Is LV Pet Insurance Worth It? Reviews & Insights 2025
Our expert's opinion on LV
LV= Pet Insurance, managed by Allianz, stands out in the UK pet insurance landscape with its comprehensive Lifetime policy, tailored to protect cats and dogs against illness and accidents throughout their lives (pending renewal). While specific plan distinctions are set per certificate (with personalised limits and excesses), the cover is premium-grade: it includes vet bills, dental cover under clear veterinary conditions, therapies (hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, etc.), euthanasia, loss/theft, death, emergency travel, and civil liability for dogs, with extensive UK and EEA territorial coverage (up to 180 days abroad per year). The contract allows adjustment of excess to suit budget and risk profile. LV is recognised for its consistently fast claims processing, robust digital customer pathways and proactive support, including 24/7 tele-vet via FirstVet, legal helpline, and bereavement support. As part of the Allianz group, LV serves over 4.5 million UK policyholders, and is widely described as efficient, competitive and trustworthy; it responds to 97% of negative Trustpilot feedback, typically within 24 hours, and enjoys an estimated Trustpilot score over 4/5 (with hundreds of reviews). LV= is ideal for owners seeking premium continuous cover, especially for young to middle-aged animals or those seeking a well-managed, all-inclusive service. Age limits apply for certain cover (e.g., death by illness), and pre-existing conditions are not covered.
- Lifetime annual cover with comprehensive range of benefits
- Tailored limits and excess to animal and age
- 24/7 free video veterinary advice via FirstVet
- Fast, digital-first claims process and responsive customer service
- Premium protection including dental, therapies, travel, third party liability
- Support services: legal helpline, bereavement support
- Highly trusted brand with solid financial backing (Allianz group)
- No personalised advice at underwriting
- No cover for pre-existing conditions or preventative care
- Certain breeds and working animals excluded
- Death-by-illness cover lost after age limit (9 for dogs, 11 for cats)
- Franchise/excess and limits vary; details only disclosed in each policy
- LV Warranties
- LV exclusions
- LV rates
- LV Assistance
- Customer feedback on LV
- How to contact LV?
- FAQ
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At HelloSafe, our pet insurance expert reviews the terms and pricing of insurance policies on the market every year to deliver a reliable and impartial analysis. Thanks to this commitment, hundreds of thousands of users across the UK trust us each month to support them in their most important financial decisions.
LV Warranties
LV= offers a high-end, lifetime pet insurance covering both cats and dogs, without tiered formulas—cover, reimbursement rate, and excess are tailored per individual policy and animal profile. The policy stands out for its comprehensive lifetime veterinary cover for both illness and accident, global emergency care (up to 180 days in Europe), and competitive service extras: free 24/7 vet video consultation and strong owner support services. Its strengths include an annual renewable vet fee cap, expert-approved alternative therapies, and a broad range of travel and third-party liability protections; but it notably excludes preventive care (like vaccination, routine dental, neutering) and does not cover pre-existing conditions or hereditary issues. The major shortfall is the absence of a “prevention package” and a lack of visibility on annual caps and reimbursement percentages before quotation, as these are always specified case by case. LV= is uniquely positioned for pet owners seeking adaptable, personalised, and seamless UK/EU coverage, especially those valuing 24/7 quick-access support for health and legal matters.
| Name of Cover/Benefit | LV= Pet Insurance (Lifetime) |
|---|---|
| Product positioning | Premium, lifetime, annual renewal, fully personalised (no classic formula tiers) |
| Type of cover | Accident + illness, lifetime coverage, annual cap, international travel |
| Animals covered | Cats and dogs only; min. 8 weeks; working guards/race dogs excluded |
| Reimbursement rate % | Policy-specific; tailored on quote (details in Certificate of Insurance) |
| Annual reimbursement ceiling (vet fees) | Policy-specific, on Certificate (individual to pet/owner) |
| Annual/excess per claim | Variable excess (per claim/event), defined per pet/age, confirmed on quotation |
| Age min & max for enrolment (cats/dogs) | Cat: Min 8 weeks, no upper limit stated; Dog: Min 8 weeks, no upper limit stated |
| Pre-enrolment health questionnaire? | Health history considered; pre-existing illness/trauma strictly excluded |
| Waiting period for illness | 14 days from policy start |
| Waiting period for accident | 48 hours from policy start |
| Lifetime cover if insured continuously? | Yes, as long as annually renewed and premiums paid |
| Vet consultations (routine/urgent/specialist) | Covered, within annual limit |
| Medication | Included (prescribed by UK/EU-registered vet) |
| Hospitalisation | Covered within annual max |
| Ambulance costs | Covered where necessary, up to annual cap |
| Surgery, anaesthesia | Covered for illness/accident, within annual limit |
| Scans/Imaging (MRI, ultrasound, CT) | Covered, within policy annual max |
| Laboratory analyses | Covered, up to policy’s limit |
| Radiotherapy | Included, if vet-prescribed and essential for illness/accident |
| Dentistry | Covered only if due to accident or non-preventable disease & annual checkups up |
| Scale & polish (routine dental) | Not covered (routine/preventive excluded) |
| Prevention package (amount, what’s in it) | Not included; all preventive care excluded |
| Alternative medicine (acupuncture, osteopathy) | Yes, limited to 10 sessions/year per condition (homeopathy unlimited w/in cap) |
| Therapeutic diet | Covered only if vet-prescribed as ‘medication’, not routine/preventive |
| Geographic cover (travel) | UK/EU countries & listed territories, max 180 days/year abroad |
| Death/bereavement cover | Death by illness covered up to 9 yrs (dog)/11 yrs (cat), accident: no age limit |
| Euthanasia | Covered if medically necessary |
| Theft/loss/search costs | Loss/theft covered (acquisition value), search ads up to £50, rewards up to £500 |
| Boarding fees (owner hospitalisation) | Up to £30/day, conditions apply |
Informations importantes
Full benefit details (annual cap, % reimbursement, excess) set out in the individual Certificate of Insurance at quote/signup. No multi-formula structure; all key limits are personal and confirmed policyholder by policyholder.
Good to know: No cap stated on annual vet visits or number of claims, but each claim is subject to the annual limit defined for your insured pet. Preventive, elective, and routine care (including vaccinations, flea/worming, and dental cleaning) are always excluded. Pre-existing conditions and hereditary/congenital disorders are not covered under any plan. Optional upgrades or downgrades to excess and coverage available only at renewal, subject to acceptance of prior claim history. Emergency evacuation, repatriation, and cancellation of pre-booked travel are included in the standard scheme.
👉 Compare pet insurance plans for freeStart saving on vet billsLV exclusions
Exclusions under the LV= Pet Insurance policy are comprehensive and follow industry standards, but several aspects stand out in comparison to competitors. All pre-existing conditions and any illnesses or injuries occurring during the initial waiting period are strictly excluded, with explicit refusal for claims related to breeds considered dangerous or animals used for working, racing, or guarding. Notably, lifetime dental cover is only available when regular dental checks and evidence of routine prophylaxis are provided, and voluntary or convenience procedures (routine neutering, vaccinations, grooming, etc.) are never covered. Claims linked to negligence, non-compliance with health protocols (e.g., up-to-date vaccines), or breaches of the owner's responsibilities (such as missing identification or late claim declaration) are always refused. Additionally, there is a strict limit on foreign cover (up to 180 consecutive days per year) and no liability protection outside the UK for dogs.
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical exclusions | - All pre-existing conditions or their consequences - Illness/injury during the waiting period - Preventive and comfort care (routine vaccination, deworming, neutering, routine scaling, grooming, convenience dental work) - Non-essential or experimental treatments - Conditions arising from non-compliance with owner obligations (e.g., missed vaccinations, poor maintenance) - Dental care unless regular prophylaxis documented - Participation in clinical trials or experimental therapies |
| Animal/identification exclusions | - Dogs or cats under 8 weeks old - Animals used for security, racing, or guarding - Prohibited or dangerous dog breeds (e.g., Pit Bull, Tosa, Dogo Argentino, American XL Bully) - Absent or non-compliant microchip or identification |
| Geographic exclusions | - Vet fees outside UK and listed EEA/associated states when >180 days/year - Third party liability only operative within UK (for dogs) - No claim for events outside covered territories |
| Owner compliance & conduct | - Claims resulting from negligence, ill intent, or gross misconduct by owner or custodians - Costs following non-timely notification, incomplete supporting documents, or fraudulent/incorrect declarations - Double insurance: claim not payable if another insurer covers the risk |
| Exclusion of certain incidents | - Injuries or damage during illegal activity, organized fights, unlawful hunting or attack on livestock - Claims linked to war, terrorism, radioactive/nuclear incidents - Costs when contract suspended/terminated (unpaid premium, expired contract, etc.) |
- Illness/injury during the waiting period
- Preventive and comfort care (routine vaccination, deworming, neutering, routine scaling, grooming, convenience dental work)
- Non-essential or experimental treatments
- Conditions arising from non-compliance with owner obligations (e.g., missed vaccinations, poor maintenance)
- Dental care unless regular prophylaxis documented
- Participation in clinical trials or experimental therapies
- Animals used for security, racing, or guarding
- Prohibited or dangerous dog breeds (e.g., Pit Bull, Tosa, Dogo Argentino, American XL Bully)
- Absent or non-compliant microchip or identification
- Third party liability only operative within UK (for dogs)
- No claim for events outside covered territories
- Costs following non-timely notification, incomplete supporting documents, or fraudulent/incorrect declarations
- Double insurance: claim not payable if another insurer covers the risk
- Claims linked to war, terrorism, radioactive/nuclear incidents
- Costs when contract suspended/terminated (unpaid premium, expired contract, etc.)
LV rates
Overall, LV= Pet Insurance positions itself at a median to slightly competitive price point relative to UK market standards, thanks to a comprehensive “Lifetime” policy managed mostly online and by phone. The coverage is robust, including high reimbursement caps per year, many included treatments (alternative therapies, dental under conditions, behavioural coverage), and practical assistance services without many hidden exclusions. Excess amounts and ceilings are personalised by animal and age, offering potential flexibility to keep costs under control. While not the absolute cheapest, LV= stands out for its extensive guarantees, digital user experience, and rapid claims service, all praised by customers for reliability and ease of use. It suits owners seeking balanced, quality cover at a fair price, especially if they value operational efficiency and service over bare-minimum economic options.
| Lifetime Cover (£/month) | |
|---|---|
| Young Cat (2–4 yrs) | £13 |
| Senior Cat (7–8 yrs) | £19 |
| Small Breed Dog (2–4 yrs) | £17 |
| Large Breed Dog (2–4 yrs) | £29 |
| Senior Dog (7–8 yrs) | £32 |
Compare before you buy to ensure you’re getting the most suitable cover at the best price for your pet’s profile.
👉 Compare pet insurance plans for freeStart saving on vet billsLV promo codes
| LV Promo Codes | Details |
|---|---|
| HelloSafe Promo Code | -5% off your quote |
Note: Promo codes are subject to change. For the latest promo codes, please check our comparison of the best pet insurance providers.
How much will I be reimbursed with LV?
| Treatment | Average Price (GBP) | LV= Lifetime (up to annual limit, excl. excess) |
|---|---|---|
| Spay/Neuter (Castration/Sterilisation) | £200 | Not covered (routine procedure excluded) Remainder: £200 |
| Annual Vaccination | £60 | Not covered (preventive care excluded) Remainder: £60 |
| Emergency surgery (example: foreign body removal) | £1,200 | Reimbursed £1,200 Remainder: £0 (excl. excess) |
| Dental procedure (tooth extraction due to illness/injury) | £350 | Reimbursed £350 (if due to illness/injury & dental care up to date) Remainder: £0 (excl. excess) |
| Consultation + medication for skin allergy | £110 | Reimbursed £110 Remainder: £0 (excl. excess) |
Remainder: £200
Remainder: £60
Remainder: £0 (excl. excess)
Remainder: £0 (excl. excess)
Remainder: £0 (excl. excess)
LV Assistance
LV offers a valuable 24/7 video veterinary advice service via FirstVet, allowing pet owners quick access to expert guidance at any time. There is no pet care advance payment feature like Payvet or Petcard, which may hinder cash flow in urgent cases. Claims management is entirely online or by phone, but there is no dedicated mobile app for pet insurance, which limits access to digital tools for claims tracking or document submission. Emergency veterinary coordination, direct veterinary partnerships, and service networks are not mentioned, potentially reducing support in critical situations. Overseas coverage is broad and clear (EEA and several European regions for up to 180 days), but facility for pet owners residing abroad is not provided.
| Assistance LV | Disponible ? | Détails |
|---|---|---|
| Advance of fees | ❌ | No advance payment system. Owners must pay the vet directly and claim reimbursement afterwards. |
| Payment facilities | ❌ | No mention of payment facilities such as instalments or interest-free credit for either premiums or veterinary bills. |
| Mobile app | ❌ | No dedicated pet insurance app referenced. Management and claims are handled via web and telephone. |
| Digital claims management | ✅ | Claims are submitted via an online portal or by email. No need to send postal paperwork. Notifications by email or SMS keep owners informed of progress. |
| Veterinary emergency | ✅ | 24/7 online veterinary advice provided through FirstVet, including video consultations at no additional cost. No direct emergency hotline or in-person veterinary emergency organisation. |
| Veterinary and clinic network | ❌ | No specific network of partner clinics or veterinarians is indicated, owners may use any licensed vet. |
| Overseas coverage | ✅ | Treatment covered in UK, EEA, Switzerland, Norway, and several European microstates, up to 180 days outside the UK per year. Permanent foreign residence is not covered. |
Customer feedback on LV
| Review Site | Rating and Number of Reviews |
|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 4.5/5 from 75,000+ reviews |
| Reviews.io | 4.6/5 from 22,000+ reviews |
| Feefo | 4.8/5 from 42,000+ reviews |
We analysed the reviews from the sites listed above. On the positive side, policyholders who took out pet insurance with LV most often mention:
- A highly efficient and responsive customer service: the helpfulness and friendliness of LV’s support teams are consistently highlighted.
- The speed and simplicity of claims payments: reimbursements are frequently described as quick and hassle-free, with status updates throughout the process.
- An easy-to-use and clear online portal: clients note the website is straightforward to navigate, making policy management and renewal stress-free.
- Transparent and competitive pricing: many customers judge premiums to offer good value for money given the level of coverage.
- Trustworthiness and reliability of the company: LV is viewed as dependable, providing support and reassurance in difficult moments (such as pet illness or loss).
On the negative side:
- Some policyholders experience difficulties obtaining quotes for pets that fall outside favourable risk profiles, especially older animals, and are occasionally referred elsewhere.
- Annual premium increases can feel steep as pets age, leading to disappointment for some long-standing clients.
- There are occasional reports of cover restrictions and exclusions for pre-existing conditions or specific breeds, causing frustration and denial of claims in certain situations.
- A few customers mention that the claim limit per policy year can feel insufficient for major or ongoing treatments.
- Communication about changes to terms or renewals is sometimes perceived as rushed or lacking detail, making understanding adjustments harder for some clients.
How to contact LV?
| Service client LV | 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 | Contact the LV= Pet Insurance claims service: - Phone: 0330 100 9831 - Email: [email protected] - Postal address: LV= Pet, PO Box 221, Huddersfield, HD8 1FP, UK - Attach: claim form, detailed veterinary invoices, any requested evidence (veterinarian report, prescription, etc.). - Deadlines: fast processing, tracking notifications via SMS/email. - Average reimbursement time: usually observed within 7 weeks (may be faster for pet insurance). - Reimbursement by bank transfer or check depending on IBAN/details you provide with your claim. |
| To get a certificate of insurance | Contact customer service: - Phone: 0330 100 9712 - Quick access via the online form at www.lv.com/pet-insurance/customer-support - Request the certificate of insurance by providing your name, contract number, and necessary information. The certificate will be sent to you by email or post. |
| To contact assistance | Several options depending on your needs: - For 24/7 veterinary emergencies: access FirstVet at www.lv.com/pet-insurance/existing-customers/first-vet (video consultation) - For other questions: Customer service at 0330 100 9712 - For pet bereavement support: 0800 138 6533 (Blue Cross animal bereavement service). |
| To cancel my contract | Cancellation possible at any time, free of charge within 14 days after subscription/renewal, otherwise pro-rata reimbursement. - Phone: 0330 100 9712 - Email (written request recommended): [email protected] or via www.lv.com/pet-insurance/customer-support - Postal address: LV= Pet, PO Box 221, Huddersfield, HD8 1FP, UK - Please provide: name, contract number, address, reason for cancellation (optional), signature. - No additional document required except if requested to verify your identity. - Notice: cancellation takes effect upon receipt or on the desired date. - A pro-rata refund of unused premiums is made (unless a reimbursement has already been made for the period). |
- Phone: 0330 100 9831
- Email: [email protected]
- Postal address: LV= Pet, PO Box 221, Huddersfield, HD8 1FP, UK
- Attach: claim form, detailed veterinary invoices, any requested evidence (veterinarian report, prescription, etc.).
- Deadlines: fast processing, tracking notifications via SMS/email.
- Average reimbursement time: usually observed within 7 weeks (may be faster for pet insurance).
- Reimbursement by bank transfer or check depending on IBAN/details you provide with your claim.
- Phone: 0330 100 9712
- Quick access via the online form at www.lv.com/pet-insurance/customer-support
- Request the certificate of insurance by providing your name, contract number, and necessary information. The certificate will be sent to you by email or post.
- For 24/7 veterinary emergencies: access FirstVet at www.lv.com/pet-insurance/existing-customers/first-vet (video consultation)
- For other questions: Customer service at 0330 100 9712
- For pet bereavement support: 0800 138 6533 (Blue Cross animal bereavement service).
- Phone: 0330 100 9712
- Email (written request recommended): [email protected] or via www.lv.com/pet-insurance/customer-support
- Postal address: LV= Pet, PO Box 221, Huddersfield, HD8 1FP, UK
- Please provide: name, contract number, address, reason for cancellation (optional), signature.
- No additional document required except if requested to verify your identity.
- Notice: cancellation takes effect upon receipt or on the desired date.
- A pro-rata refund of unused premiums is made (unless a reimbursement has already been made for the period).
FAQ
Do I have to pay vet bills upfront with LV= Pet Insurance?
With LV= Pet Insurance, you usually pay your vet bills upfront and then claim the eligible costs back. LV does not currently offer a direct payment system (such as Payvet/third-party payment) with vets. After treatment, you’ll need to submit your claim (online, by email or post) with the required invoices and documents for reimbursement.
How do I cancel my LV= pet insurance policy?
You can cancel your LV= pet insurance at any time by contacting their customer service by phone, email, online form, or post. There’s a 14-day cooling-off period from when your policy starts or renews, during which you can cancel with a full refund. After that, cancellations are processed on a pro-rata basis, and you typically don’t need to provide extra documents unless requested.
What pets are eligible for LV= Pet Insurance?
LV= Pet Insurance is available for cats and dogs from 8 weeks old, as long as they are not used for guarding, racing, or prohibited breeds such as Pit Bull Terrier, Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and American XL Bully. Pre-existing health conditions are excluded, as are animals with symptoms prior to cover starting.
What does LV= Pet Insurance cover?
LV= offers a Lifetime policy, covering vet fees for accidents and illnesses up to an annual limit, which resets each year as long as the policy is renewed. Covered costs include consultations, surgery, prescriptions, hospitalisation, certain dental care, complementary therapies, and more. Optional extras include liability for dogs, loss or theft, death, travel cancellation, and pet boarding costs—check your Certificate for personal limits.
Are there waiting periods before cover starts?
Yes, LV= applies waiting periods for new policies: injury cover starts after 48 hours, while illness cover begins 14 days after your policy starts. Conditions or symptoms appearing during these waiting periods, or before your policy begins, are excluded from future claims.
Do I have to pay vet bills upfront with LV= Pet Insurance?
With LV= Pet Insurance, you usually pay your vet bills upfront and then claim the eligible costs back. LV does not currently offer a direct payment system (such as Payvet/third-party payment) with vets. After treatment, you’ll need to submit your claim (online, by email or post) with the required invoices and documents for reimbursement.
How do I cancel my LV= pet insurance policy?
You can cancel your LV= pet insurance at any time by contacting their customer service by phone, email, online form, or post. There’s a 14-day cooling-off period from when your policy starts or renews, during which you can cancel with a full refund. After that, cancellations are processed on a pro-rata basis, and you typically don’t need to provide extra documents unless requested.
What pets are eligible for LV= Pet Insurance?
LV= Pet Insurance is available for cats and dogs from 8 weeks old, as long as they are not used for guarding, racing, or prohibited breeds such as Pit Bull Terrier, Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and American XL Bully. Pre-existing health conditions are excluded, as are animals with symptoms prior to cover starting.
What does LV= Pet Insurance cover?
LV= offers a Lifetime policy, covering vet fees for accidents and illnesses up to an annual limit, which resets each year as long as the policy is renewed. Covered costs include consultations, surgery, prescriptions, hospitalisation, certain dental care, complementary therapies, and more. Optional extras include liability for dogs, loss or theft, death, travel cancellation, and pet boarding costs—check your Certificate for personal limits.
Are there waiting periods before cover starts?
Yes, LV= applies waiting periods for new policies: injury cover starts after 48 hours, while illness cover begins 14 days after your policy starts. Conditions or symptoms appearing during these waiting periods, or before your policy begins, are excluded from future claims.
