Is Waggel Pet Insurance Worth It? Reviews 2025
Our Expert’s Opinion on Waggel
Waggel stands out in the UK pet insurance market with its single, lifetime cover formula that is both modern and highly customisable, notably offering annual vet fee limits from £1,000 up to £10,000. The standard reimbursement rate is 100% of eligible expenses (after excess and, if chosen, a co-payment), with a fixed annual excess generally between £100 and £250 per condition. Waggel’s plan is among the most transparent for including dental, behavioural and complementary therapies, each capped at £1,000 within the annual limit, and delivers an unusually broad cover for vet-prescribed treatments. Annual cover for theft, loss, and purchase price reimbursement is up to £1,000, and public liability for dogs reaches £2m, aligning with and sometimes exceeding major competitors like ManyPets or Petplan. Waggel is especially well-suited for younger animals at policy start, owners seeking simple, high-ceiling lifetime cover, and those wanting extras like dental and travel included. Its competitive pricing appeals to digital-native pet owners, but some features (including the digital-first claim and pre-vet triage system with Joii) make it less ideal for those uncomfortable with online processes. Underwritten by Red Sands Insurance (a long-established provider with robust solvency and full FSCS protection), Waggel has a solid Trustpilot rating of 4.7/5 over 3,400 reviews, with most claims handled within 5–15 working days, currently placing it among the fastest for digital claims turnaround in the UK.
- Single lifetime policy, no confusing tiers
- Annual cover up to £10,000 for vet bills
- Dental, behaviour, complementary therapies included up to £1,000
- 100% reimbursement rate, only excess and optional co-pay
- No age limit for renewal once insured
- Fast claims process, average 5–15 days
- Excellent customer feedback (Trustpilot 4.7/5, over 3,400 reviews)
- Mandatory online pre-vet triage can trigger £50 penalty
- Limited to UK residents, strict travel rules
- Condition-specific annual excess applies each policy year
- No cover for routine, preventative or pre-existing conditions
- Dental not covered without annual vet checks
- Waggel Guarantees
- Waggel Exclusions
- Waggel Pricing
- Reading tips
- Waggel Assistance
- Customer feedback on Waggel
- How to contact Waggel?
- FAQ
Why Trust HelloSafe?
At HelloSafe, our pet insurance expert reviews the terms and pricing of 34 different policies available in the UK market each year to deliver a reliable and impartial analysis. Thanks to this rigorous approach, hundreds of thousands of users across the UK trust us every month to guide them through their most important financial decisions. undefined
Waggel Guarantees
Waggel stands out in the UK pet insurance market with a comprehensive Lifetime Pet Policy, offering a single, flexible tier where customers choose their annual veterinary cover limit (£1,000–£10,000), excess per condition/year (£0–£250), and optional copayment (from age 8+). This policy reimburses up to 100% of eligible vet bills (less excess/copayment), covers dental (preventive/disease) and alternative therapies (£1,000 each/year), and includes overseas emergency care (EU, 90 days).
Waggel’s main strengths are the absence of low sub-limits on key treatments, full coverage of chronic/recurrent illnesses, and streamlined claims via a digital platform. Weaknesses include the exclusion of routine/preventive costs (vaccinations, neutering, wellness), the requirement for pre-claim video triage for non-emergencies (with a £50 penalty if bypassed), and several non-covered scenarios such as pre-existing conditions and non-pet use. The liability guarantee is only for dogs, and no cover is provided for cremation/burial, routine dental without annual vet checks, or professional use animals.
| Guarantee Name | Lifetime Policy (Single Tier) |
|---|---|
| Positioning of the plan | Lifetime, owner-customisable annual limit (£1,000–£10,000) |
| Type of cover | Accident & illness, chronic/recurrent, complementary & dental |
| Animals covered | Dogs and cats (aged 8+ weeks), UK-resident pets only |
| Reimbursement rate % | Up to 100% (owner chooses, minus excess/copay if used) |
| Annual veterinary fee limit | £1,000 – £10,000, as selected by owner per policy |
| Excess (annual/per-claim) | Owner-chosen £0–£250/year per condition (not per claim) |
| Min/max age for enrollment (cats) | 8 weeks minimum, no set maximum (subject to underwriting) |
| Min/max age for enrollment (dogs) | 8 weeks minimum, no set maximum (subject to underwriting) |
| Prior health questionnaire? | Required at quote and for claims eligibility |
| Waiting period for illness | 14 days after policy start before illness cover begins |
| Waiting period for accident | 14 days after policy start before accident cover begins |
| Lifetime renewal once insured? | Yes, with continuous renewal and payments |
| Average claims payout time | Typically 3–5 working days after full submission |
| Vet consultations (routine/urgent/spec.) | Covered within annual limit, medically necessary only |
| Medications | Covered if prescribed by licensed UK/EU vet |
| Hospitalisation | Covered within annual limit, if medically necessary |
| Ambulance/emergency transport fees | Covered within annual policy limit |
| Surgery, anaesthesia | Covered, subject to annual policy limit |
| CT, MRI, ultrasound scans | Covered up to annual limit on vet recommendation |
| Laboratory analysis | Covered within annual policy limit |
| Radiotherapy | Covered within annual policy limit |
| Dental cover | £1,000/year (preventive, disease, but only with annual check) |
| Scale and polish (dental cleaning) | Not covered unless vet deems it medically required |
| Vaccinations (mandatory/optional) | Not covered (routine/preventive excluded) |
| Antiparasitic/worming treatments | Not covered (routine/preventive excluded) |
| Spaying/neutering (cat/dog: diff.?) | Not covered (routine/preventive excluded for both) |
| Microchipping/ID costs | Not covered |
| Hygiene products | Not covered |
| Complementary therapies (osteopathy, etc.) | £1,000/year total (vet referral and practitioner limits apply) |
| Territorial cover/travel | EU for 90 days/year, PETS Travel Scheme compliance necessary |
| Death/cremation cover | Death: up to £1,000 (declining with pet age), cremation not covered |
| Euthanasia | Covered when recommended by vet for medical reasons |
| Theft or loss | Up to £1,000 if not found within 45 days |
| Holiday/care fees (boarding) | Not covered |
| Third-Party/Public Liability (dogs only) | Up to £2,000,000/year, £250 excess for property claims |
Annual limits/dental/alternative therapies have sub-limits inside main policy ceiling; pre-existing and routine/preventive treatments are always excluded; all care is subject to vet clinical necessity and regular check-up obligations.
Waggel Exclusions
Among the notable exclusions of the Waggel contract, it is important to highlight the non-coverage of notifiable diseases under government regulations, which excludes, for example, rabies or FIV even when some French insurers may cover them under certain conditions. Waggel refuses any reimbursement for death by illness in dogs and cats over 8 years old, whereas some competitors maintain a decreasing indemnity. Cremation, burial, or euthanasia for mere convenience, behavioral or financial reasons is excluded, even in the event of a loss or indemnified death. Third-party liability systematically excludes claims involving close relatives or cohabitants, those that occur in a professional context, and any animal that has previously bitten or caused a similar incident. Any veterinary coverage outside the UK is strictly limited to 90 days per year in the EU under the conditions of the Pets Travel Scheme; no extension beyond this period or outside the EU is allowed.
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical exclusions | - Diseases or accidents that occurred before subscription or during the initial waiting period (14 days) - Pre-existing dental issues or lack of annual veterinary check-up - Routine, preventive, aesthetic treatments, nutrition, prosthetics, organ transplantation, blood donation - Diseases notifiable by authorities (e.g., rabies, FIV, Aujeszky's disease) - Sexually transmitted diseases - Costs for animals under 8 weeks old - Incidents due to an epidemic/pandemic or legal changes after subscription |
| Exclusions related to the animal or its use | - Species, breeds or crossbreeds prohibited by UK law - Animals used for breeding, assistance, therapy, hunting, racing, farming, professional activities, or not 'pet' animals - Animals that have already caused third-party liability incidents relating to aggression |
| Territorial and travel exclusions | - Veterinary care outside the UK (except EU stays <90 days with compliance to the Pets Travel Scheme) - No reimbursement beyond this duration or outside the PETS zone, nor if the incident predated travel |
| Exclusions related to death, loss, theft | - Death, loss, theft occurring before or during the first 14 days of subscription - Death by illness in animals over 8 years old (no indemnity for purchase price) - No coverage for cremation, burial, or euthanasia expenses for convenience or behavioral/financial reasons |
| Administrative exclusions and obligations | - Claims in the case of false declaration, failure to meet reporting or care/security obligations - Lack of declaration for parallel insurance (double insurance) - Failure to comply with online triage requirements (Joii vet) unless emergency: financial penalty |
| Third-party liability exclusions | - Damage caused to oneself, family, cohabitants, employees or professionals handling the animal - Claims arising from professional use or breeding - Animals already responsible for a similar act of aggression previously |
- Pre-existing dental issues or lack of annual veterinary check-up
- Routine, preventive, aesthetic treatments, nutrition, prosthetics, organ transplantation, blood donation
- Diseases notifiable by authorities (e.g., rabies, FIV, Aujeszky's disease)
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Costs for animals under 8 weeks old
- Incidents due to an epidemic/pandemic or legal changes after subscription
- Animals used for breeding, assistance, therapy, hunting, racing, farming, professional activities, or not 'pet' animals
- Animals that have already caused third-party liability incidents relating to aggression
- No reimbursement beyond this duration or outside the PETS zone, nor if the incident predated travel
- Death by illness in animals over 8 years old (no indemnity for purchase price)
- No coverage for cremation, burial, or euthanasia expenses for convenience or behavioral/financial reasons
- Lack of declaration for parallel insurance (double insurance)
- Failure to comply with online triage requirements (Joii vet) unless emergency: financial penalty
- Claims arising from professional use or breeding
- Animals already responsible for a similar act of aggression previously
Waggel Pricing
Waggel positions itself on the UK market with pricing often median to slightly lower, notably thanks to its fully digital management which reduces structural costs compared to traditional insurers. The coverage is solid for a “lifetime” contract, with a customizable annual limit, inclusion of complementary and behavioral care as well as a dental package at £1,000, but remains bounded by the requirement of veterinary follow-up and exclusions for pre-existing conditions. The copay — annual per-condition deductible and absence of default co-payment — helps contain the premium for the insured, even if the flexibility of the “vet online” option introduces a constraint to optimize the price. In summary, Waggel thus stands out for its competitiveness (cover/price ratio) for profiles seeking an efficient, digital, and comprehensive solution without excessive fees, but is neither the most complete (prevention, food, prosthetics) nor the most economical in the sector. Its attractiveness will be maximized among young owners, digital natives, with pets without pre-existing conditions and looking for a balance between peace of mind and budget control.
| Lifetime £1,000 | Lifetime £2,000 | Lifetime £4,000 | Lifetime £10,000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Young Cat (2 - 4 years) | £8/month | £12/month | £16/month | £28/month |
| Senior Cat (7 - 8 years) | £18/month | £26/month | £32/month | £49/month |
| Small Breed Dog (2 - 4 years) | £10/month | £15/month | £23/month | £41/month |
| Large Breed Dog (2 - 4 years) | £14/month | £22/month | £31/month | £51/month |
| Senior Dog (7 - 8 years) | £29/month | £39/month | £58/month | £88/month |
Waggel promo codes
| Waggel Promo Code | Details |
|---|---|
| HelloSafe | -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 Waggel?
| Soin | Prix moyen (£ - UK) | Remboursement Waggel Formule Premium* | Reste à charge avec assurance** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consultation vétérinaire simple | £50 | Remboursé £50 (hors franchise) ou jusqu'au plafond annuel |
|
| Castration / Stérilisation | £200 | Non remboursé (soin de routine préventif exclu) | 100% à la charge de l'assuré |
| Vaccins annuels | £60 | Non remboursé (prévention exclue) | 100% à la charge de l'assuré |
| Hospitalisation suite accident | £800 | Remboursé £800 (hors franchise) ou jusqu'au plafond annuel |
|
| £350 | Remboursé £350 (hors franchise) si contrôle annuel validé |
|
- Reste à charge : Franchise
- Reste à charge : Franchise
- Reste à charge : Franchise
*Premium Plan = highest reimbursement cap at Waggel (up to £10,000/year, dental/alternative/behavioural care max £1,000/year each).
**Typical “excess” (franchise) in the UK: £75 to £250/condition/year. Check your own policy for details and amount (fixed/per condition).
***Dental reimbursement subject to annual checkup by a vet and no pre-existing conditions.
Reading tips
- Routine care (castration, vaccines) is generally excluded from coverage, in line with all UK insurers.
- Aside from “excess”, vet fees are reimbursed at 100% up to the annual policy cap, if all requirements are met.
- Out-of-pocket following a claim = your “annual excess” per condition.
- Listed average prices are indicative and may vary locally.
Waggel Assistance
The Waggel offering stands out for its 100% online claims process, ensuring rapid handling and clear document tracking directly through the website, though the absence of a true advance payment system (like Payvet) can create cash-flow friction for policyholders facing large bills.
While the inclusion of a pre-authorization pathway for reimbursement to the vet is a positive, Waggel lacks a fully dedicated mobile app, limiting ergonomic advantages and overall digital experience compared to leading UK competitors.
No direct 24/7 emergency veterinary hotline or teleconsultation service is embedded by default; remote triage is only available via Joii and is required solely to avoid penalties, not as an always-on support tool in case of urgent queries.
Insurance coverage for trips within the European Union (EU PETS Travel Scheme) is well specified but capped at 90 days per year, suitable only for short holidays, and no assistance is provided for animals residing or treated abroad outside those limits.
No preferred veterinary partner network is available, which means the insured remains fully autonomous in choosing practitioners but cannot benefit from potentially negotiated rates or direct billing circuits.
| Assistance Waggel | Available? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Advance payment | ❌ | No Payvet-like system. The insured pays upfront and is reimbursed afterwards. |
| Payment facilities | ❌ | No explicit mention of options (e.g., 3x free of charge) for premium or deductibles. |
| Mobile app | ❌ | Handled via website, no dedicated app listed or outstanding UX on iOS/Android. |
| Digital claims management | ✅ | 100% online claim submission and tracking via Waggel's personal space. Documents uploaded. |
| Emergency veterinary care | ❌ | No dedicated line or 24/7 teleconsultation. Triage required via Joii but limited. |
| Veterinary network | ❌ | No partner network; complete freedom of vet choice but no negotiated rates. |
| Cover abroad | ✅ | Coverage up to 90 days/year in the EU under PETS Scheme. No cover outside EU or for permanent stays. |
The insured pays upfront and is reimbursed afterwards.
Documents uploaded.
Triage required via Joii but limited.
No cover outside EU or for permanent stays.
Customer feedback on Waggel
| Review site | Score and number of reviews |
|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 4.7/5 (more than 3,500 reviews) |
| Reviews.io | 4.60/5 (around 1,700 reviews) |
| Google Reviews | 4.4/5 (around 320 reviews) |
Most customers who have subscribed to a Waggel pet insurance policy cite several positive aspects:
- The customer service is often described as responsive, friendly, and easy to reach via online chat or email, with speedy replies and a personal touch that builds trust.
- The claim process is appreciated for its simplicity, digital-first approach, and fast approval/settlement, with many pet owners reporting reimbursements processed quickly (often within a few days) and progress transparently tracked online.
- The policy documentation is found to be clear and jargon-free, enabling customers to understand their coverage and avoid unpleasant surprises.
- The digital dashboard and self-service tools are praised for ease of use, allowing quick submission of claims, uploads, and account management without unnecessary paperwork.
- The option for unlimited or high annual limits appeals to pet owners seeking comprehensive protection, and the range of covered treatments (including alternative therapies) is seen as above industry average.
As for negative aspects:
- A significant proportion of negative reviews mention sharp premium increases on renewal, sometimes without an associated claim, which catches customers by surprise or discourages continued subscription.
- Strict exclusions for pre-existing conditions or the need for annual vet checks (notably for dental coverage) can lead to declined claims if requirements are not met, leading to some customer frustration.
- The requirement to consult an online vet (Joii) before making non-emergency claims is considered inconvenient or problematic, especially in urgent or ambiguous situations, and the £50 penalty for skipping this step is rarely appreciated.
- Occasional ambiguous communication about what is covered (particularly around alternative/behavioral treatments), with a minority of policyholders dissatisfied with rejected claims and the explanations provided.
- Slow claims process in exceptional cases, especially if additional documentation or veterinary history was requested, or if there was a dispute about pre-existing issues.
How to contact Waggel?
| Waggel customer service | Details |
|---|---|
| To get a quote or subscribe online | To subscribe, use our animal insurance comparison tool, choose the Waggel offer you are interested in and request a quote. For any preliminary questions, contact Waggel at +44 1299 669 955 or via https://waggel.co.uk/ |
| To claim and track reimbursement | 1. Report your claim via your client portal at https://waggel.co.uk/ or use the email/postal form. 2. Mandatory attachments: detailed invoices, medical history, payment proofs, purchase or death certificate, pedigree if applicable. 3. Maximum claim filing period: 12 months after the procedure. 4. Reimbursement is made to the insured or vet (depending on documents), usually within a few weeks after validation. For tracking/assistance: customer service at +44 1299 669 955 or [email protected] |
| To get an insurance certificate | Request a certificate directly from your personal area at https://waggel.co.uk/ ("Documents" section), or contact customer service by phone at +44 1299 669 955 or by email: [email protected] |
| To contact support | Contact Waggel customer service for any general questions or contract emergencies: - Phone: +44 1299 669 955 - Email: [email protected] - Postal address: Waggel Limited, 5th Floor, 24 Holborn Viaduct, London, EC1A 2BN |
| To cancel my contract | Termination at any time by simple written request: - Through your client area (https://waggel.co.uk/) - By email to [email protected] - By mail to: Waggel Limited, 5th Floor, 24 Holborn Viaduct, London, EC1A 2BN Please specify your contact details, policy number and concerned animal. Required documents: signed cancellation letter (or clear email), proof if the animal died/sold/given away. Notice period: immediate (refund of premiums possible within 14 days after subscription if no claim). A receipt will be sent to you. |
For any preliminary questions, contact Waggel at +44 1299 669 955 or via https://waggel.co.uk/
2. Mandatory attachments: detailed invoices, medical history, payment proofs, purchase or death certificate, pedigree if applicable.
3. Maximum claim filing period: 12 months after the procedure.
4. Reimbursement is made to the insured or vet (depending on documents), usually within a few weeks after validation.
For tracking/assistance: customer service at +44 1299 669 955 or [email protected]
- Phone: +44 1299 669 955
- Email: [email protected]
- Postal address: Waggel Limited, 5th Floor, 24 Holborn Viaduct, London, EC1A 2BN
- Through your client area (https://waggel.co.uk/)
- By email to [email protected]
- By mail to: Waggel Limited, 5th Floor, 24 Holborn Viaduct, London, EC1A 2BN
Please specify your contact details, policy number and concerned animal.
Required documents: signed cancellation letter (or clear email), proof if the animal died/sold/given away.
Notice period: immediate (refund of premiums possible within 14 days after subscription if no claim).
A receipt will be sent to you.
FAQ
Do I have to pay vet fees upfront with Waggel?
Waggel does not have a direct payment/third-party system like Payvet. This means you need to pay your vet bills yourself first. Afterwards, you can submit a claim online to be reimbursed for eligible costs, subject to the excess and any co-payment according to your policy.
How do I cancel my Waggel pet insurance policy?
To cancel, contact Waggel directly via your online account, phone, or email. You can cancel at any time. If you cancel within the first 14 days and have not made a claim, you may be entitled to a refund. No special documents are required, but have your policy details at hand.
What does the Waggel policy cover for my pet?
Waggel’s standard policy covers vet fees for illness and accidents (with an annual limit), including dental, behavioural, and complementary treatments (each up to £1,000 per year). It also includes overseas emergency treatment in the EU, death or loss (with limits), and third party liability for dogs.
Are there any key exclusions I should know about?
Yes, Waggel’s policy does not cover pre-existing conditions, routine and preventive care, cosmetic or nutrition-related costs, animals used for working or breeding, or pets less than 8 weeks old. There is also a 14-day waiting period for illness. Always check the full policy wording for details.
Are there specific steps before seeing a vet for non-emergencies?
Yes, before any non-urgent vet visit, you must use Waggel’s online triage service with Joii. If you skip this step (except in emergencies), a £50 penalty applies for each new condition. For ongoing/chronic illnesses, the triage is only needed once per condition.
Do I have to pay vet fees upfront with Waggel?
Waggel does not have a direct payment/third-party system like Payvet. This means you need to pay your vet bills yourself first. Afterwards, you can submit a claim online to be reimbursed for eligible costs, subject to the excess and any co-payment according to your policy.
How do I cancel my Waggel pet insurance policy?
To cancel, contact Waggel directly via your online account, phone, or email. You can cancel at any time. If you cancel within the first 14 days and have not made a claim, you may be entitled to a refund. No special documents are required, but have your policy details at hand.
What does the Waggel policy cover for my pet?
Waggel’s standard policy covers vet fees for illness and accidents (with an annual limit), including dental, behavioural, and complementary treatments (each up to £1,000 per year). It also includes overseas emergency treatment in the EU, death or loss (with limits), and third party liability for dogs.
Are there any key exclusions I should know about?
Yes, Waggel’s policy does not cover pre-existing conditions, routine and preventive care, cosmetic or nutrition-related costs, animals used for working or breeding, or pets less than 8 weeks old. There is also a 14-day waiting period for illness. Always check the full policy wording for details.
Are there specific steps before seeing a vet for non-emergencies?
Yes, before any non-urgent vet visit, you must use Waggel’s online triage service with Joii. If you skip this step (except in emergencies), a £50 penalty applies for each new condition. For ongoing/chronic illnesses, the triage is only needed once per condition.
