Is Animal Friends Pet Insurance Worth It? Our Review 2025
Our Expert's Opinion on Animal Friends
Animal Friends stands out as one of the UK's most recognised pet insurers, renowned for its multi-award winning status (Defaqto Pet Insurer of the Year 2024/25) and coverage of over one million pets. The insurer offers an extensive range of policies—Accident Only, Time Limited, Max Benefit, and Lifetime—catering to varied needs and budgets. Lifetime policies feature annual vet fee limits up to £18,000 (Prestige), with tiered benefit levels (£1,500/£3,500/£6,500 for Silver/Gold/Platinum) and optional excesses from £69 up to £249, offering flexibility in premiums. The standard excess starts at £75 per condition per year on mainstream products, with a 15% co-payment for pets aged 7+ (20%/35% for seniors on Accident Only), ensuring options for both younger and senior pets. Animal Friends sets itself apart from main rivals like Petplan or Agria by its ethical pricing, direct charity support, and strong digital processes, while operating at a slightly more accessible price point for basic covers. Particularly suitable for owners seeking clear policy choices, straightforward claims, free 24/7 online vet access, and comprehensive care for routine and chronic conditions—especially for multispecies households or those with cost-sensitivity. The company is underwritten by Red Sands and Pinnacle Insurance and demonstrates robust reliability: in 2024, it insured over 1 million pets, responded to 99% of negative reviews, and boasts a Trustpilot score of 4.5/5 from over 43,000 reviews, with fast, often same-week, claims payouts.
- ✅Comprehensive Lifetime and Accident Only options available
- ✅Customisable excess from £69 to £249
- ✅Vet fee limits up to £18,000 on top-tier policies
- ✅Fast, digital claims with direct vet payment option
- ✅Free 24/7 video vet consultations included
- ✅Multi-award winning and highly rated on Trustpilot
- ✅Regular support of animal charities with every policy
- ❌Annual vet fee caps lower on entry policies
- ❌15–35% co-payment for senior pets increases costs
- ❌Some breeds excluded; pre-existing conditions never covered
- ❌Partial claims payout if costs exceed limits
- ❌Premiums may rise significantly at renewal—common customer concern
- ✅Comprehensive Lifetime and Accident Only options available
- ✅Customisable excess from £69 to £249
- ✅Vet fee limits up to £18,000 on top-tier policies
- ✅Fast, digital claims with direct vet payment option
- ✅Free 24/7 video vet consultations included
- ✅Multi-award winning and highly rated on Trustpilot
- ✅Regular support of animal charities with every policy
Our Expert's Opinion on Animal Friends
Score- ✅Comprehensive Lifetime and Accident Only options available
- ✅Customisable excess from £69 to £249
- ✅Vet fee limits up to £18,000 on top-tier policies
- ✅Fast, digital claims with direct vet payment option
- ✅Free 24/7 video vet consultations included
- ✅Multi-award winning and highly rated on Trustpilot
- ✅Regular support of animal charities with every policy
- ❌Annual vet fee caps lower on entry policies
- ❌15–35% co-payment for senior pets increases costs
- ❌Some breeds excluded; pre-existing conditions never covered
- ❌Partial claims payout if costs exceed limits
- ❌Premiums may rise significantly at renewal—common customer concern
- ✅Comprehensive Lifetime and Accident Only options available
- ✅Customisable excess from £69 to £249
- ✅Vet fee limits up to £18,000 on top-tier policies
- ✅Fast, digital claims with direct vet payment option
- ✅Free 24/7 video vet consultations included
- ✅Multi-award winning and highly rated on Trustpilot
- ✅Regular support of animal charities with every policy
- Animal Friends Warranties
- Exclusions from Animal Friends
- Animal Friends rates
- Animal Friends Support
- Customer feedback on Animal Friends
- How can I contact Animal Friends?
- FAQ
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At HelloSafe, our pet insurance expert reviews the terms and conditions as well as the pricing of insurance policies on the UK market each year to provide you with a reliable and impartial analysis. Thanks to this rigorous approach, hundreds of thousands of users in the UK trust us every month to support them in their most important financial decisions.
Animal Friends Warranties
Animal Friends stands out by offering four main pet insurance types: Accident Only, Time Limited, Max Benefit, and Lifetime (with Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers), with reimbursement rates determined by annual benefit limits per policy rather than by percentage. The Lifetime cover is highly competitive for chronic and recurring illnesses (renewable each year), while all policies allow excess selection (£69–£249) and most provide free, unlimited online vet consultations (Joii).
All plans provide strong core benefits—Vet Fees (up to £18,000 possible on some plans, £1,500–£6,500 for standard tiers), legal liability (dogs only), clinical diet, and complementary therapies—plus added protections in higher tiers: death, theft, boarding, holiday cancellation, and cover abroad.
Distinct advantages include rapid, straightforward claims (often paid directly to vets), flexible management, and a unique charitable dimension, but notable exclusions are pre-existing conditions, many routine/preventive care costs, and major limitations for Accident Only (which excludes illness, dental, liability, and most extras).
High co-payments for senior pets (15–35%) and capped annual vet fee limits may result in out-of-pocket costs for expensive cases, and cover for preventive care, dental (outside high-tier plans), and routine treatments is generally lacking.
Overall, Animal Friends offers ethical, flexible coverage and an efficient user experience, but customers should give careful attention to policy limits, exclusions, and the small print to avoid shortfalls.
| Guarantee / Formula | Silver (Lifetime) | Gold (Lifetime) | Platinum (Lifetime) | Accident Only |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Positioning of formula | Essential, entry-level lifetime | Enhanced, mid-range lifetime | Premium, comprehensive lifetime | Basic, accident-vet fee only |
| Type of cover | Illness & accident | Illness & accident | Illness & accident | Accident only |
| Pets covered | Dogs, cats (UK resident, ≥8 wks) | Dogs, cats (UK resident, ≥8 wks) | Dogs, cats (UK resident, ≥8 wks) | Dogs, cats (UK resident) |
| Reimbursement rate | Annual cap £1,500 per policy year | Annual cap £3,500 per policy year | Annual cap £6,500 per policy year | £2,500 per accident/year |
| Annual vet fee limit | £1,500 | £3,500 | £6,500 | £2,500/accident (max £15,000/life) |
| Annual/Per claim excess | £75 per condition/insurance year (adjustable) | £75 per condition/insurance year (adjustable) | £75 per condition/insurance year (adjustable) | Per claim (amount as per schedule) |
| Age min/max to subscribe (cats) | ≥8 weeks / NC | ≥8 weeks / NC | ≥8 weeks / NC | ≥8 weeks / NC |
| Age min/max to subscribe (dogs) | ≥8 weeks / NC | ≥8 weeks / NC | ≥8 weeks / NC | ≥8 weeks / NC |
| Health questionnaire required? | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Waiting period illness | 10 days | 10 days | 10 days | Not covered |
| Waiting period accident | 2 days | 2 days | 2 days | 2 days |
| Lifetime cover once subscribed? | ✅ Annual renewal required | ✅ Annual renewal required | ✅ Annual renewal required | ✅ For accident cases only |
| Vet consultations (routine/emergency/specialist) | ✅ Covered up to annual limit | ✅ Covered up to annual limit | ✅ Covered up to annual limit | ✅ for accidents only |
| Medication | ✅ Covered up to annual limit | ✅ Covered up to annual limit | ✅ Covered up to annual limit | ✅ for accidents only |
| Hospitalisation | ✅ Covered up to annual limit | ✅ Covered up to annual limit | ✅ Covered up to annual limit | ✅ for accidents only |
| Ambulance fees | ✅ Covered up to annual limit | ✅ Covered up to annual limit | ✅ Covered up to annual limit | ✅ for accidents only |
| Surgery, anaesthesia | ✅ Covered up to annual limit | ✅ Covered up to annual limit | ✅ Covered up to annual limit | ✅ for accidents only |
| CT, MRI scans, ultrasound | ✅ Covered up to annual limit | ✅ Covered up to annual limit | ✅ Covered up to annual limit | ✅ (post-accident only) |
| Lab tests | ✅ Covered up to annual limit | ✅ Covered up to annual limit | ✅ Covered up to annual limit | ✅ (post-accident only) |
| Radiotherapy | ✅ Covered up to annual limit | ✅ Covered up to annual limit | ✅ Covered up to annual limit | ❌ |
| Dentistry | Illness/injury if vet-required, up to annual limit | Illness/injury if vet-required, up to annual limit | Illness/injury if vet-required, up to annual limit | ❌ Not covered |
| Scaling/cleaning | ❌ Preventive not covered | ❌ Preventive not covered | ❌ Preventive not covered | ❌ Not covered |
| Prevention package (allowance) | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Complementary therapies | ✅ Up to 10 hydrotherapy, other on vet referral | ✅ Up to 10 hydrotherapy, other on vet referral | ✅ Up to 10 hydrotherapy, other on vet referral | ✅ Up to £500 (accident only) |
| Alternative medicine/physio (if vet prescribed) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (accident recovery only) |
| Clinical diet | ✅ £200/year | ✅ £200/year | ✅ £200/year | ❌ |
| Countries covered/travel | UK + up to 6 months PETS scheme | UK + up to 6 months PETS scheme | UK + up to 6 months PETS scheme | UK only |
| Death/cremation | Cremation £100, no death cover | Cremation £100 + death from illness/accident £500 | Cremation £100 + death from illness/accident £1,000 | Euthanasia £116 (accident only) |
| Euthanasia | ✅ If vet-recommended | ✅ If vet-recommended | ✅ If vet-recommended | ✅ (injury-related, up to £116) |
| Theft/loss/search/advertising | ❌ | Advertising £100 + reward £250 + loss £500 | Advertising £100 + reward £250 + loss £1,000 | ❌ |
| Boarding fees (if hospitalised >48hr) | ❌ | £500 | £1,000 | ❌ |
| Kennel/cattery (emergency boarding) | ❌ | £500 | £1,000 | ❌ |
| Holiday cancellation/curtailment | ❌ | £1,000 | £2,000 | ❌ |
| Liability (dogs only) | £1 million (£100 excess/incident) | £1 million (£100 excess/incident) | £1 million (£100 excess/incident) | ❌ |
| Online/video vet consultations (Joii app) | ✅ Unlimited, 24/7, free | ✅ Unlimited, 24/7, free | ✅ Unlimited, 24/7, free | ❌ (not included) |
| Extra senior pet co-payment | 15% from 7 years at renewal | 15% from 7 years at renewal | 15% from 7 years at renewal | 20% or 35% (dogs 8+/cats 10+) |
Good to know
- Customers can select their own excess (£69, £99, £159, £199, £249) for most policies.
- No preventive care/annual check-up refunds or wellness allowance are provided in standard tiers.
- Behavioural therapy, dental (illness) and advanced dental cover are only available on higher policies (see full T&Cs for Prestige/Lifetime 10k/18k).
- Annual benefit limits reset each policy year; if vet fees exceed these, customers pay the remainder.
- Time Limited and Max Benefit plans exist but are not fully detailed here—check directly for their conditions and limits.
Compare Animal Friends’ full range of cover levels and alternatives to make sure you get the best value and protection for your pet.
👉 Compare pet insurance plans for freeStart saving on vet billsExclusions from Animal Friends
Animal Friends exclusions are primarily in line with the UK pet insurance market, but they draw a very strict line between accident-only and lifetime contracts, especially excluding any illness—even sequelae—under accident policies, which is more rigid than some competitors.
Notably, all pre-existing conditions are excluded; on lifetime policies, any illness arising within the first 10 days is also not covered, and for accident-only cover, no claims can be made for accidents in the first 2 days.
Their accident-only cover imposes a blanket exclusion for dental and cruciate ligament treatments regardless of cause, which is more limiting than with some rival plans.
Claims arising from routine/preventative, elective, cosmetic, breeding or pregnancy care, non-UK treatment (outside PETS rules for lifetime cover), commercial use, or liability for diseases/fines are all fully excluded.
For older pets (dogs from age 8, cats from 10), compulsory co-payments apply on top of excess, which is now standardised broadly across the industry but may differ in rate.
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical Exclusions | - Pre-existing conditions - Illness during first 10 days (lifetime) or accident in first 2 days (accident only) - Illness at any time under accident-only - Routine, preventative, cosmetic, or elective treatment - Medication/treatment not vet-recommended - Any costs for dental or cruciate ligament injury under accident-only cover - Charges related to breeding, pregnancy, or giving birth |
| Geographic Exclusions | - Treatment outside the UK (lifetime: unless in PETS scheme countries, up to 6 months; accident only: strictly UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, MOD bases) |
| Identification/Breed Exclusions | - Dogs under the Dangerous Dogs Act or any excluded/prohibited breeds - Animals used for racing, commercial, or security purposes |
| Third Party Liability Exclusions | - No cover for fines, disease transmission, or liability for property owned by policyholder, household member, or employee (liability only applies for dogs on lifetime plans) |
| Administrative Exclusions | - Policy non-payment - Malicious or wilful harm by policyholder or household - Claims if pet sold or transferred before claim - Non-compliance with claim requirements (e.g., documentation) |
| Event/Force Majeure Exclusions | - Epidemics, pandemics, war, nuclear events, radiation |
| Age-related Exclusions | - Compulsory co-payment: 15% for lifetime plans from age 7 (dogs/cats), 20%/35% on accident-only (dogs 8+, cats 10+), deducted from every claim after excess |
- Illness during first 10 days (lifetime) or accident in first 2 days (accident only)
- Illness at any time under accident-only
- Routine, preventative, cosmetic, or elective treatment
- Medication/treatment not vet-recommended
- Any costs for dental or cruciate ligament injury under accident-only cover
- Charges related to breeding, pregnancy, or giving birth
- Animals used for racing, commercial, or security purposes
- Malicious or wilful harm by policyholder or household
- Claims if pet sold or transferred before claim
- Non-compliance with claim requirements (e.g., documentation)
Animal Friends rates
Animal Friends holds a clear median price position within the UK pet insurance market, offering solid value for both dogs and cats. The range is broad, from an economical Accident Only policy with strict limitations to Lifetime plans (Silver, Gold, Platinum) whose annual vet fee caps are modest compared to high-end rivals, but with a competitive breadth of cover for most families’ needs.
Direct digital management, including free 24/7 vet teleconsultations, helps reduce administrative costs, supporting their ability to keep monthly premiums lower than more traditional, high-service brands, though not always the very cheapest. The plans combine straightforward excess and moderate co-payments for older pets, but caps and limits may not suit those seeking the highest-end, “no-limit” protection.
Overall, Animal Friends is a strong choice for pet owners looking for a reliable, ethical, and fairly priced insurer—well-suited to the mainstream, but not aimed at the most budget-focused or most comprehensive coverage seekers.
Compare multiple insurers to find the best policy and price for your pet—quotes can vary widely depending on breed, age, and selected cover.
| Accident Only | Silver (Lifetime) | Gold (Lifetime) | Platinum (Lifetime) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cat young (2-4 yrs) | £6/mo | £11/mo | £16/mo | £23/mo |
| Cat senior (7-8 yrs) | £10/mo | £17/mo | £23/mo | £33/mo |
| Small dog (2-4 yrs) | £8/mo | £13/mo | £19/mo | £29/mo |
| Large dog (2-4 yrs) | £11/mo | £18/mo | £27/mo | £41/mo |
| Dog senior (7-8 yrs) | £17/mo | £27/mo | £40/mo | £60/mo |
Animal Friends promo codes
| Animal Friends promo codes | Details |
|---|---|
| HelloSafe promo code | -5% on your quote |
How much will I be reimbursed with Animal Friends?
When you choose Animal Friends' Platinum Lifetime plan, you benefit from some of the UK's highest levels of cover, quick claims, and trusted support for a wide range of veterinary needs. Here's how your reimbursements work in practice—so you can see just how much peace of mind the right cover can offer!
Example 1: Vet Consultation and Treatment for Skin Allergies
Total vet fees: £350 (includes consultation, diagnostic tests, medication)
Excess payable (deducted only once per condition per year): £75
Reimbursable amount after excess: £350 – £75 = £275
Platinum plan reimbursement (100% up to annual limit): £275 × 100% = £275
👉 You are reimbursed £275 by Animal Friends.
ℹ️ The £75 excess is only deducted once per condition each insurance year. For pets aged 7 and up, you'll also contribute a co-payment of 15% on the remaining claim amount per incident.
Example 2: Cruciate Ligament Surgery (major operation)
Total vet fees: £2,800 (includes surgery, anaesthesia, post-op care)
Excess already paid this policy year for this condition: £0 (so £75 will be deducted now)
Reimbursable amount after excess: £2,800 – £75 = £2,725
Platinum plan reimbursement (100% up to annual limit): £2,725 × 100% = £2,725
👉 Your reimbursement is £2,725, significantly reducing your out-of-pocket expenses.
ℹ️ After this operation, you still have £3,700 in annual cover remaining for other claims this year under the Platinum plan's £6,500 limit.
Example 3: Preventative Care – Clinical Diet for Weight Management
Total cost of prescribed special diet: £180 (over several months)
Excess: £75 (applies only once per policy year/condition)
Amount eligible after excess: £180 – £75 = £105
Platinum plan reimbursement (100% up to £200 maximum per year): £105 × 100% = £105
👉 Animal Friends reimburses you £105 towards your pet’s clinical diet costs.
ℹ️ Annual limit for clinical diet is £200—if you need further vet-recommended diet within the year, you can still claim up to the yearly cap.
Animal Friends Support
Animal Friends enables direct-to-vet claim payments if the clinic agrees, which can greatly reduce upfront costs for owners, though standard "Payvet"-style prepaid cards are not offered. Monthly and annual premium payments are both available without extra charges, and customers in financial difficulty have access to dedicated support.
A dedicated mobile app is not clearly mentioned; however, claims and account management are handled through an online portal, while 24/7 video vet consultations are provided via the separate Joii app for policyholders. Claims submission is streamlined, with both vets and owners able to submit and track claims online, but there is no network of partner clinics to ensure preferential rates or direct billing. Lifetime products offer 6 months' cover abroad (PETS scheme-compliant countries), but Accident Only plans do not cover treatment outside the UK.
| Assistance Animal Friends | Disponible ? | Détails |
|---|---|---|
| Advance of fees | ✅ | Claims can be paid directly to the vet if the clinic accepts. |
| Payment facilities | ✅ | Monthly payments without extra costs. Financial hardship support is available on request. |
| Mobile application | ❌ | No dedicated Animal Friends mobile app. Online portal used for policy/claims. 24/7 video vet is provided via the external Joii app. |
| Dematerialised claims management | ✅ | Claims filed and tracked via online account or by vets using the Pawtal portal. |
| Emergency vet service | ✅ | 24/7 video vet consultations (dogs and cats only) via Joii app, free with all policies. No in-person or on-site emergency coordination by Animal Friends itself. |
| Clinical/veterinary network | ❌ | No panel or preferred partner clinic network; owners choose any UK-registered vet. |
| Cover abroad | ✅ | Lifetime plans: up to 6 months abroad in PETS scheme-compliant countries. Accident Only: UK only, no overseas cover. |
Customer feedback on Animal Friends
| Review site | Rating and number of reviews |
|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 4.5/5 (43,477 reviews) |
How can I contact Animal Friends?
| Customer Service Animal Friends | Details |
|---|---|
| To get a quote or subscribe online | You can use the HelloSafe best pet insurance comparison tool, choose the plan that suits you, and click to get a quote. |
| To request and track a reimbursement | Download a claim form from the Animal Friends website, or contact them to receive one by post/email. - Attach all veterinary invoices and supporting documents (proof of payment, veterinary prescription, death/adoption certificate if applicable, etc.). - Send by email to [email protected], or by post to: Animal Friends House, No. 1 The Crescent, Sun Rise Way, Amesbury, Wiltshire, SP4 7QA. - You can also contact them at 0344 557 0300. - Reimbursements are usually very fast (a few days according to customer feedback) and can be paid directly to you or to your veterinarian (if the vet agrees). - Remember to deduct the excess and any co-payment for senior pets (15% from 7 years old for Lifetime, 20% or 35% for Accident Only). |
| To obtain an insurance certificate | Submit the request via your online personal account or contact customer service: - by email at [email protected], - by phone at 0344 557 0300, - or by post at Animal Friends House, No. 1 The Crescent, Sun Rise Way, Amesbury, Wiltshire, SP4 7QA. The certificate can usually be sent by email or post. |
| To contact assistance | For animal health advice: free access to the “Joii” app (24/7 online veterinary consultations). For any administrative or medical help: - phone at 0344 557 0300 - email at [email protected] For urgent situations regarding the contract or a claim: use the phone as a priority. |
| To cancel my contract | Send your cancellation request: - by email at [email protected], - by post at Animal Friends House, No. 1 The Crescent, Sun Rise Way, Amesbury, Wiltshire, SP4 7QA, - or by phone at 0344 557 0300. Include your contract number and contact information. Attach a copy of your ID if requested. - Notice period: 14 days for free cancellation (withdrawal period); after that, cancellation is possible at any time but refund is pro-rata only if no claim has already been reimbursed. If you have already made a claim: the full annual premium remains due (even if payment is monthly). |
- Attach all veterinary invoices and supporting documents (proof of payment, veterinary prescription, death/adoption certificate if applicable, etc.).
- Send by email to [email protected], or by post to: Animal Friends House, No. 1 The Crescent, Sun Rise Way, Amesbury, Wiltshire, SP4 7QA.
- You can also contact them at 0344 557 0300.
- Reimbursements are usually very fast (a few days according to customer feedback) and can be paid directly to you or to your veterinarian (if the vet agrees).
- Remember to deduct the excess and any co-payment for senior pets (15% from 7 years old for Lifetime, 20% or 35% for Accident Only).
- by email at [email protected],
- by phone at 0344 557 0300,
- or by post at Animal Friends House, No. 1 The Crescent, Sun Rise Way, Amesbury, Wiltshire, SP4 7QA.
The certificate can usually be sent by email or post.
For any administrative or medical help:
- phone at 0344 557 0300
- email at [email protected]
For urgent situations regarding the contract or a claim: use the phone as a priority.
- by email at [email protected],
- by post at Animal Friends House, No. 1 The Crescent, Sun Rise Way, Amesbury, Wiltshire, SP4 7QA,
- or by phone at 0344 557 0300.
Include your contract number and contact information.
Attach a copy of your ID if requested.
- Notice period: 14 days for free cancellation (withdrawal period); after that, cancellation is possible at any time but refund is pro-rata only if no claim has already been reimbursed.
If you have already made a claim: the full annual premium remains due (even if payment is monthly).
FAQ
Do I have to pay the vet bills upfront with Animal Friends?
Animal Friends offers a direct payment system to vets, meaning in many cases, they can pay your vet directly—if your vet agrees to it. You’ll need to confirm with your chosen veterinary practice beforehand, as not all vets may use this option. If your vet does not accept direct payment, you would pay the bill yourself and claim reimbursement from Animal Friends. Either way, you remain responsible for any excess, co-payment, or non-covered expenses as defined in your policy.
How do I cancel my Animal Friends pet insurance policy?
To cancel your Animal Friends policy, contact their customer service by phone, email, or post and give written notice. There’s a 14-day cooling-off period with a full refund if no claim has been made. After this period, you can cancel anytime with a pro-rata refund if no claim is pending; if you’ve claimed, refunds may not be available and remaining premiums may be due. You’ll need to provide your policy details, and may be asked for proof of identity.
What types of cover does Animal Friends offer and who are they for?
Animal Friends provides several policy types: Accident Only (covers accident-related vet fees), Time Limited (covers new conditions for up to 12 months), Max Benefit (fixed payout per condition), and Lifetime cover (ongoing cover for conditions each year if renewed). Lifetime is ideal for chronic illnesses, while Accident Only suits those mainly concerned with injuries. Choose the level of cover based on your pet’s health, risks, and your budget.
Are pre-existing conditions covered by Animal Friends insurance?
No, Animal Friends does not cover pre-existing conditions—these are illnesses or injuries that showed signs or were diagnosed before your policy started. Routine treatments, pregnancy, and some breed-specific exclusions also apply. Always review the policy wording to confirm what is excluded, and be transparent about your pet’s health when applying.
What is the excess and co-payment, and how much will I pay towards a claim?
Animal Friends lets you select your excess when signing up, typically between £69 and £249 per claim, per condition, per year. For older pets—dogs aged 8+ or cats aged 10+—a co-payment (usually 15–35% depending on policy and pet age) is added on top of the excess. These amounts are deducted from each claim, so it’s wise to check your policy schedule for details relevant to your chosen cover.
Do I have to pay the vet bills upfront with Animal Friends?
Animal Friends offers a direct payment system to vets, meaning in many cases, they can pay your vet directly—if your vet agrees to it. You’ll need to confirm with your chosen veterinary practice beforehand, as not all vets may use this option. If your vet does not accept direct payment, you would pay the bill yourself and claim reimbursement from Animal Friends. Either way, you remain responsible for any excess, co-payment, or non-covered expenses as defined in your policy.
How do I cancel my Animal Friends pet insurance policy?
To cancel your Animal Friends policy, contact their customer service by phone, email, or post and give written notice. There’s a 14-day cooling-off period with a full refund if no claim has been made. After this period, you can cancel anytime with a pro-rata refund if no claim is pending; if you’ve claimed, refunds may not be available and remaining premiums may be due. You’ll need to provide your policy details, and may be asked for proof of identity.
What types of cover does Animal Friends offer and who are they for?
Animal Friends provides several policy types: Accident Only (covers accident-related vet fees), Time Limited (covers new conditions for up to 12 months), Max Benefit (fixed payout per condition), and Lifetime cover (ongoing cover for conditions each year if renewed). Lifetime is ideal for chronic illnesses, while Accident Only suits those mainly concerned with injuries. Choose the level of cover based on your pet’s health, risks, and your budget.
Are pre-existing conditions covered by Animal Friends insurance?
No, Animal Friends does not cover pre-existing conditions—these are illnesses or injuries that showed signs or were diagnosed before your policy started. Routine treatments, pregnancy, and some breed-specific exclusions also apply. Always review the policy wording to confirm what is excluded, and be transparent about your pet’s health when applying.
What is the excess and co-payment, and how much will I pay towards a claim?
Animal Friends lets you select your excess when signing up, typically between £69 and £249 per claim, per condition, per year. For older pets—dogs aged 8+ or cats aged 10+—a co-payment (usually 15–35% depending on policy and pet age) is added on top of the excess. These amounts are deducted from each claim, so it’s wise to check your policy schedule for details relevant to your chosen cover.
