Protecting your pup, peace of mind for You
Whether your four-legged friend is a playful pup or a golden oldie, we’ve got a plan that fits just right.
Not sure how pet insurance works? Our quick guide has you covered!
What is dog insurance?
Dog insurance helps cover the cost of vet care if your dog gets sick or injured, ensuring your four-legged friend gets the care they need without putting a strain on your finances.
Depending on your policy, cover can include things like
Dental cover for accidents or injury
Third-party liability
(if your dog causes damage or injury)
Lost pet advertising
And more
Why Do I Need Dog Insurance?
Because even good boys and girls have bad days! At some point in their lives, most dogs will need treatment for an illness or injury, and vet care can be expensive. Dog insurance gives you peace of mind—so you can focus on cuddles, not costs
How Do I Know What Plan is Right for Me and My Pooch?
Whether you’ve got a bouncy Boxer, or a chilled-out Chihuahua, our plans are flexible, affordable, and designed to fit your needs. We also offer a multi-pet discount and 24/7 Vet Careline support.
Lifetime Cover
Covers ongoing illnesses and injuries for life, as long as you renew yearly. Annual claim limits apply per condition.
Maximum Benefit
Covers each condition up to a set limit, with no time cap. You can claim until you reach the maximum amount - even across multiple years.
Time-Limited
Covers conditions for up to 12 months from when treatment starts or until the cost limit is reached - whichever comes first.
Accident Only
Covers treatment for injuries from accidents only. Illnesses and long-term conditions aren’t included.
What’s Covered with Scratch & Patch Dog Insurance?
- Vet Fees
Covers treatment costs for accidents, injuries, and illnesses (up to your policy limit). - Ongoing Conditions (Lifetime plans only)
Conditions that began after the start date of your policy, are covered year after year, as long as the policy is renewed. - Diagnostic Tests & Medication
Blood tests, scans, and prescription meds. - Surgery & Hospitalisation
From minor ops to major procedures, you’re covered. - Complementary Therapies
Some plans include things like hydrotherapy, acupuncture, or physiotherapy, if recommended by your vet. - Third-Party Liability (for dogs only)
If your dog causes damage or injury, you could be protected against legal costs and compensation claims. - Death from Illness or Injury
Reimbursement if your dog sadly passes away due to illness or an accident. - Lost Pet Cover
Help with advertising and reward costs if your dog goes missing. - Emergency Boarding Fees
Covers kennel costs if you’re unexpectedly hospitalised.
What’s Not Covered by Scratch & Patch Pet Insurance?
- Pre-Existing Conditions
Anything your dog showed symptoms of or was treated for before your policy started. - Restricted Breeds
Our dog insurance does not cover certain dog breeds, particularly those classified as dangerous under UK law. You can view a full list of our excluded breeds here. - Dental (Non-Accident)
Routine cleanings or issues caused by neglect aren’t covered. - Routine Care
Vaccinations, flea/worm treatments, neutering, and annual check-ups aren’t covered. - Pregnancy & Birth
Costs for mating, pregnancy, or giving birth are excluded.
Always Take a Paws to Read the Fine Print!
It’s important to read your full policy documents before purchasing—so there are no surprises later (except the fun kind, like belly rubs!).
Compare Our Plans and View Policy Documents
How Much Does Dog Insurance Cost?
It depends on a few things:
Bottom Line?
Age
Older dogs = higher risk = higher premiums.
Breed
Some breeds are prone to health issues, which can bump up costs.
Size
Bigger dogs often mean bigger vet bills.
Health
Healthy pups usually get lower premiums.
Location
Vet costs vary by area, and so do premiums.
Claim History
Past claims or older dogs may mean higher premiums.
Bottom Line?
Let’s Fetch the Right Cover for You and Your Pup
At Scratch & Patch, we know your dog isn’t just a pet—they’re family. That’s why we’ve made it easy to find a plan that fits your budget and gives your pup the protection they deserve. Whether it’s a scraped paw, a surprise surgery, or just some peace of mind—we’ve got you covered.
So why wait? Explore our plans, get a quick quote, and feel confident knowing you’re giving your best friend the very best care. Because every wag, woof, and cuddle deserves to be protected.
How can I check what I am or am not covered for?
You can see what you are and are not covered for by reviewing our Policy Documents. You can also check your Policy Schedule by logging into My Account. This provides details of your excess, co-payment and inner limits applicable to the policy cover.
Please ensure that you have also checked our full list of policy exclusions, including our excluded breeds list and rules, before proceeding to purchase a policy with Scratch & Patch. If your dog is found to be an excluded dog, we may cancel your policy, refuse all claims, keep any premium you have paid and charge you a cancellation fee.
Some of the other key policy exclusions are:
- We will not cover the amount of the excess(s) applicable for any claim.
- Death from accident or illness – cover is restricted to dogs aged under 8years, or cats aged under 10years, at the date of loss or death.
- Euthanasia is excluded under Bronze, Silver and Gold policies.
- Third party liability cover is restricted to Dogs Only.
- Loss and recovery – cover restricted to dogs aged under 8 years, or cats aged under 10 years, at the date they go missing.
- Vet fee limits and policy limits apply.
- We will not pay for advertising and reward incurred without our prior consent.
- Any condition first showing clinical signs in the first 14 days of the policy unless you had a prior pet insurance policy.
- Your pet must be at least 5 weeks old when your policy starts.
- Dangerous dogs and excluded breeds cannot be covered. Please note that if you have declared the incorrect breed when taking the policy out, you may not be covered when making a claim.
The full list of policy exclusions can be seen here.
