PetPlan Review 2026 — Is the UK’s Best-Known Pet Insurer Still Worth It?

PetPlan is the grandee of UK pet insurance. Founded in 1976, it has been covering British pets for nearly 50 years and has built a reputation for reliability, universal vet acceptance and prompt claim settlement. But the market has moved on. Newer digital insurers like ManyPets and Petsure now offer higher cover limits, lower excesses and larger multi-pet discounts. In this review we examine whether PetPlan’s Covered Plus policy still justifies its premium price, or whether you would be better off with a modern alternative. Compare with ManyPets →

What is PetPlan?

PetPlan is the UK’s longest-established pet insurance brand, now part of the Allianz group. It has insured millions of pets and is accepted by virtually every UK vet — a significant practical advantage, as you never need to worry whether your vet will handle the claim paperwork. PetPlan is FCA-authorised and its policies are underwritten by Allianz Insurance plc, one of the largest insurers in the world.

PetPlan offers three main policy tiers: Covered Plus (the flagship lifetime policy), Essential (a more basic lifetime tier), and Budget (a time-limited policy). This review focuses on Covered Plus, which is the tier that competes with ManyPets and Petsure.

What Does PetPlan Covered Plus Cover?

PetPlan Covered Plus is a lifetime policy with an annual vet fee limit of £12,000, resetting on renewal. Standard inclusions are:

• Vet fees — up to £12,000/year covering illness, injury, surgery, diagnostics, hospitalisation and medication.
• Dental cover — included on Covered Plus, covering dental illness and injury.
• Complementary therapies — physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, acupuncture and osteopathy when referred by a vet.
• Third-party liability — up to £2 million for dog owners.
• Death from illness or injury — purchase price refund up to the vet fee limit.
• Boarding fees — up to £1,500 if you are hospitalised.
• Holiday cancellation — up to £5,000.
• Advertising and reward for a lost pet — up to £1,000.

Comparison Table

PetPlan’s £12,000 annual limit is £3,000 lower than ManyPets and Petsure, and its £80 excess is the highest in the comparison.

Pricing and Multi-Pet Discount

PetPlan is the most expensive insurer in our comparison. Premiums start from around £22.40 per month for a dog and £11.50 for a cat, based on a healthy 3-year-old with a £80 excess. This is roughly £4 per month more than ManyPets for £3,000 less annual cover.

The multi-pet discount is 10%, which is average for the market but well below ManyPets’ 15%. For a two-dog household, the price gap widens further: you are paying more per pet, getting less cover, and receiving a smaller discount.

PetPlan does offer flexibility on excess — you can choose £80, £120 or £175 — and a range of vet fee tiers (£4,000, £8,000, £12,000). However, even at the lower tiers, the price-per-£1,000-of-cover is higher than the competition.

The Claims Process

PetPlan’s claims process is its genuine strength and the reason many long-term customers stay loyal:

1. Universal vet acceptance — every UK vet handles PetPlan claims routinely. You never need to find a “PetPlan vet.”
2. Direct-to-vet settlement — PetPlan pays the vet directly, so you only pay the excess at reception.
3. Paper or online claims — your vet can submit the claim on your behalf, or you can submit online via the PetPlan portal.
4. Prompt payout — PetPlan pays out on 90% of claims within 5 working days, one of the best records in the industry.

For owners who value a human-touch, phone-based service and the reassurance of a vet who has dealt with the insurer thousands of times, PetPlan is hard to beat. The claim experience is reliable and low-friction.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Universal vet acceptance — every UK vet handles PetPlan, simplifying the claims process.
• Dental included on Covered Plus — dental illness and injury covered.
• No upper age limit — senior pets can be insured.
• Excellent claim payout record — 90% of claims paid within 5 days.
• Established brand and Allianz backing — financial strength and long-term stability.
• Complementary therapies included — physio, hydro and acupuncture covered.

Cons

• Highest premiums — the most expensive option in our comparison.
• Highest excess — £80 standard, the highest in the top five.
• Lower vet fee cover — £12,000/year vs £15,000 at ManyPets and Petsure.
• Smaller multi-pet discount — 10% vs 15% at ManyPets and Admiral.
• Less digital — the online portal is functional but not as smooth as Petsure’s app.
• No complementary behavioural therapy — behavioural therapy is excluded, unlike ManyPets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PetPlan worth it?

PetPlan is worth it if you value brand reputation, universal vet acceptance and a reliable, phone-based claims service. However, you are paying a premium — literally — for that reputation. ManyPets offers £3,000 more annual cover, a £20 lower excess, a 15% multi-pet discount and dental for roughly £4/month less. Compare ManyPets vs PetPlan →

Does PetPlan cover dental?

Yes. Dental illness and dental injury are covered on the Covered Plus tier. However, on the Essential and Budget tiers, dental cover is reduced or excluded. Always check the policy wording for your specific tier.

Does PetPlan have an age limit?

No. PetPlan has no upper age limit for new lifetime policies, making it suitable for senior pets.

How long does a PetPlan claim take?

PetPlan pays out on approximately 90% of claims within 5 working days. This is one of the best payout records in the UK market and is a key reason customers remain loyal despite the higher price.

Can I use any vet with PetPlan?

Yes. PetPlan is accepted by virtually every UK vet — this is its biggest practical advantage. You do not need to check whether your vet is in-network.

Our Verdict

PetPlan remains a solid, reliable insurer with an unmatched vet network and excellent claim payout speed. But it is the most expensive option in our comparison while offering less cover than ManyPets and Petsure. For owners who prioritise brand trust and the reassurance of universal vet acceptance, PetPlan is a reasonable choice. For owners who want the best cover for the best price, ManyPets remains our #1 recommendation →

Get a Quote

Ready to protect your pet? Get a quote from our recommended providers:

• Co-op Pet Insurance - Comprehensive cover from a trusted UK brand. Awin verified.
• PetPlan - The UK’s most recognised pet insurer.