Top 10 pet insurance claims for cats and dogs

Pets are part of the family. When they’re sick or injured, it can be a worrying - and expensive - time.

That’s why it can help to learn about the most common health problems they’re likely to face. And, if you don't already have cover, how pet insurance can help with the cost of treatment.

Here, we highlight the top 10 Tesco Pet Insurance claims for cats and dogs. We also explain what these problems are, what to look out for, and how pet insurance can help with your vet bills.

Tesco Pet Insurance claims data shows that many pets visit the vet for the same type of health problem more than once.

Some issues are linked to age, others to breed, and some are just part of everyday life for pets that like to explore.

Our claims data also shows that:

Below are the most common claims for dogs with Tesco Pet Insurance. And how much the average payment for treatment is.

Without pet insurance for your dog, you’d have to pay for the total cost of treatment yourself. You’d also be responsible for the cost of any treatment above the level of cover you’ve chosen.

Source: Tesco Pet Insurance claims payment data, January 2025-February 2026. Provided by Pinnacle Insurance Ltd.

Here’s more info to help you deal with the most common dog health problems.

1. Lumps
Lumps are the most common dog insurance claim. Many are harmless, but some need tests or surgery. Always ask your vet to check new or changing lumps.

2. Lameness
Lameness in dogs means limping, stiffness or trouble walking. It can be caused by sprains, joint issues or injuries. Rest and vet care are usually needed if your dog suffers from lameness.

3. Dental disease
Dental disease in pets is very common and can lead to pain, infection and tooth loss. Signs include bad breath, red gums or trouble eating.

Some breeds of dog are especially prone to dental disease, like the Dachshund. You can learn more about them in our Dachshund pet insurance guide.

4. Allergies
Dogs can be allergic to food, grass, pollen or fleas. Symptoms include itching, sore skin and ear problems.

5. Foreign bodies
Dogs often swallow things they shouldn’t, like toys or socks. Foreign body claims often involve scans or surgery.

6. Arthritis
Arthritis in dogs and cats is common. It causes stiff joints and slower movement, especially in older dogs. Treatment can help with managing the pain and keeping your dog comfortable.

Good to know: with our Lifetime Pet Insurance, you can choose cover for vet fees up to £11,000 to help with ongoing health conditions. And we cover any age of dog - from 8 weeks old to very old.

You can learn more about pet care and cover for older dogs in our guide - Pet insurance for older dogs.

7. Epilepsy and seizures
The symptoms of epilepsy in dogs can include shaking, collapse or stiffness. Long term medication is often needed to help manage the condition.

8. Vomiting
Vomiting can be caused by infections, food problems or swallowed objects. Repeated vomiting should always be checked by a vet.

9. Ear infections (otitis)
Ear infections are painful and common in dogs. Especially in floppy eared breeds, like Cocker Spaniels.

You can learn more about Cocker Spaniel health problems in our Cocker Spaniel breed guide.

10. Vomiting and diarrhoea
Upset stomachs can pass quickly, but severe or ongoing symptoms may need treatment.

Stomach problems can be caused by your dog eating something that’s bad for them. You can learn more in our guide - What food is bad for dogs?

Below are the most common claims for cats with Tesco Pet Insurance. And how much the average payout for treatment is.

Without pet insurance for your cat, you’d have to pay for the total cost of treatment yourself. You’d also be responsible for the cost of any treatment above the level of cover you’ve chosen.

*Tesco Pet Insurance claims payment data, January 2025-February 2026. Provided by Pinnacle Insurance Ltd.

Cats tend to hide illness, so it’s important to spot small changes early.

1. Dental disease
Dental problems are the most common cat insurance claim. They can cause pain, drooling and weight loss.

2. Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism in cats causes weight loss, appetite changes and restlessness. The condition affects older cats. Long-term medication or treatment is usually needed to manage it.

Good to know: with our Lifetime Insurance, you can choose cover for vet fees up to £11,000 to help with ongoing health conditions. And we cover any age of cat - from 8 weeks old to very old.

3. Vomiting
It can be tricky to determine the causes of vomiting in cats. Hairballs, stomach bugs or long term illness could be behind it.

4. Weight loss
Weight loss in cats should always be checked by a vet, especially in senior pets.

5. Lameness
Cats can suffer joint pain or injuries, just like dogs.

6. Skin wounds
Outdoor cats can get cuts and injuries during fights or accidents.

7. Loss of appetite
If your cat stops eating, it can get serious quickly and you’ll need to see your vet.

8. Arthritis
Arthritis can make cats less active or reluctant to jump.

9. Cat bite abscess
Treatment for a cat bite abscess is usually needed if your cat’s been in a fight. The swellings are painful and often need to be drained of fluid or treated with antibiotics.

10. Road traffic accidents
Sadly, accidents on the road remain a common reason for cat insurance claims.

Yes. Our claims data shows certain breeds are more likely to visit the vet.

For example:

Age matters too.

You can learn more about common health conditions for cats and dogs in our Dog and cat breed guides.

Any dog or cat can fall ill or have an accident - and treatment can be expensive.

Our Pet Insurance can help to protect both your pet and your pocket, with:

Pet insurance can help with:

With Tesco Pet Insurance, you can choose from 3 different cover options.

You can save money on all our Pet Insurance policies with your Clubcard. And if you insure more than one pet with us, you’ll get a multi pet discount on each policy.

You can learn more about the benefits of pet insurance in our guide - Why should I get pet insurance?

Tesco Pet Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Pinnacle Insurance Ltd.

vetfone is provided by Vetsdirect Ltd.

You'll find complete details of the cover, monetary limits, exclusions, excesses and terms in our policy documents.

Tesco Pet Insurance claims payment data, January 2025-February 2026. Provided by Pinnacle Insurance Ltd.