Is Kennel Club Pet Insurance Any Good? Reviews 2025

Why trust HelloSafe?

At HelloSafe, our pet insurance expert reviews the terms and pricing of insurance policies available in the market each year, delivering a reliable and impartial analysis for you. Thanks to this rigorous approach, hundreds of thousands of users across the UK trust us every month to assist them with their most important financial decisions.

Kennel Club Guarantees

Kennel Club offers a specialist range of Lifetime dog insurance formulas (Lite, Classic, Plus, Premium) that focus on comprehensive long-term protection, including up to £25,000 annual vet fees and extensive third-party liability as standard.

Key strengths include highly rated claims service (98% paid, no premium rise for claims), free 24/7 vet video calls, cover for ongoing and recurring conditions, and strong customer satisfaction but are primarily oriented towards dogs, with specific breeder and puppy options available.

Preventive care is limited, typically only reimbursing part of clinical diets and select therapies, and strict exclusions persist for pre-existing conditions, omitted vaccinations, and certain breeds.

Optional guarantees such as death, theft, holiday cancellation, breeding, and overseas travel extend versatility, though actual benefit caps and excess amounts depend on the formula chosen (not publicly specified).

Kennel Club stands out for its high single-incident and lifetime limits, minimal policy restrictions compared to some competitors, and robust reputation, though lack of detailed public tariffs or clear prevention packages may hinder direct comparison.

Good to know

• All policies require up-to-date core vaccinations (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus).
• Breeder/puppy coverage and travel extensions are only available if selected.
• Complementary/alternative therapies, behavioural consults, and certain high-cost treatments have sub-limits (e.g., PRP £750, stem cell £1,500, behaviourist £750/disorder).
• Dental coverage is restricted to treatments due to illness/injury and excludes routine scale-and-polish.
• There is no cover for pre-existing conditions or illnesses arising during the waiting period.
• Some dangerous breeds and dogs used for commercial gain (except approved service) are excluded.

Compare carefully to find the formula and options best suited to your pet’s needs and to take advantage of the best price.

Kennel Club Exclusions

Kennel Club Lifetime Dog Insurance presents exclusions common to the UK market—such as pre-existing conditions, illnesses arising in the first 10 days, and non-essential procedures—but stands out for its strict rules on breeding (restricting cover if the dog is under 1 or over 8 at pregnancy or has more than four litters) and requiring all complementary/rehab care to be provided by accredited professionals, which can be more stringent than some peers.

The policy systematically excludes incidents relating to certain breeds under the Dangerous Dogs Act, as well as loss or theft claims not promptly reported or lacking robust proof of ownership, going beyond mere loss notification.

Cover abroad is limited to 120 days in PETS-compliant countries, and any breach of microchipping or health regulations results in exclusion—even in quarantine or travel sections.

Related to third-party liability, cover excludes not just direct family/household claims or incidents with deliberate acts, but also all motor vehicle-linked incidents and any claims for communicable disease transmission.

General exclusions reinforce legal compliance, dog identification, and territorial rules, while Kennel Club’s transparency on exclusions and requirement for regular vaccinations set a high bar for responsible ownership.

Kennel Club Rates

Kennel Club positions itself at the upper end of the UK pet insurance market, offering comprehensive lifetime coverage with high annual vet fee limits—reportedly up to £25,000 per year—alongside strong inclusions such as third-party liability, behaviourist fees, complementary therapies, and optional breeding and travel covers.

Its excesses are moderate rather than low, but the scope and depth of coverage across formulas mean the pricing remains above average compared to more basic providers or digital-first “pure players” that strip back optional extras to lower costs.

Where Kennel Club stands out is its high claim acceptance rate (circa 98%), stable premiums after claims, and consistently high customer satisfaction, underpinned by robust service from a specialist, established pet insurer.

While not the cheapest—particularly when enhanced cover or older pets are involved—its proposition is considered expensive but very complete, targeting owners seeking reliability and minimal gaps in protection.

Explore multiple quotes from different insurers to ensure you select the most suitable and affordable pet cover for your needs.

Kennel Club promo codes

How much will I be reimbursed with Kennel Club?

Kennel Club reimburses your pet’s vet expenses according to your chosen plan, after deducting an annual fixed excess and percentage excess per claim. With the highest "Lifetime Premium" cover, you benefit from up to £25,000 of vet fee reimbursement each year, ensuring major illnesses, surgeries, and emergencies get covered, with only a small share left for you to pay yourself.

Example 1: Specialist consultation and treatment for cruciate ligament rupture

Total vet fees: £2,500 (including diagnostics, surgery, and follow-up care)

Annual fixed excess: £105 (first claim of the policy year)
After-excess balance: £2,500 – £105 = £2,395
Co-payment (10% of balance): £239.50
Amount Kennel Club pays: £2,395 – £239.50 = £2,155.50
👉 You receive £2,155.50 back from Kennel Club.

ℹ️ The annual excess is due only once per year, per illness/injury, even if further costs arise later in the same year for the same condition.

Example 2: Hospitalisation for severe gastroenteritis (ongoing illness, further within policy year)

Total vet fees: £920

Annual fixed excess: £0 (already paid on earlier claim this policy year for this illness)
Co-payment (10% of total): £92
Amount Kennel Club pays: £920 – £92 = £828
👉 You are reimbursed £828.

ℹ️ Costs add up quickly if your dog has a chronic or complex illness. With Lifetime Premium, even many treatments in the same year are covered—your only share remains the 10% co-payment.

Example 3: Preventive dental scale and polish (if prescribed by a vet to treat gum disease)

Total dental treatment cost: £340

Annual fixed excess: £0 (if already paid that year)
Co-payment (10%): £34
Amount Kennel Club pays: £340 – £34 = £306
👉 Your reimbursement will be £306.

ℹ️ Kennel Club Lifetime Premium covers dental treatments necessary for medical reasons (not routine cleaning), provided vaccinations/regular checks are up to date. Preventive care not specifically prescribed would not be eligible.

Kennel Club Assistance

Kennel Club stands out for providing 24/7 vet video call access via the Agria Vet Guide app, which is highly valuable in emergencies and for instant advice, a service still rare on the UK market.

Direct vet payments are available, but there is no true cashless 'advance of fees' system such as Petcard or Carecredit, meaning owners typically pay first and reclaim.

While claim management is streamlined through online and postal forms, there is a dedicated app mainly for vet advice and policy management, not for the full claim and reimbursement process.

No exclusive network of veterinary partners is listed, which may limit negotiated rates or direct settlement options, but the overseas extension does allow up to 120 days of cover annually in PETS-compliant countries if selected.

Absence of a 24/7 in-person veterinary triage or physical partner clinics is notable versus some new entrants, but high customer satisfaction reflects effective claim payouts and accessible support channels.

Customer feedback on Kennel Club

We analysed the reviews from the sites listed above. In terms of positive points, policyholders who have taken out insurance for their pets with Kennel Club commonly mention:

• The customer service that is friendly, helpful and compassionate: a large majority of customers describe staff as approachable, knowledgeable, and empathetic, with regular mention of quick and sensitive support in difficult or stressful situations.
• The claims process that is straightforward and efficient: most clients report that claims are processed promptly and payments are made on time, with little administrative hassle.
• The clarity and transparency of communication: policy explanations and responses to queries are considered clear and comprehensive, with regular follow-up from advisors.
• The reliability and trustworthiness of the cover: repeat customers cite a consistently high level of service and confidence that their dogs are protected, especially for those with ongoing veterinary needs.
• The ease of policy management and renewal: the set-up and renewal procedures are reported as user-friendly and fast, making ongoing management simple for pet owners.

In terms of points to improve:

• The premiums that are not always the cheapest: a number of clients note that Kennel Club’s policies can be more expensive than some alternatives, though many still consider the value for service acceptable.
• The occasional rigidity in policy exclusions: some customers highlight disappointment when certain claims are declined due to pre-existing conditions or specific policy exclusions, which can be stricter than expected.
• The lack of price flexibility or loyalty incentives for long-term customers: a few reviewers would appreciate more competitive pricing or benefits, especially after multiple years of renewal.
• The cover levels and benefits that require careful reading: some policyholders advise that understanding annual limits and optional extras can be complex, recommending extra attention to policy documents at sign-up.

How to contact Kennel Club?

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.