A third of owners are putting their pets at risk by not having insurance

4 February 2026

A third of pet owners do not have insurance, leaving them vulnerable to high vet bills, with many citing cost or lack of awareness as reasons. Research from Tesco Insurance shows that 33% of uninsured owners could only afford £150 toward unexpected vet costs, while average claims for common injuries far exceed this. Over half of uninsured owners have already faced one-off vet expenses, and many would need to use savings or credit cards for emergencies. Tesco emphasizes considering pet age, breed, and coverage level when choosing insurance to ensure adequate protection. Having a policy not only covers costs but also safeguards pets’ health and wellbeing in emergencies.

‘I can’t afford that’: Ontario woman frustrated after pet insurance doubles to $866 a month

4 February 2026

An Ontario woman, Elaine Citter, saw her pet insurance premiums for her 11-year-old dog Rosie nearly triple to $866 per month, citing her dog’s age and rising veterinary costs. The insurer, 24PetWatch, explained that premiums increase as pets age due to higher health risks and more advanced treatments. Over 11 years, Citter paid $17,000 in premiums but only used the coverage a few times, leading her to consider self-insuring instead. Experts suggest pet owners shop around for plans or set aside savings for unexpected veterinary costs. Coverage also varies widely, and pre-existing conditions may not be included.

OnePack Plan by PetPartners to Offer Seamless Pet Insurance Access with Alight

3 February 2026

OnePack Plan by PetPartners partnered with Alight to provide payroll-deductible pet insurance to employees through integrated enrollment, allowing quick sign-up and convenient payroll payments. The plan includes breed-inclusive coverage, a 24/7 vet helpline, optional no-age limits, and pre-existing condition coverage after 12 months. Surveys show strong employer interest, with 78% of HR professionals valuing pet insurance and 82% saying it helps attract and retain talent. Despite growing demand, only 21% of employees discuss pet benefits with supervisors, highlighting the need for workplace advocacy. This partnership aims to make pet insurance an accessible and valued workplace benefit for millions of employees.

2026 Pet Owner Survey: 1 in 3 Pet Owners Spend More on Their Pet Than on Their Own Health Needs Each Month

2 February 2026

A U.S. survey of 1,500 pet owners found that nearly one in three spends more on their pets than on their own health and self-care, with 72% spending $50–$200 monthly on food, vet bills, grooming, and toys. Despite the high costs, only 34% have pet insurance, citing expense as the main barrier, though satisfaction among policyholders is high. Vet visits are common, with 43% visiting at least twice per year and many facing unexpected bills up to $3,000, which some cannot cover without credit. The survey also highlighted playful pet personas, showing how owners view their pets as “pampered royalty” or “mischievous pranksters.”