How much does boiler cover cost? [2026 UK price guide]

TL;DR — Boiler Cover Cost At A Glance

• Boiler cover typically costs £8 – £20 a month, which works out at £96 – £240 a year inc VAT.
• London and the South East add roughly 10–20% to the monthly premium.
• The plan level sets the price: boiler-only is cheapest, while boiler plus central heating, plumbing, drains and home electrics costs the most.
• Most plans include an annual boiler service, which is worth factoring in when comparing a cover plan against paying per repair.
• A higher excess lowers the monthly price — expect £0, £60 or £99 excess options on most plans.
• Cover suits older boilers and households that want a predictable monthly cost rather than a one-off repair bill that can run into the hundreds.

Get boiler and heating cover with Gas Safe registered engineers — check plans and prices online or call to talk through the right level of cover for your home.

How Much Does Boiler Cover Cost In 2026?

Boiler cover in the UK costs £8 – £20 a month inc VAT, or roughly £96 – £240 a year. In London and the South East, add around 10–20% to reflect higher engineer call-out and labour rates. The figure you land on depends mostly on how much of your heating and plumbing the plan protects, the excess you choose, and the age and type of your boiler.

At the lower end, a boiler-only plan covers repairs to the boiler and its controls. Move up and cover extends to the full central heating system — radiators, pipework and the hot water cylinder — and then to plumbing, drains and home electrics at the top tier. Most plans also roll in an annual boiler service, so part of what looks like an insurance premium is really prepaid maintenance.

Boiler cover is not the same as a one-off repair. A single breakdown can cost £150 – £500 in parts and labour, and a new heat exchanger or circuit board can be more, so households often take cover for the certainty of a fixed monthly figure rather than an unpredictable bill.

Here is what boiler cover typically costs across the UK in 2026:

Figures include VAT and reflect 2026 market rates. Your exact premium depends on your boiler, plan level and postcode — check plans here.

Boiler Cover Cost By Excess Level

The excess is the amount you pay towards each claim. Choosing a higher excess lowers the monthly premium, which can suit a newer, reliable boiler that is unlikely to need frequent call-outs. These are typical monthly prices for a mid-level heating plan.

Prices assume a standard domestic gas boiler in working order at the start of the plan. Annual, paid-up-front plans are sometimes cheaper than paying monthly, so it is worth comparing both.

What Affects The Cost Of Boiler Cover?

A few things decide where your premium sits in the ranges above.

1. The Plan Level

The more of your home the plan protects, the higher the price. Boiler-only is cheapest; adding central heating, then plumbing and drains, then home electrics and emergency call-outs each pushes the monthly figure up. Match the level to what you actually want protected rather than paying for extras you will not use.

2. Your Excess

A £0 excess means no cost when an engineer attends, but a higher monthly premium. A £60 or £99 excess lowers the monthly price in exchange for a fixed fee each time you claim. The right choice depends on how likely your boiler is to break down.

3. Your Location

London and the South East run roughly 10–20% higher than the rest of the UK, reflecting higher labour and call-out costs. The same plan can cost several pounds more a month in the capital than in the North of England, Wales or Scotland.

4. Boiler Age And Condition

Many providers will cover boilers up to a certain age (often around 7–10 years) without an inspection, and older units may need an initial check or attract a higher premium. A boiler kept in good order through regular servicing is cheaper to cover than a neglected one.

5. Whether A Service Is Included

Plans that bundle an annual boiler service look pricier month to month, but the service alone would cost £70 – £150 if booked separately, so factor that in when comparing quotes.

What's Included — And What's Not

Always read the policy limits and exclusions before signing up, so the cover matches what you expect.

Can You Do It Yourself?

Boiler cover is a financial product, not a task, so the honest question is whether to take a plan at all or to self-fund repairs instead. Setting aside a small amount each month into a repair fund gives you the same predictability without a policy, and works well for a newer, reliable boiler still under manufacturer's warranty. The trade-off is that a single major fault can wipe out months of savings, and you take on the hassle of finding an engineer yourself.

What you must not do is attempt gas boiler repairs yourself. Any work on a gas appliance must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer — it is illegal and dangerous otherwise. Simple upkeep such as checking system pressure, bleeding radiators and keeping the boiler area clear is fine; anything involving the gas supply, combustion or internal components is a job for a qualified professional, whether through a cover plan or a one-off boiler repair.

How To Save Money On Boiler Cover

• Choose a higher excess if your boiler is newer and reliable — it cuts the monthly premium noticeably.
• Match the plan level to your needs rather than paying for plumbing, drains and electrics you may never claim on.
• Pay annually where a provider offers a discount over monthly instalments.
• Keep the boiler serviced so claims are honoured and the system stays efficient — a lapsed service can void parts of a policy.
• Compare the service value — a plan that includes an annual service can be better value than a cheaper plan without one.
• Review at renewal and switch if the price rises sharply, as introductory rates often climb after the first year.

How To Hire A Good Boiler Cover Provider

Check that the provider uses Gas Safe registered engineers for all gas work, and confirm the response times, claim limits and exclusions in writing before you commit. Look for clear pricing with no hidden call-out fees, genuine customer reviews, and a plan that includes an annual service rather than charging for it separately. Be wary of very cheap headline prices that come with a high excess or a long list of exclusions.

With Fantastic Services, you get Gas Safe registered engineers, transparent plan pricing and easy online sign-up — choose the level of cover your home needs and pay a predictable monthly amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does Boiler Cover Cost In 2026?

Boiler cover costs £8 – £20 a month inc VAT, or roughly £96 – £240 a year. Boiler-only plans sit at the lower end, while full cover including central heating, plumbing, drains and electrics costs more. London and the South East add around 10–20%.

Is Boiler Cover Worth It?

It depends on the boiler and the household. A single breakdown can cost £150 – £500 or more, so cover can pay for itself if the boiler is older or prone to faults. For a newer boiler under warranty, setting money aside for repairs may work out cheaper.

Does Boiler Cover Include An Annual Service?

Most mid and upper-tier plans include an annual boiler service, carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. A standalone service would cost £70 – £150, so an included service adds real value when comparing plans.

What Does Boiler Cover Not Include?

Common exclusions are pre-existing faults, damage from sludge or limescale on a system that was never flushed, cosmetic damage, and replacing a boiler that is beyond economical repair. Policy limits and exclusions vary, so check the terms before signing up.

Can Boiler Cover Refuse A Claim?

Yes, if the fault was pre-existing, the boiler was not serviced as required, or the issue falls under a listed exclusion. Keeping up with the annual service and reading the policy terms reduces the chance of a refused claim.

Does A Higher Excess Make Boiler Cover Cheaper?

Yes. Choosing a £60 or £99 excess instead of £0 lowers the monthly premium, because you pay a fixed amount towards each call-out. This suits reliable boilers that are unlikely to need frequent repairs.

How Old Can A Boiler Be For Cover?

Many providers cover boilers up to around 7–10 years old without an inspection, and older units may need an initial check or cost more to cover. A boiler with a full service history is generally easier and cheaper to insure.