Animal Friends Pet Insurance Review 2025: Is It Worth It for UK Pet Owners?

Rising vet costs across the UK have made pet insurance more important than ever. With an average claim now exceeding £800 for dogs and £500 for cats, even a single accident or illness can put serious strain on your budget. That’s why more pet owners are turning to trusted providers like Animal Friends Pet Insurance for affordable, reliable protection.

Animal Friends is one of the UK’s most popular insurers, known for combining fair pricing with a genuine commitment to animal welfare. In this detailed review, you’ll find out what the company offers, what it doesn’t, and whether it’s a smart choice for your pet in 2025.

Meet Animal Friends

Founded in 1998, Animal Friends Insurance was created with a clear goal: to protect pets while giving back to animals in need. The company has since donated over £7 million to animal charities worldwide, making it one of the few insurers that actively supports animal welfare.

Today, Animal Friends covers more than one million UK pets. Policies are underwritten by Red Sands Insurance Company (Europe) Limited and are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), giving policyholders confidence that their cover meets strict financial standards.

The company’s commitment to compassion doesn’t come at the expense of performance. Animal Friends has earned Defaqto ratings up to five stars across several policies and is consistently praised for transparent terms, responsive support, and an efficient claims process.

Why Pet Insurance Is Essential

Vet costs have risen by nearly 20% in the past three years, driven by inflation and more advanced treatment options. A single emergency operation can easily exceed £2,000. Without insurance, these costs come straight out of your pocket.

Pet insurance protects you against such unexpected bills. It helps cover the cost of accidents, illnesses, and sometimes even ongoing conditions that require long-term care. For many pet owners, this isn’t just about saving money—it’s about ensuring pets receive the treatment they need without financial hesitation.

Animal Friends fills this gap for a wide range of pets and budgets. Whether you own a young puppy, an older cat, or multiple animals, there’s likely a plan that fits your needs and offers meaningful value.

Animal Friends Policy Overview

Animal Friends offers four main types of pet insurance policies, designed to suit different levels of cover and price points:

1. Accident-Only Cover

This basic plan covers treatment for accidental injuries only. It’s ideal for younger, healthy pets or owners on a tight budget.

2. Time-Limited Cover

Covers both accidents and illnesses, but only for a set period (usually 12 months) per condition. Once that period ends, the condition is no longer covered.

3. Maximum Benefit Cover

Offers a fixed financial limit per condition. You can claim until the limit is reached, regardless of how long treatment takes.

4. Lifetime Cover

The most comprehensive option. It renews the benefit limit each policy year and covers ongoing or recurring conditions as long as you keep renewing the policy.

Animal Friends also allows optional add-ons, such as dental cover, travel protection, and third-party liability for dogs. All policies can be managed online, and many vets can claim directly using the Pawtal system, reducing admin for pet owners.

Cost Breakdown

Animal Friends Pet Insurance is known for competitive pricing, often cheaper than rivals like Petplan or Agria for similar levels of cover. Monthly premiums depend on several factors:

• Pet type (dog, cat, or horse)
• Breed and age
• Location (postcode)
• Chosen policy type and cover level

To give an idea, premiums typically start at around £5–£7 per month for cats and £10–£15 for dogs, though this can rise for older pets or pedigree breeds. Animal Friends also offers a multi-pet discount, letting you save if you insure more than one pet under the same account.

To lower your premiums, you can pay annually instead of monthly, adjust your excess amount, or choose a lower coverage limit if your pet’s health risks are minimal.

Coverage Insights

Coverage varies by policy, but most Animal Friends insurance plans include:

• Vet fees for illness or injury
• Hospitalisation and specialist treatments
• Prescription medication
• Diagnostic tests (x-rays, MRI, bloodwork)
• Emergency care and out-of-hours visits

Some policies also cover dental illness, euthanasia, and physiotherapy, depending on the plan.

Exclusions typically include pre-existing conditions, routine vaccinations, neutering, pregnancy-related issues, and preventive care. It’s important to read each policy document carefully, as coverage details can differ between plan levels.

A key advantage of Animal Friends is its no upper age limit for new policies, which is rare among UK pet insurers. This makes it a solid choice for owners of older pets who might struggle to find affordable cover elsewhere.

Unique Features of Animal Friends

Several features make Animal Friends stand out:

• Pawtal System: Allows vets to claim directly, reducing delays and paperwork.
• 24/7 Vet Video Consultations: Available with select plans for round-the-clock advice.
• Charity Support: A portion of profits supports animal welfare organisations worldwide.
• Eco-Friendly Focus: The company uses digital-first systems to cut down on paper waste.
• No Upper Age Limit: You can insure pets at any age, though premiums will reflect risk.

These touches make Animal Friends appealing not just for value, but also for its thoughtful approach to pet and environmental welfare.

The Claim Experience

The claims process with Animal Friends is straightforward. You or your vet submits a claim online via Pawtal, attaches invoices, and waits for processing. Many claims are settled directly with the vet, meaning you don’t have to pay up front.

Processing times vary by case but typically fall between 5 and 10 working days. Some complex claims may take longer if further documentation is required.

Customers appreciate the ease of digital submission, but note that the clarity of claim documentation can speed up approval. Keeping complete vet records and ensuring your policy details are current helps avoid delays.

What Customers Say

On Trustpilot, Animal Friends holds an average rating of around 4.4 out of 5, with many reviewers praising fast payments and helpful customer service. The company also earns solid marks on Defaqto and other independent review platforms.

Positive feedback often highlights:

• Affordable monthly premiums
• Simple claims process
• Compassionate, UK-based support team

Criticism tends to focus on:

• Exclusions for pre-existing conditions
• Premium increases for older pets
• Strict documentation requirements

Overall, customer sentiment shows that Animal Friends delivers reliable coverage for the price, especially for owners who review their policy details upfront.

Expert Comparison

Compared to competitors like Petplan, ManyPets, and Tesco Bank, Animal Friends stands out for its lower starting premiums and strong ethical stance. However, it does have a few limitations:

Animal Friends may not always offer the highest limits, but for most UK pet owners, it balances cost and coverage well.

Missing but Important Details

Most competitor sites overlook these useful points, but they’re crucial for a full review:

• Refunds and Cancellations: You can cancel within 14 days for a full refund if no claim has been made.
• Claims Acceptance Rate: Around 92% of valid claims are approved, based on 2024 figures.
• Breed-Specific Risks: Premiums are higher for breeds prone to genetic issues, like Bulldogs or Ragdolls.
• Policy Renewal Trends: Expect small annual increases, common across the UK insurance market.

These details help pet owners make informed choices beyond headline prices.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Affordable monthly premiums
• Wide range of cover options
• Fast and simple online claims process
• Ethical and charitable company mission
• No upper age limit for new policies

Cons

• Pre-existing conditions not covered
• Premiums can rise at renewal
• Dental illness is only on higher plans

FAQs

Is Animal Friends Pet Insurance worth it?
Yes, it’s one of the most cost-effective and reputable UK pet insurers, especially for owners who value charitable impact.

Does it cover dental care?
Only on select plans—check your policy for specifics.

Can I use any vet?
Yes, any registered UK vet is accepted, and most can claim via Pawtal.

Are pre-existing conditions covered?
No, like most insurers, these are excluded.

How do I get a quote?
Visit the Animal Friends website, enter your pet’s details, and compare plans side by side.

Buying Tips

• Review policy documents before purchasing.
• Compare lifetime vs. time-limited cover to find long-term value.
• Consider a higher excess to reduce the monthly cost.
• Use the multi-pet discount if you have more than one animal.
• Reassess your policy each year to ensure it still fits your pet’s needs.

Final Word

Animal Friends Pet Insurance delivers a compelling mix of affordability, transparency, and compassion. It’s not perfect—no insurer is—but it offers solid cover for most pets and budgets.

If you want a policy backed by a company that genuinely supports animal welfare, with competitive prices and a simple claims process, Animal Friends is one of the best options available in the UK market today.