While bringing a puppy into your home is an exciting and happy time, it's important to have the right level of pet insurance from the get-go. There are plenty of laughs to be had with these playful – and sometimes mischievous – family members, but they often get themselves into sticky situations that result in vet visits. Here's everything you need to know about choosing pet insurance for your new puppy.

At Tesco Insurance we have three levels of pet insurance cover to choose from - Time Limited, Maximum Benefit and Lifetime policies. These offer comprehensive cover if you need pet insurance for a new puppy. They cover treatment if your puppy becomes sick, and if they get injured in an accident. The amount of vet fees covered varies depending on the level of cover you choose.​

Our different cover levels give you freephone access to expert advice 24/7 on the phone or by video with vetfone. When you bring your new pup home it can be overwhelming, even when it comes to knowing how to groom them. You may also need advice on behaviours like chewing, digging and separation anxiety. vetfone will provide you with expert advice to give you peace of mind.​

Our Time Limited, Maximum Benefit and Lifetime policies can also help with other costs such as money towards advertising if your pet goes missing. This is handy, as puppies can be fantastic escape artists. If the very worst happens, such as your new puppy sadly dies from an illness or accident, or goes missing permanently, these higher policy levels could refund the cost of your puppy. It's not nice to think about, but these things do happen - and it's good to have a financial safety net in place just in case.​

Compare our levels of cover

Monetary limits, excesses and exclusions apply to all cover levels.​

You can set up pet insurance any time after your puppy turns 4 weeks, and the policy can start any time after they turn 8 weeks old. This is when most puppies are able to leave their mothers, so you can basically start your policy as soon as you bring your new best friend home.

Puppies are inquisitive and full of energy, and they often get into scrapes that an older dog might know to avoid. Their immune systems are still developing too so they may fall ill, or they might munch on something that makes them sick and need an emergency vet visit. It’s difficult to keep an eye on your pup all the time, and having an insurance policy in place can give you peace of mind. What's more, you could have the option for us to pay claims direct to your vet, if they're happy to receive direct payments.

Find out more about eligibility and exclusions

When you're choosing pet insurance, it's important to think about your pet’s breed and any health issues that they may have during their lifetime. Pedigree dogs are often more prone to genetic health conditions, making vet visits more likely. For example, dogs with short snouts – such as pugs and boxers – often experience breathing problems. German Shepherds are more likely to experience hip dysplasia as they age, while Dachshunds often suffer from back problems.

Tesco Extra and Premier cover have our highest vet fee limits for those looking for higher vet fee limits and more comprehensive cover.

See our pet breed guides for more information

Any pre-existing injuries and illness are not covered. Exclusion periods for injury and illness apply. Certain breeds of dog are also not covered.

Every dog is different, and it can be hard to anticipate what needs they'll have throughout their life. When you apply for our Pet Insurance for your new puppy, we'll run you through some questions about what you need and offer you a policy that meets those needs.