All pet owners, one way or another, face questions related to their pet’s health. Sometimes it is a routine visit to the veterinarian, but more often it is a sudden situation: an injury, high fever, surgery, or hospitalization. In most cases, such expenses are unplanned and can put a noticeable strain on the family budget.
That is why more and more owners are beginning to view their pet’s health not only as a matter of care, but also as a matter of financial planning. In European countries, many have already addressed this issue through pet insurance. This market is developing rapidly, and pet insurance is gradually becoming as common as car insurance.
There is a very practical explanation for this growth: veterinary medicine has changed significantly in recent years. Today, it is no longer only about vaccinations and sterilization, but also about MRI and CT scans, complex orthopedic surgeries, cancer treatment, intensive care, and long-term inpatient monitoring. The possibilities have expanded, the quality of care has improved, but at the same time the cost of treatment has increased — and in serious cases it can amount to thousands of euros.
Against this backdrop, the growth of pet insurance looks entirely natural — and the numbers already reflect this. According to Grand View Research, the European pet insurance market grew from USD 7.62 billion in 2024 to USD 8.69 billion in 2025, which is approximately 14% year-over-year growth. This indicates not only an increase in market size, but also steady demand for financial protection for pets.
A deeper look at the market structure is also revealing. In 2025, 84.05% of the market was made up of policies covering illnesses and accidents. In essence, this reflects a shift in owner behavior: more and more people are choosing not the model of “if something happens, we will urgently look for money,” but rather “if something happens, we are prepared.”
This logic is also visible in demand by animal type. Dogs lead the insurance market, accounting for 68.25% of the market. This is understandable: dogs generally have a more active lifestyle, a higher risk of injuries, and often a higher average treatment bill. At the same time, the cat insurance segment is growing faster, especially in highly urbanized countries where a cat is often the only pet in the household.
Alongside rising demand, the service itself is changing. Insurance companies, aiming to make policy enrollment more convenient and accessible, are improving the customer experience and increasingly offering digital solutions. Today, an owner can insure a pet without leaving home, via a mobile app or online platform.
However, this is exactly where it is important to remember: convenient enrollment does not mean identical terms. Policy parameters depend on the insurance company and the country. Some insurers cover pets only up to a certain age, while others offer policies for senior animals as well, but such options are usually more expensive. Coverage terms also differ, and chronic conditions are not always included in basic plans. In addition, some insurance companies cover specific cases related to relocation or travel during holidays.
For owners who travel, transport animals across borders, or live between several countries, this issue is especially relevant. International moves, air travel, and long-distance transportation increase the level of responsibility, and financial protection in such cases becomes another important layer of security.
Thus, 2025 showed the key point: the market is not just growing — it is becoming more structured. There is greater transparency, more digital solutions, and more competition, which means owners have more opportunities to choose a suitable form of protection. And it is entirely possible that in the coming years, pet insurance will become as natural a step as purchasing car insurance.
Thus, 2025 showed the key point: the market is not just growing — it is becoming more structured. There is greater transparency, more digital solutions, and more competition, which means owners have more opportunities to choose a suitable form of protection. And it is entirely possible that in the coming years, pet insurance will become as natural a step as purchasing car insurance.