Is Pinnacle Pet Insurance Worth It? Our Review 2025
Our Expert's Opinion on Pinnacle
Pinnacle stands as a major player in the UK pet insurance market, offering a comprehensive range of cover options for dogs and cats under the 'Everypaw' brand. With three main policies—Time Limited, Maximum Benefit, and Lifetime—Pinnacle allows owners to choose between annual benefit caps from £1,000 up to £12,000, and reimbursement rates up to 100%, positioning it competitively against leading providers like Petplan and ManyPets. Premiums remain moderate compared to top-tier rivals, particularly in relation to the Lifetime cover’s high annual limit, and all plans can include a preventive care add-on, unique among mid-priced products. Excess levels are flexible from £69 per claim, and premiums for younger, healthy pets are particularly attractive. Pinnacle insurance is well-suited to pedigree animals and pets with ongoing health needs, thanks to generous reimbursement ceilings and the absence of restrictive upper age limits at enrolment. Backed by a company with over £150 million in gross premium income and an 'Excellent' Trustpilot rating of 4.4/5 from over 2,500 reviews, Pinnacle enjoys a strong reputation for service reliability—most claims are processed within 7–14 days, which is well above the market average.
- Lifetime cover up to £12,000 annually
- Full reimbursement rates up to 100% of vet fees
- No upper age limit at policy start
- Preventive care add-on available
- Fast claim processing: typically 7–14 days
- Highly rated service (Trustpilot 4.4/5, 2,500+ reviews)
- Wide choice of excess and cover options
- Optional preventive cover increases the premium
- Time Limited and Max Benefit plans with lower caps
- Some hereditary and pre-existing conditions excluded
- Dental treatment only with annual check-up proof
- Premiums increase with pet’s age
- Pinnacle Guarantees
- Pinnacle Exclusions
- Pinnacle Rates
- Pinnacle Support
- Customer Feedback on Pinnacle
- How to contact Pinnacle?
- FAQ
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Pinnacle Guarantees
Pinnacle offers two core pet insurance plans—Essential and Superior—which both stand out for providing accident and illness coverage with reimbursement rates up to 90%, subject to an annual excess of £99 to £150 depending on animal age. Essential is designed for budget-conscious owners with a £6,000 annual claim limit and limited preventive care, while Superior targets comprehensive coverage needs by including £12,000 annual veterinary fee cover, extended preventive benefits (including dental and complementary treatments), and wider travel protection. Pinnacle distinguishes itself with lifetime cover renewability, short 10-day accident waiting periods, and strong chronic illness support but lacks optional third-party liability or death benefits. The main limitation lies in strict exclusions for hereditary/congenital conditions and fixed excess amounts regardless of claims. Preventive care envelope and quick claim turnaround (5–10 days) further position Pinnacle as a forward-thinking choice, but the absence of wellness-only packages or alternative therapies limits flexibility for some owners.
| Name of Cover | Essential | Superior |
|---|---|---|
| Formula positioning | Entry-level, core vet bills focus | Comprehensive, enhanced vet fees and prevention |
| Type of cover | Accident & illness | Accident & illness |
| Covered animals | Dogs and cats | Dogs and cats |
| Reimbursement rate (%) | 80% | Up to 90% |
| Annual vet fee claim cap | £6,000 | £12,000 |
| Excess per year/per claim | £99 yearly pet <8 years, £150 pet >8 years | £99 yearly pet <8 years, £150 pet >8 years |
| Age eligibility – cats | 8 weeks–10 years | 8 weeks–10 years |
| Age eligibility – dogs | 8 weeks–8 years | 8 weeks–8 years |
| Pre-policy health questionnaire required | Yes | Yes |
| Waiting period – illness | 14 days | 14 days |
| Waiting period – accident | 10 days | 10 days |
| Lifetime renewable cover | Yes | Yes |
| Average claim payout speed | 5–10 working days | 5–10 working days |
| Vet consultations (incl. specialist) | Covered up to annual limit | Covered up to annual limit |
| Medications | Covered within annual limit | Covered within annual limit |
| Hospitalisation | Covered within annual limit | Covered within annual limit |
| Ambulance fees | Covered within annual limit | Covered within annual limit |
| Surgery & anaesthesia | Covered within annual limit | Covered within annual limit |
| Scans (MRI, CT, ultrasound) | Covered within annual limit | Covered within annual limit |
| Lab analyses | Covered within annual limit | Covered within annual limit |
| Radiation therapy | Not covered | Covered within annual limit |
| Dental cover | Accidents only | Accidents and illnesses included |
| Scale & polish (dental cleaning) | Not covered | £70 annual prevention allowance (can apply) |
| Vaccinations | Not covered | £70 annual prevention allowance |
| Anti-parasite & deworming | Not covered | £70 annual prevention allowance |
| Spay/neuter (dog/cat) | Not covered | £70 annual prevention allowance |
| Microchipping/identification | Not covered | £70 annual prevention allowance |
| Hygiene products | Not covered | £70 annual prevention allowance |
| Complementary therapies (e.g. acupuncture) | Not covered | Covered up to £750/year |
| Countries covered/travel | UK & 30-day EU trip extension | Worldwide up to 90 days/year |
| Death/cremation benefits | Not covered | Not covered |
| Euthanasia | Not covered | Not covered |
| Theft or loss | Not covered | Not covered |
| Boarding fees (owner hospitalisation) | Not covered | £1,000 per claim/year |
- Prevention allowance on Superior formula is a flexible annual budget for vaccines, dental, and other listed care.
- Hereditary, congenital, and pre-existing conditions excluded from both plans.
- No third-party liability, death, or euthanasia benefit currently available.
Pinnacle Exclusions
Among the notable exclusions of Pinnacle animal insurance, in addition to common pre-existing condition clauses and waiting periods, are systematic refusals to cover congenital or hereditary malformations and all pathologies linked to breeding or gestation for non-sterilized pets.
Unlike some competitors, Pinnacle excludes any orthopedic surgeries for hip or elbow dysplasia, regardless of the animal's age or breed, as well as surgical treatment of patellar luxation and ligament ruptures if signs were present before enrollment.
Costs related to behavioral issues, including consultations and medication, are not covered even if prescribed by a veterinarian.
Medical acts performed abroad are reimbursed only in EU countries and for trips up to 90 consecutive days, stricter than several market counterparts.
Finally, the absence of up-to-date identification (microchip or tattoo) voids all claims, a requirement more strictly enforced than with many insurers.
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical Exclusions | - Pre-existing conditions (illness or injury prior to enrollment) - Congenital or hereditary anomalies and malformations - Hip and elbow dysplasia, regardless of age or breed - Surgical treatment for patellar luxation - Ligament injuries with sourcing before contract start - Orthopedic surgery for congenital or pre-contract issues - Gestation, parturition and neonatal complications in non-sterilized animals - Behavioral disorders and related medications |
| Geographical Exclusions | - Care performed outside the EU - Stays abroad over 90 consecutive days not covered |
| Identification Exclusions | - Claims denied if animal is not properly identified (microchip or tattoo), or identification not kept up-to-date |
| Compliance Exclusions | - Breach of vaccination obligations (missing mandatory vaccines) - Non-observance of annual preventive and regulatory veterinary check-ups |
| Non-medical Acts Exclusions | - Elective and cosmetic procedures (tail docking, ear cropping, etc.) - DNA tests not prescribed for medical purposes - Non-veterinary prescribed supplements and treatments |
- Congenital or hereditary anomalies and malformations
- Hip and elbow dysplasia, regardless of age or breed
- Surgical treatment for patellar luxation
- Ligament injuries with sourcing before contract start
- Orthopedic surgery for congenital or pre-contract issues
- Gestation, parturition and neonatal complications in non-sterilized animals
- Behavioral disorders and related medications
- Stays abroad over 90 consecutive days not covered
- Non-observance of annual preventive and regulatory veterinary check-ups
- DNA tests not prescribed for medical purposes
- Non-veterinary prescribed supplements and treatments
Pinnacle Rates
Pinnacle adopts a clear median price positioning in the pet insurance market. Its offer includes moderate annual reimbursement limits and average deductibles, aligning closely with sector norms and making it neither particularly economical nor premium-priced. While key coverages—such as surgery, hospitalisation, and chronic diseases—are integrated by default, distinctive high-cost services (dental, behavioral therapies) remain as paid options, which keeps base premiums under control. As a digital-first insurer with no physical agencies, Pinnacle benefits from reduced overheads, directly translating into more stable pricing for customers. Overall, Pinnacle targets pet owners seeking balanced coverage at a fair, market-aligned monthly cost, without the extremes of minimalistic or ultra-premium formulas.
| Basic | Standard | Premium | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cat young (2-4 yrs) | 14€/mo | 19€/mo | 28€/mo |
| Cat senior (7-8 yrs) | 18€/mo | 25€/mo | 37€/mo |
| Small dog (2-4 yrs) | 17€/mo | 23€/mo | 34€/mo |
| Large dog (2-4 yrs) | 23€/mo | 29€/mo | 43€/mo |
| Dog senior (7-8 yrs) | 28€/mo | 36€/mo | 52€/mo |
Pinnacle promo codes
| Pinnacle Promo Codes | Details |
|---|---|
| HelloSafe Promo Code | -5% on your quote |
Note: Promo codes are subject to change. For the latest promo codes, please visit our comparison of the best pet insurance.
How much will I be reimbursed with Pinnacle?
| Treatment | Avg. Cost (GBP) | Pinnacle Essential Formula | Pinnacle Comfort Formula | Pinnacle Premium Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vaccination | £50 | Reimbursed £30 Co-pay: £20 (plus excess) | Reimbursed £40 Co-pay: £10 (plus excess) | Reimbursed £45 Co-pay: £5 (plus excess) |
| Neutering/Spaying | £200 | Reimbursed £120 Co-pay: £80 (plus excess) | Reimbursed £160 Co-pay: £40 (plus excess) | Reimbursed £190 Co-pay: £10 (plus excess) |
| Gastroenteritis (Vet Visit) | £100 | Reimbursed £60 Co-pay: £40 (plus excess) | Reimbursed £80 Co-pay: £20 (plus excess) | Reimbursed £95 Co-pay: £5 (plus excess) |
| Broken Bone (Surgery) | £1,000 | Reimbursed £600 Co-pay: £400 (plus excess) | Reimbursed £800 Co-pay: £200 (plus excess) | Reimbursed £950 Co-pay: £50 (plus excess) |
| Dental Care | £250 | Reimbursed £150 Co-pay: £100 (plus excess) | Reimbursed £200 Co-pay: £50 (plus excess) | Reimbursed £240 Co-pay: £10 (plus excess) |
Co-pay: £20 (plus excess)
Co-pay: £10 (plus excess)
Co-pay: £5 (plus excess)
Co-pay: £80 (plus excess)
Co-pay: £40 (plus excess)
Co-pay: £10 (plus excess)
Co-pay: £40 (plus excess)
Co-pay: £20 (plus excess)
Co-pay: £5 (plus excess)
Co-pay: £400 (plus excess)
Co-pay: £200 (plus excess)
Co-pay: £50 (plus excess)
Co-pay: £100 (plus excess)
Co-pay: £50 (plus excess)
Co-pay: £10 (plus excess)
Pinnacle Support
The Pinnacle assistance does not offer any service to advance veterinary fees, which can affect cashflow for pet owners at the time of treatment.
Payment is collected by monthly debits, but there are no options for split or deferred instalments, limiting financial flexibility.
No dedicated app exists and the online space receives average satisfaction, lacking intuitive navigation or added features.
There is no emergency or teleconsultation helpline, nor a partner clinic network, potentially causing delays or increased costs in urgent cases.
Geographical coverage is strictly limited to France; all expenses abroad are excluded from any reimbursement, reducing the interest for traveling pet owners.
| Assistance Pinnacle | Disponible ? | Détails |
|---|---|---|
| Advance on fees | ❌ | No system such as Payvet is offered. Direct payment by the policyholder is mandatory at the clinic before reimbursement. |
| Payment facilities | ❌ | Monthly payment only by direct debit. No extra split or deferred payment option available. |
| Mobile application | ❌ | No dedicated mobile app. Claims managed via the web client space, which receives average user feedback. |
| Digital reimbursement management | ✅ | Reimbursements managed from the online client space. Possible to upload supporting documents, standard processing times, but no advanced features. |
| Veterinary emergency | ❌ | No emergency service or teleconsultation available. No 24/7 direct contact for critical situations. |
| Clinic and veterinary network | ❌ | No partnership with clinics or veterinarians. The policyholder freely chooses their practitioner without network advantages. |
| Cover abroad | ❌ | Coverage only applies in France. No care or reimbursement possible for treatment abroad, even in case of a temporary stay. |
Customer Feedback on Pinnacle
| Review Site | Rating and number of reviews |
|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 4.2/5 from 1,134 reviews |
| Avis Vérifiés | 4.1/5 from 458 reviews |
| Google Reviews | 4.0/5 from 285 reviews |
Analysis of the above review sources highlights the following positive aspects frequently mentioned by Pinnacle policyholders:
- A responsive and polite customer service team: users often praise the availability and professionalism of support staff.
- Quick and clear reimbursements: many appreciate the efficiency and transparency of the claims process, with funds frequently returned within the announced timeframe.
- A user-friendly digital experience: clients find the online customer space easy to use, with straightforward steps for submitting claims and following reimbursements.
- Clear and well-explained policy terms at subscription: the contract is often described as transparent, with few surprises at the moment of a claim.
- Flexible coverage options: the possibility to tailor protections to the specific needs of different pets receives positive feedback.
Negative points observed include:
- Reimbursement caps: a number of clients feel the annual reimbursement ceilings are restrictive, especially in the event of major expenses or ongoing treatments.
- Rising premiums: progressive increases in monthly premiums, particularly as pets age, cause dissatisfaction among some customers who did not anticipate the escalation.
- Waiting periods: policyholders sometimes report frustration with waiting times before coverage begins for certain treatments or interventions.
- Exclusions and non-covered care: there are complaints regarding refusals to cover specific treatments, preventive care, or medications (such as certain supplements or non-prescribed interventions), which can lead to disappointment.
- Administrative delays: while generally efficient, some users have reported sporadic delays or complications in claim processing, especially for more complex or high-value reimbursements.
How to contact Pinnacle?
| Pinnacle customer service | Details |
|---|---|
| For a quote or to subscribe online | To subscribe, use our animal insurance comparison tool, select the Pinnacle offer you're interested in, and request a quote online. |
| To request or track a reimbursement | Contact Pinnacle by email at [email protected] Send your completed claim form, veterinary invoices, and any requested documents. Reimbursements are usually made by bank transfer within 15 working days. |
| To obtain a certificate of insurance | Request your certificate by emailing [email protected] or by calling 01 76 44 00 56. Have your contract or customer number ready for quicker processing. |
| To contact assistance | For urgent assistance, call 01 76 44 00 56 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm). For non-urgent matters, email [email protected]. |
| To cancel my contract | Send your cancellation letter by registered mail to: Pinnacle Assurance, 5 rue du Chevalier Saint-George, 75008 Paris, France. Attach a copy of your ID and contract. State the reason for cancellation. One month's notice applies except in specific cases (death of insured animal, etc.). For questions, call 01 76 44 00 56 or email [email protected]. |
Send your completed claim form, veterinary invoices, and any requested documents.
Reimbursements are usually made by bank transfer within 15 working days.
Have your contract or customer number ready for quicker processing.
For non-urgent matters, email [email protected].
Attach a copy of your ID and contract. State the reason for cancellation.
One month's notice applies except in specific cases (death of insured animal, etc.).
For questions, call 01 76 44 00 56 or email [email protected].
FAQ
Do I have to pay veterinary fees upfront with Pinnacle?
Pinnacle does not currently offer a direct billing or third-party payment system like Payvet. You must pay your vet’s bills yourself first, then submit your claim to Pinnacle for reimbursement. Make sure to keep all invoices and medical reports to support your claim.
How do I cancel my Pinnacle pet insurance policy?
To cancel your Pinnacle pet insurance, you simply need to contact their customer service, ideally by email or letter. You should give at least 14 days’ notice, and provide your policy number along with a written request to cancel. Attach any documents Pinnacle may request to confirm your identity and pet details.
What types of animals are covered by Pinnacle pet insurance?
Pinnacle pet insurance generally covers cats and dogs, with some breed restrictions and age limits. Exotic animals, birds, and reptiles are usually not covered. Always check the policy terms or contact Pinnacle to ensure your specific pet can be insured.
Are pre-existing conditions covered by Pinnacle pet insurance?
No, Pinnacle does not cover pre-existing conditions, which are any illnesses or injuries your pet showed signs of before your policy started. Conditions diagnosed or treated before coverage will be excluded from reimbursement under the policy.
What is the waiting period before I can make a claim?
For new policies with Pinnacle, there is usually a waiting period of 14 days for illnesses and 48 hours for accidents. This means you cannot claim for conditions or injuries arising during these initial periods after your policy starts. Always refer to your policy documents for precise waiting times.
Do I have to pay veterinary fees upfront with Pinnacle?
Pinnacle does not currently offer a direct billing or third-party payment system like Payvet. You must pay your vet’s bills yourself first, then submit your claim to Pinnacle for reimbursement. Make sure to keep all invoices and medical reports to support your claim.
How do I cancel my Pinnacle pet insurance policy?
To cancel your Pinnacle pet insurance, you simply need to contact their customer service, ideally by email or letter. You should give at least 14 days’ notice, and provide your policy number along with a written request to cancel. Attach any documents Pinnacle may request to confirm your identity and pet details.
What types of animals are covered by Pinnacle pet insurance?
Pinnacle pet insurance generally covers cats and dogs, with some breed restrictions and age limits. Exotic animals, birds, and reptiles are usually not covered. Always check the policy terms or contact Pinnacle to ensure your specific pet can be insured.
Are pre-existing conditions covered by Pinnacle pet insurance?
No, Pinnacle does not cover pre-existing conditions, which are any illnesses or injuries your pet showed signs of before your policy started. Conditions diagnosed or treated before coverage will be excluded from reimbursement under the policy.
What is the waiting period before I can make a claim?
For new policies with Pinnacle, there is usually a waiting period of 14 days for illnesses and 48 hours for accidents. This means you cannot claim for conditions or injuries arising during these initial periods after your policy starts. Always refer to your policy documents for precise waiting times.
