Is Tesco Pet Insurance Worth It? Our Review 2025

Why trust HelloSafe?

At HelloSafe, our pet insurance expert reviews the terms and pricing of 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 across the UK trust us every month to help them make their most important financial decisions.

Tesco warranties

Tesco offers three main pet insurance plans—Lifetime, Maximum Benefit, and Time Limited—adapting to different budgets and needs, all with detailed cover for accidents, illness and additional services like Vetfone 24/7 helpline.

The Lifetime option is notably competitive with annual veterinary fee limits up to £11,000, unlimited renewals, and flexibility to adjust the level of cover, suiting owners seeking long-term, robust security.

Reimbursement rates are not explicitly fixed but policies include variable excess (min. £ excess + 20% for older pets) and specific limits per claim or per year, with swift 5-day claims handling and multi-pet discounts.

Standout strengths are broad medical coverage (including dental under conditions), travel, complementary therapies, and high liability limits for dogs; but the lack of routine/preventative care funding, strict breed and use exclusions, and rising premiums with age or claims are significant limitations.

Notably, pre-existing conditions are never covered and all policies impose set waiting periods: 3 days for accidents and 14 days for illnesses/most extras.

Good to know

No coverage for routine, cosmetic or preventive care (vaccines, neutering, routine dental, annual check-ups).

Common hereditary/congenital issues, pre-existing conditions, and some excluded breeds are never covered.

Premiums increase annually and after claims; a compulsory co-payment (+20%) applies for older pets.

Claims must be submitted within 12 months of treatment with detailed receipts required.

Liability cover for dogs only (up to £2 million), and excluded outside of UK/Isle of Man/Channel Islands.

Compare plans before enrolling to ensure you get the best rate for your pet’s needs.

Tesco exclusions

Exclusions in Tesco Pet Insurance contracts follow standard UK market practice for pre-existing conditions, congenital illnesses, waiting periods (3 days for accidents, 14 days for illness), and routine/wellness care outside prevention add-ons.

Of note is the outright exclusion of a large number of breeds and breed mixes under the Dangerous Dogs Act, with several popular “type breeds” systematically declined—a stricter stance than some direct competitors.

Another strong differentiator is that any use of the pet for work—guard, hunting, farm, racing, sport, or rescue—voids cover, and responsibility cover never applies outside the UK or local islands.

Claims are refused if vaccination schedules are not strictly met, if the pet is not resident in the UK, or if the microchip is not properly functioning for travel risks—Tesco enforces these requirements rigorously.

A key restriction: cover for death by illness ceases at 10 years for cats and, depending on breed, at 5 or 8 years for dogs, which can leave older pets uncovered for one of the main guarantees.

Tesco prices

Overall, Tesco Pet Insurance positions itself as a competitive player in the UK pet insurance market, especially when considering the breadth of its standard guarantees and the integrated digital services (including 24/7 Vetfone advice and online contract management).

Despite broad coverage – with dental care, death, theft, travel extensions and public liability (for dogs) included even on basic plans – the average monthly premiums remain aligned with or slightly below the market average for equivalent covers.

Tesco keeps costs in check through streamlined, fully digital processes, flexible monthly payments with no added fees, and a Clubcard discount model, making it accessible to value-driven pet owners.

Some coverage elements, such as annual claim caps and co-payment increases for older pets, reflect usual cost-control mechanisms found in this market segment, keeping prices competitive but with greater out-of-pocket risk as pets age.

In short, Tesco is best described as economically competitive and relatively comprehensive versus competitors offering similar digital-first or mid-range policies.

For the lowest price, it’s always worth comparing several insurers, as premiums and guarantees can vary a lot depending on your pet’s profile and your choice of coverage.

Tesco promo codes

How much will I be reimbursed with Tesco?

With Tesco Pet Insurance, you are reimbursed according to the formula selected and the annual/lifetime limit chosen for your pet, after deduction of the policy excess ("excess" means the amount you pay towards each claim). The highest Lifetime cover offers up to £11,000 per year, giving you strong protection for both unexpected and significant veterinary bills. Here’s how claim reimbursements typically work under Lifetime £11,000 cover, based on real treatment costs in the UK:

Example 1: Emergency surgery for intestinal obstruction (dog ate a toy)

Total vet fees: £2,500 (consultation, diagnostics, surgery, hospitalisation, medication)
Excess payable: £110 (standard for most Tesco Lifetime covers, see your quote for your actual excess)
Amount eligible for reimbursement after excess: £2,500 – £110 = £2,390
Reimbursement: 100% of the above amount = £2,390
👉 You get £2,390 back from Tesco, leaving you just the initial £110 excess to pay out of pocket.

ℹ️ The excess applies once per condition per policy year. If your dog requires follow-up care for this same condition within the year, only the extra vet costs will be reimbursed—no second excess charged for this diagnosis this year.

Example 2: Yearly dental cleaning after tooth fracture (following accident, dog)

Total vet fees: £410 (consultation, dental procedure with anaesthetic)
Excess payable: £110 (if new calendar year or first claim for dental accident)
After excess: £410 – £110 = £300
Reimbursement: 100% of the remaining = £300
👉 You are reimbursed £300 by Tesco and only pay the £110 excess.

ℹ️ Dental care is covered for illness and accident, as long as you follow annual check-ups and vet recommendations. Routine cleaning unrelated to accident/illness may not be covered.

Example 3: Complementary physiotherapy during recovery from cruciate ligament surgery (cat)

Total physiotherapy fees: £600 (6 sessions prescribed by your vet after surgery)
Excess payable: £110 (applies if not yet used for this condition this year)
Eligible after excess: £600 – £110 = £490
Reimbursement: 100% of the above = £490
👉 You receive £490 back from Tesco; your out-of-pocket amount is only the £110 excess.

ℹ️ Complementary treatments such as physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, or acupuncture are covered when prescribed by your vet to treat a covered illness or injury—valuable for recovery and quality of life. You can claim up to the annual £11,000 limit on vet fees for all eligible treatments.

Tesco Support

The 24/7 unlimited Vetfone hotline, accessible by phone and live chat, provides real added value in terms of veterinary advice, nutrition and bereavement support—an important differentiator for owners needing expert guidance at any time.

Online contract management and claims submission via the Pet Portal are standard for GB, allowing users to track claims and upload documents, but Tesco does not offer a true mobile app for pet insurance, which might be a drawback for tech-savvy users.

Direct payment to vets is possible when agreed in advance, though it's not a systematic Pay Direct system—owners may still need to pay upfront in many cases, which can limit convenience in emergencies.

No teleconsultation (video with a vet), remote prescription service or dedicated network of partner clinics is available, potentially restricting rapid access to integrated care.

Overseas cover is limited to a maximum of 90 days a year within the EU, Channel Islands and Isle of Man, with no benefits for long-term or non-European travel, reflecting common UK market exclusions.

Customer feedback on Tesco

We analysed customer feedback from the sites above. On the positive side, policyholders who have taken out pet insurance for their animals with Tesco most frequently mention:

• A helpful and responsive customer service: many customers value the empathy and professionalism of the support team and appreciate being able to speak to real people who explain the policy and claims process clearly.
• Simple and quick procedures: application, policy changes, and claims are described as easy to complete, with online and phone processes considered clear and efficient.
• Competitive and transparent pricing: the price is rated as fair, and many clients benefit from additional discounts through Clubcard, with some finding offers much cheaper than with previous insurers for comparable cover.
• Clear explanations and transparency: agents and documentation receive praise for explaining all key terms and conditions, including potential limitations, putting customers at ease.
• The inclusion of digital tools and 24/7 veterinary helpline: access to Vetfone and a fully online portal are mentioned as useful additions, increasing convenience and reassurance.

On the negative side:

• Claims processing time can be longer than expected: some customers report significant delays, occasionally up to several months, in getting claims approved and paid.
• Noticeable annual premium increases: sudden or significant hikes in premium, especially as pets get older or following a claim, are a recurring complaint, with some reporting their price more than doubling from one year to the next.
• High excess/co-payments for older animals: the policy imposes a significant percentage-based excess for pets above certain ages, which can make larger claims costly for owners of senior pets.
• Long wait times for customer service: callers occasionally experience phone wait times exceeding 30 minutes, which can be frustrating in urgent situations.
• Unexpected fees and strict exclusions: cancellation fees (such as a £25 charge), limited coverage for pre-existing conditions, breed exclusions, and high numbers of exceptions are often cited as sources of disappointment.
• Lack of response to negative reviews: some users feel their concerns are not addressed publicly by Tesco, as the company rarely engages with negative feedback on review platforms.

How can I contact Tesco?

FAQ

Charlotte Green

Charlotte is a finance content specialist with a sharp analytical mind and a strong academic background. She holds a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) from the University of Oxford and a Master’s in Behavioural Economics from the London School of Economics. Her academic training gave her the tools to make sense of complex financial systems—and to explain them in a way that’s both smart and relatable. Before joining HelloSafe, Charlotte worked in editorial roles for financial media and strategy firms, where she focused on personal finance, digital banking, and policy analysis. She is passionate about helping people make informed decisions about their money, especially in an age where the financial landscape is changing fast. At HelloSafe, she covers key topics such as insurance, tax, utilities, credit and budgeting tools. Her mission: provide clear, honest and actionable insights that empower readers to take control of their financial lives with confidence.