Does pet insurance cover death?

Death of pet cover, farewell cover, or pet loss cover are all forms of insurance that could provide you with financial compensation if your pet dies, depending on the cause. 

 Key points: 

• Death of pet cover isn’t standard across all policies, but John Lewis Money Pet Insurance covers death from illness or accident for cats up to 10 years old and dogs up to five or eight years old, depending on the breed. 

• If a pet passes away due to an accident or natural illness, policies can cover cremation costs up to £200, medical vet fees and the original purchase.

• Policyholders get 24/7 access to the vetfone™ helpline for end-of-life advice, medical guidance, and confidential bereavement support. 

Does pet death cover come as standard?

Death of pet cover is not included as standard with all pet insurance policies, and it often comes with exclusions. 

For example, insurers generally won’t pay out if your pet passed away from a pre-existing condition that you had not declared on your policy. John Lewis Pet Insurance will not cover this, but it does provide cover for the death of a pet from a new illness or accident if your cat is up to ten years old, or if your dog is up to either five* or eight years old. 

*For some breeds, this will be five years. If your dog is one of those breeds, this will be highlighted on your certificate of insurance. Please see the policy wording for full terms and conditions.

What to do if your pet is terminally ill or nearing end of life

If your pet is nearing the end of their life and you’re unsure of what the next steps should be, it’s always advisable to speak to your vet. Your pet practitioner will be able to help you make an informed decision about what needs to happen next, whether that may be euthanasia, palliative care, or just how to help your pet enjoy their remaining days.

If you would like to speak to someone other than your vet, vetfone™ offer  24-hour support, 365 days a year, as a part of your policy.

Ring 0333 332 3952 for support and advice. Make sure that you have your policy number to hand when you call. Calls may be recorded or monitored, and charges will vary.

What is covered if your pet dies in an accident?

If your pet dies in an accident, John Lewis Pet Insurance will cover the cost of your vet fees up to the agreed amount listed in your policy. We will pay the purchase or donation price of your pet if they pass away or are put to sleep by a vet as a result of an accident. Additionally, we also cover the cost of cremation for your pet up to £200.

It’s important to note that this cover is only valid after the first three days of your policy start date. This exclusion period won’t apply if you’ve switched to John Lewis Pet Insurance from another insurer, and had continuous cover for your pet with this insurer for at least 14 days prior to your policy start date. If this is the case, we’ll ask for evidence of your previous policy.

What is covered if your pet dies naturally?

If your pet dies naturally, John Lewis Pet Insurance will cover the cost of your vet fees up to the agreed amount listed in your policy. The limit depends on the pet type and breed. Cats are covered up to the renewal date after turning 10 years old, and dogs are covered up to the renewal date after turning either 8 or 5 years old, depending on the breed. 

Please note that we will not pay if your pet dies from an illness that you or your vet were aware of in the first 14 days of your policy starting. This 14 day exclusion period will not apply if you have switched to John Lewis Pet Insurance from another insurer and have had continuous cover for your pet for at least 14 days with your previous insurer before your policy start date.  If this is the case, we’ll ask for evidence of your previous policy.

How to deal with bereavement

Losing your furry companion can be devastating for any pet owner. Your John Lewis Pet Insurance policy gives you access to vetfone™ at no extra cost. This confidential helpline gives you someone to talk to for as long as you need to about the illness or death of your pet.

What costs are involved with pet death?

The exact costs involved can vary based on the decisions you make once your pet has passed away. There isn’t one right way to say goodbye to your pet, but the total cost can depend on the following factors:

• Vet bills

• Cremation or burial costs

• Mementos

How do I make a claim?

The process for making a claim may be different depending on when you took out or renewed your policy. 

For customers who took out a policy after 1 December 2025, your vet can submit claims on your behalf directly in Vet Pawtal. Once your vet submits the claim, we'll keep you up to date on your claim's progress by text and email. Vet Pawtal is the quickest and easiest way to claim.

If your vet is not part of our Vet Pawtal network, you can still submit claims through the Pet Portal. Sign in, complete a claim form, and as long as we have all the details we need, we'll take it from there.

If you took out your policy, or last renewed, before 1 December 2025, you can claim with us:

• Over the phone on 0330 102 2756. Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm, closed on Saturday and Sunday. Calls may be recorded or monitored, and charges will vary.

• By using our quick and easy online submission form.

You can find out more about the claims process here. 

Looking for pet insurance? 

Get a quote online from John Lewis Pet Insurance for comprehensive lifetime cover, when you renew with no break in cover.

John Lewis Pet Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Pinnacle Insurance Ltd.

This article is for promotional or information purposes only. You must not rely on it as advice.