Petplan Insurance Review UK 2025 – Is It Worth the Cost?

Q: What are the pros and cons of Petplan pet insurance?

Pros: strong reputation, comprehensive lifetime cover, dental illness included. Cons: higher premiums, no multi-pet discount, fewer budget options.

Last updated: September 23, 2025

Introduction

When it comes to pet insurance in the UK, Petplan is often the first name that comes to mind. Founded in 1976, Petplan has built a reputation as the UK’s leading specialist provider, with more than 1.3 million pets insured. It is widely trusted by vets and recommended by many breeders and rescue centres.

In this Petplan Insurance Review UK 2025, we’ll look at the policies available, what they cover (and don’t), typical costs, customer reviews, pros and cons, and how Petplan compares with competitors like Tesco, Agria, ManyPets, and Animal Friends. By the end, you’ll know whether Petplan is the right choice for your pet.

Who Is Petplan?

Petplan is part of Allianz Insurance plc – FCA Register, one of the world’s largest insurers. Unlike some providers who offer a mix of products, Petplan focuses entirely on pets, with policies for dogs, cats, and rabbits.

The company also has strong links with the wider pet community:

Sponsorships: Petplan Veterinary Awards.
Charity support: partners with RSPCA, Cats Protection, and Blue Cross.
Breeder partnerships: many breeders offer 4 weeks’ free Petplan insurance when you adopt.

Types of Cover Petplan Offers

Petplan offers a mix of Lifetime and Time-Limited policies, but unlike some providers, it does not provide accident-only policies. Let’s break it down:

Lifetime Policies

Petplan’s Lifetime Cover is the gold standard for many owners.

Covers ongoing conditions (diabetes, arthritis, cancer, skin issues, dental disease) for as long as the policy is renewed.
Annual benefit limits of £4,000, £7,000, or £12,000 depending on the plan.
Renewal guarantee: Cover continues as long as premiums are paid, regardless of claims or age.
Dental illness included (if regular check-ups are documented).

Time-Limited Policies

Petplan also offers 12-month policies, where each condition is covered for up to a year. After 12 months, that condition is excluded.

Cheaper than Lifetime cover.
Suitable for short-term protection.
Not ideal for pets likely to develop chronic illnesses.

Learn more: Time-Limited Pet Insurance UK 2025

Accident-Only

Unlike Tesco or Animal Friends, Petplan does not offer accident-only insurance. It focuses instead on illness + accident combined cover.
For alternatives, see Accident-Only Pet Insurance UK 2025

What Does Petplan Cover?

Petplan’s cover is among the most comprehensive on the market. Typical inclusions:

Veterinary fees for illness and accidents.
Surgery, hospitalisation, diagnostic tests (X-rays, bloodwork, CT, MRI).
Prescription drugs.
Complementary therapies (hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, acupuncture).
Dental treatment (illness & injury, provided check-ups are up to date).
Boarding fees if you’re hospitalised.
Advertising and reward if your pet is lost or stolen.
Third-party liability for dogs (up to £3m).

What Isn’t Covered by Petplan?

Like all insurers, Petplan has exclusions:

Pre-existing conditions → see Pet Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions UK 2025
Routine care: vaccinations, flea/worming, neutering.
Pregnancy and breeding (unless on specialist breeder cover).
Elective or cosmetic procedures.
Exotic pets (only dogs, cats, rabbits are covered).

For everyday costs, see Routine Care Pet Insurance UK 2025.

How Much Does Petplan Cost in 2025?

Petplan is rarely the cheapest, but it reflects its comprehensive cover and strong claims reputation. Premiums depend on age, breed, and postcode. The British Veterinary Association notes that veterinary care costs are rising steeply, which helps explain why broader cover (such as Petplan’s) may justify a higher premium.

Typical Monthly Premiums

Cats: £15–£25 (Lifetime, young adult cat).
Small dogs (Terrier mix): £25–£40.
Medium dogs (Labrador): £40–£60.
Large/pedigree dogs (Bulldog, German Shepherd): £60–£90+.

Example Quotes (2025)

12-week Labrador puppy on £7,000 Lifetime cover: ~£38/month.
5-year-old pedigree Bulldog on £12,000 Lifetime cover: £85+/month.
Mixed-breed domestic shorthair cat: ~£20/month.

For cheaper alternatives, see Cheap Pet Insurance UK 2025.

Claims Process (Step-by-Step)

Petplan is highly regarded for its smooth claims process:

Treatment: Your vet treats your pet.
Form submission: You or your vet submit the claim online or by post.
Direct vet payment: Many UK vets can be paid directly by Petplan.
Processing: Claims usually processed within 5–10 working days.
Outcome: Payment sent to the vet or reimbursed to you.

Customers consistently report fewer disputes and faster payouts compared with budget insurers.

Why Vets Recommend Petplan

Petplan is one of the most vet-endorsed insurers in the UK.

Fewer exclusions mean fewer claims are rejected.
Lifetime continuity reassures vets they can pursue the best treatment without worrying about coverage limits.
Many vet practices provide Petplan leaflets and recommend them at first vaccination.

This endorsement contributes to Petplan’s reputation as the “safe choice” for pet owners.

Pros of Petplan

✅ Market leader with strong reputation.
✅ Lifetime cover with generous limits.
✅ Dental illness and complementary therapies included.
✅ Trusted by vets, breeders, and rescue centres.
✅ No penalty for high claims — policies renew regardless.
✅ Claims often paid directly to vets.

Cons of Petplan

❌ More expensive than many competitors.
❌ No accident-only option for bare minimum cover.
❌ Routine/preventative care excluded.
❌ Limited to dogs, cats, rabbits (no exotic pets).
❌ Renewal costs rise as pets age.

Customer Reviews and Reputation

Petplan consistently receives strong ratings from customers and independent review sites:

Trustpilot (2025): 4.4/5 “Excellent”, based on thousands of reviews.

Customers praise quick claim processing and reliable cover, while the main criticism is higher premiums compared with budget insurers. This mix makes Petplan one of the most trusted providers in the UK pet insurance market.

How Petplan Compares to Other Providers

Petplan vs ManyPets → ManyPets is cheaper and covers some pre-existing conditions after a symptom-free period. Petplan has stronger lifetime limits and higher vet trust. See ManyPets Insurance Review UK 2025.
Petplan vs Tesco → Tesco offers lower premiums and a broader range of policy types, but Petplan has stronger Lifetime continuity. See Tesco Pet Insurance UK 2025.
Petplan vs Agria → Agria is another Lifetime-only specialist, often chosen by breeders. Petplan offers broader product choice, but both are premium-priced. See Agria Pet Insurance UK 2025.
Petplan vs Animal Friends → Animal Friends is a budget-friendly choice with wide availability, but claims handling feedback is more mixed. See Animal Friends Pet Insurance UK 2025.
Petplan vs Sainsburys → Sainsburys offers supermarket-linked perks (Nectar points), but Petplan leads on reliability and reputation. See Sainsburys Pet Insurance UK 2025.

FAQ

Is Petplan worth the higher price?

Yes. Petplan is more expensive than many rivals, but it offers broad lifetime cover including dental, therapies, and ongoing conditions. For owners who want comprehensive, long-term protection, the extra cost is often justified.

Does Petplan cover dental care?

Yes. Petplan includes dental illness and accidents, provided your pet has routine check-ups. See our Dental Pet Insurance Guide for details.

Does Petplan cover pre-existing conditions?

No. Like most insurers, Petplan excludes pre-existing conditions. If this is important, see our Pre-Existing Conditions Guide. According to the ABI’s guide on common exclusions, pre-existing illnesses are usually not covered by most pet insurance policies, including Petplan

Is Petplan good for puppies and kittens?

Yes. Taking out a policy early avoids future exclusions and ensures lifetime cover. Learn more in our Puppy & Kitten Insurance Guide UK 2025.

What pets does Petplan cover?

Petplan policies are available for dogs, cats, and rabbits. Exotic pets are not covered.

Does Petplan include routine care?

No. Routine treatments such as vaccinations, flea/worming, and neutering are excluded. See Routine Care Pet Insurance UK 2025 for options.

How does Petplan compare with Tesco or Agria?

Tesco is usually cheaper but has more restrictions. Agria focuses only on lifetime cover, often appealing to breeders. Petplan is broader, more widely recognised, and strongly recommended by UK vets.

What are the pros and cons of Petplan pet insurance?

Pros: strong reputation, comprehensive lifetime cover, dental illness included.
Cons: higher premiums, no multi-pet discount, fewer budget options.

Conclusion

Our Petplan Insurance Review UK 2025 shows that while Petplan is not the cheapest provider, it remains the most comprehensive and trusted option for many UK pet owners. Its generous Lifetime policies, fewer exclusions, and strong claims reputation make it a standout choice.

If you want long-term peace of mind and don’t mind paying a higher premium, Petplan is hard to beat. For budget alternatives, see Cheap Pet Insurance UK 2025. For another Lifetime specialist, check Agria Pet Insurance UK 2025. And for supermarket-linked perks, see Tesco Pet Insurance UK 2025 or Sainsburys Pet Insurance UK 2025.

For official details on policies and pricing, visit the Petplan website.