2025 Pet Insurance Barometer: Key Figures for Ireland and Worldwide
Ireland stands out as a nation of animal lovers, with 61% of households owning at least one pet—a figure that reflects deep-rooted bonds and an evolving concern for animal welfare. Despite the growing veterinary costs and the increasingly important role pets play in Irish families, the rate of pet insurance remains modest, with just 10–12% of dogs and 3–5% of cats insured in 2025. This gap—especially when compared to leaders like Sweden (91%) or the UK (25%)—raises vital questions about access to care and the culture of risk protection for animals, issues that matter both for pet owners and society at large.
The Barometer 2025 aims to provide a unique, comparative analysis of the pet insurance landscape, highlighting protection gaps, the accelerating digital shift, and Ireland’s market-specific trends and opportunities in the global context.
The 2025 Global Ranking of Pet Insurance: How Does Ireland Score?
While pet insurance is expanding globally, considerable gaps persist between mature markets and nations where pet healthcare remains largely self-funded. IE ranks #6 out of 22, reflecting an emerging yet accelerating insurance landscape and a shift toward greater awareness of animal welfare and pet care risk management.
- 🇸🇪 Top-ranked country: Sweden – 91% of pets insured, the world’s highest coverage rate
- 🇬🇧 Mature market: United Kingdom – 25% of pets covered, with a highly competitive sector
- 🇫🇮🇩🇪 Northern & Central Europe: High but varied penetration—Finland 23%, Germany 20%
- 🇨🇭🇮🇪 Fast growth: Switzerland and Ireland now at 9% coverage and double-digit annual growth
- 🇺🇸 US: Just 3.9% coverage, despite high vet expenditure
- 🇪🇸🇨🇳 Emerging economies: Spain and China lag with 2% or less
- 📈 Market growth rates up to +18% per year in some emerging regions
- 💡 Market maturity is closely linked to consumer awareness, veterinary costs, and product innovation
| Rank | Country | 🐾 Total Pets | 📊 Coverage Rate (% + insured) | 📈 Growth Rate | 🗓️ Year Introduced | 🏢 Active Insurers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🇸🇪 Sweden | ~2.2M | 91% (2.0M) | +4% | 1924 | 4 (Agria dominant) |
| 2 | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | ~26.0M | 25% (4.8M) | +16% | 1976 | ~86 |
| 3 | 🇫🇮 Finland | ~1.5M | 23% (~345k) | +7% | 1995 | 3-5 |
| 4 | 🇩🇪 Germany | ~26.4M | 20% (5.3M) | +13% | 1994 | 15+ |
| 5 | 🇨🇭 Switzerland | ~3.0M | 9% (~230k) | +15% | 2005 | 6+ |
| 6 | 🇮🇪 Ireland | ~1.0M | 9% (~90k) | +12% | 2005 | ~6 |
| 7 | 🇦🇺 Australia | ~11.3M | 7% (~790k) | +18% | 2005 | 10+ |
| 8 | 🇧🇪 Belgium | ~3.2M | 6% (~190k) | +11% | 2005 | 6-8 |
| 9 | 🇮🇹 Italy | ~19.0M | 6% (~1.1M) | +15% | 2010 | 3+ |
| 10 | 🇵🇹 Portugal | ~5.1M | 5% (~255k) | +12% | 2015 | 2-3 |
| 11 | 🇭🇰 Hong Kong | ~0.5M | 5% (25k) | +18% | 2012 | ~5 |
| 12 | 🇳🇱 Netherlands | ~4.8M | 5% (240k) | +15% | 2000 | 4+ |
| 13 | 🇫🇷 France | ~22.6M | 5% (1.1M) | +8% | 2005 | 5+ |
| 14 | 🇦🇹 Austria | ~3.0M | 4% (120k) | +15% | 2005 | 4+ |
| 15 | 🇱🇺 Luxembourg | ~0.17M | 4% (~7k) | +15% | 2015 | ~6 |
| 16 | 🇺🇸 United States | ~163.5M | 3.9% (6.4M) | +13% | 1982 | ~30 |
| 17 | 🇨🇦 Canada | ~16.4M | 3.8% (619k) | +7% | 1990 | 5-8 |
| 18 | 🇨🇿 Czech Republic | ~3.3M | 2.5% (~83k) | +18% | 2005 | 3-4 |
| 19 | 🇪🇸 Spain | ~15.1M | 2% (~300k) | +16% | 2014 | 5-6 |
| 20 | 🇨🇳 China | ~220.0M | <2% (4.4M) | +28% | 2004 | 20+ |
| 21 | 🇦🇪 U.A.E. | ~0.5M | <1% (<5k) | +15% | 2015 | 3-4 |
| 22 | 🇲🇦 Morocco | ~0.5M | <1% (<1k) | +5% | 2020 | <2 |
- Nordic countries such as Finland show a very high adoption rate (more than half of pet owners purchase insurance).
- The exact rate in Germany is not officially documented, but studies suggest penetration is still low (well below that of the United Kingdom).
- Approximate data – other sources estimate a slightly higher rate for dogs than for cats in Australia/New Zealand.
- Pet insurance adoption in Italy remains limited (a few percent) despite a recent increase of more than 20% in new subscriptions.
- Japan shows the highest rate in Asia (around 12–15% of pet owners have insurance), which corresponds to about 5–6% of all companion animals.
Below is a list of the main global factors that influence the uptake of pet insurance, using Ireland as a central case study:
- Cultural perception of pets: In Ireland, pets are increasingly seen as family members, which drives insurance demand—but uptake still trails markets like Sweden, where this view is deeply ingrained and nearly universal (91% insured). In contrast, in China, where pets are often seen more as possessions, coverage remains below 2%.
- Legal or institutional incentives: There is no legal requirement or significant incentive to insure pets in Ireland, similar to the United States (~3.9% insured), limiting broader adoption. By contrast, some countries foster uptake through partnerships, digital tools, or even tax incentives, as seen in the UK’s highly active sector.
- Veterinary cost structure and affordability: Irish veterinary costs are moderate but rising. In high-cost markets such as Sweden, where out-of-pocket vet fees can be considerable, insurance is considered essential, while in countries with lower or subsidized vet costs (e.g. Spain), the incentive to insure is weaker.
- General insurance habits and trust in insurers: Ireland’s population demonstrates moderate trust in insurance and a growing comfort with online distribution, but barriers remain due to perceived high costs or limited cover. Countries with stronger insurance penetration (e.g. UK) have well-established insurance cultures and consumer protections.
- Market maturity and product availability: Ireland’s pet insurance market is emerging, with around six active insurers and ~9% coverage—well behind mature, competitive markets (UK, Sweden), but well ahead of countries where insurance is either newly introduced or virtually absent (Morocco, UAE). Market growth is closely tied to innovation, digital access, and awareness campaigns.
The Coverage Penetration Rate
Pet Insurance Coverage Rates by Country Share of pets covered by insurance in 2025 (selected countries)
Focus on Pet Insurance in Ireland
Key Insights – Pet Insurance in IE in 2025
🐾 Pet ownership: 61% of households own pets; most popular species: dogs and cats
🛡️ Insurance coverage rate: 10–12% of dogs, 3–5% of cats insured (vs 91% in Sweden, 25% in UK, 5% in France)
💰 Veterinary costs: €1,200–€1,500/year per dog, €800–€1,000/year per cat; rising trend and increasing pressure on household budgets
📈 Market size: €35–40 million GWP in 2025, with CAGR of ~8% (projected 7–9% through 2030)
📦 Typical insurance product: Comprehensive and accident & illness plans; average premium: €18–€35/month for dogs, €12–€25/month for cats
🧩 Competitive landscape: Dominated by a few insurers (PetInsure, Allianz, An Post, Blue Insurance, Tesco Bank); mainly direct players, local or UK-based
🔮 Future trends: High digital adoption, growing interest in wearables, limited global presence, demand for transparency and faster claims as leading priorities
🐾 Pets in Irish Homes: Trends and Cultural Significance
An estimated 61% of Irish households owned a pet in 2023, indicating that animal companionship is deeply ingrained in Irish life.
Dogs and cats are by far the most popular pets, with Labradors and Jack Russell Terriers especially prominent among dog breeds.
Pets in Ireland are widely recognised as family members, sparking strong emotional bonds and growing attention to their welfare and wellbeing.
While comprehensive national data on total pet numbers is lacking, other species such as birds, small mammals, and reptiles add diversity to Ireland’s pet landscape.
Recent trends show a shift toward adoption from shelters and increased demand for “pet-friendly” workplaces and public spaces, reinforcing the evolving place of animals in Irish society.
🛡️ Pet Insurance Uptake & Awareness: The Irish Perspective
As of 2025, insurance coverage is estimated at 10–12% for dogs and 3–5% for cats in Ireland.
This is higher than France (7%) or the USA (5%), but far below Sweden’s 91% and the UK’s 25% rates.
Dogs are significantly more likely to be insured than cats—particularly pedigree breeds and younger animals.
Typical policyholders are urban, higher-income, and comfortable with digital services; younger households show above-average uptake.
Perceptions of pet insurance are shifting, with a modest rise in uptake, yet many owners still regard insurance as non-essential—limited awareness, moderate vet costs, and a belief in self-insuring remain barriers.
Overall, insurance is seen as “nice to have” rather than a necessity for healthy or young pets.
💰 The True Cost of Pet Care: Spending and Practical Choices
Owning a dog in Ireland costs on average €1,200–€1,500 per year; for cats, it’s about €800–€1,000.
Health-related expenses—vet visits, emergencies, medication, and preventive care—make up a significant portion of this outlay.
Owner surveys and insurer data reveal that vet costs have risen steadily over the past decade, placing strain on budgets: surgery can cost €500–€2,000, diagnostics €100–€400, and an emergency visit €200–€800.
Notably, 36% of Irish pet owners would struggle with a €900+ vet bill.
This financial pressure can lead to hard choices—some defer non-urgent procedures, while others consider insurance after facing a large, unexpected expense.
Key barriers to insurance include perceived value, confusion around coverage, and the (optimistic) idea that pet health problems are rare.
📈 Market Pulse: Pet Insurance Size, Growth, and Direction
Ireland’s pet insurance sector is valued at €35–40 million GWP in 2025.
The market grew at a rate of about 8% CAGR from 2020–2025 and is projected to continue at 7–9% CAGR through 2030, reflecting steady but not explosive growth.
Pet insurance is an emerging market in Ireland, with standalone products available since the early 2000s.
The market is concentrated among fewer than five significant carriers, and there is no legal obligation or public subsidy for pet insurance.
Uptake is expected to increase with rising awareness, but regulatory changes are not on the immediate horizon.
📦 What’s Covered? Products and Protection in Focus
Irish customers can choose between accident-only plans, accident & illness, and comprehensive policies.
Annual payout caps typically range from €2,000–€4,000, with deductibles of €100–€150 and co-pays of 10–20%. Unlimited reimbursement is rare.
Monthly premiums are typically €18–€35 for dogs and €12–€25 for cats.
Preventive care (vaccines, dental, wellness checks) is not standard, though some insurers offer optional add-ons.
Value-added services such as 24/7 helplines and digital claims are growing, but direct vet payments are not yet common.
Common exclusions include pre-existing conditions, older pets (often 8+ years for new policies), and certain breeds.
🧩 Irish Pet Insurance: Players, Competition, and Digital Shifts
The landscape is concentrated among a handful of insurers: PetInsure, Allianz, An Post Insurance, Blue Insurance, and Tesco Bank are principal players.
Most are either direct carriers or brokers, with limited presence of major global names.
Competition is increasingly shaped by digital, with aggregators and online brokers expanding their influence.
Pricing and customer experience are the primary axes of differentiation, while vertical integration (e.g. owning a vet network) remains virtually unseen.
Recent years have seen no landmark mergers or international entrants, though digital-first and partnership-based strategies are on the rise.
🔮 Tomorrow’s Pet Insurance: Innovation and Outlook
Digitisation is advanced: most Irish policies are sold and serviced online, and digital claims are the norm.
While the use of smart tech—such as pet wearables and digital vet platforms—is limited, awareness is growing, and future insurance products could soon include connected care.
Traditional insurers face early-stage disruption from digital-only players, though no major scale-ups or tech giants have entered the space.
Regulatory changes are not expected imminently, but consumer demand is increasing for clearer coverages, speedier claims, and broader preventive care offerings.
Sustained growth will depend on continued innovation, consumer trust, and balancing cost control with genuine value to Irish pet families.
Methodology
HelloSafe’s 2025 Global Pet Insurance Barometer is built on a cross-analysis of international public sources (FFA, NAPHIA, Agria, ABI, GDV, among others) and exclusive proprietary data from HelloSafe’s global insurance observatory. The study spans 50 countries across 5 continents, with a focus on the most representative and contrasted markets in terms of insurance penetration, coverage quality, pricing, and innovation. All figures are based on the latest available data as of June 2025 and reflect a rigorous benchmarking of pet insurance practices through the lens of consumer expectations. The barometer leverages verified statistics from national regulatory bodies and market leaders, enriched with editorial and pricing insights from HelloSafe’s internal databases. This hybrid approach provides a unique global snapshot of how pet insurance is evolving worldwide.
Sources
- Seyna – The Pet Insurance Rush (2024)
- Dagsavisen (Norway) – Økte veterinærpriser gir dyrere forsikring (2024)
- The Dogs Business Professional (UK) – UK Pets Secure Second Spot in Worldwide Pet Insurance Coverage (2024)
- NAPHIA (North America) – State of the Industry Report (2024)
- Dogster (Canada) – 10 Canada Pet Insurance Statistics & Facts to Know in 2025 (2025)
- GlobalPETS (South Korea) – Pet insurance subscriptions jump by over 22% (2024)
- AVMA (United States) – US pet insurance industry surpasses $4.7B (2024)
- Umbrex – How the Pet Insurance Industry Works (2024)
- Sky TG24 (Italy) – +30% growth in pet insurance for cats and dogs (2023)
- Ken Research (Sweden) – Sweden Pet Insurance Market Report 2022–2027 (2024)
- Grand View Research – Canada Pet Insurance Market Outlook (2024)
- Gallup–PetSmart Charities – State of Pet Care Study (2024)
- Dogster – Canada Pet Ownership Statistics (2025)
- Global Pet Industry – Global Overview (2025)
- Statista – Global Pet Insurance Data (2023)
- AEDPAC – 2024 Pet Industry Figures (2024)
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