Is PDSA Pet Insurance Worth It? Reviews 2025
Our expert's opinion on PDSA
PDSA Pet Insurance is a long-standing leader in the UK market, operated by charity PDSA and underwritten by Pinnacle Insurance plc. It offers two main policies for dogs and cats: Lifetime Cover, with annual benefit limits that reset each year and broader protection, and Time Limited Cover, with lower pricing but cover capped per condition and limited to 12 months. Annual reimbursement caps and the level of excess (fixed amount plus 20% co-pay per claim) are determined by certificate, ensuring clarity upfront, though direct prevention budgets are not offered. PDSA stands out with its digital-first management (Insure Hub), rapid claims (97% paid within 5 working days), and excellent Trustpilot feedback: 4.6/5 from 1,354 reviews, outperforming most direct competitors for customer satisfaction and claims efficiency. Its pricing is competitive, especially for comprehensive covers, and the added charity dimension provides unique value.
PDSA is particularly well-suited for younger pets (under 8 for dogs, under 10 for cats), owners seeking reliable reimbursement, straightforward digital processes, and those who value charitable impact. Owners of pedigree breeds benefit from clear eligibility, but premiums can rise at renewal, especially as pets age. Pinnacle Insurance plc is PRA- and FCA-regulated, and PDSA’s financial scale and swift claims management foster trust and stability for policyholders across the UK.
- ✅Digital claims and policy management via Insure Hub
- ✅97% of claims paid within 5 working days
- ✅Trustpilot score 4.6/5 from over 1,300 reviews
- ✅Lifetime and time-limited policies available
- ✅Direct vet payments possible (with consent)
- ✅24/7 vet helpline and strong customer service
- ✅Premiums support PDSA’s veterinary charity work
- ❌Premiums can increase sharply at renewal, especially for older pets
- ❌Excess of 20% co-pay on every claim, all ages
- ❌No routine or preventive treatment reimbursement
- ❌Cover and pricing limits for certain breeds
- ❌No explicit preventive care budget included
- ✅Digital claims and policy management via Insure Hub
- ✅97% of claims paid within 5 working days
- ✅Trustpilot score 4.6/5 from over 1,300 reviews
- ✅Lifetime and time-limited policies available
- ✅Direct vet payments possible (with consent)
- ✅24/7 vet helpline and strong customer service
- ✅Premiums support PDSA’s veterinary charity work
Our expert's opinion on PDSA
- ✅Digital claims and policy management via Insure Hub
- ✅97% of claims paid within 5 working days
- ✅Trustpilot score 4.6/5 from over 1,300 reviews
- ✅Lifetime and time-limited policies available
- ✅Direct vet payments possible (with consent)
- ✅24/7 vet helpline and strong customer service
- ✅Premiums support PDSA’s veterinary charity work
- ❌Premiums can increase sharply at renewal, especially for older pets
- ❌Excess of 20% co-pay on every claim, all ages
- ❌No routine or preventive treatment reimbursement
- ❌Cover and pricing limits for certain breeds
- ❌No explicit preventive care budget included
- ✅Digital claims and policy management via Insure Hub
- ✅97% of claims paid within 5 working days
- ✅Trustpilot score 4.6/5 from over 1,300 reviews
- ✅Lifetime and time-limited policies available
- ✅Direct vet payments possible (with consent)
- ✅24/7 vet helpline and strong customer service
- ✅Premiums support PDSA’s veterinary charity work
- PDSA guarantees
- PDSA Exclusions
- PDSA Rates
- PDSA Support
- Customer feedback on PDSA
- How can I contact PDSA?
- FAQ
Why trust HelloSafe?
At HelloSafe, our pet insurance expert reviews the terms and conditions and prices of market-leading insurance policies every year to provide you with reliable, impartial analysis. Thanks to this commitment, hundreds of thousands of users in the UK trust us each month to help guide them in their most important financial decisions.
PDSA guarantees
PDSA proposes two core pet insurance products: Lifetime and Time Limited cover, each targeting cats (up to 10 years) and dogs (up to 8 years, some breeds up to 5 years) at subscription, with ongoing cover available if renewing. Lifetime cover is most comprehensive—vet fees for accident/illness, chronic conditions and therapies are reimbursed up to an annual limit renewed each year, offering reliable long-term security, while Time Limited restricts claims to 12 months per condition and offers a lower premium. Both include strong benefits (overseas cover, dental, third-party liability for dogs, euthanasia, alternative therapies), but only Lifetime reimburses cremation, boarding during hospitalisation, cancellation of holidays, and lost pet advertising/rewards. The excess (fixed and/or %), and level of reimbursement, are specified in the quote—note a 20% co-pay applies on all claims. Notable gaps: no routine/preventive cover, nor veterinary responsibility for excluded breeds or pre-existing/adult-age conditions—these exclusions should be reviewed before contracting.
Lifetime Cover | Time Limited Cover | |
---|---|---|
Positioning of the product | Most comprehensive, renewable annual limits | Budget-friendly, cover limited to 12 months per condition |
Coverage type | Accident & illness (chronic illness included) | Accident & illness, max 12 months per condition |
Insured animals | Cats (up to 10 years), dogs (up to 8, or 5 for some breeds) | Cats (up to 10 years), dogs (up to 8, or 5 for some breeds) |
Reimbursement rate (%) | NC (depends on quote/certificate, always after 20% co-pay) | NC (depends on quote/certificate, always after 20% co-pay) |
Annual reimbursement limit | As per certificate, resets annually | As per certificate, per condition, not renewable |
Excess (per claim/annual) | As per certificate; fixed amount and/or percentage per claim | As per certificate; fixed amount and/or percentage per claim |
Min/Max entry age (cats) | 8 weeks / 10 years | 8 weeks / 10 years |
Min/Max entry age (dogs) | 8 weeks / 8 years (5 years for some breeds) | 8 weeks / 8 years (5 years for some breeds) |
Health questionnaire prior? | NC (typically not; declared conditions excluded) | NC (typically not; declared conditions excluded) |
Waiting period for illness | 14 days after policy start | 14 days after policy start |
Waiting period for accident | 3 days after policy start | 3 days after policy start |
Lifetime guarantee after enrolment? | ✅ As long as policy is maintained & premiums paid | ❌ Cover ends with policy or after each claim period |
Vet consultations (routine/specialist/ER) | ✅ (within annual limit; standard, emergency, specialist) | ✅ (within 12 months per condition / certificate limit) |
Medicines | ✅ (prescribed only, as per vet fee limit) | ✅ (prescribed only, as per vet fee limit) |
Hospitalisation | ✅ | ✅ |
Ambulance fees | ✅ | ✅ |
Surgery, anaesthesia | ✅ | ✅ |
MRI scans, CT, ultrasound | ✅ | ✅ |
Laboratory tests | ✅ | ✅ |
Radiotherapy | ✅ (if prescribed, as per vet fees cover) | ✅ (if prescribed, as per vet fees cover) |
Dentistry | ✅ (accident/pathology, if regular checks proven) | ✅ (accident/pathology, if regular checks proven) |
Descaling | ✅ (if associated with illness/accident, not prevention) | ✅ (if associated with illness/accident, not prevention) |
Preventive care package (vaccines etc.) | ❌ Not covered | ❌ Not covered |
Alternative therapies | ✅ (herbal, physio, acupuncture, homeopathy) | ✅ (herbal, physio, acupuncture, homeopathy) |
Therapeutic diets | ✅ 25% reimbursed up to 6 months/condition (except obesity) | ✅ 25% reimbursed up to 6 months/condition (except obesity) |
Countries covered / travel | ✅ UK + PETS countries, up to 90 days/year | ✅ UK + PETS countries, up to 90 days/year |
Death / cremation cover | ✅ (illness/accident, up to £200 for cremation) | ✅ (illness/accident, cremation not covered) |
Euthanasia | ✅ (if prescribed by vet) | ✅ (if prescribed by vet) |
Theft/loss & search expenses | ✅ (value + ad/reward fees, up to limits) | ✅ (value if not found in 30 days; ad/reward fees not covered) |
Boarding/pet sitting during owner hospital | ✅ Kennel/cattery, £15/day with limits | ❌ |
Pet minding costs | See above | ❌ |
Good to know
- Co-pay of 20% applies in addition to the fixed excess for all claims, regardless of pet age.
- Exact annual/condition limit, reimbursement % and fixed/variable excess are personalised in your certificate and quote.
- Exclusions: pre-existing conditions, preventive/routine care, pregnancy, breeding, prosthetics (except joint), and for certain breeds or working animals.
- Public liability (dogs): not available for banned/“dangerous” breeds or cross-breeds, only valid in UK, £250 excess on property damage claims.
- Microchipping is mandatory for theft/straying claims.
- Claims must be submitted within 12 months of event; valid receipts required.
Consider comparing PDSA policies with other providers to ensure the best value and protection for your pet and budget.
👉 Compare pet insurance plans for freeStart saving on vet billsPDSA Exclusions
Exclusions under PDSA pet insurance are comprehensive, with particular emphasis on pre-existing conditions (including any related symptoms or early onset discussed before policy inception), strict age limitations for new joiners (notably lower for certain dog breeds), and absolute exclusions for dogs listed under the Dangerous Dogs Act or used for professional purposes. Claims related to routine and preventive care (e.g., vaccination, worming, flea treatment, neutering) are uniformly not covered, with additional explicit exclusions for any incident or condition arising during the initial waiting periods—14 days for illness, 3 days for accident.
Specific to the "theft/straying" and "lost pet advertising/reward" benefits, cover is conditional on microchipping, which is an operationally enforced exclusion—not just a legal requirement. Death and cremation claims are excluded if the animal succumbs to illness after defined age limits or after the maximum cover period on the Time Limited plan.
Overseas treatment is strictly limited to listed PETS scheme countries and a 90-day maximum per year, with all cover ceasing if the primary UK residency criterion is not met.
Exclusions | Details |
---|---|
Medical exclusions | - Pre-existing conditions (including related symptoms/discussions/diagnosis prior to cover start) - Illness/accident during waiting periods (14 days illness, 3 days accident) - Ongoing/recurring conditions after time-limited cover expires (max 12 months per condition on Time Limited policy) - Routine/preventive care (vaccinations, worming, flea/tick treatment, neutering) - Prophylactic treatments (unless otherwise stated) - Conditions due to gestation, birth, breeding, or whelping - Dental not covered if there is no annual dental examination and treatment for non-accident issues - Food (except specific prescription diets, at 25% max for 6 months, not for obesity) - Prostheses except for joint prostheses - Any care not recommended or invoiced by a vet - Treatment without justified necessity or evidence - Failure to keep up-to-date vaccinations leading to claims for preventable illness |
Identification & administrative exclusions | - Claims arising while pet is not microchipped (for theft/straying/lost pet, etc.) - Incomplete, false, or inaccurate documentation about the pet - Claims made without supporting invoices or later than one year after the incident - Cover ceases if policyholder or pet cease UK residency |
Geographical & travel exclusions | - Overseas treatment outside PETS scheme countries or beyond 90 days total per policy year - No liability cover for incidents outside UK/Isles - No cover if primary residency not in the UK - Quarantine, emergency repatriation, or passport replacement not covered outside specified terms |
Breed & use exclusions | - Any dog breed or crossbreed banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act (American Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, XL Bully, Wolfdog, etc.) - Animals used for commercial/professional purposes (guarding, working, racing, security, breeding beyond domestic) - Any activity or use in direct violation of UK animal welfare or public health law |
Age exclusions | - New cover not available for cats ≥10 years, dogs ≥8 (or ≥5 for listed breeds); death/illness/cremation claims after these thresholds not eligible - Time Limited cover expires per condition after 12 months from treatment start |
General legal & misconduct exclusions | - Claims arising from intentional acts, gross negligence, fraud, or criminal activity - Claims relating to war, terrorism, pollution or radiation - Losses due to indirect or consequential damage (such as lost earnings, inconvenience) - Civil liability cases involving policyholder’s family or household members |
- Illness/accident during waiting periods (14 days illness, 3 days accident)
- Ongoing/recurring conditions after time-limited cover expires (max 12 months per condition on Time Limited policy)
- Routine/preventive care (vaccinations, worming, flea/tick treatment, neutering)
- Prophylactic treatments (unless otherwise stated)
- Conditions due to gestation, birth, breeding, or whelping
- Dental not covered if there is no annual dental examination and treatment for non-accident issues
- Food (except specific prescription diets, at 25% max for 6 months, not for obesity)
- Prostheses except for joint prostheses
- Any care not recommended or invoiced by a vet
- Treatment without justified necessity or evidence
- Failure to keep up-to-date vaccinations leading to claims for preventable illness
- Incomplete, false, or inaccurate documentation about the pet
- Claims made without supporting invoices or later than one year after the incident
- Cover ceases if policyholder or pet cease UK residency
- No liability cover for incidents outside UK/Isles
- No cover if primary residency not in the UK
- Quarantine, emergency repatriation, or passport replacement not covered outside specified terms
- Animals used for commercial/professional purposes (guarding, working, racing, security, breeding beyond domestic)
- Any activity or use in direct violation of UK animal welfare or public health law
- Time Limited cover expires per condition after 12 months from treatment start
- Claims relating to war, terrorism, pollution or radiation
- Losses due to indirect or consequential damage (such as lost earnings, inconvenience)
- Civil liability cases involving policyholder’s family or household members
PDSA Rates
PDSA's pricing is generally competitive to slightly below market average for basic and essential cover, reflecting a focus on accessible protection rather than high-end, premium features. Their Time Limited policies are among the more affordable options, but these come with standard, time-capped benefits and relatively restrictive reimbursement windows, placing them firmly in the "economic but limited" category versus richer competitors.
The Lifetime Cover positions itself as a balanced mid-market offer, with a yearly reset benefit cap and a broader set of covered situations, but usually not extending to the highest reimbursement levels or unlimited limits some premium insurers propose; this offers a compromise between cost and continuity of care. Both models rely on an efficient digital journey and use a streamlined Insure Hub, which likely helps maintain low operational costs and explain the value-for-money angle.
Overall, PDSA suits pet owners seeking solid, reliable cover at a fair price, but those needing ultra-comprehensive, uncapped, or ultra-low-excess plans may find richer options elsewhere at a higher premium.
Time Limited | Lifetime Cover | |
---|---|---|
Young cat (2 - 4 yrs) | £6/mo | £15/mo |
Senior cat (7 - 8 yrs) | £10/mo | £26/mo |
Small breed dog | £8/mo | £19/mo |
Small breed dog (2 - 4 yrs) | £8/mo | £19/mo |
Large breed dog (2 - 4 yrs) | £12/mo | £29/mo |
Senior dog (7 - 8 yrs) | £18/mo | £45/mo |
To find the best possible price for your pet's needs, consider comparing PDSA's plans with other insurers and reviewing different cover options before you decide.
👉 Compare pet insurance plans for freeStart saving on vet billsPDSA promo codes
PDSA promo codes | Details |
---|---|
PDSABOX | Free welcome box with your policy |
HelloSafe code | -5% on your quote |
Note: Promo codes may change. To get the latest promo codes, visit our comparison of the best pet insurance.
How much will I be reimbursed with PDSA?
PDSA reimburses your vet bills according to the coverage you choose, helping you manage the cost of unexpected treatment for your pet. With their highest tier Lifetime Cover, you benefit from a generous annual limit that refreshes each year, and your out-of-pocket costs are reduced thanks to reimbursement after the excess (“excess” is the UK term for franchise).
Example 1: Skin allergy consultation and medication
Total vet fees: £180 (includes examination, skin tests, and prescribed medication)
Excess to deduct (first claim of the policy year): £99
Reimbursable amount after excess: £180 – £99 = £81
PDSA Lifetime Cover reimburses 80% of the costs after excess: £81 × 80% = £64.80
👉 You receive £64.80 back from PDSA.
ℹ️ Your £99 excess is only deducted once per policy year per pet. Any further approved claims within the year for your pet require no further excess deduction.
Example 2: Cruciate ligament surgery (ACL repair) in a dog
Total vet fees: £2,500 (includes consultation, x-rays, surgery, anesthesia, post-op checks)
Excess already paid earlier in the year.
Amount eligible for reimbursement: £2,500
PDSA Lifetime Cover reimburses 80%: £2,500 × 80% = £2,000
👉 You receive £2,000 direct from PDSA (either to you or your vet).
ℹ️ The remaining £500 is your share, as well as the excess if not already used on an earlier claim. This reimbursement is taken out of your annual limit (for example, with a £7,500 annual vet fee cap, £5,500 remains for the year). Larger claims can quickly exceed what many pet owners would be able to afford alone—pet insurance can offer vital protection against such costs.
Example 3: Dental treatment for tooth extraction after injury
Total vet fees: £400 (examination, x-rays, extraction, pain meds)
Excess already paid for the year (on a previous claim).
Eligible amount: £400
PDSA Lifetime Cover reimburses 80%: £400 × 80% = £320
👉 You receive £320 back from PDSA.
ℹ️ Dental treatments are only covered for injury or if your pet’s annual dental checks are up to date, as per PDSA policy rules. Routine cleaning and prevention are not reimbursed.
PDSA Support
PDSA provides a 24/7 veterinary helpline (Petcall), which is a strong asset for UK pet owners seeking immediate expert advice and emotional support, including after pet loss.
The PDSA Insure Hub is highlighted by users for its clarity and functionality, enabling online claim submissions, tracking of claim status, and management of policy details, though it is not a standalone mobile app but a web platform.
Direct payment to vets can be arranged by agreement, but no universal pay-in-clinic advance system (like Payvet or Carecredit) is offered—owners generally pay and are refunded.
There are no interest-free instalment or flexible payment schemes beyond monthly or annual direct debit options externally visible; payment facilities remain standard for the UK market.
While travel and emergency cover abroad is included up to 90 days in PETS scheme countries, PDSA does not provide access to a proprietary clinical network, on-demand teleconsultations, or a mobile app validated for ergonomics.
Assistance PDSA | Available? | Details |
---|---|---|
Advance of fees | ❌ | No universal advance payment at vet practices. Direct payment possible only when pre-agreed with the vet and insurer. Owner usually pays vet then claims reimbursement. |
Payment facilities | ❌ | No special payment plans (e.g. 3x split or 0% financing) found. Standard monthly or annual payments by direct debit are offered. |
Mobile application | ❌ | No dedicated mobile app. Policyholders use the web-based PDSA Insure Hub, which is praised for clarity and tracking claims, but is not a standalone mobile solution. |
Dematerialised claim management | ✅ | Claims can be fully submitted and tracked online via the PDSA Insure Hub. Upload documents, track status, and review policy information on the web platform. |
Veterinary emergency service | ✅ | 24/7 Petcall helpline for veterinary, behavioural and bereavement advice. No own teleconsultation or home-visit vet response network. |
Clinical and veterinary network | ❌ | No restricted or preferential partner network; policy valid for treatment at any registered UK vet. No in-network discounts or specific affiliations. |
Overseas coverage | ✅ | Up to 90 days per year in PETS scheme countries. Covers emergency treatment, boarding, and some documentation costs during eligible trips. |
Customer feedback on PDSA
Review site | Rating and number of reviews |
---|---|
Trustpilot | 4.6 / 5 (1,354 reviews) |
How can I contact PDSA?
PDSA customer service | Details |
---|---|
To get a quote or subscribe online | You can use HelloSafe’s pet insurance comparison tool, select the plan that suits you and click to get a quote. |
To request and track a reimbursement | Submit your reimbursement request via the PDSA Insure Hub (insurance-portal.pdsa.org.uk) or call customer service at 0344 543 1129. - Attach original invoices, veterinary reports and all supporting documents. - Reimbursements typically take 5 business days and are paid to your bank account or directly to the vet (depending on your agreement). |
To get a proof of insurance | Log in to your PDSA Insure Hub account to download a certificate, or contact customer service at 0344 543 1129 to request one. You can also write to: Pinnacle House, A1 Barnet Way, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire WD6 2XX. |
To contact assistance | Use the dedicated Petcall line on 0303 334 0794 (veterinary advice, support after loss), available 24/7. For administrative support or any question about your contract: 0344 543 1129. You can also access the FAQ and contact via the PDSA Insure Hub. |
To cancel my contract | Contact customer service by phone on 0344 543 1129 or by mail at Pinnacle House, A1 Barnet Way, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire WD6 2XX. - Give your contact details, contract number and desired cancellation date. - Attach a signed written request. - Cancellation can be done at any time (no legal notice required, but allow some processing time). - A partial refund can be obtained if no claim has been made during the period, according to the general terms and conditions. |
- Attach original invoices, veterinary reports and all supporting documents.
- Reimbursements typically take 5 business days and are paid to your bank account or directly to the vet (depending on your agreement).
For administrative support or any question about your contract: 0344 543 1129.
You can also access the FAQ and contact via the PDSA Insure Hub.
- Give your contact details, contract number and desired cancellation date.
- Attach a signed written request.
- Cancellation can be done at any time (no legal notice required, but allow some processing time).
- A partial refund can be obtained if no claim has been made during the period, according to the general terms and conditions.
FAQ
Do I have to pay the vet bills upfront with PDSA?
With PDSA Pet Insurance, you usually pay the vet first and then claim back your costs online or by phone. However, PDSA can pay your vet directly if the vet agrees to this arrangement. You must check with your veterinary practice in advance, as not all vets accept direct payment via insurance. Faster claims processing (typically within five working days) is highlighted, whether payments are made to you or to your vet.
How do I cancel my PDSA pet insurance policy?
To cancel your PDSA pet insurance, log in to the PDSA Insure Hub or call customer service. It is recommended to provide written notice (email or letter) and allow a notice period—often immediately or from the next month if you pay monthly. Have your policy number to hand. If you’ve made no claims, you may be eligible for a partial refund; attach any required ID or policy confirmation with your request.
What types of pet insurance does PDSA offer and who is eligible?
PDSA offers Lifetime and Time Limited policies for cats and dogs residing in the UK. Pets must be at least 8 weeks old when insured. Dogs must usually be under 8 years old when first insured (or under 5 for some breeds), and cats under 10. Cover can continue after these ages if already on a plan. Restricted breeds and working or professionally used animals are not eligible.
Are pre-existing conditions covered by PDSA pet insurance?
No, PDSA does not cover any pre-existing conditions—these are illnesses or injuries (or related symptoms) that existed before your policy’s start date, or were discussed with a vet before cover began. This exclusion applies whether or not a formal diagnosis has been given. It is important to read the policy wording for details about what is considered pre-existing.
Can I use my PDSA policy at any UK vet, and does it include emergency or overseas cover?
Yes, you can use your PDSA pet insurance at any UK-registered vet of your choice. Both Lifetime and Time Limited policies include some cover for emergency treatment abroad (in PETS-compliant countries) for up to 90 days a year, within specified limits. Emergency boarding and some holiday cancellation costs are covered on Lifetime policies only. Always check your certificate for specific benefit levels.
Do I have to pay the vet bills upfront with PDSA?
With PDSA Pet Insurance, you usually pay the vet first and then claim back your costs online or by phone. However, PDSA can pay your vet directly if the vet agrees to this arrangement. You must check with your veterinary practice in advance, as not all vets accept direct payment via insurance. Faster claims processing (typically within five working days) is highlighted, whether payments are made to you or to your vet.
How do I cancel my PDSA pet insurance policy?
To cancel your PDSA pet insurance, log in to the PDSA Insure Hub or call customer service. It is recommended to provide written notice (email or letter) and allow a notice period—often immediately or from the next month if you pay monthly. Have your policy number to hand. If you’ve made no claims, you may be eligible for a partial refund; attach any required ID or policy confirmation with your request.
What types of pet insurance does PDSA offer and who is eligible?
PDSA offers Lifetime and Time Limited policies for cats and dogs residing in the UK. Pets must be at least 8 weeks old when insured. Dogs must usually be under 8 years old when first insured (or under 5 for some breeds), and cats under 10. Cover can continue after these ages if already on a plan. Restricted breeds and working or professionally used animals are not eligible.
Are pre-existing conditions covered by PDSA pet insurance?
No, PDSA does not cover any pre-existing conditions—these are illnesses or injuries (or related symptoms) that existed before your policy’s start date, or were discussed with a vet before cover began. This exclusion applies whether or not a formal diagnosis has been given. It is important to read the policy wording for details about what is considered pre-existing.
Can I use my PDSA policy at any UK vet, and does it include emergency or overseas cover?
Yes, you can use your PDSA pet insurance at any UK-registered vet of your choice. Both Lifetime and Time Limited policies include some cover for emergency treatment abroad (in PETS-compliant countries) for up to 90 days a year, within specified limits. Emergency boarding and some holiday cancellation costs are covered on Lifetime policies only. Always check your certificate for specific benefit levels.