Animal Friends Pet Insurance
Animal Friends combines pet protection with charitable giving, offering comprehensive insurance while supporting global animal welfare causes. Their policies range from Accident Only to Premium Lifetime Plus, with coverage up to £15,000 for veterinary fees. Each policy includes unlimited video vet consultations and contributes to animal welfare initiatives worldwide, having donated over £8 million to date.
Coverage Benefits
Vet Fee Coverage
Maximum Vet Fees
Covered each year up to £6,000 per condition with unlimited number of conditions
Claim Limit
£6,000
Vet Fees Excess
You'll pay £99 per condition per year
Additional Benefits
- Death by Accident Cover: £750
- Third Party Liability: £2,000,000
- Boarding Fees: £750
- Lost or Stolen Cover: £750
Support Services
- UK-Based Call Centers
- 24/7 Claims Service
- Vet Advice Helpline
Premium & Cost Breakdown
Annual Premiums
Monthly Payment Option
Average monthly payment: £99.88
Number of instalments: 12
Initial deposit required: 0
Premium Distribution
Distribution based on policy data analysis
What Affects Your Premium
- Pet's age, breed, and species
- Coverage level selected (Basic, Standard, or Premium)
- Your location and local vet costs
- Previous claims history
Coverage Highlights
Lifetime CoverMost Popular
Vet Fees
Up to Covered each year up to £6,000 per condition with unlimited number of conditions
Excess
You'll pay £99 per condition per year
Key Benefits
- Dental coverage included
- Prescription medication covered
- Complementary treatments
Max Benefit Cover
Vet Fees
Up to Covered each year up to £6,000 per condition with unlimited number of conditions
Excess
You'll pay £99 per condition per year
Key Benefits
- Dental coverage included
- Prescription medication covered
- Complementary treatments
Time Limited Cover
Vet Fees
Up to Covered each year up to £6,000 per condition with unlimited number of conditions
Excess
You'll pay £99 per condition per year
Key Benefits
- Dental coverage included
- Prescription medication covered
- Complementary treatments
Policy Coverage Overview
Premium Range
Minimum
£50.16
Maximum
£3497.64
Average
£408.90
Cover Types
- Lifetime
- Max Benefit
- Time Limited
Coverage Distribution
Dogs
67.3%
Cats
32.7%
Comprehensive Policy Details
| Coverage Feature | Benefit | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Vet Fees | Covered each year up to £6,000 per condition with unlimited number of conditions | Maximum amount claimable for veterinary treatment |
| Death by Accident | £750 | Payment if your pet dies due to an accident |
| Death by Illness | £750 | Payment if your pet dies due to illness |
| Third Party Liability | £2,000,000 | Coverage for damage or injury caused by your pet to others |
| Lost or Stolen | £750 | Coverage if your pet is lost or stolen |
| Advertising & Reward | £200 | Costs for advertising and reward if your pet is lost |
| Boarding Fees | £750 | Kennel/cattery fees if you're hospitalized |
| Travel Coverage | Included | Travel-related coverage including quarantine costs |
Fees & Charges
Policy Fees
Excess Information
Standard Excess
£99 - This is the amount you pay towards each new condition claimed for.
Co-Payment
N/A - This is an additional percentage that you pay towards the remaining claim amount after the fixed excess.
Example Claim Calculation
Professional Veterinary Analysis
Veterinary Expert Analysis: Animal Friends Pet Insurance
Animal Friends is one of the UK’s largest pet insurers, founded with a mission to support animal welfare charities. They insure over one million pets and donate a portion of profits to animal causes worldwide. Their policies are competitively priced and span from accident-only to lifetime cover.
Professional Veterinary Review
Animal Friends is a strong contender for budget-conscious pet owners who want to support animal welfare while insuring their pets. Coverage is good for the price, but customer service can vary.
Market Position
High-volume ethical provider with mass-market appeal and charitable positioning.
Pricing Strategy
Budget to mid-range depending on policy type. Competitive pricing for multi-pet households and value shoppers.
Who Should Consider Animal Friends? Detailed Analysis
Ethical pet owners looking for a socially responsible insurer with broad cover options at a reasonable price.
Ideal Pet Owner Profiles
Important Considerations
Key Strengths & Advantages
Strong ethical mission and charity support
Wide selection of policies for all budgets
Transparent pricing and easy online quotes
Important Limitations
Mixed customer service feedback
Higher excess amounts on some policies
Longer claim handling time compared to top-tier providers
What Makes Animal Friends Stand Out
Donates profits to animal charities
Over one million pets insured
Broad range of cover from accident-only to lifetime
Claims Process Analysis
Claims can be submitted online or by post. Average claim time is 7–10 working days. Direct vet payments are possible with pre-authorization.
Claims Process Highlights:
- • Online claim submission available 24/7
- • Veterinary nurse review team
- • Direct payment to vets where available
- • Average processing time detailed in policy
Customer Service Experience
Customer support is primarily online, with phone lines available. Service is rated average by many customers, with some complaints around response times.
Service Features:
- • UK-based customer service team
- • Online policy management portal
- • Multiple contact channels available
- • Dedicated support for complex cases
Coverage Analysis & Policy Details
Covers core vet fees, injuries, illnesses, dental accidents, and some alternative therapies. Lifetime policies are available but may have per-condition limits.
What's Covered
- Veterinary treatment for accidents and illnesses
- Hereditary and congenital conditions (after waiting periods)
- Third party liability coverage
- Death by accident or illness benefits
What's Not Covered
- Pre-existing conditions
- Routine preventive care (vaccinations, worming)
- Pregnancy and breeding-related costs
- Cosmetic or elective procedures
UK Pet Insurance Market Context
Understanding how Animal Friends fits within the broader UK pet insurance landscape helps contextualize their offerings. The following statistics provide insight into current market conditions and help you evaluate whether Animal Friends's approach aligns with your pet's needs.
Average Vet Bill Cost (Cats)
£1,200
Source: British Veterinary Association 2024
Average Vet Bill Cost (Dogs)
£1,500
Source: British Veterinary Association 2024
Most Common Cat Insurance Claim
Digestive Issues £450
Source: ABI Claims Statistics 2024
Most Common Dog Insurance Claim
Lameness/Limping £750
Source: ABI Claims Statistics 2024
Percentage of Pets with Chronic Conditions
40%
Source: Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons 2024
Pet Insurance Penetration Rate UK
25%
Source: UK Pet Population Survey 2024
Average Annual Pet Insurance Premium (Cats)
£278
Source: Association of British Insurers 2024
Average Annual Pet Insurance Premium (Dogs)
£436
Source: Association of British Insurers 2024
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:
Areas of Expertise:
Analysis Methodology: This comprehensive review is based on policy documentation analysis, claims process evaluation, customer feedback assessment, financial strength review, and comparative market analysis. We maintain strict editorial independence and regularly update our reviews to reflect policy changes and market developments.
Last updated: 8/20/2025 | Veterinary review: Current | Market analysis: Updated monthly
Detailed Questions About Animal Friends
How does Animal Friends handle pre-existing conditions?
Like all UK pet insurers, Animal Friends excludes pre-existing conditions from coverage. They define pre-existing conditions as any injury, illness, or symptom that occurs or shows clinical signs before your policy start date or during waiting periods. This includes conditions your vet has noted during examinations, even if no formal diagnosis was made.
What should I expect from Animal Friends's claims process?
Claims can be submitted online or by post. Average claim time is 7–10 working days. Direct vet payments are possible with pre-authorization. Most claims are processed within their advertised timeframe, but complex cases involving specialist treatments or multiple conditions may take longer. Always submit claims promptly with complete veterinary records to avoid delays.
Is Animal Friends suitable for older pets?
Animal Friends's suitability for older pets depends on their specific age limits and premium structure. Many insurers have upper age limits for new policies (typically 7-9 years for dogs, 8-10 for cats) but continue covering pets insured while young. Premiums typically increase with age, and some conditions may become excluded as your pet ages.
How does Animal Friends compare for specific breeds?
Animal Friends may have breed-specific pricing and exclusions. Breeds prone to hereditary conditions (like hip dysplasia in large dogs or heart conditions in certain breeds) may face higher premiums or specific waiting periods. Always check breed-specific terms in your policy documents, as coverage can vary significantly between breeds.
Professional Disclaimer & Transparency
This analysis represents independent veterinary and insurance expertise based on comprehensive policy review, market research, and professional experience. We do not receive compensation from Animal Friends for this review, and our analysis aims to provide balanced, factual information to help pet owners make informed decisions.
Data Sources: Policy documents, regulatory filings, veterinary cost surveys, customer satisfaction research, and comparative market analysis. All information is verified against official sources and updated regularly.
Important: Pet insurance needs vary significantly between individual pets and circumstances. This analysis provides general guidance, but you should obtain personalized quotes and review policy terms carefully before making decisions. Coverage terms and pricing may change, and actual policies will depend on your pet's specific details and health history.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do your charitable donations work?
We donate £4 from every new policy and £2 from renewals to over 500 animal welfare charities worldwide.
What does the video vet service include?
Access qualified UK vets 24/7 for unlimited video consultations, advice, and prescriptions when appropriate.
What payment options are available?
Choose monthly instalments or annual payments, with multi-pet discounts available up to 15%.
How quickly are claims processed?
Online claims are typically processed within 48 hours, with direct vet payment available.
Next Steps with Animal Friends
How to Get Coverage
- Visit Animal Friends's website directly
- Takes about 5-10 minutes to complete
- Have your pet's details ready
Important Note
The statistics and information shown here are based on real market research and actual policy data. However, your actual quote may vary based on factors such as:
- Your pet's age, breed, and health history
- Your location and coverage needs
- Current market conditions and provider pricing
Please contact Animal Friends directly for the most accurate and up-to-date quotes for your specific situation.