Tesco Pet Insurance Review UK 2025

Introduction

Tesco isn’t just one of the UK’s biggest supermarket chains – through Tesco Bank Pet Insurance it also offers a wide range of pet policies for cats and dogs. With millions of Clubcard members and a trusted household name, many pet owners see Tesco as a convenient and reliable choice.

In this full review of Tesco Pet Insurance UK 2025, we’ll explain the policy types available, what’s included and excluded, the claims process, how Clubcard discounts work, and whether Tesco is the right insurer for your pet.

For general guidance on choosing cover, you can also check MoneyHelper’s guide to pet insurance.

Key Policy Features

Cover types: Time-Limited, Maximum Benefit, Lifetime
Vet fee limits (Lifetime): up to £3,000, £5,000, £7,500 or £11,000 (chosen at quote)
Clubcard: guaranteed discount for Clubcard members
Multi-pet discount: £12 off each additional pet (terms apply)
24/7 advice: access to a vet helpline (vetfone)
Underwriter update (2025): new/renewed policies in 2025 are underwritten by Pinnacle Insurance Ltd; many older policies were RSA (Royal & Sun Alliance)

Who underwrites Tesco Pet Insurance in 2025?

From January 2025, Tesco’s newer/renewed pet policies are underwritten by Pinnacle Insurance Ltd. Existing customers whose documents reference RSA may still be served under RSA terms until they move across at renewal. Always check your policy number and wording in your portal or documents to confirm.

Tesco Pet Insurance Policy Types

Tesco offers three clear types of cover in 2025:

Time-Limited

Covers illnesses or injuries for up to 12 months from the date of first treatment.
Once the 12 months or vet fee limit is reached, the condition is excluded.
Budget-friendly, but not ideal for long-term or chronic illnesses.
Learn more in our guide to Time-Limited Pet Insurance UK 2025.

Maximum Benefit

A financial pot per condition (two levels available).
Once the set limit for that condition is used up, it will no longer be covered.
Suitable for short-term problems, but risky if your pet develops a recurring condition.
See our explainer on Maximum Benefit Pet Insurance UK 2025.

Lifetime

The most comprehensive option.
Vet fee limits reset each policy year if you renew.
Available in four levels: £3,000, £5,000, £7,500 and £11,000.
Best for pets likely to need ongoing treatment.
Read our full guide to Lifetime Pet Insurance UK 2025.

What’s covered (and what’s not)

Common inclusions (vary by level):

Vet fees for accident & illness (diagnostics, medication, surgery, hospitalisation)
Dental treatment for accident/illness (subject to regular dental check-ups and following any recommended treatment)
Third-party liability for dogs (limit applies—see your documents)
Missing pet costs (advertising/reward), theft/straying, and death from accident/illness (age limits apply)
Pet travel cover within eligible regions (check your wording)

Common exclusions:

Pre-existing conditions (see our guide to Pet Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions UK 2025)
Routine/preventative care (vaccinations, flea/worming, neutering, elective dental cleaning)
Pregnancy/breeding costs and non-essential or cosmetic procedures
Breeds/activities excluded by the policy wording

Good to know: If dental matters to you, keep your pet’s annual dental check-ups up to date and follow any recommended treatment—cover often depends on that.

Pricing, discounts & excesses

Your premium depends on pet age, breed, sex, postcode, claims history, and the limit/excess you choose. As pets age, premiums and excesses often rise.

Ways to save with Tesco in 2025:

Clubcard discount: Tesco advertises a guaranteed discount for Clubcard members on pet insurance.
Multi-pet discount: £12 off per additional pet insured (available across policy types; T&Cs apply).
Excess choices: A higher fixed excess can reduce the premium—balance this against claim frequency.

Shopping for price first? Start with our guide to Cheap Pet Insurance UK 2025 to benchmark costs, then weigh the value of higher limits and add-ons.

The claims process (how it works)

You can submit claims online and track them in your pet portal. Depending on your vet, direct-to-insurer billing may be possible, otherwise you’ll pay the vet and reclaim. Have your policy number, itemised invoices, clinical notes and payment proof ready to avoid delays.

Typical issues to watch for:

Waiting periods: claims within the initial waiting period (after policy start) are usually excluded.
“Ongoing” vs “new” condition: if symptoms connect to a past issue—even months later—it may be classed as the same condition. Keep records and ask your vet to be specific in notes.
Pre-approval: for major procedures, check whether the insurer recommends pre-authorisation.

Customer experience & what real owners say

Feedback highlights a few consistent themes across review sites:

Positives: straightforward online journey, Clubcard savings, quick settlement for simple claims.
Negatives: premium increases at renewal (especially as pets get older), disputes on whether a claim is “ongoing,” and the usual frustrations around waiting periods or documentation.

If pricing stability over multiple years is key, compare at renewal and consider whether a higher Lifetime limit (with a slightly higher premium) is worth it for long-term conditions.

Pros and cons

Pros

Big-brand convenience and Clubcard savings
Choice of Time-Limited, Maximum Benefit, Lifetime
Vet helpline access for advice, 24/7 style convenience
Multi-pet discount applied per extra pet

Cons

Pre-existing conditions excluded
Premiums typically rise with age (and sometimes excesses)
Maximum Benefit/Time-Limited aren’t ideal for chronic conditions
Claim disputes can occur around condition continuity—keep detailed records

Does Tesco Pet Insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

No. Like most insurers, Tesco excludes pre-existing conditions. See our guide for options if your pet has a history: https://petinsurancehub.co.uk/pet-insurance-for-pre-existing-conditions-uk-2025/

What policy types does Tesco offer in 2025?

Tesco offers Time-Limited, Maximum Benefit and Lifetime cover (no Accident-Only).

Who underwrites Tesco Pet Insurance in 2025?

New and renewed policies in 2025 are underwritten by Pinnacle Insurance Ltd. Some older policies are still underwritten by RSA until renewal.

Is there a Clubcard discount?

Yes. Tesco advertises a guaranteed discount for Clubcard members on pet insurance.

How much is the multi-pet discount?

£12 off for each additional pet insured (terms apply).

Does Tesco cover dental care?

Dental treatment caused by accident or illness may be covered, but only if annual check-ups are kept up and any vet-recommended treatment is followed. Routine cleaning isn’t covered.

Good alternatives to compare

Before you choose, check our core round-ups and explainer pages:

Conclusion

Tesco Pet Insurance UK 2025 is a solid choice for many owners, especially if you value the convenience of a big-name brand, Clubcard savings, and a choice between budget-friendly or comprehensive cover.

Best for: younger pets, households with multiple pets, or Clubcard members wanting a discount.
Not ideal for: pets with pre-existing or chronic conditions (Lifetime cover is better here, but exclusions still apply).

Always compare with other providers to make sure you’re getting the right balance of cover and cost for your pet.