Does pet insurance mean medication prices dont matter?
Does Pet Insurance Mean Medication Prices Don't Matter?
Many pet owners assume that if their dog or cat is insured, the cost of long-term medication isn't something they need to think about.
In reality, that's not always the case.
Depending on your insurance policy, choosing where you buy your pet's medication could still make a difference to your own costs and help your insurance cover go further.
Can I Buy My Pet's Medication Somewhere Other Than My Vet?
Yes.
If your pet needs ongoing prescription medication, you can ask your vet for a written prescription. This allows you to purchase the medication from a registered online veterinary pharmacy rather than directly from your veterinary practice.
Your vet may charge a fee for providing a written prescription, so it's worth comparing this against any savings you could make on the medication itself.
Why Compare Prices?
Just like many other products and services, medication prices can vary between suppliers.
By comparing prices, you may be able to reduce the cost of your pet's ongoing treatment while still purchasing genuine, licensed veterinary medicines from a registered supplier.
For pets that need medication every month, even small savings can add up over the course of a year.
But My Pet Is Insured...
This is one of the most common things we hear.
While pet insurance can help cover the cost of treatment, many policies include:
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An excess that you pay yourself.
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A percentage contribution towards ongoing claims.
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Annual claim limits.
This means that if your medication costs less, you could also pay less out of your own pocket, depending on your policy.
Lower medication costs may also help your annual insurance allowance last longer if your policy has a financial limit.
Every insurance policy is different, so it's always worth checking your policy documents or speaking to your insurer if you're unsure.
A Simple Example
Imagine your pet takes medication that costs £100 per month from your veterinary practice.
If your insurance policy requires you to contribute 20% of claim costs, you would pay £20 per month.
If the same medication is available from a registered online veterinary pharmacy for £60 per month, your contribution would reduce to £12 per month.
That's a saving of £8 each month, or £96 over a year, while your pet still receives the same prescribed medication.
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Is It Safe to Buy Pet Medication Online?
Yes, provided you purchase from a registered veterinary pharmacy and your medication has been prescribed by your vet.
Always make sure you are buying from a reputable supplier that provides genuine, licensed veterinary medicines.
Can I Still Claim Through My Insurance?
In many cases, yes.
If your pet's condition is covered by your insurance policy and the medication has been prescribed by your vet, insurers will often reimburse medication purchased from a registered online veterinary pharmacy.
You'll usually need to keep your prescription, invoices and any supporting documents for your claim.
As every insurer has different terms and conditions, it's always best to check your own policy before making any changes.
The Bottom Line
If your pet takes long-term medication, it pays to know your options.
Requesting a written prescription and comparing medication prices could help you reduce ongoing costs while ensuring your pet continues to receive the treatment they need.
At Farm Vet Supplies, we supply genuine, licensed veterinary medicines to help pet owners access affordable treatment without compromising on quality.
Browse our range today to see if we stock your pet's medication and discover how much you could save.
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Posted by Farm Vet Supplies
7th July 2026
SUPPLYING TO FARMERS, VETERINARY PRACTICES & PET OWNERS ACROSS THE UK, ROI AND NORTHERN IRELAND
