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Head-to-Head Comparison
Updated March 2026

Petplan vs Waggel
Which Pet Insurance Is Better?

Petplan 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.

Petplan

Editor's Choice
4.5 /5

Petplan is the UK's largest pet insurer, covering over 1.3 million pets. Backed by Allianz, they offer comprehensive lifetime cover with no upper age limit for renewals, direct vet payment, and cover for dental, hereditary, and behavioural conditions. A trusted name since 1976.

Lifetime Max-benefit Time-limited
Price from £8/mo
Max vet fees £12,000
Trustpilot 4.0/5

Waggel

4.2 /5

Waggel is a B-Corp certified pet insurer offering lifetime-only policies with a modern, app-first experience. Popular with younger pet owners, Waggel includes membership perks like free 24/7 online vet consultations and rewards for healthy pet behaviour.

Lifetime
Price from £8/mo
Max vet fees £10,000
Trustpilot 4.5/5

Price & Cover Comparison

Metric Petplan Waggel
Editor Rating 4.5/5 4.2/5
Dog Price From £12.00/mo £15.00/mo
Cat Price From £8.00/mo £8.00/mo
Max Vet Fee Limit £12,000 £10,000
Excess From £60 £69
Trustpilot Score 4.0/5 4.5/5
Waiting Period 14 days 14 days

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

Feature Comparison

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

Pros & Cons

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

Waggel

Pros

  • B-Corp certified — ethical and purpose-driven company
  • Free 24/7 online vet consultations included with every policy
  • Clean, modern app with quick claims processing
  • Lifetime-only policies — no confusing tier choices

Cons

  • Higher starting price than budget competitors
  • No accident-only or time-limited options for those on a tight budget
  • Maximum vet fee cover of £10,000 is lower than some rivals
  • No travel/abroad cover included

Editor's Verdict

Petplan earns a higher editor rating (4.5 vs 4.2), reflecting stronger overall value. Petplan provides higher maximum vet fee cover (up to £12,000), which may suit owners who want comprehensive protection. We recommend getting quotes from both to see which offers better value for your pet's specific needs.

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