Is Vets for pets Pet Insurance Worth It? Our Review 2025
Our Expert's Opinion on Vets for Pets
Vets for Pets offers the Complete Care Junior plan, one of the most comprehensive health and prevention packages for puppies and kittens in the UK, focused entirely on routine care. This contract includes full initial vaccinations with tailored protocols, year-round parasite coverage, microchipping, annual urine tests, and discounted dental and neutering procedures, reflecting a strong preventive focus rather than classic insurance reimbursement. With two additional vet consultations and up to three nurse consultations (beyond vaccines), plus unlimited access to a 24/7 vet helpline, it stands out in the UK market for its scope of preventive services bundled under a single subscription. However, Vets for Pets does not provide reimbursement for illness or accident care in this package, positioning it as a budget-conscious solution for routine care, ideal for owners of young, healthy animals who want to secure predictable outlays and consistent primary care early in life—particularly for first-year costs in puppies and kittens. Operated by a major multisite veterinary group with significant nationwide presence, Vets for Pets remains a familiar and accessible option, yet recent feedback reveals mixed reliability: Trustpilot shows a score of 2.5/5 (100 reviews), with recurrent concerns about high pricing, billing transparency and quality variations between clinics. No fully digital reimbursement or claim process exists, though service access is straightforward. Most included services are delivered promptly upon appointment, with direct provision at clinics—delays relate more to administrative disputes than routine care delivery.
- ✅Comprehensive routine prevention for puppies and kittens
- ✅All initial vaccinations and annual boosters included
- ✅Continuous parasite protection tailored to lifestyle
- ✅Microchipping and first registration free
- ✅Discounts on neutering, dental, and select products
- ✅Unlimited access to 24/7 vet helpline (Vet Careline)
- ✅Predictable routine care costs in the first year
- ❌No coverage for illness, accident or emergency
- ❌High price perception compared to independent practices
- ❌Serious variations in service quality between locations
- ❌Mixed reputation: Trustpilot 2.5/5 on 100 reviews
- ❌No digital claims or reimbursement process
- ✅Comprehensive routine prevention for puppies and kittens
- ✅All initial vaccinations and annual boosters included
- ✅Continuous parasite protection tailored to lifestyle
- ✅Microchipping and first registration free
- ✅Discounts on neutering, dental, and select products
- ✅Unlimited access to 24/7 vet helpline (Vet Careline)
- ✅Predictable routine care costs in the first year
Our Expert's Opinion on Vets for Pets
Score- ✅Comprehensive routine prevention for puppies and kittens
- ✅All initial vaccinations and annual boosters included
- ✅Continuous parasite protection tailored to lifestyle
- ✅Microchipping and first registration free
- ✅Discounts on neutering, dental, and select products
- ✅Unlimited access to 24/7 vet helpline (Vet Careline)
- ✅Predictable routine care costs in the first year
- ❌No coverage for illness, accident or emergency
- ❌High price perception compared to independent practices
- ❌Serious variations in service quality between locations
- ❌Mixed reputation: Trustpilot 2.5/5 on 100 reviews
- ❌No digital claims or reimbursement process
- ✅Comprehensive routine prevention for puppies and kittens
- ✅All initial vaccinations and annual boosters included
- ✅Continuous parasite protection tailored to lifestyle
- ✅Microchipping and first registration free
- ✅Discounts on neutering, dental, and select products
- ✅Unlimited access to 24/7 vet helpline (Vet Careline)
- ✅Predictable routine care costs in the first year
- Vets for pets warranties
- Exclusions from Vets for pets
- Vets for pets prices
- Vets for pets assistance
- Customer feedback on Vets for Pets
- How to contact Vets for Pets?
- FAQ
Why Trust HelloSafe?
At HelloSafe, our pet insurance expert reviews the terms and pricing of market-leading policies 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 support them in making their most important financial decisions.
Vets for pets warranties
Vets for Pets Complete Care Junior is a preventive health plan exclusively tailored for puppies and kittens, combining a fixed bundle of core preventive care—comprehensive vaccinations, year-round parasite treatments, annual urine screening, two standard vet consults, three nurse checks, and microchipping.
It stands out through its wide focus on prevention and wellness, regular access to veterinary advice (including a 24/7 helpline), and notable discounts on dentals and neutering—offering convenience for first-time pet owners.
However, the plan is limited: it does not provide insurance-type cover for accidents, illness, surgery, hospitalisation, or medication costs outside the described routine/preventive inclusions.
All diagnostic tests, emergency visits, specialist consultations, and all treatments outside the package are excluded or charged extra, and there is no ongoing illness cover or lifelong guarantee.
The plan’s strengths thus lie in preventive savings and guidance, but it cannot substitute standard pet insurance for unexpected or major health expenses.
| Guarantee | Complete Care Junior |
|---|---|
| Positioning of the plan | Preventive care, puppies/kittens only |
| Type of cover | Routine/preventive, not insurance |
| Animals covered | Puppies, kittens ( |
| Reimbursement rate in % | (no reimbursement, care package) |
| Annual veterinary fees cap | NC |
| Deductible/yearly or per act | |
| Min/max entry age – cats | |
| Min/max entry age – dogs | |
| Health questionnaire needed? | NC |
| Waiting period for illness | (not covered) |
| Waiting period for accident | (not covered) |
| Lifetime coverage once subscribed? | (plan ends after first year) |
| Vet consultations (routine) | 2 per year included |
| Vet consultations (emergency, specialist) | |
| Medications | |
| Hospitalisation | |
| Ambulance fees | |
| Surgery, anaesthesia | (discounted neutering only) |
| Scans, MRI, ultrasounds | |
| Laboratory tests | 1 urine test included; others extra |
| Radiotherapy | |
| Dental care | Discount: £40 puppy/£25 kitten |
| Scaling/detartrage | Same as above (discount only) |
| Prevention package (amount/content) | Full vaccines, parasite control, nurse checks, microchip |
| Alternative therapies (osteo, acupuncture etc.) | |
| Prescription diet | |
| Countries covered/travel | |
| Death/cremation | |
| Euthanasia | |
| Theft/loss/recovery | |
| Boarding fees |
Good to know
- The plan entitles you to 24/7 veterinary advice by phone (unlimited).
- Includes 1 microchip and 1 annual urine screening test.
- Additional routine veterinary/nursing consults, all treatments and diagnostics outside the defined package are chargeable at standard rates.
- Four weeks’ health insurance is included only on request and under strict conditions (less than 12 months old, managed by a third party).
- All benefits are subject to your pet being healthy at enrolment and as per vet recommendations.
Thinking of going with Vets for Pets? Always compare different plans to make sure you get the best rate and coverage for your pet’s needs.
👉 Compare pet insurance plans for freeStart saving on vet billsExclusions from Vets for pets
Exclusions on the Vets for Pets Complete Care Junior plan focus notably on urgent or non-routine veterinary consultations and exclude any specialist or out-of-hours visits, which is more restrictive than many traditional insurance policies. Diagnostic tests, medications, and treatments beyond the basic consult or nurse check are billed in addition, so routine coverage is strictly limited to predefined consultations and basic preventive acts.
Services are always subject to the health status and compliance of the pet—meaning an active illness can make certain included benefits unavailable at the time they’re scheduled, adding a layer of conditionality. Assistance and advice services require accurate owner-declared information, and delays or refusals can occur if this is not respected.
A further specificity is that any extras—such as sedation for sampling, non-standard procedures, or even overdue vaccinations—are systematically excluded from support and invoiced separately.
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical exclusions | - Consultations for emergencies, out-of-hours or specialist cases not included - Any diagnostic tests, imaging, or lab work outside annual urinalysis billed extra - Medications and treatments prescribed during or after consults are not covered - Follow-up care or treatment for illnesses outside routine/preventive scope excluded |
| Procedural exclusions | - Sedation or restraining costs (e.g., for blood, urine sampling) not included - Non-standard acts or additional services (e.g., specialist nurse care, advanced dental, extra procedures) invoiced seperately - Late vaccination: extra fees if annual booster is overdue |
| Identification & admin | - Only one basic microchip insertion covered; any additional ID services, corrections, or late registrations are excluded |
| Compliance exclusions | - Services are always conditional on animal’s good health and compliance with vet recommendations (i.e., acutely ill pets may lose entitlement at time of care) - Owner must provide accurate info for advice lines or benefits may be delayed/refused |
| Geographical restrictions | - No cover for services abroad or outside the defined network of Vets for Pets clinics |
| Unlisted/non-mentioned care | - Care, diagnostics or products not expressly mentioned in the policy are excluded (e.g., advanced blood panels, bespoke diet advice, extensive therapies) |
- Any diagnostic tests, imaging, or lab work outside annual urinalysis billed extra
- Medications and treatments prescribed during or after consults are not covered
- Follow-up care or treatment for illnesses outside routine/preventive scope excluded
- Non-standard acts or additional services (e.g., specialist nurse care, advanced dental, extra procedures) invoiced seperately
- Late vaccination: extra fees if annual booster is overdue
- Owner must provide accurate info for advice lines or benefits may be delayed/refused
Vets for pets prices
Vets for Pets positions itself in a mid-to-high price range relative to the UK pet insurance and care market, particularly through its Complete Care Junior plan which focuses more on preventive health and included services than on high-limit sickness or accident reimbursements.
The offer stands out by bundling routine care (vaccinations, parasite control, consultations, microchipping, dental and surgical discounts, screening, and 24/7 helpline) rather than comprehensive illness/treatment payouts—this results in lower risk-based commission but higher recurring service value.
Franchises and out-of-pocket costs for non-preventive care can be significant, making the plan less attractive for owners primarily seeking broad medical reimbursement than for those prioritising predictable costs on recurring wellness.
Vets for Pets is not a pure digital player and operates through physical clinics, so pricing is not as aggressive as that of fully online insurers; physical infrastructure and in-person veterinary access add to the cost base.
In summary, Vets for Pets offers a slightly more expensive but comprehensive wellness/prevention package than most value-based plans, yet remains less competitive on illness/event coverage—best suited for owners seeking convenience and proactive care rather than budget medical risk coverage.
Compare quotes from several providers to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal for your pet’s needs.
| Complete Care Junior | Complete Care Adult | Accident Only | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Young Cat (2-4 yrs) | £18/mo | £20/mo | £10/mo |
| Senior Cat (7-8 yrs) | £22/mo | £24/mo | £13/mo |
| Small Dog | £20/mo | £22/mo | £12/mo |
| Small Dog (2-4 yrs) | £20/mo | £22/mo | £12/mo |
| Large Dog (2-4 yrs) | £23/mo | £26/mo | £14/mo |
| Senior Dog (7-8 yrs) | £30/mo | £33/mo | £18/mo |
Vets for Pets promo codes
| Vets for Pets Promo Codes | Details |
|---|---|
| HelloSafe Promo Code | -5% on your quote |
How much will I be reimbursed with Vets for pets?
When you choose Vets for Pets Complete Care Junior, you benefit from set reimbursements and discounts on the main prevention and wellness treatments for your puppy or kitten. Here are some clear examples of how your out-of-pocket costs are reduced with this premium plan, compared to paying full price without coverage:
Example 1: Primary vaccinations & annual health check (puppy)
Total vet bill: £80 (for full set of puppy vaccinations + health check at Vets for Pets)
With Complete Care Junior: INCLUDED — paid in full by the plan
Excess and co-pay: None for included vaccinations
👉 You pay £0 — savings of £80 vs. uninsured
The package includes initial puppy vaccinations (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, leptospirosis) and your annual booster with a full health examination, provided your pet is healthy and within the recommended schedule.
Example 2: Comprehensive parasite control (puppy, 1-year prevention)
Total cost (without plan): £140 per year (vet-prescribed monthly flea, tick & worming treatments for an average 10kg puppy at Vets for Pets UK prices)
With Complete Care Junior: INCLUDED — annual parasite control as per your vet’s protocol
Excess and co-pay: None for prescribed, in-protocol products
👉 You pay £0 — savings of up to £140 per year
Treatments for fleas, intestinal and lung worms, and ticks (seasonally or all year) are included and individually tailored to your pet’s lifestyle. Out-of-protocol or ad hoc extras may incur an additional charge.
Example 3: Puppy neutering (castration)
Usual cost at Vets for Pets: £220 (standard castration for medium male dog)
With Complete Care Junior: £20 discount — you pay £200
Excess and co-pay: Discount applied directly — no claim forms, just present membership at payment
👉 You save £20 on a standard neutering procedure
Amount saved may vary depending on breed, sex and complexity. Ask your vet for your tailored quote and discount before booking.
These examples show that with Complete Care Junior, you can cover the main preventive needs of your pet—often with zero out-of-pocket, and receive tangible savings on key procedures when they arise. Peace of mind, real savings, and the best health start for your puppy or kitten!
Vets for pets assistance
Vets for Pets assistance includes unlimited 24/7 veterinary advice by phone, a service highly valued for immediate general queries but which does not replace real emergency intervention or provide access to veterinary teleconsultation.
There is no advance payment system (like PayVet or CareCredit) for eligible fees—pet owners must pay upfront and handle claims themselves, which can be restrictive during costly care episodes.
Claims management and reimbursements remain traditional, with no mobile app or entirely digital interface that would facilitate processes as seen with some competitors.
There is no partnered network of clinics offering preferential rates or fast-tracked care, nor are there specific provisions for veterinary cover abroad, key support features often expected by mobile or frequent-traveling pet owners.
Absence of flexible payment solutions (instalments, split payments) can limit accessibility for some owners, making Vets for Pets’ assistance less comprehensive compared to leading pet insurers in the UK.
| Assistance Vets for Pets | Disponible ? | Détails |
|---|---|---|
| Advance payment | ❌ | No advance payment system like PayVet or CareCredit. Owners pay fees upfront and claim after. |
| Payment facilities | ❌ | No instalment or split payment options are mentioned. Full payment is required at consultation or treatment. |
| Mobile app | ❌ | No dedicated mobile app for claims or account management. Processes are handled via traditional methods (in-person or online forms). |
| Digital claims processing | ❌ | No digital reimbursement through an app or full client portal. Claims require standard paperwork and manual follow-up. |
| Veterinary emergency | ❌ | No direct 24/7 emergency service offered; only general advice line available. For emergencies, owners must directly contact a clinic. |
| Partnered clinic/veterinary network | ❌ | No preferred or exclusive clinic network for discounted rates or fast-tracked access. Choice of vet is up to owner and standard fees apply. |
| Coverage abroad | ❌ | No explicit cover for treatment outside the UK. Policies and assistance are UK-only; no support for owners travelling or living abroad. |
Customer feedback on Vets for Pets
| Review site | Rating and number of reviews |
|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 2.5/5, 100 reviews |
We analysed the reviews from the above site. On the positive side, policyholders who have enrolled their pets with Vets for Pets frequently mention:
- The compassion and care of specific staff members: staff are often described as empathetic, supportive and professional, particularly during emotionally difficult situations such as euthanasia.
- Good communication and clear explanations: some branches are praised for listening carefully, providing understandable advice and explaining procedures clearly.
- A personalised approach: some owners appreciated little gestures such as sympathy cards or pawprint mementos following the loss of a pet.
- The cost-saving benefit of routine "pet plans": for regular health care, some found these plans helpful for spreading costs.
On the negative side:
- The high cost and perception of overcharging: many clients express frustration at prices for medication, tests, or procedures, which are often described as excessive when compared to other vets or prices abroad.
- Lack of price transparency and unclear billing: reviews indicate confusion or surprise over bills, with charges not always clearly explained in advance.
- Rude or unprofessional staff at certain branches: some customers report being met with defensive, unhelpful, or even hostile responses, especially when raising concerns or complaints.
- Administration and insurance claim issues: there are regular complaints about mishandled or erroneous insurance claims, delays, and up-front payment demands, and some customers report cancelled care plans after raising billing issues.
- Serious concerns about clinical judgement: a significant minority mention missed diagnoses, unnecessary procedures, or decisions leading to extra suffering, sometimes identifying that later vets quickly found solutions to problems missed by Vets for Pets.
- Inconsistent quality between branches: the experience appears to vary widely depending on location, with both excellent and very poor feedback highlighted.
How to contact Vets for Pets?
| Service client Vets for pets | Détails |
|---|---|
| To get a quote or subscribe online | You can use the HelloSafe pet insurance comparison tool, select the plan that suits you and click to get a quote. |
| To request and track a reimbursement | Contact your local Vets for Pets practice directly (find yours at www.vetsforpets.co.uk/our-practices/). Provide: detailed invoices, treatment documentation, and pet insurance policy details (if applicable). Claims are usually processed by your pet insurer; the clinic may help you fill out claim forms. Refunds are typically paid by bank transfer by the insurance company, with average processing times of 2–4 weeks. For claim status, contact the practice by phone or visit in person. |
| To obtain an insurance certificate | Contact your local Vets for Pets branch: call, email, or visit in person—details at www.vetsforpets.co.uk/our-practices/. If you purchased an insurance product, request the certificate at the front desk or through customer service. Have pet details and your policy number ready. |
| To contact assistance | For veterinary advice, call the 24/7 Vet Careline provided by VetsDirect Limited (usually direct line given to members; if you are a Complete Care Junior client, consult your contract or the practice for this number). For emergencies, contact your local Vets for Pets branch immediately—phone numbers are available on the website. Be ready to provide your pet’s details and your contact information. |
| To cancel my contract | Write to or email your local Vets for Pets practice (find contact info on www.vetsforpets.co.uk/our-practices/) stating your wish to cancel. Include: your full name and address, your pet's details, policy or plan number, and, if needed, your bank details for any outstanding refund. If required, attach a copy of your ID and contract. Notice period: Review your particular contract—many plans require at least 1 month’s notice. Send your cancellation request by email or post (postal addresses also available on the practice webpage). Keep confirmation of sending and request a written acknowledgment. Any refund due will be processed by bank transfer, usually within 30 days of contract end. |
Provide: detailed invoices, treatment documentation, and pet insurance policy details (if applicable).
Claims are usually processed by your pet insurer; the clinic may help you fill out claim forms.
Refunds are typically paid by bank transfer by the insurance company, with average processing times of 2–4 weeks.
For claim status, contact the practice by phone or visit in person.
If you purchased an insurance product, request the certificate at the front desk or through customer service. Have pet details and your policy number ready.
For emergencies, contact your local Vets for Pets branch immediately—phone numbers are available on the website.
Be ready to provide your pet’s details and your contact information.
Include: your full name and address, your pet's details, policy or plan number, and, if needed, your bank details for any outstanding refund.
If required, attach a copy of your ID and contract.
Notice period: Review your particular contract—many plans require at least 1 month’s notice.
Send your cancellation request by email or post (postal addresses also available on the practice webpage).
Keep confirmation of sending and request a written acknowledgment.
Any refund due will be processed by bank transfer, usually within 30 days of contract end.
FAQ
Do I have to pay vet fees upfront with Vets for Pets?
Vets for Pets does not operate a direct billing or “payvet”/third-party payment system. This means you will need to pay for veterinary services at the time of your visit. If you have a pet insurance policy, you will then need to claim back eligible expenses from your insurer later. Always confirm payment procedures directly with your chosen branch, as up-front payment is typically required.
How do I cancel my pet insurance contract with Vets for Pets?
To cancel your Vets for Pets pet insurance, contact their customer service by phone or in writing. You usually need to provide a written cancellation request, give at least 30 days’ notice, and include your policy number and proof of identification. Check your policy terms for any specific requirements or final payment obligations.
What does the Vets for Pets Complete Care Junior plan cover?
The Complete Care Junior plan is aimed at puppies and kittens. It includes initial and booster vaccinations, parasite treatments, microchipping, two extra vet consultations, up to three nurse check-ups, annual urine screening, a discount on neutering, dental care and Seresto collars, plus access to 24/7 vet advice by phone. However, it mainly focuses on preventive care and routine health—not emergencies or major illnesses.
Are there any services or treatments not included in the cover?
Yes, Vets for Pets Complete Care Junior does not cover emergencies, specialist consultations, treatments, or procedures beyond the specified preventive and routine care. Any diagnostic tests, treatments or medications outside of the set plan, or out-of-hours care, will be charged separately. Always read the full policy details or ask for clarification before enrolling.
Can I use the plan if my pet is already ill or older than 12 months?
No, the Complete Care Junior plan is specifically designed for puppies and kittens younger than 12 months and in good health. If your pet is already sick or older than this age, it won’t be eligible for this plan. For adult pets, discuss other care or insurance options directly with Vets for Pets.
Do I have to pay vet fees upfront with Vets for Pets?
Vets for Pets does not operate a direct billing or “payvet”/third-party payment system. This means you will need to pay for veterinary services at the time of your visit. If you have a pet insurance policy, you will then need to claim back eligible expenses from your insurer later. Always confirm payment procedures directly with your chosen branch, as up-front payment is typically required.
How do I cancel my pet insurance contract with Vets for Pets?
To cancel your Vets for Pets pet insurance, contact their customer service by phone or in writing. You usually need to provide a written cancellation request, give at least 30 days’ notice, and include your policy number and proof of identification. Check your policy terms for any specific requirements or final payment obligations.
What does the Vets for Pets Complete Care Junior plan cover?
The Complete Care Junior plan is aimed at puppies and kittens. It includes initial and booster vaccinations, parasite treatments, microchipping, two extra vet consultations, up to three nurse check-ups, annual urine screening, a discount on neutering, dental care and Seresto collars, plus access to 24/7 vet advice by phone. However, it mainly focuses on preventive care and routine health—not emergencies or major illnesses.
Are there any services or treatments not included in the cover?
Yes, Vets for Pets Complete Care Junior does not cover emergencies, specialist consultations, treatments, or procedures beyond the specified preventive and routine care. Any diagnostic tests, treatments or medications outside of the set plan, or out-of-hours care, will be charged separately. Always read the full policy details or ask for clarification before enrolling.
Can I use the plan if my pet is already ill or older than 12 months?
No, the Complete Care Junior plan is specifically designed for puppies and kittens younger than 12 months and in good health. If your pet is already sick or older than this age, it won’t be eligible for this plan. For adult pets, discuss other care or insurance options directly with Vets for Pets.
