Animal Friends vs Petplan
Which Pet Insurance Is Better?
Petplan has a higher editor rating
Editorial comparison only. VetCost is not regulated by the FCA. We do not arrange or sell insurance. Some links may be affiliate links. Read our methodology.
Animal Friends
Petplan
Editor's ChoicePrice & Cover Comparison
| Metric | Animal Friends | Petplan |
|---|---|---|
| Editor Rating | 3.8/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Dog Price From | £3.00/mo | £12.00/mo |
| Cat Price From | £2.00/mo | £8.00/mo |
| Max Vet Fee Limit | £12,000 | £12,000 |
| Excess From | £69 | £60 |
| Trustpilot Score | 4.5/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Waiting Period | 14 days | 14 days |
Green tick indicates the better value in each category. Prices are indicative and may vary.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Animal Friends | Petplan |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Cover | ||
| Hereditary Conditions | ||
| Behavioural Therapy | ||
| Pre-existing Conditions | ||
| Travel Abroad | ||
| Multi-pet Discount | ||
| Online Claims | ||
| Direct Vet Payment | ||
| Mobile App |
Pros & Cons
Animal Friends
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
Petplan
Pros
- UK's most established pet insurer with 45+ years experience
- Defaqto 5-star rated — comprehensive lifetime cover up to £12,000/year
- Direct vet payment available — no large upfront costs
- No upper age limit for policy renewals
Cons
- Premium pricing — more expensive than budget alternatives
- Excess includes a percentage co-payment for older pets
- Online portal can feel dated compared to newer insurtech competitors
Editor's Verdict
Petplan earns a higher editor rating (4.5 vs 3.8), reflecting stronger overall value. On price, Animal Friends starts from just £2/month, making it the more budget-friendly option. We recommend getting quotes from both to see which offers better value for your pet's specific needs.
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