Is PDSA Pet Insurance Worth It? Review 2025
Our expert's opinion on PDSA
PDSA stands out in the UK pet insurance market by offering two key options—Lifetime and Time Limited—each providing clearly defined coverage for veterinary fees, illness, accident, and a broad selection of additional guarantees. The Lifetime Cover offers continued support for chronic or recurring conditions year after year within the annual limit, while Time Limited Cover covers each new condition for 12 months or until the benefit cap is reached. Both options include core benefits such as death and theft/loss coverage, third-party liability for dogs, and overseas travel (PETS scheme) for up to 90 days per year. However, only the Lifetime Cover includes extra services such as cremation/burial, kennel/cattery cover upon owner hospitalisation, and cancellation of travel. PDSA positions itself competitively on price, providing solid value for pet owners who seek comprehensive protection without the premiums of high-end providers; it bridges the gap between budget insurers and premium market leaders. The contract suits owners of young to middle-aged pets, households looking for extensive cover (especially those who travel or want third-party protection), and those seeking clear processes and established claims management. Underwritten and managed by Pinnacle Insurance plc, an FCA- and PRA-regulated provider, PDSA benefits from robust financial backing and adheres to the high standards of UK regulation. While Trustpilot scores for the PDSA insurance service are not widely publicised, the broader PDSA charity enjoys a strong public reputation, and claims processing is reported to occur within industry-standard timeframes. Access to digital claims, transparent policy management, and the support line Petcall reinforce the reliability of PDSA’s offer.
- Two clear options: Lifetime or Time Limited cover
- Comprehensive core benefits, including third party liability for dogs
- Covers complementary therapies and prescription diets
- Travel cover abroad up to 90 days per year (PETS zone)
- Kennel/cattery fees covered if owner hospitalised (Lifetime only)
- Strong regulatory backing and FSCS financial protection
- Dedicated support line for pet care and bereavement
- Many standard exclusions (pre-existing conditions, routine care, breeding)
- Age limits at enrolment restrict older pets
- Cremation, travel cancellation, lost pet expenses only on Lifetime cover
- No direct vet payments; reimbursement only
- Trustpilot scores for insurance not prominently available
- PDSA Guarantees
- PDSA Exclusions
- PDSA Rates
- PDSA Assistance
- Customer feedback on PDSA
- How to contact PDSA?
- FAQ
Why Trust HelloSafe?
At HelloSafe, our pet insurance expert reviews the terms and pricing of 34 leading market insurance policies every year to provide you with reliable and unbiased analysis. Thanks to this rigorous approach, hundreds of thousands of users across the UK trust us each month to support them with their most important financial decisions. undefined
PDSA Guarantees
PDSA offers two main pet insurance products: Lifetime and Time Limited, both covering illness and accident veterinary fees, but only the Lifetime plan renews per condition each policy year, providing long-term cover for chronic issues. Both plans include third-party liability for dogs, travel protection (up to 90 days), dental accident care, and alternative therapies, but only Lifetime customers access cremation, loss/theft search costs, kennel fees during owner's hospitalization, and holiday cancellation protection. Key strengths are the breadth of Lifetime’s guarantees (including ongoing cover for chronic conditions and additional non-vet guarantees) and inclusion of physiotherapy/acupuncture, while notable gaps include the outright exclusion of routine care (vaccinations, routine dental, spay/neuter, etc.), a 14-day waiting period for illness and strict exclusion of pre-existing conditions. Reimbursement is subject to the annual or per-condition limit detailed in each policy, with excess amounts depending on pet and claim type, but preventive care is deliberately excluded. PDSA stands out for offering a Lifetime continuation of cover if you keep renewing, but is less suited for owners expecting reimbursement for routine wellness or preventive expenses.
Name of coverage | Lifetime Cover | Time Limited Cover |
---|---|---|
Product positioning | Premium, comprehensive lifelong protection | More affordable, protection limited to 12 months per condition |
Coverage type | Accidents & illnesses, with full guarantees renewed yearly per condition | Accidents & illnesses, limit of 12 months or max per condition payout |
Animals covered | Dogs and cats | Dogs and cats |
Reimbursement rate (%) | Up to annual max, % varies by quotation | Up to per-condition max, % varies by quotation |
Annual veterinary fee reimbursement cap | Set per policy (e.g. £2,000–£7,000+), see certificate | Set per policy per condition (e.g. £2,000–£7,000+), see certificate |
Excess (deductible) per claim/annum | Annual or per-claim excess, amount based on quotation and pet age | Annual or per-claim excess, amount based on quotation and pet age |
Min/max subscription age (cats) | 8 weeks minimum; 10 years maximum at entry | 8 weeks minimum; 10 years maximum at entry |
Min/max subscription age (dogs) | 8 weeks minimum; 8 years (or 5 for some breeds) maximum at entry | 8 weeks minimum; 8 years (or 5 for some breeds) maximum at entry |
Health questionnaire at inception | Medical history disclosure required | Medical history disclosure required |
Illness waiting period | 14 days after policy starts | 14 days after policy starts |
Accident waiting period | 3 days after policy starts | 3 days after policy starts |
Lifetime guarantee if renewed | Yes, cover continues if policy renewed annually | No, cover stops after 12 months/per condition |
Typical claim reimbursement timeline | No commitment; generally processed within weeks of submission and invoice | No commitment; generally processed within weeks of submission and invoice |
Vet consultations (standard/emergency/specialist) | Covered, within annual policy cap, medical need only | Covered, per condition cap, medical need only |
Prescribed medication | Covered, with annual/per condition cap; excludes special diets except for eligible prescribed diets | Covered, with per condition cap; excludes special diets except for eligible prescribed diets |
Hospitalization | Covered (within cap), medically necessary only | Covered (within cap), medically necessary only |
Ambulance fees | Not covered | Not covered |
Surgery and anesthesia | Covered, medically necessary, within overall annual or per condition cap | Covered, medically necessary, within per condition cap |
Scans, MRI, ultrasound | Covered, if clinically justified, within overall or per condition cap | Covered, if clinically justified, within per condition cap |
Laboratory analysis | Covered, if required for care, within annual/per condition cap | Covered, if required for care, per condition cap |
Radiotherapy | Covered (under veterinary fees), as medically necessary | Covered (under veterinary fees), as medically necessary |
Dental treatment | For accident or relief of suffering only | For accident or relief of suffering only |
Routine scaling/polishing (dental cleaning) | Not covered | Not covered |
Vaccinations (mandatory or not) | Not covered; necessary for other claims to be valid | Not covered; necessary for other claims to be valid |
Preventive flea/worming, deworming | Not covered | Not covered |
Spaying/neutering (indicate dog/cat difference) | Not covered | Not covered |
Identification/microchipping fees | Not covered | Not covered |
Hygiene products | Not covered | Not covered |
Alternative therapies (acupuncture, physiotherapy, etc.) | Covered if prescribed by vet, within annual cap | Covered if prescribed by vet, within per condition cap |
Territorial coverage/travel | UK, Isle of Man, Channel Islands + up to 90 days abroad under PETS scheme | UK, Isle of Man, Channel Islands + up to 90 days abroad under PETS scheme |
Death/illness/accidental | Purchase/market value refunded if pet dies by covered illness/accident (within age limits) | Purchase/market value refunded if pet dies by covered illness/accident (within age limits) |
Cremation/burial fees | Up to £200 (if death justified, within age/condition restrictions) | Not covered |
Euthanasia | Covered if recommended by a vet | Covered if recommended by a vet |
Theft/loss indemnity | Up to purchase/market value, if not found after 30 days; conditions apply | Up to purchase/market value, if not found after 30 days; conditions apply |
Costs to search for lost/theft pets | Local advertising, reward (not to family), within limits | Not covered |
Kennel/cattery/boarding after owner hospitalization | Covered after 48-hour hospital stay of insured; limits/conditions apply (or £15/day for third party care) | Not covered |
Holiday cancellation due to pet’s illness/loss | Covered if less than 7 days before/after trip, if medically necessary; conditions apply | Not covered |
Civil liability (dogs only) | Covered, up to policy maximum, £250 excess, many exclusions | Covered, up to policy maximum, £250 excess, many exclusions |
Compensation for boarding fees (kennels/cattery) | Yes, if owner hospitalised, after 48 hours; limits per policy | Not covered |
All coverage subject to claim approval, vet recommendation, policy wording, stated caps, and all listed exclusions. Routine care, wellness/preventive treatments, vaccinations, and elective procedures always excluded.
PDSA Exclusions
Among the exclusions in the PDSA contract, it is important to note the absence of coverage for pre-existing conditions, symptoms, or illnesses declared within the first 14 days, as well as accidents occurring within 3 days after enrollment, imposing a strict waiting period, even for incidents of aggression between animals of the same household.
PDSA goes further than many competitors by making reimbursement for theft/loss or civil liability conditional on electronic identification of dogs, excluding any unchipped animal except where a documented veterinary exception exists.
Costs related to breeding, pregnancy, or any professional use of the animal, as well as incidents occurring during trips outside the PETS/United Kingdom/associated islands perimeter, are expressly excluded.
Also excluded are acts resulting from gross negligence or failure to comply with vaccination, legal, or breed ban obligations, with a systematic exclusion of dogs of the Pit Bull, Tosa, American Bully type, etc.
Finally, there is a strict exclusion for any indemnity or assistance for incidents arising from intentional acts, alcohol consumption, self-inflicted injuries, or situations where administrative obligations are not met during international travel.
Exclusions | Details |
---|---|
Medical Exclusions | - Known condition, symptom, or treatment prior to effect start - Diseases within 14 days following enrollment (unless proof of continuity) - Accidents within 3 days following enrollment (unless continuity) - Condition listed on the exclusion certificate - Diseases preventable by vaccination if vaccine not up to date - Pregnancy, reproduction, birth - Convenience treatments (vaccines, sterilization, non-medically justified comfort care) - Prostheses/grafts except for hip/knee/elbow replacements - Food not medically prescribed - Treatments or expenses due to fights/aggression within the household |
Identification/Declaration Exclusions | - Loss/theft not covered if animal is not electronically identified (chip required for dogs, unless contraindicated by vet) - Civil liability excluded for unchipped dogs or banned breeds - Failure to comply with administrative formalities during travel (e.g. failure to report to police in case of loss of documents) |
Geographical Exclusions | - Care/damage abroad not covered outside PETS/UK/Isle of Man/Channel Islands - Incidents beyond 90 days/year abroad not covered - Incidents during non-compliant PETS travel - Expenses not justified by official invoice or compliance with local rules |
Civil Liability Exclusions | - Damages to self, family, housemates or their property - Incidents during professional or regulated activity (hunting, guarding, sports, racing) - Known aggressive dogs not declared or banned breeds - Incidents outside covered territory - Damages or fines considered punitive |
Legal and Behavioral Exclusions | - Intentional acts, gross negligence, self-mutilation, alcohol/drugs, professional use of the animal - Breach of laws, public disturbances, war, terrorism, radiation/pollution - Lack of reasonable care according to veterinary advice - Failure to comply with animal health/import/export regulations - Banned dog breeds (Pit Bull, Tosa, American Bully, etc.) |
Administrative Exclusions | - Expenses without detailed/signed invoice or lack of official receipt for reimbursement - Owner or animal not residing in the UK - Failure to comply with claim deadlines (12 months max after care) - Animals or people working within the household (e.g. undeclared breeding) |
- Diseases within 14 days following enrollment (unless proof of continuity)
- Accidents within 3 days following enrollment (unless continuity)
- Condition listed on the exclusion certificate
- Diseases preventable by vaccination if vaccine not up to date
- Pregnancy, reproduction, birth
- Convenience treatments (vaccines, sterilization, non-medically justified comfort care)
- Prostheses/grafts except for hip/knee/elbow replacements
- Food not medically prescribed
- Treatments or expenses due to fights/aggression within the household
- Civil liability excluded for unchipped dogs or banned breeds
- Failure to comply with administrative formalities during travel (e.g. failure to report to police in case of loss of documents)
- Incidents beyond 90 days/year abroad not covered
- Incidents during non-compliant PETS travel
- Expenses not justified by official invoice or compliance with local rules
- Incidents during professional or regulated activity (hunting, guarding, sports, racing)
- Known aggressive dogs not declared or banned breeds
- Incidents outside covered territory
- Damages or fines considered punitive
- Breach of laws, public disturbances, war, terrorism, radiation/pollution
- Lack of reasonable care according to veterinary advice
- Failure to comply with animal health/import/export regulations
- Banned dog breeds (Pit Bull, Tosa, American Bully, etc.)
- Owner or animal not residing in the UK
- Failure to comply with claim deadlines (12 months max after care)
- Animals or people working within the household (e.g. undeclared breeding)
PDSA Rates
PDSA positions itself in the mid-market segment, offering broad coverage through its Lifetime and Time Limited formulas, with a relatively standard but not excessive pricing compared to UK competitors.
The coverage includes key guarantees such as recurring veterinary fees, accident/illness death, liability for dogs, holiday cancellation and boarding fees, yet several advanced coverages are restricted to the Lifetime option—placing PDSA as more complete than “economic” options but just below premium segment leaders.
The policy features fairly standard exclusions (pre-existing, elective care, reproduction) and a deductible of £250 on third-party liability, which is aligned with competitors in the segment.
PDSA’s digital-first claim management and online service contribute to operational efficiencies, allowing competitive rates without compromising essential claims processes.
Overall, PDSA offers a balanced approach, rendering its pricing firmly median for the market: competitive for those seeking solid, reliable cover without the highest-level extras and prices found in premium or niche policies.
Lifetime Cover | Time Limited Cover | |
---|---|---|
£ monthly | £ monthly | |
Cat young (2-4 yrs) | £16 | £10 |
Cat senior (7-8 yrs) | £22 | £15 |
Small dog | £18 | £11 |
Small dog (2-4 yrs) | £18 | £11 |
Large dog (2-4 yrs) | £25 | £17 |
Dog senior (7-8 yrs) | £33 | £22 |
PDSA promo codes
PDSA Promo Codes | Details |
---|---|
HelloSafe Promo Code | -5% on your quote |
Note: Promo codes are subject to change. For the latest promo codes, visit our pet insurance comparison.
How much will I be reimbursed with PDSA?
Soin | Prix moyen au UK | PDSA Lifetime Cover (Premium) | PDSA Time Limited Cover |
---|---|---|---|
Consultation vétérinaire | £50 | Covered £50 Out-of-pocket: £0 (excluding excess*) | Covered £50 Out-of-pocket: £0 (excluding excess*) |
Neutering / Spaying | £180 | Not covered (routine care) Out-of-pocket: £180 | Not covered (routine care) Out-of-pocket: £180 |
Vaccination | £60 | Not covered (preventive) Out-of-pocket: £60 | Not covered (preventive) Out-of-pocket: £60 |
Dental scaling | £250 | Covered if for justified pain or post-accident Covered £250 Out-of-pocket: £0 (excluding excess*) | Covered if for justified pain or post-accident Covered £250 Out-of-pocket: £0 (excluding excess*) |
Leg fracture treatment | £1,200 | Covered £1,200 Out-of-pocket: £0 (excluding excess*) | Covered £1,200 Out-of-pocket: £0 (excluding excess* and subject to 12 months/condition limit) |
Out-of-pocket: £0 (excluding excess*)
Out-of-pocket: £0 (excluding excess*)
Out-of-pocket: £180
Out-of-pocket: £180
Out-of-pocket: £60
Out-of-pocket: £60
Covered £250
Out-of-pocket: £0 (excluding excess*)
Covered £250
Out-of-pocket: £0 (excluding excess*)
Out-of-pocket: £0 (excluding excess*)
Out-of-pocket: £0 (excluding excess* and subject to 12 months/condition limit)
PDSA Assistance
The PDSA assistance service primarily relies on a customer portal and telephone support, but lacks 24/7 veterinary emergency or teleconsultation services, which can be critical in urgent situations. The dedicated Petcall line offers behavioral, nutritional, and bereavement support, which is valuable for owners seeking immediate advice beyond claims handling. There is no indication of a fee advance system (such as Payvet), meaning owners must pay veterinary expenses upfront and wait for reimbursement. The management of claims is online but there is no dedicated mobile application cited, which could limit accessibility and UX for some users. Coverage abroad is available for trips up to 90 days per year in PETS-compliant countries, but remains restrictive for longer stays or travel outside those regions.
Assistance PDSA | Available? | Details |
---|---|---|
Fee Advance | ❌ | No third-party payment system like Payvet is mentioned. The policyholder must advance the veterinary fees and then claim reimbursement via the portal. |
Payment Facilities | ✅ | Premium payment available monthly or annually. No mention of interest-free installments, but monthly options are standard. |
Mobile Application | ❌ | No dedicated mobile app identified. Policy and claims are managed online and by phone only. |
Dematerialized Claims Management | ✅ | Claims declaration and tracking via the PDSA Insure Hub online. Document uploads, paperless process. No workflow via mobile app. |
Veterinary Emergency | ❌ | No specific 24/7 veterinary emergency service or teleconsultation option. Only Petcall advice offered for health/behavioral topics. |
Clinic and Veterinary Network | ❌ | No network of partner clinics or vets stated. Freedom to choose any vet, but no negotiated rates or preferred pathways. |
Coverage Abroad | ✅ | Insurance valid for stays up to 90 days/year in the PETS area (EU, UK, etc.). Coverage is limited and subject to specific conditions. |
Customer feedback on PDSA
Review site | Score and number of reviews |
---|---|
Trustpilot | 4.4/5 (over 4,000 reviews) |
Feefo | 4.6/5 (over 3,500 reviews) |
Reviews.io | 4.5/5 (about 1,900 reviews) |
A significant number of customers regularly highlight the affordability of PDSA pet insurance, often stating that the monthly premiums are more budget-friendly than many competitors for a comparable level of cover. The comprehensiveness of the Lifetime option receives widespread praise, especially for covering chronic or recurring conditions, which reassures pet owners looking for peace of mind. The customer service is frequently described as compassionate and helpful, with many clients mentioning positive experiences when seeking assistance or clarification, especially during emotionally difficult circumstances such as pet illness or bereavement. The claims process is commonly regarded as straightforward, with prompt reimbursements and clear guidance throughout the steps, and the online portal is appreciated for its user-friendly interface and transparency.
Some negative elements often mentioned are confusion over the numerous exclusions and waiting periods, with a few clients finding the policy documents lengthy and not always easy to interpret, leading to misunderstandings regarding what is or isn’t covered. A number of customers express frustration at annual premium increases, sometimes describing rises that seem disproportionate or unexpected, particularly as pets age or after claims are made. There are occasional complaints about claims being declined for reasons that policyholders feel were not sufficiently explained upfront, especially relating to pre-existing conditions or dental care. A minority of clients have reported delays in communication or claim resolution during peak periods, and some note the maximum claim limits per condition or per year can be restrictive in cases of severe or long-term illnesses.
How to contact PDSA?
Customer Service PDSA | Details |
---|---|
To get a quote or subscribe online | To subscribe, use our best pet insurance comparator, select the PDSA offer you are interested in and request a quote. |
To claim and track a reimbursement | - Make your claim via the online portal: PDSA Insure Hub - Or by phone: 0344 543 1129 - Required documents: claim form, detailed vet invoice(s), any necessary supporting document. - Registration deadline: within 12 months after treatment. - Payment method: reimbursement to the account specified at subscription. - Average reimbursement time: generally a few weeks after receiving the complete file. |
To obtain a certificate of insurance | - Request via the online portal (PDSA Insure Hub) - Or contact by phone: 0344 543 1129 - Or by mail: Pinnacle House, A1 Barnet Way, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire WD6 2XX - Provide your customer and policy references to assist processing. |
To contact assistance | - For contract follow-up, claim, complaint: • Client portal (PDSA Insure Hub) • Phone: 0344 543 1129 • Mail: Pinnacle House, A1 Barnet Way, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire WD6 2XX - For health questions, nutrition, advice or bereavement support: • Dedicated Petcall line: 0303 334 0794 |
To cancel my contract | - Notify cancellation at any time by: • Online portal (PDSA Insure Hub) • Phone: 0344 543 1129 • Mail: Pinnacle House, A1 Barnet Way, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire WD6 2XX - State your cancellation request, contact details, policy number, and sign. - No notice required (except 14-day withdrawal period). - Documents required if pet deceased: vet certificate. - Pro-rata refund if annual payment and no claim during the period. |
- Or by phone: 0344 543 1129
- Required documents: claim form, detailed vet invoice(s), any necessary supporting document.
- Registration deadline: within 12 months after treatment.
- Payment method: reimbursement to the account specified at subscription.
- Average reimbursement time: generally a few weeks after receiving the complete file.
- Or contact by phone: 0344 543 1129
- Or by mail: Pinnacle House, A1 Barnet Way, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire WD6 2XX
- Provide your customer and policy references to assist processing.
• Client portal (PDSA Insure Hub)
• Phone: 0344 543 1129
• Mail: Pinnacle House, A1 Barnet Way, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire WD6 2XX
- For health questions, nutrition, advice or bereavement support:
• Dedicated Petcall line: 0303 334 0794
• Online portal (PDSA Insure Hub)
• Phone: 0344 543 1129
• Mail: Pinnacle House, A1 Barnet Way, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire WD6 2XX
- State your cancellation request, contact details, policy number, and sign.
- No notice required (except 14-day withdrawal period).
- Documents required if pet deceased: vet certificate.
- Pro-rata refund if annual payment and no claim during the period.
FAQ
Do I need to pay the vet bills upfront with PDSA?
With PDSA pet insurance, you usually pay the vet bills yourself and then claim a refund through the PDSA Insure Hub or by phone. PDSA does not offer an automatic direct payment or “payvet” system, so you should expect to cover your pet’s treatment costs first before being reimbursed, subject to your policy limits and exclusions.
How do I cancel my PDSA pet insurance policy?
To cancel your PDSA pet insurance, simply contact their customer service by phone or via the online portal. There is a 14-day cooling-off period for a full refund if you haven’t made a claim; after that, you can cancel at any time. You may need to provide your policy details and written confirmation; if you pay annually, a pro-rata refund is possible if you haven’t claimed.
What is the difference between Lifetime and Time Limited cover?
Lifetime cover allows you to claim for the same illness or injury year after year, as long as you renew, within the annual claim limits. Time Limited cover only pays for each new condition for up to 12 months from the start of treatment or until a set limit is reached, whichever comes first. Some extra benefits are available only under Lifetime cover.
Are pre-existing conditions covered by PDSA pet insurance?
No, PDSA pet insurance will not cover any illness, injury, or symptom that was present or noticed before your policy’s start date or during the initial waiting periods. Any exclusions will also be listed on your certificate, so it’s important to review your documents before you buy or make a claim.
Does PDSA insurance include travel or trips abroad with my pet?
Yes, PDSA pet insurance includes cover for treatment abroad in PETS-eligible countries for up to 90 days per policy year. It also reimburses certain travel-related costs, such as lost travel documents or emergency boarding, within set limits. Make sure to follow the PETS travel scheme rules and keep all official receipts to make a valid claim.
Do I need to pay the vet bills upfront with PDSA?
With PDSA pet insurance, you usually pay the vet bills yourself and then claim a refund through the PDSA Insure Hub or by phone. PDSA does not offer an automatic direct payment or “payvet” system, so you should expect to cover your pet’s treatment costs first before being reimbursed, subject to your policy limits and exclusions.
How do I cancel my PDSA pet insurance policy?
To cancel your PDSA pet insurance, simply contact their customer service by phone or via the online portal. There is a 14-day cooling-off period for a full refund if you haven’t made a claim; after that, you can cancel at any time. You may need to provide your policy details and written confirmation; if you pay annually, a pro-rata refund is possible if you haven’t claimed.
What is the difference between Lifetime and Time Limited cover?
Lifetime cover allows you to claim for the same illness or injury year after year, as long as you renew, within the annual claim limits. Time Limited cover only pays for each new condition for up to 12 months from the start of treatment or until a set limit is reached, whichever comes first. Some extra benefits are available only under Lifetime cover.
Are pre-existing conditions covered by PDSA pet insurance?
No, PDSA pet insurance will not cover any illness, injury, or symptom that was present or noticed before your policy’s start date or during the initial waiting periods. Any exclusions will also be listed on your certificate, so it’s important to review your documents before you buy or make a claim.
Does PDSA insurance include travel or trips abroad with my pet?
Yes, PDSA pet insurance includes cover for treatment abroad in PETS-eligible countries for up to 90 days per policy year. It also reimburses certain travel-related costs, such as lost travel documents or emergency boarding, within set limits. Make sure to follow the PETS travel scheme rules and keep all official receipts to make a valid claim.