UK Vet Pricing Reforms: What the CMA Review Means for Pet Owners

If you’ve ever left a vet appointment feeling unsure what you’d actually paid for – or been surprised by a prescription charge you didn’t see coming – things are about to change.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published the results of its major review into UK veterinary services, and announced a set of legally binding reforms that will require practices to be far more open about what they charge and why.

It’s the biggest shake-up to the vet sector in a generation – and for the 17 million households across the UK who own a pet, it matters.

What’s actually changing

The new rules will start coming into force by September 2026. If your vet is part of one of the larger corporate chains, you can expect to see changes before Christmas this year.

Here’s what the reforms mean in practice:

• Your vet must publish a clear price list – covering consultations, common procedures, diagnostic tests, written prescriptions and cremation options
• If treatment is expected to cost £500 or more, you must receive a written estimate beforehand and an itemised bill afterwards
• Written prescription fees are now capped – £21 for the first medicine, £12.50 for any additional ones. Many practices have been charging £30 or more
• If your vet practice is owned by a larger corporate group, they must make that clear – on their website, in the building, and on signage
• A new price comparison tool is being launched via the RCVS, making it easier to compare local practices before you book
• Practices must have policies in place to make sure vets can give you honest, independent advice – free from commercial pressure

“These reforms are a significant step forward for pet owners. Greater transparency and competition will help ensure people can access the care their pets need without unexpected financial strain.” — Andy Pearce, CEO, CoverMy

Good news for your wallet – up to a point

The prescription fee cap alone could make a noticeable difference if your pet is on long-term medication. Buying medication online with a written prescription is often significantly cheaper – some pet owners could save £200 a year or more compared to buying directly from their vet.

The ability to compare practices properly is also a real step forward. Until now, it’s been hard to know whether you were getting a fair deal or not. That should change.

That said, it’s worth being realistic. These reforms make the market more transparent – they don’t make vet treatment less expensive. A course of specialist care, an emergency operation or a stay in a veterinary hospital can still cost thousands of pounds, whatever the price list looks like. Knowing the price upfront helps you plan. It doesn’t reduce the bill.

Where pet insurance fits in

This is where having cover in place still makes a real difference. Better information helps you make smarter decisions – but it doesn’t take away the financial risk of an unexpected illness or injury.

With a CoverMy pet insurance policy, you’re covered for vet fees if the worst happens, so you can focus on getting your pet the care they need rather than worrying about how to pay for it. We offer lifetime and time-limited policies for cats and dogs, with flexible levels of cover to suit different budgets.

👉 Get a quote today online
📞 Or call: 0208 626 9454

Your pet’s comfort and safety always come first. Taking a few small precautions can make a big difference and with CoverMy Pet, you can rest easy knowing they’re protected all year round!