Pet Insurance FAQs

Argos cat and dog cover can start from 8 weeks old. Current published eligibility says a new policy must normally start before a dog's 8th birthday, or 5th birthday for certain breeds, while a new cat policy can start up to the cat's 10th birthday. Once insured, cover can continue beyond those upper starting ages subject to the policy terms.

Lifetime cover provides an annual vet-fee allowance that can reset at renewal. Maximum Benefit provides a fixed £2,000 or £5,000 pot per eligible condition without a 12-month window, but that pot does not reset annually. Time Limited provides £2,500 or £4,000 per eligible condition for up to 12 months.

The promoted lifetime dog options provide £2,000, £4,500 or £7,000 of veterinary-fee cover per policy year, subject to policy terms.

The promoted lifetime cat options provide £1,000, £3,500 or £7,000 of veterinary-fee cover per policy year, subject to policy terms.

Time-limited cover is available with veterinary-fee limits up to £2,500 or £4,000 per eligible condition for up to 12 months.

Argos Maximum Benefit cover provides £2,000 or £5,000 of eligible veterinary-fee cover per condition. There is no 12-month condition window, but the condition limit does not reset annually; once that pot is used for the condition, further treatment for the same or related condition is not covered under that benefit.

The provider states that it can pay the vet directly where the veterinary practice agrees and the claim arrangements allow. If veterinary treatment is needed temporarily abroad, Argos says you must pay the overseas vet first and report the claim after returning home.

No. Argos says it will not insure dogs or cats used for commercial breeding or monetary gain. Additional breed and use restrictions can also apply to dogs.

Argos says a dog or cat does not have to be vaccinated to be insured. However, if the pet develops an illness that could have been prevented by a vaccination recommended by the vet and the owner failed to vaccinate, the related vet costs are not covered.

Argos currently advertises a £99 vet-fee excess. Its product pages say that at age 8 for most dogs, age 5 for restricted dog breeds and age 10 for cats, the excess changes to the greater of £99 or a 20% contribution toward each vet claim. Check the current quotation and renewal documents because excess arrangements can change.

Yes. Argos says accidents, injuries or poisoning incidents arising in the first 3 days and illnesses arising in the first 14 days are not covered. It states that these initial waiting-period exclusions can be waived when switching from another provider with proof of qualifying continuous prior cover up to the new policy start date.

Yes. The provider advertises a minimum £24 discount when more than one pet is insured, calculated as £1 per pet for every month insured. Terms and conditions apply.

Dental treatment caused by eligible illness, accident or injury can be covered where the policy conditions are met; routine dental work such as cleaning is not covered. Check the current policy wording and dental-care requirements.

No. Pre-existing conditions are not covered by the current Argos policy wording. The insurer's definition can include earlier symptoms as well as diagnosed conditions.

Eligible physiotherapy and complementary treatment can be included, subject to the policy terms and any relevant sub-limits.

Eligible overseas veterinary treatment and selected travel-related benefits can be included under certain policy levels and conditions. If treatment is needed temporarily abroad, Argos says you must pay the overseas vet first and report the claim after returning home.

Selected cat cover can include advertisement and reward, theft or straying benefits, subject to the chosen policy and benefit limits.