Animal Friends Pet Insurance UK 2025

Last updated: October 8, 2025

Introduction

Founded in 1998, Animal Friends has grown into one of the UK’s most popular pet insurers, with over one million policyholders. Known for its charity donations and wide range of cover options, the brand is particularly strong in the budget-friendly and mid-market segments of pet insurance.

In this review of Animal Friends Pet Insurance UK 2025, we’ll explore the different policies on offer, what’s covered and excluded, real-world pricing, the claims process, and whether it’s the right choice for your dog or cat.

Animal Friends Pet Insurance UK 2025 Review

Key Policy Features

Cover types: Accident-Only, Time-Limited, Maximum Benefit, Lifetime
Annual vet fee limits (Lifetime): from £1,000 up to £18,000
Multi-pet discount: 10% discount when insuring more than one pet
Charity donations: Animal Friends has donated over £7 million to animal welfare charities
24/7 vet helpline: access to FirstVet online consultations
Underwriter (2025): Red Sands Insurance Company (Gibraltar-based)

Animal Friends Pet Insurance UK 2025 Policy Types

Animal Friends offers a wide variety of policies to suit different budgets:

1. Accident-Only

Cheapest entry-level cover, from around £5–7/month for cats, £6–10/month for dogs.
Covers treatment for accidents, but not illness.
Useful for young or indoor pets where illness risk is lower.

2. Time-Limited

Covers accidents and illnesses for up to 12 months per condition.
From around £10–20/month.
A budget-friendly option but may not cover ongoing conditions like diabetes or arthritis.

3. Maximum Benefit

Provides a set pot of money per condition, e.g., £1,000–£4,000.
Once the pot is used, the condition is excluded from future cover.
Premiums from around £15–25/month.

4. Lifetime

The most comprehensive option, with annual vet-fee limits resetting each policy year.
Limits range widely, from £1,000 up to £18,000 per year.
Prices from £20–40+/month, depending on your pet’s age, breed, and location.

What Animal Friends Pet Insurance UK 2025 Covers

Included (depending on policy):

Vet fees for accidents and illness
Diagnostic tests, surgery, hospitalisation, medication
Dental cover for accidents/illness (if regular check-ups are done)
Complementary therapies (hydrotherapy, acupuncture) on some plans
Death from accident/illness (age limits apply)
Third-party liability for dogs (up to £2m)
Overseas cover in certain countries

Exclusions:

Pre-existing conditions (see our Pet Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions UK 2025)
Routine care (vaccinations, flea/worming, neutering, dental cleaning)
Pregnancy, breeding and behavioural training
Cosmetic or elective procedures

Pricing & Discounts

Typical monthly premiums (2025 estimates):

Accident-Only: from ~£5–7 (cats), £6–10 (dogs)
Time-Limited: from ~£10–20
Maximum Benefit: from ~£15–25
Lifetime: from ~£20–40+

Discounts:

10% multi-pet discount when insuring more than one pet
Occasional promotional offers for new customers

While Animal Friends is often one of the cheaper UK providers, premiums rise with age, especially for dogs over 7–8 years old.

Claims Process & Customer Experience

Claims can be submitted online or by post, with many vets able to bill Animal Friends directly. Customers can track claim progress in the online portal.

Positives:

Low entry-level premiums make policies accessible
Simple online claim system
Wide choice of policies

Negatives:

Premiums increase sharply with age
Some customers report claims disputes over ongoing conditions
Customer service response times vary

On Trustpilot, Animal Friends scores 4.3/5 (2025), with praise for affordability but criticism of rising renewal costs.

Pros and Cons of Animal Friends Pet Insurance UK 2025

Pros

Wide range of policies from Accident-Only to Lifetime
Very competitive entry-level pricing
10% multi-pet discount
Supports animal charities
Strong Trustpilot score

Cons

Pre-existing conditions not covered
Premiums rise with pet age
Some reports of claims disputes
Not always the highest limits compared to premium providers

Does Animal Friends Pet Insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

No, Animal Friends does not cover pre-existing conditions. See our guide to pre-existing cover.

What policy types does Animal Friends offer?

Animal Friends provides Accident-Only, Time-Limited, Maximum Benefit, and Lifetime policies.

Is Animal Friends the cheapest pet insurance provider?

It is often one of the cheapest for entry-level cover, especially for cats and young dogs.

Does Animal Friends offer multi-pet discounts?

Yes, you can save 10% when insuring more than one pet.

What is the maximum annual cover available?

Lifetime cover ranges up to £18,000 per year, depending on the level chosen.

How do I make a claim with Animal Friends?

Claims can be submitted online or by post. Some vets can bill Animal Friends directly.

Alternatives to Animal Friends Pet Insurance

Before deciding, compare with:

Conclusion

Animal Friends Pet Insurance UK 2025 is a strong choice if you’re looking for affordable entry-level cover, especially for younger pets. Its Accident-Only and Time-Limited policies are among the cheapest in the UK, while the Lifetime range offers comprehensive options with limits up to £18,000.

However, rising premiums as pets age and some claims disputes mean it may not suit every owner. For those wanting budget-friendly protection with the reassurance of a large, established brand, Animal Friends is worth considering.