Admiral Pet vs John Lewis
Compare pet insurance features, coverage, and pricing between Admiral Pet and John Lewisto find the best protection for your pet.
Starting Premium
£48.00
Admiral Pet
£40.74
John Lewis
Maximum Cover
£4,000
Admiral Pet
No limit
John Lewis
Customer Rating
4.2
Admiral Pet
4.2
John Lewis
Vet Fees Cover
Covered for up to £4,000 per condition with unlimited number of conditions
Admiral Pet
Covered each year up to no limit per condition with £9,000 yearly limit
John Lewis
Veterinary Expert Comparison: Admiral Pet vs John Lewis
Our comprehensive veterinary analysis compares Admiral Pet and John Lewisacross multiple dimensions including pricing, coverage options, customer service quality, and claims handling. This detailed comparison is based on real policy data, veterinary cost analysis, and professional experience to help you make the best decision for your pet's insurance needs.
Overall Professional Recommendation
Choose John Lewis for high-quality cover and dependable service, especially for pets with pre-existing or ongoing medical needs. Choose Admiral Pet if you’re prioritising affordability over full feature sets.
Detailed Head-to-Head Analysis
Pricing & Value Analysis
Admiral’s lifetime policies start at around £22–£30/month for up to £10,000 vet fee cover. John Lewis plans are slightly more expensive (£25–£35/month) but offer up to £12,000 in cover and broader inclusions.
Admiral Pet
Average: £654.13
Range: £48 - £11999.64
John Lewis
Average: £558.45
Range: £40.74 - £12319.18
Coverage & Benefits Comparison
John Lewis provides better protection for chronic and hereditary conditions, and includes dental illness, travel, and third-party liability on upper tiers. Admiral’s coverage is solid, but extras may cost more or be excluded by default.
Customer Service Comparison
John Lewis benefits from trusted customer service, with a strong reputation for handling complex cases. Admiral’s support is reasonable but not as comprehensive, especially for ongoing condition management.
Claims Process Analysis
John Lewis claims are typically processed in 5–7 working days and offer direct-to-vet payment. Admiral offers similar timelines but with more variability depending on policy tier.
Key Differentiators
John Lewis offers broader protection and more extras included
Admiral is cheaper but with more limited features
John Lewis better handles chronic conditions and vet collaboration
Both offer lifetime cover, but John Lewis has higher limits
Which Should You Choose? Pet-Specific Scenarios
Puppy or Kitten (Under 1 Year)
New pet needing comprehensive coverage from the start
Based on coverage for hereditary conditions, vaccination waiting periods, and early life health needs
Senior Pet (7+ Years)
Older pet requiring ongoing care and potential chronic condition management
Evaluated based on age restrictions, renewal policies, and coverage for age-related conditions
Pet with Chronic Conditions
Ongoing medical needs requiring lifetime coverage
Assessed lifetime policy benefits, annual limit renewals, and specialist treatment coverage
Budget-Conscious Owner
Seeking essential coverage at the most affordable price
Compared premium costs, excess amounts, and value-for-money across different coverage levels
By The Numbers
Admiral Pet
John Lewis
UK Pet Insurance Market Context
Understanding how Admiral Pet and John Lewis fit within the broader UK pet insurance landscape helps contextualize this comparison. The following statistics provide insight into current market conditions and industry benchmarks.
Source: British Veterinary Association 2024
Source: British Veterinary Association 2024
Source: ABI Claims Statistics 2024
Source: ABI Claims Statistics 2024
Source: Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons 2024
Source: UK Pet Population Survey 2024
Source: Association of British Insurers 2024
Source: Association of British Insurers 2024
Real-World Veterinary Analysis
For a pet likely to need repeat treatment or long-term medication, John Lewis provides better support and stability. Admiral may suit pets with lower risks or owners looking for affordable base cover.
Our Final Veterinary Recommendation
After analyzing pricing, coverage, customer service, and claims handling, here's our professional recommendation for different pet owner profiles:
Choose Admiral Pet if:
- You prioritize comprehensive coverage and don't mind paying for premium features
- Your pet is young and you want to establish lifetime coverage early
- You value excellent customer service and claims support
Choose John Lewis if:
- You're looking for the best value for money without compromising essential coverage
- You prefer straightforward policies with clear terms and conditions
- You have a mixed breed pet with lower hereditary condition risks
Professional Note: The best choice depends on your pet's individual health profile, your budget, and your preferences for customer service. We recommend obtaining quotes from both providers and carefully reviewing the policy documents before making your final decision.
Veterinary Expert Analysis by Dr. Emma Richardson
Dr. Emma Richardson is a qualified veterinarian and pet insurance specialist with over 8 years of experience in both veterinary practice and insurance claims assessment. She holds a degree in Veterinary Medicine from the Royal Veterinary College and has worked with leading UK pet insurers to improve coverage and claims processes.
Professional Qualifications:
Comparison Methodology: This analysis is based on comprehensive policy review, claims data analysis, customer feedback assessment, and professional veterinary experience. We maintain editorial independence and update our comparisons regularly to reflect policy changes.
Last updated: 9/6/2025 | Professional review: Current
Available Policy Types
About Policy Types
Insurers typically offer different levels of cover such as Accident Only, Time-Limited, Maximum Benefit, and Lifetime. Lifetime policies are generally the most comprehensive but also tend to be more expensive.
Premium Analysis
Premium Range Comparison
Premium ranges are affected by pet age, breed, and location. The actual premium you'll pay may vary.
Policy Coverage & Exclusions
Covered for up to £4,000 per condition with unlimited number of conditions
up to limit per condition/year
Covered each year up to no limit per condition with £9,000 yearly limit
up to limit per condition/year
Important Coverage Notes
Both insurers typically exclude pre-existing conditions. Always check the full policy documents for specific exclusions and waiting periods. Coverage may vary based on your pet's age, breed, and health history.
Claims Process
Additional Benefits
Support Services
Customer Base Analysis
Admiral Pet
Total Policies
22483
Dogs
15048
67%
Cats
7435
33%
John Lewis
Total Policies
13830
Dogs
9108
66%
Cats
4722
34%
Admiral Pet Distribution
John Lewis Distribution
Making Your Decision
When comparing Admiral Pet and John Lewis, consider how each provider's strengths align with your pet's specific needs. Admiral Pet's average premium of £654.13compared to John Lewis's £558.45 should be weighed against the coverage and benefits each provider offers.
Best for Admiral Pet:
- Comprehensive coverage options for your pet type
Best for John Lewis:
- More affordable starting premiums
- Established market presence and reputation
Important Considerations
Remember that the best choice depends on your individual circumstances, including your pet's age, breed, health history, and your budget. Consider getting quotes from both providers to make a fully informed decision. Also factor in policy terms, exclusions, and how each provider handles claims for your specific situation.