Is Petplan Pet Insurance Worth It? Reviews & Insights 2025
Our expert's opinion on Petplan
Petplan stands as the undisputed leader of pet insurance in the UK, insuring over 1.3 million pets, with more than 40 years of experience and exceptional reliability as part of Allianz Insurance plc. The comprehensive 'Covered for Life®' range—Classic, Classic Plus, and Ultimate—offers annual reimbursement limits reset at renewal, strong coverage of illness and injury (including behavioural and physiotherapy treatments), and extensions for travel, holiday cancellations, and boarding fees. Petplan's reimbursement is on real veterinary costs up to the policy’s annual limit, with specific excess amounts per claim or benefit, and additional caps for complementary treatments. Its broad set of guarantees, including theft, loss, and support services, positions it above most competitors in the UK, particularly for long-term, ongoing conditions. Petplan is especially suitable for pedigree animals and owners prioritising lifetime cover and high reimbursement limits, as well as those willing to pay mid-to-upper range premiums for peace of mind. The brand is rated 4.8/5 on Trustpilot (over 39,000 reviews), testament to its excellent claims handling—most handled within 10-15 days—and trusted service. Petplan’s strong financial backing, regulatory supervision, and transparent claims process further reinforce its status.
- Annual benefit limits fully renewed each policy year
- Covers chronic and recurring conditions throughout pet’s life
- High maximum reimbursement, pays real vet fees
- Full cover for physiotherapy and behavioural treatments
- Loss, theft, quarantine, and holiday cancellation included
- Direct veterinarian settlements and clear claims process
- Excellent Trustpilot rating and prompt claims handling
- No coverage for pre-existing conditions or preventive care
- Separate excess per claim and benefit section
- Public liability not available for cats
- Death benefit only included as standard in Ultimate plan
- Premiums among highest in the market
- Petplan Guarantees
- Petplan Exclusions
- Petplan rates
- Petplan Assistance
- Customer feedback on Petplan
- How to contact Petplan?
- FAQ
Why trust HelloSafe?
At HelloSafe, our pet insurance expert reviews the terms and pricing of 34 insurance policies on the UK market every year, providing you with reliable and unbiased analysis. Thanks to this rigorous approach, hundreds of thousands of users across the UK trust us each month to help them make their most important financial decisions. undefined
Petplan Guarantees
Petplan stands out in the UK pet insurance market with three lifetime formulas—Classic, Classic Plus and Ultimate—offering comprehensive illness and injury coverage with annual benefit limits that reset each year, making it especially suited for lifelong and chronic treatments. All formulas cover real vet fees up to a detailed annual ceiling, with an excess (deductible) per condition or claim, and optional add-ons like death or theft/loss cover (included by default in Ultimate), plus extra boarding, travel and third-party insurance for dogs. Petplan’s strengths lie in broad overseas cover (UK + EU), behaviour and complementary treatments, minimal waiting periods (14 days for illness, immediate for accident), and flexible policies that can be tailored via options at renewal, as well as direct-to-vet payments. Weak points include a systematic exclusion of pre-existing conditions, preventive care (vaccines, sterilisation, parasite control, routine cleaning), restrictions on pets’ age for some covers (notably death by illness), and limited cover for hereditary or congenital illnesses unless declared and accepted at subscription. Overall, Petplan’s “Covered for Life” provides strong, renewably annual protection but requires careful attention to declared conditions and omitted preventive care benefits.
| Name of guarantee | Classic | Classic Plus | Ultimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Positioning of the formula | Lifetime cover, modular | Lifetime cover, enhanced options | Lifetime cover, top-tier with all extensions |
| Type of cover: accident, accident & illness, etc. | Illness & accident | Illness & accident | Illness & accident |
| Animals covered | Dogs and cats | Dogs and cats | Dogs and cats |
| Reimbursement rate (%) | 100% of eligible fees (less excess) | 100% of eligible fees (less excess) | 100% of eligible fees (less excess) |
| Annual vet fees reimbursement cap | Set per cert; typically £4,000–£7,000 | Set per cert; typically £7,000–£12,000 | Set per cert; up to £12,000 or more |
| Annual/per claim deductible | Fixed per claim/condition, from £75 | Fixed per claim/condition, from £75 | Fixed per claim/condition, from £75 |
| Min/max age to subscribe (cat) | >6 weeks to no stated max | >6 weeks to no stated max | >6 weeks to no stated max |
| Min/max age to subscribe (dog) | >6 weeks to no stated max | >6 weeks to no stated max | >6 weeks to no stated max |
| Preliminary health questionnaire? | Not systematically, may apply in some cases | Not systematically, may apply in some cases | Not systematically, may apply in some cases |
| Waiting period for illness | 14 days | 14 days | 14 days |
| Waiting period for accident | 0 day | 0 day | 0 day |
| Lifetime cover after subscription? | Yes as long as contract renewed | Yes as long as contract renewed | Yes as long as contract renewed |
| Average claims settlement time | Typically within 10-30 days | Typically within 10-30 days | Typically within 10-30 days |
| Routine/emergency/specialist consult. | Covered within annual vet cap | Covered within annual vet cap | Covered within annual vet cap |
| Medicines | Covered if prescribed by vet | Covered if prescribed by vet | Covered if prescribed by vet |
| Hospitalisation | Covered within annual vet cap | Covered within annual vet cap | Covered within annual vet cap |
| Ambulance fees | Covered if medically necessary | Covered if medically necessary | Covered if medically necessary |
| Surgery, anaesthesia | Covered within annual vet cap | Covered within annual vet cap | Covered within annual vet cap |
| Scans, MRI, ultrasound | Covered within annual vet cap | Covered within annual vet cap | Covered within annual vet cap |
| Laboratory tests | Covered within annual vet cap | Covered within annual vet cap | Covered within annual vet cap |
| Radiotherapy | Covered within annual vet cap | Covered within annual vet cap | Covered within annual vet cap |
| Dental care | Only for accident/illness, no routine | Only for accident/illness, no routine | Only for accident/illness, no routine |
| Scaling/detartrage | Not covered (routine excluded) | Not covered (routine excluded) | Not covered (routine excluded) |
| Vaccines (mandatory or not) | Not covered (preventive excluded) | Not covered (preventive excluded) | Not covered (preventive excluded) |
| Parasite/worm treatment | Not covered (preventive excluded) | Not covered (preventive excluded) | Not covered (preventive excluded) |
| Spaying/castration (dog/cat difference) | Not covered (preventive excluded) | Not covered (preventive excluded) | Not covered (preventive excluded) |
| ID/microchipping costs | Not covered, regulatory requirement | Not covered, regulatory requirement | Not covered, regulatory requirement |
| Hygiene products | Not covered (preventive excluded) | Not covered (preventive excluded) | Not covered (preventive excluded) |
| Complementary therapies (osteopathy, etc.) | Covered, specific cap, referral needed | Covered, specific cap, referral needed | Covered, specific cap, referral needed |
| Countries covered / travel | UK+EU (up to 90 days/yr for EU stays) | UK+EU (up to 90 days/yr for EU stays) | UK+EU (up to 90 days/yr for EU stays) |
| Death / cremation | Option (add-on) for death, no cremation | Option (add-on) for death, no cremation | Included death by illness/acc.; cremation not covered |
| Euthanasia | Only if medically necessary | Only if medically necessary | Only if medically necessary |
| Theft or loss | Option (add-on) | Option (add-on) | Included as standard |
| Boarding costs (owner hospitalised) | Option (add-on) | Option (add-on) | Included as standard |
| Third party liability (dogs only) | Option (add-on) | Option (add-on) | Included as standard (dogs) |
| Pet sitting/grooming/kennel fees (non-medical) | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
Exact annual vet fee caps, excess amounts, and add-on availability confirmed on policy certificate. Some guarantees only active if selected/endorsed. Pre-existing and most preventive care always excluded.
Petplan Exclusions
Petplan's contract exclusions are characterized by heightened strictness regarding pre-existing conditions, both medical and behavioral; any omission at the time of subscription may result in total denial of coverage, beyond standard exclusions. A particular feature is the automatic and irreversible termination of death-by-illness coverage upon reaching a relatively low age limit based on breed (8 years for most dogs, 5 years for certain breeds), whereas most competitors allow higher limits or extensions. Petplan is also uncompromising regarding incidents occurring abroad (outside the EU or stays >90 days), and denies any event related to professional activities or certain dog categories, even if those arise after subscription. Finally, post-claim procedures and deadlines are extremely strict (e.g., on documentation and mandatory ad placement in case of loss/theft), potentially resulting in rejection for non-compliance, a point less rigorously enforced by other insurers.
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical exclusions | - Pre-existing or non-declared conditions (illnesses, behavioral disorders, known anomalies…) - Illnesses occurring within 14 days post-subscription - Preventive care, (re)vaccinations, deworming - Unprescribed or unnecessary treatments - Treatments related to reproduction, gestation, or unjustified euthanasia - Transplant surgery, clinical trials - Non-articular prostheses - Animals under 6 or 8 weeks (breeding) - Treatments by unrecognized practitioners/no veterinary prescription |
| Geographical and stay exclusions | - Claims occurring outside UK or EU (except max 90 days/year in the EU) - Events occurring during travel abroad to seek veterinary care - Non-compliance with Pet Travel Scheme, quarantine or invalid paperwork - Coverage almost exclusively in the UK for most guarantees (except EU emergencies) |
| Administrative/identification exclusions | - Non-compliance with procedures in case of theft/loss (mandatory local ad, police reporting deadlines, documentation) - Refusal if the animal was merely entrusted or voluntarily left - Strict obligation to inform any change of situation or risk - Claims reported late (12 months limit) |
| Exclusions linked to category/purpose of the animal | - Dogs in banned UK categories or used for hunting, security, racing (even if use changes after subscription) - Dogs under the responsibility of a paid professional - Death by illness not covered after 8 years (standard dogs), 5 years (certain breeds), 10 years (cats) |
| Regulatory/legal/circumstantial exclusions | - Non-compliance with regulatory obligations (vaccines, identification) - War, terrorism, nuclear risk, zoonotic epidemics - Fraud, false statement, sanctions - Cosmetic, convenience care, food, non-medical equipment or machinery |
- Illnesses occurring within 14 days post-subscription
- Preventive care, (re)vaccinations, deworming
- Unprescribed or unnecessary treatments
- Treatments related to reproduction, gestation, or unjustified euthanasia
- Transplant surgery, clinical trials
- Non-articular prostheses
- Animals under 6 or 8 weeks (breeding)
- Treatments by unrecognized practitioners/no veterinary prescription
- Events occurring during travel abroad to seek veterinary care
- Non-compliance with Pet Travel Scheme, quarantine or invalid paperwork
- Coverage almost exclusively in the UK for most guarantees (except EU emergencies)
- Refusal if the animal was merely entrusted or voluntarily left
- Strict obligation to inform any change of situation or risk
- Claims reported late (12 months limit)
- Dogs under the responsibility of a paid professional
- Death by illness not covered after 8 years (standard dogs), 5 years (certain breeds), 10 years (cats)
- War, terrorism, nuclear risk, zoonotic epidemics
- Fraud, false statement, sanctions
- Cosmetic, convenience care, food, non-medical equipment or machinery
Petplan rates
Globally, Petplan is positioned in the upper midrange to premium segment due to its extensive “Covered For Life®” benefits, high annual reimbursement limits, and broad included guarantees such as behavioral therapies, complementary treatments, and overseas cover. Annual deductibles (“excess”) and co-payments are present but remain aligned with market practices for comprehensive contracts, and the ceiling resets each year, which adds value for chronic or recurring conditions. Optional modules on death and liability provide configuration flexibility, but the most complete “Ultimate” plan is both thorough and consequently priced above average. Petplan’s operational costs reflect a hybrid digital and traditional approach, so while service is robust and scalable, pricing is not as aggressively low as pure digital players. Overall, Petplan is considered “expensive but comprehensive,” suiting owners prioritizing lifelong, stable cover over those seeking economy.
| Classic | Classic Plus | Ultimate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cat young (2–4 yrs) | £16/mo | £21/mo | £31/mo |
| Cat senior (7–8 yrs) | £22/mo | £29/mo | £44/mo |
| Small dog (generic) | £23/mo | £29/mo | £39/mo |
| Small dog (2–4 yrs) | £20/mo | £27/mo | £37/mo |
| Large dog (2–4 yrs) | £26/mo | £34/mo | £48/mo |
| Senior dog (7–8 yrs) | £38/mo | £48/mo | £66/mo |
Petplan promo codes
| Promo codes Petplan | Details |
|---|---|
| HelloSafe promo code | -5% on your quote |
Note: Promo codes are subject to change. To get the latest promo codes, check out our comparison of the best pet insurance policies.
How much will I be reimbursed with Petplan?
| Soin | Prix moyen (£) | Formule Petplan Ultimate (Premium) |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation vétérinaire simple | £50 | Remboursé £50 Reste à charge : franchise (variable) |
| Opération en urgence (fracture) | £1,200 | Remboursé £1,200 Reste à charge : franchise (variable) |
| Castration / Stérilisation | £200 | Non remboursé Reste à charge : £200 |
| Vaccins annuels | £60 | Non remboursé Reste à charge : £60 |
| Détartrage dentaire | £350 | Non remboursé (sauf si nécessité médicale avérée) Reste à charge : £350 |
Reste à charge : franchise (variable)
Reste à charge : franchise (variable)
Reste à charge : £200
Reste à charge : £60
Reste à charge : £350
- Excess: Variable amount depending on the animal, generally £85 to £110 per claim or treatment (see Certificate of Insurance).
- Vaccines and neutering are not covered (prevention/exclusions).
- Dental scaling: not reimbursed unless medically necessary after illness/accident (not covered for routine maintenance).
Petplan Assistance
Petplan offers direct payment to the veterinarian, which is similar to selective advance payment but depends on practitioner consent and does not guarantee widespread acceptance like Payvet.
There is no information indicating the availability of a dedicated mobile application; the digital process is limited to an online customer area for claims and case tracking.
Digital claims management is functional via a web portal, but no instant transmission or mobile scanning option is mentioned, lacking compared to the most digitalized competitors.
The lack of a 24/7 emergency veterinary service, teleconsultation, or an identified partner clinic network limits support in critical situations and access to preferential rates or supervised care.
Coverage outside the UK is limited to the EU for 90 days per year, offering decent protection when traveling but excluding long-term stays or permanent residency abroad.
| Petplan Assistance | Available? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Advance payment | ✅ | Direct payment possible if the vet agrees. Not a standard advance like Payvet. Ask the practitioner each time. |
| Payment facilities | ❌ | No split payment mechanism without fees is mentioned in Petplan's documentation. |
| Mobile application | ❌ | No dedicated mobile app indicated. The client area is accessible via web browser but without smartphone-optimized ergonomics. |
| Digital claims management | ✅ | Claims and tracking via online client area. Forms and documents can be sent online. No mobile scanning. |
| Veterinary emergency | ❌ | No integrated 24/7 veterinary emergency service. No teleconsultation or instant assistance specified. |
| Clinic and veterinary network | ❌ | No partner clinic network. Freedom to choose your vet as long as they are qualified and recognized in the UK/EU. |
| Overseas coverage | ✅ | Coverage possible in the EU for up to 90 days/year. No coverage for long stay or permanent move outside the UK. Limited coverage outside Europe. |
Not a standard advance like Payvet.
Ask the practitioner each time.
The client area is accessible via web browser but without smartphone-optimized ergonomics.
Forms and documents can be sent online.
No mobile scanning.
No teleconsultation or instant assistance specified.
Freedom to choose your vet as long as they are qualified and recognized in the UK/EU.
No coverage for long stay or permanent move outside the UK.
Limited coverage outside Europe.
Customer feedback on Petplan
| Review Site | Rating and number of reviews |
|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 4.5/5 (over 22,000 reviews) |
| Feefo | 4.7/5 (over 17,000 reviews) |
| Reviews.io | 4.3/5 (about 2,500 reviews) |
A high number of customers who have insured their pets with Petplan frequently praise the reliable coverage, highlighting the comprehensive “Covered for Life” policy that supports ongoing and chronic health conditions throughout the animal’s life. The straightforward claims process and prompt reimbursement are often cited as key advantages, with many policyholders appreciating the option for direct payment to veterinarians and the clarity of digital account management. The quality and empathy shown by customer service, particularly during stressful periods such as illness or loss, are also noted positively. Many appreciate the transparency of the contract and regular communications, as well as additional perks such as bereavement support and legal advice hotline included in certain formulas.
A number of clients express dissatisfaction with the price increases that tend to occur as their pets age or after claims, describing premium rises as sometimes steep or unexpected. Some owners regret the exclusions for pre-existing conditions and the waiting periods at the beginning of the contract, which they found restrictive or confusing. The requirement for significant documentation in the event of complicated claims, as well as perceived strictness in the application of some exclusions, is mentioned as a source of frustration. A small proportion of policyholders report delays in claims for complex or high-cost cases and difficulty obtaining coverage for certain breeds or older animals. Overall, some customers feel that while coverage is robust, the cost and terms can become less advantageous as time goes on.
How to contact Petplan?
| Petplan customer service | Details |
|---|---|
| To get a quote or apply online | To subscribe, use our animal insurance comparison tool, select the Petplan offer that interests you and request a quote. You can also contact Petplan directly: • By phone: 0345 071 8000 • By email: [email protected] • Or on the official website: petplan.co.uk |
| To submit and track a reimbursement | Make your request online via your account at my.petplan.co.uk, or request a form via email. Documents to attach depending on the claim: detailed and paid vet bills, prescriptions, vet certificates, proof of purchase if needed. Declare within 12 months following the act/event. Reimbursement sent by bank transfer or check (choose when declaring), average processing time: 2 to 4 weeks. Contact: [email protected] or 0345 071 8000. Postal address for paper submission: Petplan, Great West House (GW2), Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 9DX, United Kingdom. |
| To get insurance certificate | Download directly from your personal space at my.petplan.co.uk. Or request it by phone at 0345 071 8000, or by email at [email protected]. Please specify the name of the policyholder and the insured pet for prompt processing. |
| To contact assistance | For a question, advice, or any operation (policy modification, add/remove a pet, information about coverage, etc.), use: • Phone: 0345 071 8000 • Email: [email protected] For bereavement support, help is offered through Blue Cross at 0800 138 6515. For access to the Legal Advice hotline: refer to your Certificate of Insurance. |
| To cancel my policy | Cancellation possible at any time, no fees. Send your cancellation request: • By email to [email protected] • Or by registered mail to: Petplan, Great West House (GW2), Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 9DX, United Kingdom. Include: policy number, contact details, reason for cancellation. Attach any supporting document (death of the animal: veterinary certificate, adoption: proof of ownership change, etc.). Notice is immediate (contract stops as soon as request is received) with possible pro-rata reimbursement of the unused period. Contact for any question: 0345 071 8000. |
You can also contact Petplan directly:
• By phone: 0345 071 8000
• By email: [email protected]
• Or on the official website: petplan.co.uk
Documents to attach depending on the claim: detailed and paid vet bills, prescriptions, vet certificates, proof of purchase if needed.
Declare within 12 months following the act/event.
Reimbursement sent by bank transfer or check (choose when declaring), average processing time: 2 to 4 weeks.
Contact: [email protected] or 0345 071 8000.
Postal address for paper submission:
Petplan, Great West House (GW2), Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 9DX, United Kingdom.
Or request it by phone at 0345 071 8000, or by email at [email protected].
Please specify the name of the policyholder and the insured pet for prompt processing.
• Phone: 0345 071 8000
• Email: [email protected]
For bereavement support, help is offered through Blue Cross at 0800 138 6515.
For access to the Legal Advice hotline: refer to your Certificate of Insurance.
Send your cancellation request:
• By email to [email protected]
• Or by registered mail to:
Petplan, Great West House (GW2), Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 9DX, United Kingdom.
Include: policy number, contact details, reason for cancellation.
Attach any supporting document (death of the animal: veterinary certificate, adoption: proof of ownership change, etc.).
Notice is immediate (contract stops as soon as request is received) with possible pro-rata reimbursement of the unused period.
Contact for any question: 0345 071 8000.
FAQ
Do I have to pay the vet bills upfront with Petplan?
With Petplan, you generally pay your vet first and then claim a reimbursement, subject to policy limits and your excess. However, many UK vets can accept to be paid directly by Petplan once a claim is approved – you should ask your vet if they offer this arrangement. Petplan does not guarantee a third-party payment system for every practice, so it’s important to confirm with your veterinary clinic before treatment.
How do I cancel my Petplan pet insurance policy?
To cancel your Petplan policy, contact Petplan’s customer service by phone or email. There is no minimum contract period, so you can cancel at any time, with any unused premium refunded pro-rata. Make sure to provide your policy number and animal details; written confirmation or an online request may be needed as proof.
Is my pet covered for pre-existing conditions with Petplan?
Petplan does not cover pre-existing conditions unless they have been fully resolved and symptom-free for a minimum specified time, as outlined in your certificate. Conditions developing within the first 14 days of your policy are also excluded. It's essential to fully declare all past health issues during signup to avoid any claim refusal or policy cancellation due to non-disclosure.
What is the annual limit and how does 'Covered For Life®' work?
Each year, your Petplan 'Covered For Life®' policy renews your chosen coverage limits, so ongoing conditions (like diabetes or arthritis) remain covered, provided you continue to renew and premiums are paid. The exact annual limit depends on your plan level (Classic, Classic Plus, or Ultimate) and is reset on each renewal. This makes Petplan particularly suitable for chronic or recurring pet health problems.
What types of treatments and events are not covered by Petplan?
Petplan excludes many preventive treatments like vaccinations, routine check-ups, and grooming. Conditions arising within the first 14 days, and undeclared pre-existing illnesses, are not covered. Costs related to breeding, pregnancy, elective procedures, and some hereditary conditions may also be excluded. Always review your Certificate of Insurance for specific details and exclusions relevant to your pet.
Do I have to pay the vet bills upfront with Petplan?
With Petplan, you generally pay your vet first and then claim a reimbursement, subject to policy limits and your excess. However, many UK vets can accept to be paid directly by Petplan once a claim is approved – you should ask your vet if they offer this arrangement. Petplan does not guarantee a third-party payment system for every practice, so it’s important to confirm with your veterinary clinic before treatment.
How do I cancel my Petplan pet insurance policy?
To cancel your Petplan policy, contact Petplan’s customer service by phone or email. There is no minimum contract period, so you can cancel at any time, with any unused premium refunded pro-rata. Make sure to provide your policy number and animal details; written confirmation or an online request may be needed as proof.
Is my pet covered for pre-existing conditions with Petplan?
Petplan does not cover pre-existing conditions unless they have been fully resolved and symptom-free for a minimum specified time, as outlined in your certificate. Conditions developing within the first 14 days of your policy are also excluded. It's essential to fully declare all past health issues during signup to avoid any claim refusal or policy cancellation due to non-disclosure.
What is the annual limit and how does 'Covered For Life®' work?
Each year, your Petplan 'Covered For Life®' policy renews your chosen coverage limits, so ongoing conditions (like diabetes or arthritis) remain covered, provided you continue to renew and premiums are paid. The exact annual limit depends on your plan level (Classic, Classic Plus, or Ultimate) and is reset on each renewal. This makes Petplan particularly suitable for chronic or recurring pet health problems.
What types of treatments and events are not covered by Petplan?
Petplan excludes many preventive treatments like vaccinations, routine check-ups, and grooming. Conditions arising within the first 14 days, and undeclared pre-existing illnesses, are not covered. Costs related to breeding, pregnancy, elective procedures, and some hereditary conditions may also be excluded. Always review your Certificate of Insurance for specific details and exclusions relevant to your pet.
