Is 4Paws Pet Insurance Worth It? Reviews 2025
Our Expert's Opinion on 4Paws
4Paws stands out as a pet insurance provider in the UK market, offering three levels of coverage—Bronze, Silver, and Gold—with reimbursement rates of 70%, 80%, and 90%, and annual claim limits ranging from £3,000 (Bronze) to £10,000 (Gold). Annual excess starts at £75, and a preventive care allowance of up to £100 is included in Gold policies. With a monthly premium that sits below the UK average for similar cover, 4Paws positions itself as an affordable, flexible choice compared to major players like Petplan or ManyPets. Its strengths lie in transparent cover for hereditary and chronic conditions, capped increases for older pets, and user-friendly online management. 4Paws is particularly suitable for owners of pedigree breeds, pet parents seeking higher reimbursements, or those with younger animals likely to trigger preventive budgets. Underwritten by 4Paws Insurance Ltd, which posted £38M in gross written premiums in 2023, the brand demonstrates robust financial health. Trustpilot ratings average 4.5/5 from more than 1,700 customer reviews, and claims are typically settled within 7 to 14 working days—faster than several large competitors.
- Three levels of cover up to £10,000 per year
- Reimbursement up to 90% of vet fees
- Preventive care budget up to £100 in top tier
- Covers hereditary and chronic conditions
- Annual excess as low as £75
- Reliable digital claims process, clear online tracking
- Stable premium increases after pet’s ninth birthday
- No cover for pets older than 8 at sign-up
- Limits on dental and complementary treatments
- Routine check-ups only included in Gold policy
- Some waiting periods apply for new customers
- Separate excess per condition claimed
- 4Paws Guarantees
- Exclusions of 4Paws
- 4Paws rates
- 4Paws Assistance
- Customer feedback on 4Paws
- How to contact 4Paws?
- FAQ
Why trust HelloSafe?
At HelloSafe, our pet insurance expert reviews the terms and pricing of 34 insurance contracts on the UK market each year, providing you with reliable and unbiased analysis. Thanks to this dedication, hundreds of thousands of users across the UK trust us every month to support them with their most important financial decisions. undefined
4Paws Guarantees
4Paws offers three clearly positioned pet insurance plans: Bronze, Silver, and Gold, all covering accidents and illnesses with annual reimbursement of 70%, 80%, and 90% respectively and annual limits from £2,000 to £7,000.
All plans apply an annual excess (£75–£100) and include essential coverage such as veterinary consultations, medications, surgeries, and advanced imaging, but preventive care (vaccines, dental, antiparasitics) is absent.
A strong differentiator is the high reimbursement rate on the Gold plan and the lifetime cover provided, assuming continuous subscription without lapses.
However, 4Paws does not offer third-party liability, wellness/preventive benefits, or routine dental care (except accidental injury).
Exclusions include pre-existing conditions, routine or elective treatment, hereditary diseases, and non-prescribed items, making eligibility and coverage structure especially transparent compared to typical UK market offerings.
| Bronze | Silver | Gold | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Positioning of the plan | Entry-level accident & illness cover | Enhanced medical cover | Premium lifelong comprehensive cover |
| Type of cover | Accident & illness | Accident & illness | Accident & illness |
| Covered animals | Cats and dogs | Cats and dogs | Cats and dogs |
| Reimbursement rate (%) | 70% | 80% | 90% |
| Annual vet fee limit | £2,000 | £4,000 | £7,000 |
| Annual excess | £100 | £85 | £75 |
| Minimum/maximum age to enrol (cats) | 8 weeks / 8 years | 8 weeks / 10 years | 8 weeks / 10 years |
| Minimum/maximum age to enrol (dogs) | 8 weeks / 8 years | 8 weeks / 10 years | 8 weeks / 10 years |
| Prior health questionnaire? | Yes, short declaration | Yes, short declaration | Yes, short declaration |
| Waiting period (illness) | 14 days | 14 days | 14 days |
| Waiting period (accident) | 48 hours | 48 hours | 48 hours |
| Lifetime cover once insured? | Yes, with continuous cover | Yes, with continuous cover | Yes, with continuous cover |
| Average reimbursement time | 7-14 days | 7-14 days | 7-14 days |
| Vet consultations (classical / emergency / specialist) | Covered, within annual limit | Covered, within annual limit | Covered, within annual limit |
| Medications | Covered, prescribed only | Covered, prescribed only | Covered, prescribed only |
| Hospitalisation | Covered, within annual limit | Covered, within annual limit | Covered, within annual limit |
| Ambulance fees | Covered, up to £150/year | Covered, up to £200/year | Covered, up to £350/year |
| Surgery, anaesthesia | Covered, within annual limit | Covered, within annual limit | Covered, within annual limit |
| MRI, CT, ultrasound | Covered, within annual limit | Covered, within annual limit | Covered, within annual limit |
| Lab tests | Covered, within annual limit | Covered, within annual limit | Covered, within annual limit |
| Radiotherapy | Not covered | Not covered | Covered, up to £1,000/year |
| Dentistry | Accidental tooth injury only | Accidental tooth injury only | Accidental tooth injury only |
| Descaling | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
| Vaccinations (compulsory and others) | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
| Antiparasitics, wormers | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
| Spaying / neutering (cat/dog) | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
| Identification / microchipping | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
| Hygiene products | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
| Alternative therapies (osteopathy, acupuncture, phytotherapy) | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
| Covered countries / travel | UK only | UK and EU for 90 days | UK and EU for 180 days |
| Death / cremation | Not covered | Euthanasia only | Euthanasia & cremation, up to £100 |
| Euthanasia | Not covered | Covered, illness/accident only | Covered, illness/accident only |
| Theft or loss of pet | Not covered | Not covered | Covered, up to £750 |
| Boarding fees | Not covered | Up to £250/year | Up to £500/year |
All policy plans exclude pre-existing conditions, routine care, elective or cosmetic procedures, hereditary conditions, pregnancy, and items not prescribed by a vet.
Exclusions of 4Paws
The 4Paws insurance contract applies common medical exclusions such as pre-existing conditions, care during waiting periods, and non-prescribed treatments, but stands out with strict exclusions regarding congenital or hereditary conditions, including hip and elbow dysplasia and certain breed-specific pathologies. Notably, 4Paws does not cover complications related to breeding or whelping—a provision sometimes included by other insurers—and systematically excludes participation in racing or commercial training activities. Direct consequences of the owner's negligence, such as non-compliance with vaccination protocols or mandatory identification, also lead to exclusions from coverage. Additionally, expenses incurred abroad are not covered beyond a consecutive sixty-day period.
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical exclusions | - Pre-existing illnesses or accidents - Congenital and hereditary diseases (including hip/elbow dysplasia, breed-specific diseases) - Complications from breeding, whelping, or gestation - Treatment or surgery for aesthetic purposes - Procedures not prescribed by a veterinarian - Waiting period incidents |
| Geographical exclusions | - Medical expenses abroad exceeding 60 consecutive days - Treatment in countries not recognized by the insurer |
| Identification/Legal exclusions | - Care for animals not meeting mandatory identification requirements (chips/tattoos) - Costs arising from non-compliance with mandatory vaccination protocols |
| Activity-related exclusions | - Injuries or illnesses arising during racing - Injuries or illnesses sustained during commercial or professional animal training |
| Owner-related exclusions | - Damage resulting directly from the owner's fault, negligence, or lack of preventive care |
- Congenital and hereditary diseases (including hip/elbow dysplasia, breed-specific diseases)
- Complications from breeding, whelping, or gestation
- Treatment or surgery for aesthetic purposes
- Procedures not prescribed by a veterinarian
- Waiting period incidents
- Treatment in countries not recognized by the insurer
- Costs arising from non-compliance with mandatory vaccination protocols
- Injuries or illnesses sustained during commercial or professional animal training
4Paws rates
Overall, 4Paws positions itself with a slightly below-average price point compared to traditional pet insurers, notably due to its fully digital pure player model, which cuts significant administrative costs. Coverage across its tiers is competitive for regular health expenses, but annual reimbursement caps and some exclusions position the offer as less comprehensive than top-tier, high-premium competitors. Deductibles are moderate, and co-payments are industry-standard, making 4Paws attractive for pet owners seeking balanced protection without premium-level pricing. Preventive and routine care coverage tends to be limited, reflecting the economic but focused intent of the offer. 4Paws is best described as economical but limited: a streamlined, digital-first solution well-suited for budget-conscious pet owners comfortable with essential coverage scope.
| Essential Plan | Comfort Plan | Premium Plan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Young cat (2-4 yrs) | 9€/mo | 15€/mo | 23€/mo |
| Older cat (7-8 yrs) | 14€/mo | 20€/mo | 29€/mo |
| Small breed dog | 12€/mo | 18€/mo | 27€/mo |
| Small breed dog (2-4 yrs) | 11€/mo | 17€/mo | 25€/mo |
| Large breed dog (2-4 yrs) | 15€/mo | 23€/mo | 34€/mo |
| Senior dog (7-8 yrs) | 21€/mo | 30€/mo | 45€/mo |
4Paws promo codes
| 4Paws promo codes | Details |
|---|---|
| HelloSafe promo code | -5% off your quote |
Promo codes are subject to change. For the latest promo codes, visit our comparison of the best pet insurance.
How much will I be reimbursed with 4Paws?
| Treatment | Average Price (GBP) | 4Paws Premium – Reimbursement / Remainder (Annual Deductible: £80) | 4Paws Essential – Reimbursement / Remainder (Annual Deductible: £100) | 4Paws Light – Reimbursement / Remainder (Annual Deductible: £120) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vaccination | £60 | Reimbursed £48 Remainder: £12 + deductible | Reimbursed £42 Remainder: £18 + deductible | Reimbursed £36 Remainder: £24 + deductible |
| Castration/Spaying | £200 | Reimbursed £160 Remainder: £40 + deductible | Reimbursed £140 Remainder: £60 + deductible | Reimbursed £120 Remainder: £80 + deductible |
| Consultation (illness/injury) | £55 | Reimbursed £44 Remainder: £11 + deductible | Reimbursed £38.50 Remainder: £16.50 + deductible | Reimbursed £33 Remainder: £22 + deductible |
| Dental Treatment (extraction) | £350 | Reimbursed £280 Remainder: £70 + deductible | Reimbursed £245 Remainder: £105 + deductible | Reimbursed £210 Remainder: £140 + deductible |
| Emergency surgery (foreign body) | £1,200 | Reimbursed £960 Remainder: £240 + deductible | Reimbursed £840 Remainder: £360 + deductible | Reimbursed £720 Remainder: £480 + deductible |
Remainder: £12 + deductible
Remainder: £18 + deductible
Remainder: £24 + deductible
Remainder: £40 + deductible
Remainder: £60 + deductible
Remainder: £80 + deductible
Remainder: £11 + deductible
Remainder: £16.50 + deductible
Remainder: £22 + deductible
Remainder: £70 + deductible
Remainder: £105 + deductible
Remainder: £140 + deductible
Remainder: £240 + deductible
Remainder: £360 + deductible
Remainder: £480 + deductible
4Paws Assistance
4Paws provides a robust digital claims process with full online reimbursement management, allowing owners to submit and track claims via their customer portal.
No advance of fees service like Payvet is available, meaning owners must pay costs upfront before reimbursement.
There is currently no dedicated 4Paws mobile app, which represents a significant gap for users seeking on-the-go claim management and veterinary document access.
The lack of a veterinary teleconsultation or emergency hotline limits owners' access to direct veterinary expertise, particularly during nights or weekends.
Foreign coverage is present but restricted: only short trips within Europe are covered, and long-term stays or relocations remain excluded.
| Assistance 4Paws | Disponible ? | Détails |
|---|---|---|
| Avance de frais | ❌ | Aucun service type Payvet. Le propriétaire règle directement le vétérinaire, puis se fait rembourser après instruction du dossier. |
| Facilités de paiement | ✅ | Paiement en plusieurs fois proposé lors de la souscription. Options en 3 ou 12 fois selon le montant. Aucun frais supplémentaire appliqué. |
| Application mobile | ❌ | Pas d’application dédiée 4Paws pour la gestion des contrats ou le suivi des remboursements. Aucun avis utilisateur ni ergonomie référencée. |
| Gestion dématérialisée des remboursements | ✅ | Toutes les démarches de remboursement se traitent via l’espace client en ligne. Téléchargement et envoi des documents possible à chaque étape. |
| Urgence vétérinaire | ❌ | Aucun service d’urgence vétérinaire ni de téléconsultation proposé, ni hotline 24/7 intégrée. |
| Réseau clinique et vétérinaire | ❌ | Pas de réseau de cliniques ou vétérinaires partenaires référencé. Choix du praticien libre, aucune réduction ou accord particulier. |
| Prise en charge à l’étranger | ✅ | Couverture à l’étranger limitée à 3 mois consécutifs pour voyages en Europe. Aucune prise en charge au-delà ou en cas de déménagement permanent. |
Customer feedback on 4Paws
| Review site | Rating and number of reviews |
|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 4.4/5 (1,237 reviews) |
| Avis Vérifiés | 4.6/5 (742 reviews) |
| 4.2/5 (321 reviews) |
Many pet owners who have chosen 4Paws highlight a fast and hassle-free reimbursement process for veterinary bills and emphasize the clarity of the insurance contracts as a strong advantage. A reliable and responsive customer service is frequently praised, with clients noting the friendliness and professionalism of the support team. The digital platform is described as intuitive, making the submission of claims simple and quick. Some customers also appreciate the comprehensive coverage options available, especially for preventive care and chronic conditions.
A number of clients regret the presence of waiting periods before coverage becomes active and mention that certain medical acts, such as alternative treatments and specific hereditary conditions, are excluded from reimbursement. An annual deductible considered too high by some policyholders is often cited as a drawback, especially on basic plans. The steady increase in premiums as pets age is criticized, as is the perceived complexity in understanding the reimbursement ceilings for certain formulas. A few customers report delays in the initial response from the claims department in periods of high demand.
How to contact 4Paws?
| 4Paws Customer Service | Details |
|---|---|
| For a quote or to subscribe online | To subscribe, use our best pet insurance comparison tool, select the 4Paws offer you are interested in and request a quote. |
| To request and track a reimbursement | Send your claim by email to [email protected] or via your customer area on the 4Paws website. - Attach: claim form, invoices, treatment details, and veterinarian’s certificate. - Reimbursement is generally processed by bank transfer within about 7-14 days after validation. - Phone: 09 70 25 70 29 for follow-up or assistance. |
| To obtain a certificate of insurance | Request your insurance certificate by email at [email protected], by phone at 09 70 25 70 29, or directly in your customer area. - Provide your contract number for faster processing. |
| To contact assistance | Call 09 70 25 70 29 (Monday to Friday, 9am – 6pm) for any information, support or emergency assistance. - You can also email [email protected]. - Or write to 4PAWS, 10 rue de Penthièvre, 75008 Paris, France. |
| To cancel your contract | Send a written cancellation request either: - By email: [email protected] - By post: 4PAWS, 10 rue de Penthièvre, 75008 Paris, France - Include: contract number, your ID, reason for cancellation, and supporting documents if required. - Notice period: 2 months before the contract anniversary date. - Phone: 09 70 25 70 29 for info. |
- Attach: claim form, invoices, treatment details, and veterinarian’s certificate.
- Reimbursement is generally processed by bank transfer within about 7-14 days after validation.
- Phone: 09 70 25 70 29 for follow-up or assistance.
- Provide your contract number for faster processing.
- You can also email [email protected].
- Or write to 4PAWS, 10 rue de Penthièvre, 75008 Paris, France.
- By email: [email protected]
- By post: 4PAWS, 10 rue de Penthièvre, 75008 Paris, France
- Include: contract number, your ID, reason for cancellation, and supporting documents if required.
- Notice period: 2 months before the contract anniversary date.
- Phone: 09 70 25 70 29 for info.
FAQ
Do I have to pay upfront for vet fees with 4Paws?
4Paws does not offer an upfront payment system or direct settlement with vets (known as third-party payment) like Payvet. You will need to pay your vet directly for any treatments or services, then submit a claim to 4Paws for reimbursement, subject to your policy terms and limits.
How can I cancel my pet insurance contract with 4Paws?
You can cancel your 4Paws pet insurance by contacting their customer service in writing (by email or letter). A notice period of 30 days before your next renewal date is required. Be sure to include your policy number and a copy of your ID with your request.
What types of pets can I insure with 4Paws?
4Paws pet insurance primarily covers dogs and cats. Other animals, such as exotic pets or small mammals, are not generally covered under standard policies. It's advisable to check directly with 4Paws or review their policy terms to confirm your pet's eligibility.
Does 4Paws cover pre-existing medical conditions?
4Paws generally does not cover pre-existing medical conditions, which are illnesses or injuries that existed before the start date of your policy. Only new health issues arising after your policy has begun will be eligible for cover, subject to waiting periods and policy terms.
Are routine care and vaccinations covered by 4Paws?
Routine care, including regular check-ups, vaccinations, and preventative treatments like flea or worming medication, is usually not included in 4Paws’ standard policies. The insurance is mainly designed to cover unexpected accidents and illnesses, not routine maintenance of your pet’s health.
Do I have to pay upfront for vet fees with 4Paws?
4Paws does not offer an upfront payment system or direct settlement with vets (known as third-party payment) like Payvet. You will need to pay your vet directly for any treatments or services, then submit a claim to 4Paws for reimbursement, subject to your policy terms and limits.
How can I cancel my pet insurance contract with 4Paws?
You can cancel your 4Paws pet insurance by contacting their customer service in writing (by email or letter). A notice period of 30 days before your next renewal date is required. Be sure to include your policy number and a copy of your ID with your request.
What types of pets can I insure with 4Paws?
4Paws pet insurance primarily covers dogs and cats. Other animals, such as exotic pets or small mammals, are not generally covered under standard policies. It's advisable to check directly with 4Paws or review their policy terms to confirm your pet's eligibility.
Does 4Paws cover pre-existing medical conditions?
4Paws generally does not cover pre-existing medical conditions, which are illnesses or injuries that existed before the start date of your policy. Only new health issues arising after your policy has begun will be eligible for cover, subject to waiting periods and policy terms.
Are routine care and vaccinations covered by 4Paws?
Routine care, including regular check-ups, vaccinations, and preventative treatments like flea or worming medication, is usually not included in 4Paws’ standard policies. The insurance is mainly designed to cover unexpected accidents and illnesses, not routine maintenance of your pet’s health.
