Is Healthy Pets Pet Insurance Worth It? Reviews 2025
Our Expert's Opinion on Healthy Pets
Healthy Pets is an established UK pet insurance specialist, operating since 1996 and part of the Ardonagh Group, authorised by the FCA and insured by Antares Insurance. Its wide range of plans—from 'Accident Only' to comprehensive 'Select Plus', 'Lifetime', and 'Maximum Benefit'—lets owners select annual reimbursement limits between £1,000 and £7,500, though the more popular 'Select Plus' plan caps veterinary cover at £2,000 per condition and year. Healthy Pets stands apart from typical budget providers with flexible, transparent coverage options, accessible from as early as 5 weeks of age, and guaranteed lifetime protection provided policies are continuously renewed. Annual excesses are variable (details set individually), with no prevention or wellness budgets included, and the insurer does not cover pre-existing conditions. Pricewise, Healthy Pets is competitive, particularly attractive for those seeking modular contracts for young or pedigree animals, or owners prioritising reliable liability cover for dogs (up to £1 million). Healthy Pets’ reliability is reinforced by its 25+ year track record and strong industry backing, though precise financial figures (turnover, total premiums) are not public, and Trustpilot ratings are not published but summarise as mostly positive on customer service and claims speed, with typical reimbursements described as prompt if paperwork is complete. The insurer administrates claims by phone or online, and, while there's no client web portal, response times are often under a week for standard claims.
- Wide range of cover levels up to £7,500 per year
- Liability insurance for dogs up to £1,000,000 included in all plans
- Covers both young animals (from 5 weeks) and older pets
- Lifetime cover available on continuous renewal
- Fast and accessible claims support by phone and online
- Flexible plans for routine, ongoing or breed-specific conditions
- Direct payment to vets possible (subject to agreement)
- No coverage for pre-existing conditions
- Annual reimbursement caps can be low for chronic illnesses
- No online customer claims tracking portal
- Limited dental and preventive care coverage
- Premiums may increase significantly at renewal
- Healthy Pets Warranties
- Healthy Pets Exclusions
- Healthy Pets Rates
- Healthy Pets Assistance
- Customer feedback on Healthy Pets
- How can I contact Healthy Pets?
- FAQ
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At HelloSafe, our pet insurance expert reviews the terms and conditions and pricing of market-leading insurance policies every year to provide you with reliable and unbiased analysis. Thanks to this rigorous approach, thousands of users across the UK trust us each month to support them in making their most important financial decisions.
Healthy Pets Warranties
Healthy Pets offers a broad set of pet insurance options, ranging from economical “Accident Only” (covering accidents only, with £1,000 cap/accident, RC dogs only) to the comprehensive “Select Plus” (all-accident-and-illness, featuring £2,000+ veterinary expenses/year, advanced imaging, boarding and travel, but clear sub-limits per item and illness). Their strong points are broad life-long cover if renewed, absence of long-term disease exclusion, and one of the highest third-party liability limits (£1M) for dogs. Other advantages: annual contracts cancellable at any time, direct vet payment possible, easy online/phone claim process, and competitive pricing with new customer discount. Notable limits include: no cover for pre-existing conditions, hereditary/long-standing issues, or preventive/routine care (e.g. vaccination, neutering, dental except after accident), and restricted cover for older pets (notably death/cremation post-9 years). Healthy Pets stands out by offering lifetime and multi-tier options, but could improve on routine care, dental, and client self-service digital tools.
| Guarantee Name | Accident Only | Select Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Product positioning | Budget first-tier accident cover | Comprehensive accident & illness/travel/death |
| Type of cover | Accident only | Accident & illness |
| Species covered | Dogs and cats | Dogs and cats |
| Reimbursement rate (%) | NC | NC |
| Annual vet fees coverage cap | £1,000 per accident (12m cap per event) | £2,000 per condition/year |
| Deductible | See schedule (per claim); RC: £250 | See schedule (per claim); RC: £250 min |
| Age at entry (dogs) | 5 weeks minimum; max NC | 5 weeks minimum; max NC |
| Age at entry (cats) | 5 weeks minimum; max NC | 5 weeks minimum; max NC |
| Health questionnaire required | NC | NC |
| Waiting period – illness | Not covered | 10 days |
| Waiting period – accident | 48 hours | 48 hours |
| Lifetime cover as long as renewed | Yes | Yes |
| Vet consultations (routine, emergency) | Accident only, within £1,000/event cap | All illness/accident (£2,000/yr/case) |
| Medication | Post-accident only, included in event cap | All medication (accident/illness) within £2,000 condition cap |
| Hospitalisation | Post-accident only, within £1,000/event cap | Admissions for accident/illness within £2,000/yr/case |
| Ambulance fees | Accident only, included in event cap | Covered within annual cap |
| Surgery, anaesthesia | Accident only, within £1,000/event cap | Covered within annual cap for accident/illness |
| CT/MRI/advanced imaging | Not covered (except RC disputes) | £1,500/year within limit |
| Laboratory tests | After accident only, within cap | Covered for accident/illness (£2,000/yr/case) |
| Radiotherapy | Not covered | NC |
| Dentistry | Not covered (except RC disputes) | After accident only, up to £2,000/yr |
| Descaling | Not covered | Not covered |
| Preventive care package | Not covered | Not covered |
| Complementary therapies (hydro, osteo) | £400 (within £1,000 event cap, accident only) | £750/year (accident/illness, pre-authorisation) |
| Prescription diet | Not covered | £100/year upon vet prescription |
| Countries covered/travel | UK, IOM, Channel Islands only | UK, IOM, Channel Islands + 30 days EU/year |
| Death/cremation | Not covered | Up to £1,000 (age and cause limits apply) |
| Euthanasia | Post-accident only, if vet-required, within cap | Covered if necessary, age limits apply |
| Theft/loss/search costs | Not covered | £1,000 max + £600 reward |
| Boarding (owner hospitalised) | Not covered | £500/year max |
- NC = Not Communicated or not publicly specified
- Illness/death cover stops after age 9 (or 6 for some breeds)
- Pre-existing and preventive/routine costs (vaccines, check-ups, neutering) never covered
- Annual cap resets if policy renewed unless stated otherwise
Good to know
- Select Plus and higher tiers offer annual per-condition or global coverage—it's key to check your policy schedule for which applies, as other plans (Maximum Benefit, Lifetime, etc.) offer different caps.
- Healthy Pets does not require animals to be microchipped, but Responsible Ownership (routine care, vaccinations) is expected and non-compliance can void claims.
- Direct vet payment is possible but subject to vet participation and approval by Healthy Pets.
- No coverage for breeding, pregnancy, or professional/working animals, and there is no public digital client portal; claim tracking is via email or phone only.
- Receipt and claim submission must occur within 6 months of treatment.
Healthy Pets Exclusions
Exclusions within Healthy Pets contracts are generally in line with market standards (pre-existing conditions, preventive care, dangerous breeds), but there are some differentiators worth noting. Both "Accident Only" and "Select Plus" exclude all dental treatments unless related to an accident, and advanced imaging (CT/MRI scans) is only included in Select Plus, which is less comprehensive than some competitors offering dental coverage for illness. Compensation is strictly limited geographically: Accident Only does not cover claims outside the UK, while Select Plus includes EU cover but only up to 30 days per year. Responsibility cover is strictly for dogs, and never for cats, with explicit exclusion of all animals listed under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. Further, age limits apply for death benefits (none above nine years old, sometimes six for certain breeds), and claims must be submitted within six months, which is a relatively short period compared to some providers.
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical exclusions | • Any illness (Accident Only); • Pre-existing conditions; • Costs for routine check-ups, vaccines, preventative care; • Dental treatment (except accident, only in Select Plus); • CT/MRI scans (not covered in Accident Only); • Euthanasia, post-mortem, giving birth/gestation; • Treatment for animals under 5 weeks old; • Diseases transmitted by the animal. |
| Geographic exclusions | • Accident Only: No cover outside UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man; • Select Plus: EU cover up to 30 days/year only. |
| Identification/breed exclusions | • Animals listed in Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and similar legislation; • No liability/RC cover for cats; • No death benefit over 9 years old (6 for some breeds). |
| Usage exclusions | • Animals used for commercial/professional purposes; • Animals trained for attack or with a history of aggression; • Claims resulting from pollution, war, or intentional harm. |
| Administrative/process exclusions | • Accident: Claims for incidents within 48h of start; • Illness (Select Plus): Claims for conditions arising in first 10 days; • All claims to be submitted within 6 months; • Policy voided in case of fraud or misrepresentation. |
• Pre-existing conditions;
• Costs for routine check-ups, vaccines, preventative care;
• Dental treatment (except accident, only in Select Plus);
• CT/MRI scans (not covered in Accident Only);
• Euthanasia, post-mortem, giving birth/gestation;
• Treatment for animals under 5 weeks old;
• Diseases transmitted by the animal.
• Select Plus: EU cover up to 30 days/year only.
• No liability/RC cover for cats;
• No death benefit over 9 years old (6 for some breeds).
• Animals trained for attack or with a history of aggression;
• Claims resulting from pollution, war, or intentional harm.
• Illness (Select Plus): Claims for conditions arising in first 10 days;
• All claims to be submitted within 6 months;
• Policy voided in case of fraud or misrepresentation.
Healthy Pets Rates
Overall, Healthy Pets positions itself toward the competitive end of the UK pet insurance market, especially for its Accident Only and Select Plus formulas. The Accident Only cover is economic but delivers clear limits and stricter exclusions, making it best for owners seeking a low-cost, basic safety net. Select Plus provides broader guarantees, notably covering illness and more expensive procedures, but with lower annual reimbursement ceilings than several premium competitors, keeping monthly costs restrained yet inherently less comprehensive. Healthy Pets operates as a digital pure player with streamlined processes, enabling reduced management costs compared to traditional, brick-and-mortar insurers and thus more appealing entry-level pricing. The brand's offering is ideal for budget-conscious owners who want straightforward, accessible cover, but it will not compete on depth with the highest-end or all-inclusive policies available in the UK.
| Accident Only | Select Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Young cat (2-4 yrs) | £5/mo | £11/mo |
| Senior cat (7-8 yrs) | £9/mo | £18/mo |
| Small dog (generic) | £6/mo | £14/mo |
| Small dog (2-4 yrs) | £7/mo | £15/mo |
| Large dog (2-4 yrs) | £9/mo | £20/mo |
| Senior dog (7-8 yrs) | £13/mo | £27/mo |
To secure the best value for your situation, make sure to compare several insurers, as Healthy Pets’ competitive rates may suit some pet owners but you could find a better price or broader coverage elsewhere.
👉 Compare pet insurance plans for freeStart saving on vet billsHealthy Pets promo codes
| Healthy Pets Promo Codes | Details |
|---|---|
| 20% off (automatic) | 20% discount for new customers with immediate purchase. Discount applied automatically (excludes fees, options, and premium finance). |
How much will I be reimbursed with Healthy Pets?
| Type of care | Average price (GBP) | Accident Only (max £1,000 per accident) | Select Plus (max £2,000 per condition/year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neutering / Spaying | £200 | Not covered (preventive care excluded) | Not covered (preventive care excluded) |
| Vaccination (annual boosters) | £60 | Not covered (preventive care excluded) | Not covered (preventive care excluded) |
| Broken leg (surgery + aftercare) | £1,200 | Reimbursed £1,000 Out-of-pocket: £200 (excluding excess) | Reimbursed £1,200 Out-of-pocket: £0 (excluding excess) |
| Ingestion of foreign body (surgery) | £1,400 | Reimbursed £1,000 Out-of-pocket: £400 (excluding excess) | Reimbursed £1,400 Out-of-pocket: £0 (excluding excess) |
| Skin infection (consultation, meds, follow-up) | £400 | Not covered (illnesses excluded) | Reimbursed £400 Out-of-pocket: £0 (excluding excess) |
Out-of-pocket: £200 (excluding excess)
Out-of-pocket: £0 (excluding excess)
Out-of-pocket: £400 (excluding excess)
Out-of-pocket: £0 (excluding excess)
Out-of-pocket: £0 (excluding excess)
Healthy Pets Assistance
The Healthy Pets assistance system stands out for its option of direct payment to vets under certain conditions, which is valuable for owners facing high veterinary costs. However, the absence of a customer portal or mobile app notably limits digital monitoring and autonomous claims management, an area where UK competitors increasingly invest. Claims can be managed by phone or webform, but report tracking appears suboptimal, with some customers highlighting a lack of dedicated e-space and communication via fragmented emails. No 24/7 emergency or teleconsultation service is included, and there is no affiliated network of clinics or vets, so guidance in crisis situations is minimal. Coverage is geographically restricted—with only “Select Plus” including EU cover for a maximum of 30 days per year—and no support abroad for long stays or outside Europe.
| Assistance Healthy Pets | Disponible ? | Détails |
|---|---|---|
| Advance of fees | ✅ | Direct payment to the vet is possible, subject to insurer approval and client’s payment of excess and co-insurance. No universal e-payment platform (e.g. Payvet). |
| Payment facilities | ✅ | Payment can be made as a one-off or monthly instalments by direct debit. No mention of interest-free 3x splitting; monthly payments seem standard with insurer consent. |
| Mobile app | ❌ | No mobile application available. All policy and claims management via website, phone or email. User experience is limited in terms of autonomy and real-time tracking. |
| Dematerialised claim processing | ❌ | No dedicated customer portal. Claims processed via phone or online form, but users must send supporting documents by email. Tracking is paper/e-mail only, not digital. |
| Veterinary emergency | ❌ | No emergency helpline or teleconsultation service for urgent situations. Clients must contact their own vet independently in case of emergency. |
| Veterinary clinic network | ❌ | No partner network of approved clinics or vets. All registered UK vets are eligible for treatment, but no preferential agreements or guidance in choosing professionals. |
| Cover abroad | ✅ | "Select Plus" offers cover for up to 30 days per year in the EU, Isle of Man and Channel Islands. No international cover for longer stays or non-EU countries. |
No universal e-payment platform (e.g. Payvet).
No mention of interest-free 3x splitting; monthly payments seem standard with insurer consent.
All policy and claims management via website, phone or email.
User experience is limited in terms of autonomy and real-time tracking.
Claims processed via phone or online form, but users must send supporting documents by email.
Tracking is paper/e-mail only, not digital.
Clients must contact their own vet independently in case of emergency.
All registered UK vets are eligible for treatment, but no preferential agreements or guidance in choosing professionals.
No international cover for longer stays or non-EU countries.
Customer feedback on Healthy Pets
| Review Site | Rating and Number of Reviews |
|---|---|
| Trustpilot | Note not explicitly displayed in sources, but a high number of reviews (>100). |
How can I contact Healthy Pets?
| Healthy Pets customer service | Details |
|---|---|
| To get a quote or subscribe online | You can use the HelloSafe best pet insurance comparison tool, select the plan that suits you and click to get a quote. You can also get a quote and subscribe directly on the Healthy Pets website: www.healthy-pets.co.uk Or contact customer service at 01730 268592 (Monday–Friday, UK hours) or by email: [email protected]. |
| To request and track a reimbursement | Send your reimbursement request: - Online via the form on www.healthy-pets.co.uk or by email at [email protected] - By phone at 01730 268592 or 01730 450190. Documents to attach: claim form, vet invoices, medical reports if requested. Possible direct payment to the vet (if accepted), otherwise reimbursement to your bank account. Submit the claim within 6 months following the incident. Average processing time: a few days to a few weeks depending on the case. For any questions on claim status, call customer service. |
| To obtain an insurance certificate | Request it: • By phone at 01730 268592 • By email at [email protected] • Via the contact form on www.healthy-pets.co.uk Please provide your name, contract number and intended use; the certificate is usually sent by email or mail within a few days. |
| To contact customer support | Customer service/support contact: • By phone at 01730 268592 (policy management, information, support) • For claims: 01730 450190 • By email at [email protected] • By online form on the official website. For financial difficulties: specific section 'customers in financial difficulty' on the website. Emergency medical assistance must be arranged directly with your vet, then declared to Healthy Pets within the contract timeline. |
| To cancel my contract | Cancellation possible at any time, by: • Phone at 01730 268592 • Email: [email protected] • Mail: Healthy Pets Insurance, No.6 Ridgeway Office Park, Bedford Road, Petersfield GU32 3QF, United Kingdom. Provide: contract number, your contact details, reason for cancellation. If no claim filed: pro rata refund for remaining months. If claim filed: no refund. Notice period is immediate unless otherwise stated in your policy. Keep proof of your cancellation request. |
You can also get a quote and subscribe directly on the Healthy Pets website: www.healthy-pets.co.uk
Or contact customer service at 01730 268592 (Monday–Friday, UK hours) or by email: [email protected].
- Online via the form on www.healthy-pets.co.uk or by email at [email protected]
- By phone at 01730 268592 or 01730 450190.
Documents to attach: claim form, vet invoices, medical reports if requested.
Possible direct payment to the vet (if accepted), otherwise reimbursement to your bank account.
Submit the claim within 6 months following the incident.
Average processing time: a few days to a few weeks depending on the case.
For any questions on claim status, call customer service.
• By phone at 01730 268592
• By email at [email protected]
• Via the contact form on www.healthy-pets.co.uk
Please provide your name, contract number and intended use; the certificate is usually sent by email or mail within a few days.
• By phone at 01730 268592 (policy management, information, support)
• For claims: 01730 450190
• By email at [email protected]
• By online form on the official website.
For financial difficulties: specific section 'customers in financial difficulty' on the website.
Emergency medical assistance must be arranged directly with your vet, then declared to Healthy Pets within the contract timeline.
• Phone at 01730 268592
• Email: [email protected]
• Mail: Healthy Pets Insurance, No.6 Ridgeway Office Park, Bedford Road, Petersfield GU32 3QF, United Kingdom.
Provide: contract number, your contact details, reason for cancellation.
If no claim filed: pro rata refund for remaining months.
If claim filed: no refund.
Notice period is immediate unless otherwise stated in your policy.
Keep proof of your cancellation request.
FAQ
Do I need to pay veterinary fees upfront with Healthy Pets?
Healthy Pets allows direct payment to the vet in some cases, but this is not guaranteed and depends on your veterinary practice’s agreement. Usually, you will need to pay the vet first, then submit your claim for reimbursement (minus any excess or co-payment). Always check with your vet and Healthy Pets in advance to see if direct payment can be arranged for your situation.
How do I cancel my Healthy Pets pet insurance policy?
You can cancel your Healthy Pets pet insurance policy at any time by contacting their customer service by phone or email. If no claim has been made, you’ll receive a pro-rata refund for any unused premium; if a claim has been made, no refund is due. Include your policy number and confirmation in writing, and allow time for standard administrative processing.
What does Healthy Pets cover and what are the main exclusions?
Healthy Pets offers different levels of cover. Their "Accident Only" policy covers only accidental injuries, not illnesses. Their more comprehensive plans (like Select Plus) cover both accidents and illnesses, hospitalisation, travel, theft, and more, each up to fixed annual limits. Exclusions across all policies include pre-existing conditions, routine check-ups, vaccinations, preventive care, and certain breeds listed as dangerous.
Is there a waiting period before cover starts with Healthy Pets?
Yes, for new policies there’s a waiting period: 48 hours for accidents, and 10 days for illnesses on policies that include illness cover. Any illness or injury occurring within these periods will not be covered. This ensures the insurance is not taken out in response to an already developing condition or event.
Can I insure older pets or very young animals with Healthy Pets?
Healthy Pets accepts puppies and kittens from 5 weeks old, and there is no upper age limit for starting accident-only cover. With illness or lifetime cover, certain restrictions may apply to very old pets (limits for death benefit or some covers beyond age 9). All policies require ongoing renewal and premium payment for lifetime continuity.
Do I need to pay veterinary fees upfront with Healthy Pets?
Healthy Pets allows direct payment to the vet in some cases, but this is not guaranteed and depends on your veterinary practice’s agreement. Usually, you will need to pay the vet first, then submit your claim for reimbursement (minus any excess or co-payment). Always check with your vet and Healthy Pets in advance to see if direct payment can be arranged for your situation.
How do I cancel my Healthy Pets pet insurance policy?
You can cancel your Healthy Pets pet insurance policy at any time by contacting their customer service by phone or email. If no claim has been made, you’ll receive a pro-rata refund for any unused premium; if a claim has been made, no refund is due. Include your policy number and confirmation in writing, and allow time for standard administrative processing.
What does Healthy Pets cover and what are the main exclusions?
Healthy Pets offers different levels of cover. Their "Accident Only" policy covers only accidental injuries, not illnesses. Their more comprehensive plans (like Select Plus) cover both accidents and illnesses, hospitalisation, travel, theft, and more, each up to fixed annual limits. Exclusions across all policies include pre-existing conditions, routine check-ups, vaccinations, preventive care, and certain breeds listed as dangerous.
Is there a waiting period before cover starts with Healthy Pets?
Yes, for new policies there’s a waiting period: 48 hours for accidents, and 10 days for illnesses on policies that include illness cover. Any illness or injury occurring within these periods will not be covered. This ensures the insurance is not taken out in response to an already developing condition or event.
Can I insure older pets or very young animals with Healthy Pets?
Healthy Pets accepts puppies and kittens from 5 weeks old, and there is no upper age limit for starting accident-only cover. With illness or lifetime cover, certain restrictions may apply to very old pets (limits for death benefit or some covers beyond age 9). All policies require ongoing renewal and premium payment for lifetime continuity.
