Picking pet insurance in Ireland isn’t easy, especially with all the choices for dogs, cats, and even exotic pets. Whether it’s everyday accidents or special care for unusual pets, you’ve got to find a plan that works for both your pet and your wallet. In 2026, pet insurance in Ireland comes from many providers, each offering different coverage and prices for various pets. Here’s a breakdown of the top providers to help you decide.
Quick Comparison of Best Pet Insurance Providers in Ireland 2026
- PetSure - Best for Dogs and Cats; prices from €25/month
- ExoticCare Ireland - Specialized Exotic Pet Coverage; from €35/month
- VetAssist - Budget-Friendly Option; from €20/month
- HealthyPaws Ireland - Top Vet Network; from €28/month
- AnimalGuard - Comprehensive Coverage; from €30/month
- ExoPet Insurance - Exotic and Rare Pets; from €40/month
- Care4Pets - Flexible Plans; from €22/month
- PetShield - Accident and Illness Focus; from €27/month
- FurSure - High Limits and Wellness Cover; from €33/month
- ExoVet Protect - Exotic Pet Specialists; from €38/month
1. PetSure
Key Features: PetSure covers dogs and cats with plans that include accident, illness, and optional routine care like vaccinations and dental. They handle claims quickly—most get sorted within two days. They work with a broad network of vets across Ireland, ensuring you can access care easily. Unlike many insurers, PetSure covers hereditary and congenital conditions.
Pros: Starting at €25/month, PetSure offers competitive pricing with no upper age limit for enrollment, making it suitable for older pets. Their no-claims bonus can reduce premiums over time. The availability of optional routine care coverage means you can tailor the plan to your needs.
Cons: PetSure doesn’t cover exotic pets, so owners of birds, reptiles, or small mammals will need to look elsewhere. The routine care option requires an additional premium, which can increase the monthly cost.
Best For: Dog and cat owners looking for reliable, affordable coverage with the option to add routine care.
Pricing: Plans start at €25/month for basic accident and illness coverage, with routine care add-ons increasing the price to around €35/month depending on the pet’s age and breed.
2. ExoticCare Ireland
Key Features: ExoticCare Ireland specializes in insurance for exotic pets such as birds, reptiles, rabbits, ferrets, and potbellied pigs. Coverage includes accidents, illnesses, and certain routine treatments like parasite control and vaccinations. They understand the unique veterinary needs of exotic species and cover conditions often excluded by mainstream insurers.
Pros: Their plans cover specific issues like metabolic bone disease in reptiles and respiratory infections in birds. ExoticCare has partnerships with specialized vets and clinics across Ireland, although the network is smaller than mainstream providers.
Cons: Premiums start higher, at €35/month, reflecting the specialized care and higher treatment costs associated with exotic pets. The limited vet network means you might have to travel further for covered care.
Best For: Owners of exotic pets who need insurance tailored to their unique health needs and are willing to pay a premium for specialized coverage.
Pricing: Starting at €35/month, with premiums varying depending on the species and age of the pet.
3. VetAssist
Key Features: VetAssist provides affordable insurance focusing on accidents and illnesses for dogs and cats. Their plans cover emergency treatment, surgeries, and diagnostic tests but exclude routine care and some hereditary conditions. The provider offers a straightforward claims process and no long-term contracts.
Pros: Starting at just €20/month, VetAssist is one of the most affordable options on the market. Their flexibility in monthly payments and no binding contracts suits pet owners looking for straightforward coverage without bells and whistles. Claims are typically processed within 5 days.
Cons: The lack of routine care coverage and limited inclusion of hereditary conditions may not suit pets with known genetic issues. VetAssist also doesn’t cover exotic pets.
Best For: Budget-conscious dog and cat owners who want essential coverage without extra features.
Pricing: Plans start at €20/month, with no additional options for wellness or routine care.
4. HealthyPaws Ireland
Key Features: HealthyPaws Ireland has broad coverage and a solid network of vets, including specialists. Their policies cover accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, and optional wellness plans including dental and vaccination coverage.
Pros: Pricing starts at €28/month, offering great value given the extensive coverage. HealthyPaws has a reputation for excellent customer service and fast claims—often within 48 hours. They also offer a lifetime coverage option, so pets remain insured regardless of age or previous conditions.
Cons: Routine care wellness plans add to the monthly premium, sometimes pushing prices above €40/month. Exotic pets aren't covered.
Best For: Dog and cat owners wanting expansive coverage with access to specialist vets.
Pricing: Starting at €28/month for accident and illness; wellness plans add about €12/month.
5. AnimalGuard
Key Features: AnimalGuard provides comprehensive coverage including accident, illness, hereditary conditions, and optional routine care. They cover dogs, cats, and some small mammals. The insurer offers high annual claim limits and a multi-pet discount.
Pros: Starting at €30/month, AnimalGuard allows for flexible coverage levels and has one of the highest annual claim limits in Ireland, at €10,000. Their multi-pet discount reduces costs by up to 15%.
Cons: Exotic pets aren't covered. Routine care adds to premiums, and the claims process can sometimes take up to 10 working days.
Best For: Owners of multiple pets who want robust coverage with high limits.
Pricing: From €30/month, with routine care and multi-pet discounts affecting final cost.
6. ExoPet Insurance
Key Features: ExoPet Insurance focuses on rare and exotic pets, including amphibians, birds, reptiles, and small mammals. They offer coverage for accidents, illnesses, and limited wellness care tailored to exotic pet needs.
Pros: Their plans provide coverage for conditions often excluded elsewhere, such as specialized surgeries and therapies. They work with a network of exotic pet vets in Ireland and support telemedicine consultations.
Cons: Premiums start at €40/month, higher than many other insurers. The vet network is smaller, and some treatments require pre-approval.
Best For: Exotic pet owners needing extensive coverage for rare species.
Pricing: Starting at €40/month depending on species and age.
7. Care4Pets
Key Features: Care4Pets offers flexible plans with customizable coverage options for dogs and cats. Plans include accident, illness, hereditary conditions, and optional routine care. They allow pet owners to select excess levels to adjust premiums.
Pros: Starting at €22/month, Care4Pets offers affordable options with the ability to tailor plans. They have a large vet network and a straightforward online claims system.
Cons: Exotic pets aren't covered. Higher excess options reduce premiums but increase out-of-pocket costs during claims.
Best For: Owners wanting flexible plans and control over premiums.
Pricing: From €22/month, varying with selected excess and coverage options.
8. PetShield
Key Features: PetShield focuses on accident and illness coverage with optional wellness plans. They insure dogs and cats and offer coverage for hereditary and chronic conditions after waiting periods.
Pros: Pricing starts at €27/month. They have a wide vet network and offer discounts for multi-pet policies. Claims turnaround averages 3-5 days.
Cons: Routine care is optional and increases monthly costs. Exotic pets aren't covered.
Best For: Dog and cat owners needing solid accident and illness coverage with optional wellness add-ons.
Pricing: From €27/month, wellness plans cost an additional €10-15/month.
9. FurSure
Key Features: FurSure offers high annual claim limits up to €15,000 and includes coverage for wellness, dental, and behavioral therapies. They cover dogs and cats with a focus on extensive protection.
Pros: Starting at €33/month, FurSure’s high limits and wellness coverage are among the best in Ireland. They support alternative therapies like acupuncture and hydrotherapy.
Cons: Premiums are higher than average, and exotic pets aren't included. Claims processing can take up to 10 days.
Best For: Pet owners wanting extensive coverage and high limits for their dogs or cats.
Pricing: From €33/month, wellness coverage included in standard plans.
10. ExoVet Protect
Key Features: ExoVet Protect specializes in exotic pets, including reptiles, birds, amphibians, and small mammals. They offer accident, illness, and limited routine care with a focus on species-specific conditions.
Pros: Plans start at €38/month and include access to exotic vet specialists and telehealth consultations. They cover conditions like shell rot, respiratory infections, and metabolic disorders.
Cons: Premiums are higher than typical pet insurance, and the network is limited. Some claims require detailed veterinary reports and pre-approval.
Best For: Exotic pet owners seeking specialized insurance with expert vet access.
Pricing: Starting at €38/month depending on pet type and age.
Whether you’ve got a typical dog or cat or a more unusual pet like a bird, reptile, or even a potbellied pig, there’s a pet insurance plan in Ireland that fits. Prices vary — expect to pay anywhere from €20 to over €40 a month depending on coverage and pet type. Specialty insurers like ExoticCare Ireland and ExoVet Protect cater to exotic pets with tailored options, while mainstream providers like PetSure and HealthyPaws Ireland offer broad coverage for dogs and cats. Consider what your pet needs most—routine care, hereditary condition coverage, or access to specialist vets—and balance that with your budget to pick the best plan for 2026.
This article was created with AI assistance.
