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    Pet insurance: lifetime vs annual cover

    The cover type matters most for pets with ongoing conditions.

    By the Happy Wallets team·Updated June 2026·3 min read

    Annual (time-limited)

    Covers a condition for up to 12 months. Cheaper, but once the year is up that condition may be excluded going forward.

    Lifetime

    Refreshes the cover limit each year, so ongoing conditions can keep being claimed for as long as you renew. Costs more but protects against long-term illness.

    Frequently asked questions

    Which is better for an older pet?+
    Lifetime cover is usually safer where chronic conditions are likely, despite the higher premium.
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