budgets, but it’s not ideal for pets at higher risk of illness.
Related: Old Cat Insurance UK 2025 — Pet Insurance for Senior Cats Explained
When Is Accident-Only Cover a Good Option?
Accident-only pet insurance may be suitable if:
- You’re on a very tight budget but still want some protection.
- You own a young cat or dog with low risk of illness.
- You want cover for emergencies only.
- You’re prepared to pay out-of-pocket for illness.
For senior cats or dogs, accident-only is often too limited — older pets are more likely to develop illnesses that aren’t covered.
Related: Cheap Cat Insurance for Older Cats UK 2025
Exclusions to Watch Out For
Like all pet insurance, accident-only policies have exclusions:
- No cover for pre-existing conditions.
- Illness is never covered.
- Routine treatments (vaccinations, flea/worming) excluded.
- Some policies limit accident cover to 12 months per condition.
The RSPCA notes that while accident-only cover is cheap, it may not prevent the most common financial shocks: illnesses and long-term health issues.
Related: Does Pet Insurance Cover Dental Treatment in the UK?
Accident-Only vs Other Policy Types
| Policy Type | Covers Illness? | Covers Accidents? | Typical Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accident-only | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | £5–10/month | Owners on a tight budget |
| Time-limited | ✅ Yes (12 months) | ✅ Yes | £10–20/month | Short-term illness + budget |
| Lifetime | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | £20–40+/month | Best long-term protection |
FAQ
What are the pros and cons of accident-only pet insurance?
Pros are very cheap premiums and accident cover for emergencies. Cons are that it doesn’t cover illness, which can lead to large vet bills if your pet gets sick.
Is accident-only pet insurance worth it?
Yes, if you want the cheapest safety net. But it won’t cover illnesses, which are often more expensive than accidents.
How much is accident-only pet insurance UK 2025?
From £5/month for cats and £7/month for dogs, depending on breed, age, and location.
Does accident-only insurance cover surgery?
Yes — but only if surgery is required due to an accident. Illness-related operations are excluded.
Can I upgrade from accident-only to lifetime later?
Yes, but new policies won’t cover pre-existing conditions diagnosed while on accident-only.
Conclusion
Accident-only pet insurance UK 2025 is the cheapest type of policy available, but it comes with serious limitations. For young and healthy pets, it can provide reassurance against accidents. For older pets, or those at risk of illness, it may leave you unprotected.
If your budget allows, consider time-limited or lifetime cover for better long-term protection.