Bringing a dog into your life is one of the most rewarding experiences, wagging tails, muddy walks, and endless cuddles. But being a dog owner also comes with responsibility, and one of the biggest questions you’ll face is: “Should I get pet insurance or just save for vet bills?”
At first, saving might sound like the better option. You’re in control of your money, you don’t have to deal with premiums or policies, and you might feel confident your young, healthy pup won’t need much medical care. But the reality is, relying on savings alone can leave you and your dog vulnerable.
Why savings often fall short
- Vet bills can be huge. Surgery for a swallowed sock can cost over £4,000, while a broken leg might set you back £3,000–£6,000. Even ongoing medication for conditions like diabetes can cost up to £140 a month. One emergency could wipe out years of careful saving.
- It takes time to build a safety net. If your dog needs treatment before you’ve saved enough, you could face heartbreaking decisions.
- Life happens. That savings pot you built for your dog’s care might get eaten up by a broken boiler or car repairs.
- Stress levels rise. Worrying about whether you can afford care in an emergency adds emotional strain when your dog needs you most.
Pet insurance vs. saving: a quick comparison
- Predictability: Monthly premiums make budgeting easier, while savings can be unpredictable.
- Emergency cover: Insurance offers higher cover limits, savings are capped at what you’ve managed to put aside.
- Peace of mind: Insurance reduces stress by knowing help is there when you need it most.
Why credit cards aren’t the answer
Many owners turn to credit cards when savings fall short – but with interest rates often above 20%, a £2,000 vet bill can snowball into long-term debt. Even 0% cards only give temporary relief.
So, does pet insurance really save you money?
It can. Paying around £30 a month might feel like a lot, but compare that with a £4,000 surgery bill – you’d need over a decade of saving to match that. Insurance turns unpredictable costs into manageable monthly payments and gives you peace of mind that your dog can always get the care they need.
The bottom line? Saving has its place, but pet insurance is the smarter choice if you want to protect your dog – and your wallet – from life’s surprises.
Get a quote with British Pet Insurance today and protect your pet and your bank account.