Pet Insurance Excess and Co-Payments, Explained
Quick answer
The excess (called a deductible in the US) is the amount you pay towards a claim before the insurer pays. A co-payment, or co-insurance, is an extra excess that PDSA says is usually a percentage of the claim. On a £1,000 bill with a £100 excess and a 20% co-payment, you would pay £280 and the insurer £720, depending on how your policy applies them. PDSA says premiums and excesses are likely to rise as pets get older.
From PDSA and the NAIC Pet Insurance Model Act. Not veterinary or financial advice. Worried about your pet now?
On this page (6 sections)
The two terms
PDSA describes the excess as an amount you pay, on top of the premium, when you make a claim, and co-insurance as an extra excess, usually a percentage of the claim amount. In the US the excess is usually called a deductible, and co-insurance is the share of each bill you pay after it. Source: PDSA, Pet insurance guide.
A worked example
| Step | Amount |
|---|---|
| Vet bill | £1,000 |
| Fixed excess you pay | £100 |
| Remaining | £900 |
| 20% co-payment you pay | £180 |
| Insurer pays | £720 |
| You pay in total | £280 |
Our illustration, with round numbers. Policies differ in how they apply the two, for example whether the excess is per condition, per claim or per year, so check the wording of yours.
Older pets
PDSA says that for older pets some insurers will continue the policy, but you are likely to see the premium and/or the excess rise. Check what your policy says will change, and when, before your pet reaches that age. Source: PDSA, Pet insurance guide.
What US insurers must tell you
The NAIC Pet Insurance Model Act requires insurers to disclose any waiting period, deductible, co-insurance and annual or lifetime limit, and whether premiums or cover change with claims history, the pet's age or a move. It also gives buyers 15 days from receiving the policy to return it for a full refund if no claim has been made. Source: NAIC, Pet Insurance Model Act (Model 633).
This page is not financial advice. We do not recommend insurers and take no commission.
Questions people ask
What is an excess on pet insurance?
PDSA describes the excess as an amount you pay, on top of your premium, when you make a claim. In the US it is usually called a deductible.
What is a co-payment on pet insurance?
PDSA describes co-insurance as an extra excess, usually a percentage of the claim amount. For example, a 20% co-payment on a £900 balance is £180.
Does the excess go up as my pet gets older?
PDSA says that for older pets some insurers will continue the policy but the premium and/or excess is likely to increase.
How much would I pay on a £1,000 vet bill?
With a £100 excess and a 20% co-payment, about £280: the £100 excess plus 20% of the remaining £900. The insurer would pay £720. Your policy wording decides exactly how they apply.
Sources
- PDSA, Pet insurance guide, read 7 November 2026.
- NAIC, Pet Insurance Model Act (Model 633), read 7 November 2026.
Related pages
Pet insurance explained: the four types, pre-existing conditions, is pet insurance worth it? and vet costs guide.