Is Petplan Pet Insurance Worth It? Reviews 2025

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At HelloSafe, our pet insurance expert reviews the terms and conditions and pricing of insurance policies available on the market every year to provide you with a reliable and unbiased analysis. Thanks to this thorough approach, hundreds of thousands of people across the UK trust us every month to help them make their most important financial decisions.

Petplan warranties

Petplan stands out with its "Covered For Life®" and "Essential" formulas, offering comprehensive UK market-leading cover for dogs, cats, and rabbits, with the lifetime option keeping chronic conditions covered each year up to a high annual limit. Reimbursement rates are typically 100% after a fixed excess per claim, and annual benefit reinstatement sets Petplan apart, as does the guarantee that claims will not increase premiums—only factors like age or inflation apply. Dental, hereditary, congenital, and behavioural conditions are included, provided that annual vet checks are done, while value-added services such as vet video consults and bereavement support are notable advantages. However, routine/preventive care (like vaccinations or worming), breeding, pregnancy, pre-existing conditions, and animals under 6 weeks are strictly excluded, with no lump-sum preventive allowance.

Petplan’s main limitation is the lack of a global travel cover for all territories and no civil liability protection, plus strict adherence to regular dental and veterinary check-ups is required.

Good to know

Petplan policies require at least annual dental check-ups and treatment of recommended issues for full dental cover. Hydrotherapy is capped at £500 per condition/year within therapies. Claims must be made within 12 months of treatment, and pets under 6–8 weeks cannot be enrolled. Chronic conditions are only covered if insured before symptoms start and policy is maintained without break.

Compare Petplan offers with other providers to secure the best coverage at the most attractive price for your pet.

Petplan exclusions

Petplan applies a thorough and precise set of exclusions in its rabbit insurance, echoing market standards around pre-existing conditions and routine/preventive care but with notably clear boundaries. Strict exclusion applies to any illness or injury existing before cover or arising in the first 14 days, and breeding, pregnancy, or any illness/injury related to neglect are firmly not covered. Unlike some competitors, a hydrotherapy sub-limit (£500/condition/year) is enforced even within eligible therapies and all alternative therapies not specifically listed (e.g., osteopathy beyond policy wording) are excluded. No benefits are payable for behavioural issues deemed preventable by training or neutering, or for boarding/care provided by family or household members.

The policy also excludes coverage for rabbits under 6 weeks old, incidents from legal non-compliance, mass vaccination campaigns, zoonotic diseases, and all costs related to clinical trials, joint replacements, prostheses, or non-essential procedures.

Petplan rates

Petplan is positioned as a premium, comprehensive provider in the UK pet insurance market, distinguished by high reimbursement limits, extensive cover for chronic and hereditary conditions, and inclusive features such as dental illness, behavioural treatments, and therapies often excluded elsewhere. These wide-ranging benefits, combined with low excesses (deductibles) and the “Covered For Life®” model, ensure superior protection but result in generally higher premiums compared to competitors offering more restrictive or time-limited plans.

Notably, pricing is not penalised following claims—a significant point of differentiation—though age and inflation do influence renewal costs.

While some digital-first rivals may undercut Petplan by offering stripped-down, solely online contracts, Petplan maintains a traditional, multi-channel service with strong customer support, which is reflected in its customer loyalty and long-term satisfaction metrics.

Overall, Petplan is “expensive but complete”: ideal for owners prioritising maximum breadth and stability of cover over purely low premiums, and less suited for those seeking the cheapest entry-level policy.

Compare providers to secure the best possible coverage for your pet at the lowest monthly cost.

Petplan promo codes

Note: Promo codes are subject to change. For the latest promotional codes, visit our comparison of the best pet insurance offers.

How much will I be reimbursed with Petplan?

Petplan’s “Covered For Life®” plan provides you with peace of mind knowing that, if your pet needs treatment for an illness or injury, you can claim every year for ongoing conditions (up to your chosen annual limit), and you’ll be reimbursed after subtracting your yearly fixed excess. Here are some clear examples to show you exactly how you’ll be reimbursed and what your out-of-pocket costs could be with Petplan’s best lifetime cover for your pet in Great Britain:

Example 1: Treatment for Rabbit Dental Disease

Total vet fees: £350 (consultation, dental X-ray, extraction, post-op pain medication)

Fixed excess to pay: £65 (applies once per condition, per year)

Deductible amount before reimbursement: £350 – £65 = £285

Reimbursement rate (Covered For Life® plan): 90% of £285 = £256.50

👉 You receive a £256.50 reimbursement from Petplan.

ℹ️ The £65 excess is only deducted once per condition per year. If your rabbit needs more dental work later this policy year, only the 10% co-pay will be subtracted from further claims.

Example 2: Emergency Surgery for Gastrointestinal Stasis

Total vet fees: £1,400 (diagnostics, hospitalisation, IV fluids, surgery, several days of aftercare)

Fixed excess: £65 (annual, per condition)

Deductible before reimbursement: £1,400 – £65 = £1,335

90% of remaining amount reimbursed: £1,335 × 90% = £1,201.50

👉 You are paid £1,201.50, directly to you or your vet, from your annual cover.

ℹ️ With the highest “Covered For Life®” benefit (e.g. £7,000/year), you have plenty of cover left for any other issues later the same year. Remember, your premium won’t be increased just because you’ve claimed.

Example 3: Hydrotherapy for Post-Surgical Recovery (Pet Therapies Section)

Course of hydrotherapy sessions: £420 (8 sessions prescribed by your vet)

Limit for hydrotherapy under Pet Therapies: £500 per condition, per year

Excess already paid on previous claim for this condition this year: Yes (so none now)

Reimbursement rate: 90% of £420 = £378

👉 You receive £378 directly reimbursed towards your hydrotherapy sessions.

ℹ️ Hydrotherapy is covered up to £500 per condition, per year, with no additional excess if already paid on an earlier claim for this issue. Other pet therapy treatments—such as acupuncture or physiotherapy—are also included (when prescribed).

With Petplan’s outstanding reimbursement rate and high annual cover limit, you’ll never have to worry about a big vet bill derailing your finances—your pet’s health comes first.

Petplan support

Petplan provides several valuable assistance features for UK pet owners, including a 24/7 legal helpline and a bereavement support line, which are both rare in the market and can be crucial during difficult times. The 'Pet Expert Chat' feature allows free video consultations with vets, behaviourists, and nutritionists, offering meaningful guidance beyond standard claims support.

Claims can be submitted by electronic form, through the My Petplan online portal, or by post, and Petplan enables direct payment to vets—however, there is no real "advance of fees" system as known with payment cards or interest-free instalments. While My Petplan streamlines online claims tracking and management, there is currently no standalone mobile app for policyholders, which may be a drawback given industry norms.

Emergency veterinary assistance and 24/7 vet teleconsultation are not included as direct services, and Petplan does not operate a proprietary clinical partner network. Cover abroad is limited: veterinary fees are only insured within the UK, so the lack of international support may not meet the needs of owners who travel with their pets.

Customer feedback on Petplan

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

• A highly reliable and prompt claims process: the ease of claim submission, quick payouts (often within a few days), and straightforward documentation are repeatedly praised, with many customers noting that claims are processed directly between Petplan and vets with minimal hassle for owners.
• Comprehensive lifelong cover: the ability to cover chronic, hereditary, dental, and ongoing conditions—often under the Covered For Life® plan—sets Petplan apart, and is cited as a reason for long-term customer loyalty.
• Professional and empathetic customer service: the courtesy, clarity, and compassion of the support team during stressful or emotional periods (e.g., during pet illnesses) are frequently highlighted as reassuring and supportive.
• No penalties for claiming: the assurance that premiums do not increase as a direct result of making a claim is valued, providing customers with clear expectations and long-term confidence.
• Strong reputation and trust: both vet recommendations and numerous awards (including Which? Best Buy) reinforce positive perceptions, with many customers insuring multiple pets over many years and recommending the company widely.

On the negative side:

• The premium levels are sometimes considered higher than competitors, leading some customers to question value for money, especially for older pets.
• Occasional complaints relate to administrative communications, such as follow-up marketing emails or letters perceived as excessive, particularly after introductory or free insurance periods.
• Some customers express frustration with specific exclusions, such as routine or preventive care, pre-existing conditions, or additional excess charges for older pets (e.g., a further 20% excess at age 7+), which can result in unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.
• A small number of reviewers mention delays or documentation requests for more complex claims, though most describe the process as swift for standard veterinary treatments.
• Dental cover is conditional upon regular annual checks, and failure to meet these requirements can result in denied claims, which has proved disappointing for a minority of policyholders.

How can I contact Petplan?

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.