Animal Friends Pet
Insurance Review
Editorial review only. VetCost is not regulated by the FCA. We do not arrange or sell insurance. Some links may be affiliate links.
Overview
Animal Friends Insurance was founded in 1998 with a simple mission: to provide affordable pet insurance while giving back to animals in need. They've donated over £8 million to animal welfare charities including the RSPCA, Dogs Trust, and Battersea. Their insurance range covers everything from basic accident-only policies (from just £3/month) to comprehensive lifetime cover up to £12,000 per year. Animal Friends is consistently one of the cheapest pet insurers in the UK, making them ideal for budget-conscious pet owners who still want decent cover. Their customer service has improved significantly in recent years, reflected in their strong Trustpilot score. While they don't offer the bells and whistles of newer insurtechs, their straightforward policies and charitable ethos make them a popular choice.
Key Facts
Founded
1998
Underwriter
AXIS Specialty Europe SE
Cover Types
Lifetime, Max-benefit, Time-limited, Accident-only
Pet Types
Dog, Cat
Vet Fee Limit
£1,000–£12,000
Excess From
£69–£160
Waiting Period
14 days
Max Pet Age
Must enrol before age 9
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Extremely affordable — dog cover from just £3/month
- Donates millions to animal welfare charities
- Excellent Trustpilot score of 4.5 from 38,000+ reviews
- Full range from accident-only to lifetime cover
Cons
- No dental or behavioural cover on standard plans
- No app — claims process is web-based or phone only
- Defaqto 3-star rated — cover is less comprehensive than top-tier providers
- Maximum enrolment age of 9 is lower than most competitors
Cover Features
Prices From
Dogs from
£3.00/mo
Cats from
£2.00/mo
Prices are indicative starting prices and may vary based on breed, age, and postcode.
Editor's Verdict
The best budget option for pet owners who want basic to mid-level cover without breaking the bank. Animal Friends won't match the premium providers on breadth of cover, but their charitable donations and rock-bottom prices make them hard to beat on value.
Learn More About Animal Friends
Visit Animal Friends's website to compare cover options and find out more about their policies.
Visit Animal Friends WebsiteAffiliate link. See our methodology.
Important: VetCost provides information for comparison purposes only. We do not arrange, advise on, or sell insurance products. All information is editorial and should not be considered financial advice. Always read the policy documents and contact the insurer directly before purchasing cover. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.