Is Animal Friends Pet Insurance Worth It? Review 2025
Our expert's opinion on Animal Friends
Animal Friends stands among the major UK pet insurers, offering a tiered range of policies tailored to diverse budgets and needs: Silver, Gold, and Platinum Lifetime plans, as well as an Accident Only option. Their Lifetime covers feature annual vet fee caps at £1,500 (Silver), £3,500 (Gold), and up to £6,500 (Platinum), with 80% to 100% reimbursement rates on eligible costs and a standard excess of £75 per condition per year. For pets aged 7 or over, a co-insurance rate of 15% applies, which is industry standard. The Gold and Platinum tiers notably include wider cover for death, loss, boarding, and holiday cancellation. Their entry-level pricing positions Animal Friends as a competitively affordable alternative, especially when compared to premium rivals, yet with robust coverage and clear structure. Animal Friends especially suits owners of young to middle-aged pets seeking reliable, reasonably priced lifetime vet cover, or older pets needing accident-only protection, including pure breeds who may later face chronic issues. With over 1,000,000 pet policies managed and a strong commitment to animal welfare charities, Animal Friends demonstrates financial reliability. Trustpilot indicates a 4.2/5 satisfaction rate on over 22,000 reviews. Most claims via the direct "Pawtal" system are settled within 5-14 days, supporting its reputation as a responsive and trustworthy insurer in the UK market.
- Lifetime policies with renewable annual limits per condition
- Competitive pricing across all tiers
- Covers complementary therapies and behavioural treatment
- Direct vet payments available (Pawtal system)
- Includes £1M third-party liability for dogs
- 24/7 free online vet advice via Joii Pet Care
- Strong reputation and fast claims settlement
- Lower annual vet fee limits than some market leaders
- 15% co-payment for pets aged 7+/additional to excess
- No death, theft or kennel cover on Silver tier
- Limited dental cover; waiting period and restrictions apply
- Strict exclusion of pre-existing conditions
- Animal Friends Guarantees
- Exclusions of Animal Friends
- Animal Friends Rates
- Animal Friends Assistance
- Customer feedback on Animal Friends
- How to contact Animal Friends?
- FAQ
Why trust HelloSafe?
At HelloSafe, our pet insurance expert reviews the terms and pricing of 34 insurance policies available on the market every year to provide you with a reliable and unbiased analysis. Thanks to this thorough approach, thousands of users across the UK trust us each month to support them in making important financial decisions. undefined
Animal Friends Guarantees
Animal Friends distinguishes itself by offering a highly modular range of pet insurance, including one Accident Only option and three Lifetime formulas (Silver, Gold, Platinum) with annual vet fee limits (£1,500 to £6,500) and robust third-party liability (£1M, dogs only).
Reimbursement rates are not percentage-based but capped by annual/condition limits, with a standard excess of £75/condition and a 15% co-payment for pets aged 7+ years (higher co-pay with Accident Only for senior pets).
The Gold and Platinum plans stand out with additional cover such as Death, Theft/Loss, Holiday Cancellation, and Boarding Fees, while all plans include access to 24/7 digital veterinary support and direct vet payment upon agreement.
Animal Friends’ key advantages are its true Lifetime structure on chronic illnesses, straightforward limits, and extra features like clinical food and behaviour therapy, but shortfalls include no dental cover in the first two years, strict exclusions for pre-existing/early onset conditions, and no routine care or vaccination coverage.
Finally, the Accident Only plan is restrictive (no illness cover, high co-payment over certain ages, no cremation/holiday/board), requiring careful suitability assessment for comprehensive needs.
Name of Guarantee | Accident Only | Lifetime Silver | Lifetime Gold | Lifetime Platinum |
---|---|---|---|---|
Formula positioning | Entry-level, accident only | Basic lifetime, capped vet fees | Intermediate lifetime, enhanced events | Premium lifetime, highest limits |
Type of cover | Accidents only | Accident & illness (renewable/lifetime) | Accident & illness (lifetime, add-ons) | Accident & illness (lifetime, full suite) |
Covered pets | Cats and dogs | Cats and dogs | Cats and dogs | Cats and dogs |
Reimbursement rate (%) | Not in %, capped per claim/year | Not in %, annual/condition limits | Not in %, annual/condition limits | Not in %, annual/condition limits |
Annual vet fee reimbursement limit | £2,500/accident, £15,000 lifetime | £1,500 per year | £3,500 per year | £6,500 per year |
Annual/per claim excess | £ excess applies per condition | £75 per condition per year | £75 per condition per year | £75 per condition per year |
Co-payment (aged pets) | 20–35% if dog ≥8, cat ≥10 | 15% co-pay if pet ≥7 years | 15% co-pay if pet ≥7 years | 15% co-pay if pet ≥7 years |
Minimum/max age – dogs | Cover from 8 years (min. 8 years) | Min. 8 weeks for enrolment | Min. 8 weeks for enrolment | Min. 8 weeks for enrolment |
Minimum/max age – cats | Cover from 10 years (min. 10 years) | Min. 8 weeks for enrolment | Min. 8 weeks for enrolment | Min. 8 weeks for enrolment |
Maximum age limit at entry | None found in public terms | None stated (lifetime after joining) | None stated (lifetime after joining) | None stated (lifetime after joining) |
Health questionnaire before joining | Not detailed | Not systematically (may require info) | Not systematically (may require info) | Not systematically (may require info) |
Waiting (qualifying) period: illness | Not covered | 10 days from policy start | 10 days from policy start | 10 days from policy start |
Waiting period: accident | 2 days from policy start | Immediate | Immediate | Immediate |
Lifetime cover if insured | No | Yes, as long as policy renewed | Yes, as long as policy renewed | Yes, as long as policy renewed |
Average reimbursement time | Not specified | Not fixed; fast if vet uses portal | Not fixed; fast if vet uses portal | Not fixed; fast if vet uses portal |
Vet consultations (routine/emergency) | Accidental only | Covered (within vet fee cap) | Covered (within vet fee cap) | Covered (within vet fee cap) |
Medication | For accident, within vet fee cap | Covered (within vet fee cap) | Covered (within vet fee cap) | Covered (within vet fee cap) |
Hospitalization | Accidental, within vet fee cap | Covered (within vet fee cap) | Covered (within vet fee cap) | Covered (within vet fee cap) |
Ambulance fees | Within vet fee, accident only | Covered (within vet fee cap) | Covered (within vet fee cap) | Covered (within vet fee cap) |
Surgery, anaesthesia | For accident, within fee limits | Covered (within vet fee cap) | Covered (within vet fee cap) | Covered (within vet fee cap) |
Scans/ultrasounds (CT, MRI, etc.) | For accident, within fee limits | Covered (within vet fee cap) | Covered (within vet fee cap) | Covered (within vet fee cap) |
Laboratory analyses | For accident, within fee limits | Covered (within vet fee cap) | Covered (within vet fee cap) | Covered (within vet fee cap) |
Radiotherapy | Not covered | Covered if medically necessary | Covered if medically necessary | Covered if medically necessary |
Dentistry | Accidents only, dental excluded | After 2 years, see exclusions | After 2 years, see exclusions | After 2 years, see exclusions |
Scale & polish | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
Vaccination | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
Deworming/anti-parasites | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
Neuter/spay (dogs/cats) | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
Microchipping/identification | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
Hygiene products | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
Complementary medicine | Not covered | Included (hydrotherapy up to 10 sessions) | Included (hydrotherapy up to 10 sessions) | Included (hydrotherapy up to 10 sessions) |
Countries covered/travel | United Kingdom only | UK, EU (PETS), up to 6 months | UK, EU (PETS), up to 6 months | UK, EU (PETS), up to 6 months |
Death/cremation fees | Euthanasia accident: £116 max | Cremation (£100), no death benefit | Cremation (£100), death (£500) | Cremation (£100), death (£1,000) |
Euthanasia | Accident only | Covered (within vet fee/cremation) | Covered (within vet fee/cremation) | Covered (within vet fee/cremation) |
Theft/loss – advertising | Not covered | Not covered | Up to £100 | Up to £100 |
Theft/loss – reward | Not covered | Not covered | Up to £250 | Up to £250 |
Loss (animal not found) | Not covered | Not covered | Up to £500 | Up to £1,000 |
Boarding fees (kennel/cattery) | Not covered | Not covered | Up to £500 | Up to £1,000 |
Holiday cancellation | Not covered | Not covered | Up to £1,000 | Up to £2,000 |
Third party liability (dogs) | Not covered | £1 million per incident | £1 million per incident | £1 million per incident |
Boarding for hospitalisation owner | Not covered | Not covered | Up to £500 | Up to £1,000 |
Behavioural treatments | Not covered | £200/year max | £200/year max | £200/year max |
Clinical diet food | Not covered | £200/year max, prescribed by vet | £200/year max, prescribed by vet | £200/year max, prescribed by vet |
Pre-existing conditions | Always excluded | Excluded | Excluded | Excluded |
All reimbursements subject to policy terms and limits; see policy wording for further exclusions and specifics (e.g., mandatory vaccinations, non-covered breeds).
Exclusions of Animal Friends
Animal Friends’ policy exclusions stand out due to a strict refusal to cover any pre-existing condition, illnesses declared within 10 days of subscription, and care resulting from manifest will or negligence of the owner. Any bilateral condition (affecting both sides of the body, such as eyes or hips) is considered unique for limits and deductibles, which may limit compensation—a notable point compared to competitors that consider these separately. Coverage is abolished if the animal stays outside the UK for more than 6 months per year, is not up-to-date with vaccine obligations, or after a transfer of ownership. In addition, professional activities (commercial breeding, racing, security) and any violation of sanitary rules categorically exclude the animal from coverage. Finally, any fraud or false statement results in cancellation of the contract without compensation, highlighting a strict policy rarely observed at this level of detail.
Exclusions | Details |
---|---|
Medical exclusions | - Pre-existing conditions - Illness identified within 10 days after subscription - Comfort or cosmetic care - Conditions related to reproduction - Illnesses or injuries resulting from owner's negligence - Care during sanitary offenses/quarantine |
Animal-related exclusions | - Animals not named in the contract - Dogs under the Dangerous Dogs Act - Animals used for commercial breeding, security, racing, lucrative activities - Sale or transfer of the animal |
Geographical exclusions | - Claims outside the UK (and outside accepted zones, e.g. PETS Scheme) - Stay outside the UK for more than 6 months/year - Owner's hospitalization abroad (for boarding) - Costs related to stays exceeding the authorized period abroad |
Identification & vaccination exclusions | - Failure to meet vaccination obligations - Protection not granted in case of false/incomplete information - Absence of prompt notification in case of theft/loss (within 48h) - Duplicate liability insurance |
Circumstantial exclusions | - Acts of war, nuclear events - Pandemics/epidemics (including COVID-19) - Non-payment of premiums - Bilateral conditions considered as a single condition - Illness known before booking (for trip cancellation) |
Specific Accident Only exclusions | - No coverage for illnesses and dental conditions - Accidents prior to the contract - Claims occurring within 48 hours of subscription - Cruciate ligament injuries - No coverage for cremation/burial |
- Illness identified within 10 days after subscription
- Comfort or cosmetic care
- Conditions related to reproduction
- Illnesses or injuries resulting from owner's negligence
- Care during sanitary offenses/quarantine
- Dogs under the Dangerous Dogs Act
- Animals used for commercial breeding, security, racing, lucrative activities
- Sale or transfer of the animal
- Stay outside the UK for more than 6 months/year
- Owner's hospitalization abroad (for boarding)
- Costs related to stays exceeding the authorized period abroad
- Protection not granted in case of false/incomplete information
- Absence of prompt notification in case of theft/loss (within 48h)
- Duplicate liability insurance
- Pandemics/epidemics (including COVID-19)
- Non-payment of premiums
- Bilateral conditions considered as a single condition
- Illness known before booking (for trip cancellation)
- Accidents prior to the contract
- Claims occurring within 48 hours of subscription
- Cruciate ligament injuries
- No coverage for cremation/burial
Animal Friends Rates
Animal Friends adopts a clearly value-orientated price positioning in the UK pet insurance market, with competitive premiums relative to cover limits and a pure digital distribution model that enables reduced operational costs. The Silver formula, with its low annual veterinary cap and absence of add-ons (no death, loss, or holiday cancellation), is among the most affordable options and targets owners seeking essential accident/illness protection at minimum expense.
Gold and Platinum ramp up annual reimbursement ceilings and add comprehensive add-ons comparable to those of more classic full-service competitors, yet remain generally more economical—thanks to contained deductibles (£75/excess, modest copayment after age 7), compared to the highest ceilings and lowest deductibles found in premium offerings elsewhere.
Key strengths include fair lifetime coverage for chronic conditions and 24/7 online vet access, but the presence of caps, co-payments for older pets, and limited prevention features keep overall pricing below the full-premium zone.
In summary, Animal Friends is generally competitive to mid-positioned, offering especially strong value on entry and mid-range tiers versus more fully-bundled, higher-cost incumbents.
Accident Only | Silver | Gold | Platinum | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cat (2-4 yrs) | £4/mo | £7/mo | £13/mo | £19/mo |
Cat (7-8 yrs) | £7/mo | £12/mo | £21/mo | £29/mo |
Small Dog | £5/mo | £9/mo | £17/mo | £23/mo |
Small Dog (2-4) | £5/mo | £9/mo | £17/mo | £23/mo |
Large Dog (2-4) | £8/mo | £13/mo | £24/mo | £34/mo |
Senior Dog (7-8) | £15/mo | £22/mo | £38/mo | £54/mo |
Animal Friends promo codes
Animal Friends Promo Codes | Details |
---|---|
HelloSafe Promo Code | -5% on your quote |
Note: Promo codes are subject to change. For the latest promo codes, visit our comparison of the best pet insurance providers.
How much will I be reimbursed with Animal Friends?
Soin | Prix moyen (£) | Remboursement & reste à charge avec formule Accident Only | Remboursement & reste à charge avec formule Platinum (lifetime) |
---|---|---|---|
Consultation vétérinaire / maladie bénigne | £50 | Not covered Out-of-pocket: £50 | Reimbursed £50 Out-of-pocket: £0 (excluding £75 excess*) |
Fracture (x-ray, surgery, medication) | £1,200 |
| Reimbursed £1,200 Out-of-pocket: £0 (excluding £75 excess*) |
Neutering / Spaying | £250 | Not covered Out-of-pocket: £250 | Not covered Out-of-pocket: £250 |
Annual vaccines | £70 | Not covered Out-of-pocket: £70 | Not covered Out-of-pocket: £70 |
Dental extraction after serious infection | £350 | Not covered Out-of-pocket: £350 | Reimbursed £350 Out-of-pocket: £0 (excluding £75 excess*, if insured >2 years and vet follow-up) |
Out-of-pocket: £50
Out-of-pocket: £0 (excluding £75 excess*)
- Reimbursed £1,200
Out-of-pocket: £0 (excluding excess/variable share - )
Out-of-pocket: £0 (excluding £75 excess*)
Out-of-pocket: £250
Out-of-pocket: £250
Out-of-pocket: £70
Out-of-pocket: £70
Out-of-pocket: £350
Out-of-pocket: £0 (excluding £75 excess*, if insured >2 years and vet follow-up)
Important information
* Standard excess: £75 per condition per year (excluding any voluntary excess).
** Accident only: Variable excess and co-payment depending on pet's age (20-35%).
Analysis based on pets under 7 years old for Lifetime (otherwise a 15% co-pay applies after excess).
Animal Friends Assistance
Animal Friends stands out by offering a 24/7 veterinary tele-advisory service (Joii Pet Care), which is very useful for quickly obtaining medical advice without having to travel.
Direct payment to the veterinarian is possible, subject to prior agreement, but there is currently no structured advance payment service such as Payvet or equivalent.
Claims handling remains partially digital (online form, declaration via Pawtal veterinary portal), but there is no dedicated mobile app for tracking reimbursements or managing the contract, which is a significant shortcoming compared to market leaders.
Animal Friends does not offer a network of partner clinics or physical veterinary emergency services, both of which are lacking in critical situations.
Overseas coverage is limited to 6 consecutive months for main plans and restricted to the UK for the Accident Only plan, which may limit protection during extended stays abroad.
Animal Friends Assistance | Available? | Details |
---|---|---|
Advance payment | ❌ | No advance payment solution like Payvet. Direct payment to the veterinarian is only possible with the practitioner’s prior agreement. |
Payment facilities | ❌ | No displayed payment facilities (no mention of installments for the premium). |
Mobile app | ❌ | No proprietary app for contract or reimbursement management. Only a veterinary portal (Pawtal) exists for health professionals. |
Digital reimbursement management | ✅ | Online declaration form and possible processing via the Pawtal portal by veterinarians. No real-time client module. |
Veterinary emergency | ❌ | No network of physical emergencies or specialized veterinary hotline for critical situations. |
Clinic and veterinary network | ❌ | No displayed partnership with a dedicated network of clinics or veterinarians. The client can choose any certified veterinarian. |
Overseas coverage | ✅ | Coverage is limited to 6 consecutive months/year within the EU (PETS Scheme) on Lifetime plans. Accident Only: UK only. |
Customer feedback on Animal Friends
Review site | Score and number of reviews |
---|---|
Trustpilot | 4.5/5 (more than 52,000 reviews) |
Feefo | 4.7/5 (about 22,000 reviews) |
Reviews.io | 4.3/5 (about 5,000 reviews) |
Among the positive points, Animal Friends policyholders frequently mention a competitive price-to-coverage ratio, with many highlighting the affordability of premiums for comprehensive "lifetime" cover. An easy-to-use customer portal, clear and paperless claim submission procedures, and the possibility of direct payment to the vet are often appreciated for their convenience. A responsive and courteous customer service is also regularly praised, both for support by chat, phone or email, and for the availability of online veterinary advice through Joii Pet Care. Many clients value Animal Friends’ support for animal charities, which fosters trust and emotional attachment to the brand. The ability to tailor coverage levels and the clarity of policy documents also receive positive mentions.
Among the negative points, a significant number of clients deplore delays in reimbursement processing, with some reporting long waits or being required to provide additional documentation repeatedly. There are frequent comments about claims being declined due to pre-existing conditions or strict exclusion criteria, sometimes perceived as insufficiently explained at the time of purchase. Some customers are dissatisfied with annual increases in premiums, especially as their animal ages, and with the increasing co-payments for older pets. Cases of misunderstandings regarding what constitutes a "bilateral" condition or the treatment of recurring illnesses under annual limits are occasionally reported. A few customers also find the communication around coverage changes at renewal insufficiently clear, and regret limited coverage for dental care and routine/preventive treatments.
How to contact Animal Friends?
Customer service Animal Friends | Details |
---|---|
For a quote or to subscribe online | To subscribe, use our animal insurance comparator, select the Animal Friends offer that interests you and request a quote. |
To request and follow up a reimbursement | Download or request a claim form (online/by phone or email). Submit the completed form with paid invoices, veterinary prescriptions, and supporting documents. Send the file by email: [email protected] or by postal mail: Animal Friends House, No. 1 The Crescent, Sun Rise Way, Amesbury, Wiltshire, SP4 7QA. Faster processing if the vet uses the Pawtal portal. Direct payment to the vet possible by prior agreement, otherwise bank transfer to the policyholder. Average reimbursement time: usually 5 to 10 working days after receiving the complete file. Telephone support for follow-up: 0344 557 0300. |
To get a certificate of insurance | Contact customer service by email ([email protected]), phone (0344 557 0300), or by post at the address (Animal Friends House, No. 1 The Crescent, Sun Rise Way, Amesbury, Wiltshire, SP4 7QA). Please provide contract details and reason for request to receive your certificate within a few days. The certificate can be sent by email or post according to your preference. |
To contact assistance | Telephone assistance (questions, procedures, contract or claim follow-up): 0344 557 0300 (Monday to Friday during working hours). Email: [email protected] Postal address: Animal Friends House, No. 1 The Crescent, Sun Rise Way, Amesbury, Wiltshire, SP4 7QA. Free 24/7 veterinary advice via the Joui Pet Care app or website. |
To cancel my contract | Send your cancellation request by email ([email protected]), phone (0344 557 0300) or postal mail (Animal Friends House, No. 1 The Crescent, Sun Rise Way, Amesbury, Wiltshire, SP4 7QA). Please specify: policy number, insured's first and last name, reason and desired cancellation date. Required documents: copy of ID, possibly a pet death or transfer certificate if applicable. Notice: 14 days after subscription or renewal for free cancellation ("cooling off"), otherwise cancellation at annual expiry. If there is an ongoing claim: no proportional refund of premium. Keep proof of sending. Cancellation confirmation sent by Animal Friends within 8 days. |
Submit the completed form with paid invoices, veterinary prescriptions, and supporting documents.
Send the file by email: [email protected] or by postal mail: Animal Friends House, No. 1 The Crescent, Sun Rise Way, Amesbury, Wiltshire, SP4 7QA.
Faster processing if the vet uses the Pawtal portal.
Direct payment to the vet possible by prior agreement, otherwise bank transfer to the policyholder.
Average reimbursement time: usually 5 to 10 working days after receiving the complete file.
Telephone support for follow-up: 0344 557 0300.
Please provide contract details and reason for request to receive your certificate within a few days.
The certificate can be sent by email or post according to your preference.
Email: [email protected]
Postal address: Animal Friends House, No. 1 The Crescent, Sun Rise Way, Amesbury, Wiltshire, SP4 7QA.
Free 24/7 veterinary advice via the Joui Pet Care app or website.
Please specify: policy number, insured's first and last name, reason and desired cancellation date.
Required documents: copy of ID, possibly a pet death or transfer certificate if applicable.
Notice: 14 days after subscription or renewal for free cancellation ("cooling off"), otherwise cancellation at annual expiry.
If there is an ongoing claim: no proportional refund of premium.
Keep proof of sending.
Cancellation confirmation sent by Animal Friends within 8 days.
FAQ
Do I have to pay vet fees upfront with Animal Friends?
Animal Friends offers a direct payment option to vets if the practice agrees, meaning they can pay your vet directly so you don’t have to pay upfront and claim it back. However, not all vets accept this arrangement, so you should check with your vet in advance. If direct payment isn’t possible, you’ll need to pay the fees and submit a claim to Animal Friends for reimbursement.
How do I cancel my Animal Friends pet insurance policy?
To cancel your Animal Friends pet insurance, contact their customer service by phone, email, or mail, giving at least 7 days’ notice. If you cancel within the first 14 days of starting or renewing your policy (“cooling-off period”), you can get a refund, unless you’ve made a claim. No documents are usually required, but it’s advised to provide your policy number for faster processing.
What animals and owners are eligible for cover with Animal Friends?
Your pet must be at least 8 weeks old when the policy starts and must be owned and kept primarily within the UK. Dogs subject to the Dangerous Dogs Act, or any animal used for commercial breeding, security, racing, or for profit are not eligible. Up-to-date mandatory vaccinations are also required for full cover.
Are pre-existing conditions covered by Animal Friends?
No, Animal Friends does not cover any illnesses or injuries that existed or showed symptoms before your policy started or during the initial waiting period. Ongoing or recurring health issues from before cover began will not be reimbursed, so make sure you disclose your pet’s full health history when applying.
How does the annual limit and excess work on an Animal Friends policy?
Each policy has an annual limit for vet fees (e.g., £1,500 for Silver, £3,500 for Gold, or £6,500 for Platinum), and an “excess” payment per condition per year (typically £75). If your pet is 7 or older, you’ll also pay a 15% co-payment on top of the excess for each claim. Once you reach your annual limit for a type of cover, you’ll need to pay any further costs that year yourself.
Do I have to pay vet fees upfront with Animal Friends?
Animal Friends offers a direct payment option to vets if the practice agrees, meaning they can pay your vet directly so you don’t have to pay upfront and claim it back. However, not all vets accept this arrangement, so you should check with your vet in advance. If direct payment isn’t possible, you’ll need to pay the fees and submit a claim to Animal Friends for reimbursement.
How do I cancel my Animal Friends pet insurance policy?
To cancel your Animal Friends pet insurance, contact their customer service by phone, email, or mail, giving at least 7 days’ notice. If you cancel within the first 14 days of starting or renewing your policy (“cooling-off period”), you can get a refund, unless you’ve made a claim. No documents are usually required, but it’s advised to provide your policy number for faster processing.
What animals and owners are eligible for cover with Animal Friends?
Your pet must be at least 8 weeks old when the policy starts and must be owned and kept primarily within the UK. Dogs subject to the Dangerous Dogs Act, or any animal used for commercial breeding, security, racing, or for profit are not eligible. Up-to-date mandatory vaccinations are also required for full cover.
Are pre-existing conditions covered by Animal Friends?
No, Animal Friends does not cover any illnesses or injuries that existed or showed symptoms before your policy started or during the initial waiting period. Ongoing or recurring health issues from before cover began will not be reimbursed, so make sure you disclose your pet’s full health history when applying.
How does the annual limit and excess work on an Animal Friends policy?
Each policy has an annual limit for vet fees (e.g., £1,500 for Silver, £3,500 for Gold, or £6,500 for Platinum), and an “excess” payment per condition per year (typically £75). If your pet is 7 or older, you’ll also pay a 15% co-payment on top of the excess for each claim. Once you reach your annual limit for a type of cover, you’ll need to pay any further costs that year yourself.