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Head-to-Head Comparison
Updated March 2026

Direct Line vs ManyPets
Which Pet Insurance Is Better?

ManyPets offers higher vet fee limits

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.

Direct Line

3.9 /5

Direct Line is one of the UK's most recognised insurance brands, offering pet insurance with multi-pet discounts, online claims, and cover for dogs and cats. Part of Direct Line Group, they provide a reliable mainstream option with competitive pricing.

Lifetime Max-benefit Time-limited
Price from £5/mo
Max vet fees £8,000
Trustpilot 4.2/5
Visit Website Full review →

ManyPets

Editor's Choice
4.6 /5

ManyPets (formerly Bought By Many) is a 5x award-winning insurtech that insures over 600,000 pets. They're one of the few UK providers offering cover for pre-existing conditions, alongside a slick app-based claims experience and competitive pricing from just £5/month for dogs.

Lifetime Max-benefit Accident-only
Price from £4/mo
Max vet fees £15,000
Trustpilot 4.3/5
Visit Website Full review →

Price & Cover Comparison

Metric Direct Line ManyPets
Editor Rating 3.9/5 4.6/5
Dog Price From £8.00/mo £5.00/mo
Cat Price From £5.00/mo £4.00/mo
Max Vet Fee Limit £8,000 £15,000
Excess From £70 £59
Trustpilot Score 4.2/5 4.3/5
Waiting Period 14 days 14 days

Green tick indicates the better value in each category. Prices are indicative and may vary.

Feature Comparison

Feature Direct Line ManyPets
Dental Cover
Hereditary Conditions
Behavioural Therapy
Pre-existing Conditions
Travel Abroad
Multi-pet Discount
Online Claims
Direct Vet Payment
Mobile App

Pros & Cons

Direct Line

Pros

  • Well-known, trusted UK insurance brand
  • 10% multi-pet discount when insuring more than one pet
  • Range of cover levels from basic to lifetime
  • Strong online claims management portal

Cons

  • No behavioural cover on any plan
  • Maximum vet fee limit of £8,000 is lower than specialist providers
  • No direct vet payment option
  • No dedicated mobile app for pet insurance

ManyPets

Pros

  • One of the only UK insurers to cover pre-existing conditions
  • Excellent app with quick photo-based claims submission
  • Competitive pricing starting from £5/month for dogs
  • 5x award winner including Moneyfacts and Insurance Choice Awards

Cons

  • Pre-existing cover is a separate, more expensive policy
  • No direct vet payment option — you pay upfront and claim back
  • Maximum enrolment age of 10 years excludes older pets

Editor's Verdict

ManyPets earns a higher editor rating (4.6 vs 3.9), reflecting stronger overall value. ManyPets provides higher maximum vet fee cover (up to £15,000), which may suit owners who want comprehensive protection. On price, ManyPets starts from just £4/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.

Visit Website from Direct Line

Compare options and find the right cover.

Visit Direct Line

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Visit Website from ManyPets

Compare options and find the right cover.

Visit ManyPets

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Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you purchase insurance through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This does not influence our editorial ratings or rankings.