Is Tesco Pet Insurance Worth It? Review 2025

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At HelloSafe, our pet insurance expert reviews the policy terms and conditions, as well as prices, of leading insurance contracts each year to provide you with reliable and impartial analyses. Thanks to this rigorous approach, hundreds of thousands of users across the UK trust us every month to support them in making their most important financial decisions.

Tesco guarantees

Tesco offers three flexible pet insurance policies—Time Limited, Maximum Benefit, and Lifetime—with annual vet fees cover from £3,000 to £11,000, depending on the chosen tier.
Lifetime cover is the most comprehensive, reinstating the vet fee limit each year, while Maximum Benefit and Time Limited options have lower or per-condition caps and stricter time restrictions.

Key strengths include broad dental cover (with annual check-up requirements), 24/7 vetfone access, Clubcard discounts, direct payments to vets, and robust loss/theft/death/overseas travel benefits.
However, Tesco does not offer preventive care (no “wellness”/vaccination or neutering coverage), and there are notable waiting periods, strict age limits for new cover, and exclusions for pre-existing conditions, certain breeds, or working animals.

Good to know

• Dental illness cover is only valid if your pet has an annual dental check and follows all recommended treatments.
• No preventive care (vaccinations, neutering, or parasite control) is refunded and routine descaling is always excluded.
• “Overage excess” (+20% co-pay) starts from dog age 5–8 (breed dependent) or cat age 10 and applies to every new claim in addition to standard excess.
• Certain breeds, pets used for working purposes, and pre-existing conditions are never covered.
• Pay attention to annual price increases at renewal, especially after claims or as your pet ages.

Compare Tesco's formulas with other UK providers to find the best price and the level of cover that matches your pet’s needs.

Tesco exclusions

Tesco Pet Insurance imposes strict exclusions, particularly notable being the absolute refusal to cover pre-existing conditions, as well as any illness or symptom that appears during the first 14 days, or accident within the first 3 days of cover—these waiting periods are applied rigorously.

Cover is also denied for routine and preventative care (including standard vaccinations, neutering, parasite control, and dental descaling not linked to acute illness or injury), which is typical for the market, but their policy additionally requires annual dental check-ups for eligibility of dental cover—an unusual but strict administrative requirement.

Breed-based exclusions are especially strong; all dogs subject to the Dangerous Dogs Act (and further breeds listed by Tesco) are never insurable, and any claim is declined if the pet is used for work, security, gun, racing, rescue, or farm purposes.

Coverage outside the UK, Isle of Man, Channel Islands, or permitted EU travel is not allowed, and pandemic or notifiable disease outbreaks (DEFRA/APHA/WHO) are always excluded even if treatment would otherwise be covered.

It’s important to note Tesco enforces exclusion for non-humane euthanasia, as well as any claims arising from non-compliance with UK microchipping or animal import/export regulations, making administrative diligence crucial for remaining insured.

Tesco Prices

Tesco positions itself as a competitively priced pet insurer in the UK, particularly due to a digital-first approach that helps keep costs controlled for policyholders. Coverage across the main formulas is robust—vet fees, dental, travel, third-party liability, and bereavement support are included, with options for time-limited, maximum benefit, and lifetime cover that meet or exceed typical market standards. However, benefit caps and the presence of standard/excesses mean the offer is not in the premium segment, but the inclusion of 24/7 vet advice and Clubcard discounts adds genuine value.

Price rises with pet age and claims history are notable, but base rates remain attractive, especially for younger pets and multi-pet households, positioning Tesco between economic and median levels. Overall, Tesco Pet Insurance best suits owners seeking a good price-to-cover ratio, reliable digital tools, and quick service, while high-end, no-limits cover is better found with premium providers.

Tesco Pet Insurance Example Pricing Table (2024)

Here is a typical pricing table for Tesco Pet Insurance by formula and pet type (2024, indicative, per month):

It's always worth comparing several insurers to ensure you get the best price for your pet’s needs and avoid unexpected premium rises in the future.

Tesco promo codes

Note: Promo codes may change. For the latest promo codes, visit our comparison of the best pet insurance.

How much will I be reimbursed with Tesco?

When you insure your pet with Tesco’s Lifetime policy at the highest level (£11,000 annual veterinary fee cover), you can claim back the majority of your vet bills—minus your chosen fixed excess—so your unexpected expenses stay predictable and affordable. Here are three practical examples to show how your reimbursement and out-of-pocket costs might look:

Example 1: Treatment for a Broken Leg (Dog, Lifetime £11,000 cover)

Total vet fees: £2,450 (consultation, x-rays, surgery, medication)

Standard excess: £120 (payable once per condition, per year)

Amount eligible for reimbursement: £2,450 – £120 = £2,330

Percentage reimbursed: 100% (no compulsory co-pay under age threshold)

👉 You receive £2,330 from Tesco Pet Insurance.
Your out-of-pocket cost: £120 (the fixed excess)

ℹ️ If your dog is aged 8+ (or 5+ for some breeds), you would pay an extra 20% of the claim after excess. For a younger dog, it’s just the fixed excess. Annual limit remaining: £8,670

Example 2: Dental extraction following infection (Cat, Lifetime £11,000 cover)

Total vet fees: £780 (dental exam, pre-op bloods, extraction, meds)

Standard excess: £120

Amount eligible for reimbursement: £780 – £120 = £660

Percentage reimbursed: 100% (if all recommended annual dental check-ups completed)

👉 You receive £660 from Tesco.
Your out-of-pocket cost: £120

ℹ️ Annual dental check-ups and adherence to your vet’s dental advice are needed for dental illness cover. If you miss a check-up, dental disease may not be covered.

Example 3: Cremation/ Saying Goodbye following incurable illness (Dog, Lifetime £11,000 cover)

Total cremation fee: £210

Maximum reimbursed by Tesco: £200

👉 You receive £200 from Tesco.
Your out-of-pocket cost: £10

ℹ️ “Saying Goodbye” cover is limited to £200 per event when your vet confirms euthanasia or cremation is necessary due to a covered illness or accident and age limits are met.

With Tesco’s Lifetime plan at the highest level, you have real peace of mind for serious emergencies, ongoing illnesses, or the most difficult moments—your out-of-pocket expenses are minimised and predictable, so you can focus on your pet’s wellbeing.

Tesco support

Tesco offers its policyholders strong day-to-day support, notably with 24/7 access to the vetfone helpline—one of the most robust, widely available tele-advice services on the UK market—yet there is no dedicated emergency vet triage or live video consultation for clinical emergencies or out-of-hours care.

The Pet Portal allows claim tracking and document management online, but feedback highlights occasional frustrations with the portal’s ergonomics and usability, which can force users to turn to phone support.

Tesco does provide the facility for direct vet payments where a practice agrees, but does not offer an automatic advance-of-fees card or similar service; upfront payments may still be required by some clinics.

Monthly premium payments by Direct Debit at no extra cost offer genuine budgeting flexibility, in line with best UK practice.

There is a limitation on overseas cover, as treatment abroad is restricted to 90 days per policy year and only in the EU, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man, with no coverage for longer-term or worldwide stays.

Customer feedback on Tesco

We have analysed the reviews from the site listed above. On the positive side, policyholders who have taken out a contract with Tesco for their pet often mention:

• An efficient and empathetic customer service: the helpfulness, friendliness, and human approach of advisors are frequently singled out, particularly during stressful situations or when managing claims.
• An easy and swift claims and policy management process: many customers value the quick responses over the phone, simple policy amendments, and the user-friendly claims process, with prompt communication and document handling.
• The option to speak to a real person: having actual, approachable staff available is appreciated at key moments, such as after an accident or in case of policy concerns.
• Good value for money and competitive pricing: several reviewers point out that Tesco provided more affordable cover than previous insurers, especially when using Clubcard discounts.
• Support in difficult circumstances: customers are grateful for the care provided in challenging cases, such as insurance fraud or complex claims, with staff providing clarity and reassurance.

On the negative side:

• Website usability issues: some customers report that the online experience is confusing or difficult, sometimes forcing them to switch from digital channels to phone support to get service.
• Cancellation complications and fees: there are complaints about high cancellation fees and the inability to cancel policies easily online, with some long-time customers expressing frustration about the process.
• Noticeable price increases: a number of policyholders are dissatisfied with annual premium rises, which can be significant even when discounts are applied.
• Occasional delays in claims processing: while uncommon, a few clients mention slow claim outcomes or unresolved issues after long waiting periods.

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.