Animal Friends Pet Insurance: Comprehensive 2025 Review

Animal Friends Pet Insurance has gained recognition as a leading UK pet insurer, known for its award winning pet insurance and commitment to supporting the lives of animals everywhere. In this 2025 review, we’ll explore their range of pet insurance policies, highlight key features, and help you understand what you're covered for—so you can find trusted policies that provide cover for dental accidents, illness and injury, and more.

 

Who is Animal Friends?

Animal Friends is a UK-based pet insurance provider founded in 1998 with a unique mission: to offer quality pet insurance while supporting animal welfare charities across the globe. Over the years, Animal Friends has grown to become one of the most prominent names in the industry, insuring hundreds of thousands of pets. Their approach blends practical pet insurance solutions with a compassionate ethos, donating millions to animal welfare causes.

 

With policies from a leading insurer, they offer a wide range of pet insurance cover tailored to suit different needs and budgets—from basic vet fee cover to comprehensive plans that include dental accidents and illnesses. Known for being a multi award winning pet insurer, Animal Friends provides cover for dogs, cats, and even horses, with options that allow pet owners to manage the cost of their policy and cope with finances at the moment.

 

Animal Friends Pet Insurance Coverage

Animal Friends offers a variety of pet insurance policies designed to suit different needs, pet types, and financial situations. Here’s a breakdown of their key coverage options:

 

 

Accident Only

This basic policy provides cover for injuries resulting from accidents, such as broken bones or wounds. It's ideal for pet owners looking for an affordable safety net without illness cover.

 

 

Time-Limited

Time-limited policies offer pet insurance cover for each condition for up to 12 months. They are suited for short-term medical needs but won’t provide long-term protection for recurring issues.

 

 

Maximum Benefit

These policies allow claims up to a set financial limit per condition, with no time restriction. Once the limit is reached, the condition will no longer be covered.

 

 

Lifetime

Their most comprehensive option, lifetime cover provides an annual allowance for vet fees that resets each year. This is ideal for chronic illnesses or long-term care.

 

 

Dental Cover

Many Animal Friends policies include cover for dental accidents and illnesses, though the extent may vary. Always check the policy terms to understand what you’re covered for.

 

 

Complementary Therapies

Some policies provide cover for complementary therapies such as physiotherapy and hydrotherapy when recommended by a vet, adding value to your pet’s recovery and wellbeing.

 

 

Video Consultations

Animal Friends offers access to free vet video consultations, helping pet owners receive advice quickly without visiting a clinic—convenient and cost-saving.

 

Benefits of Availing Pet Insurance from Animal Friends

Animal Friends offers more than just financial protection—they provide peace of mind and support for both pets and their owners. Here are the key benefits of choosing their pet insurance:

 

 

Support for Animal Welfare

By choosing Animal Friends, you're supporting a pet insurance provider that donates a portion of its profits to animal charities. Their policies help make a difference to the lives of animals everywhere.

 

 

Range of Cover Options

From accident only to comprehensive lifetime policies, Animal Friends provides a wide range of pet insurance to suit different needs, helping pet owners find the right level of cover without overpaying.

 

 

Easy Access to Vet Advice

With free vet video consultations included in many policies, pet owners can get quick, expert advice—reducing stress and unnecessary visits to the clinic.

 

 

Recognised and Trusted Brand

As a multi award winning pet insurer and a member of the Association of British Insurers, Animal Friends is a trusted name, known for reliable policies and high customer satisfaction.

 

 

Flexible Payment and Policy Management

Their policies allow pet owners to manage costs and cope with finances more easily, offering monthly payment services and clear terms to understand what you're covered for.

 

 

Dental and Complementary Cover

Some plans include cover for dental accidents and illnesses, as well as complementary therapies, ensuring pets receive comprehensive care when needed.

 

Animal Friends Pet Insurance Reviews

Animal Friends has received a mix of customer feedback across several review platforms. The table below highlights average ratings and key sentiments from policyholders:

 

 

How to Process Your Insurance Claim with Animal Friends

Filing a claim with Animal Friends is designed to be simple and straightforward. Follow these key steps to ensure a smooth process and timely reimbursement:

 

1. Visit Your Vet

When your pet receives treatment, make sure to keep all invoices and documentation. Your vet may also need to fill out part of the claim form, especially for conditions requiring detailed medical notes.

 

2. Complete the Claim Form

Download the appropriate claim form from the Animal Friends website or access it via your online account. Fill out all relevant sections accurately, and ensure your vet completes their part if required.

 

3. Gather the Necessary Documents

Before submission, collect all required materials to avoid delays. Missing documentation is one of the most common reasons for claim rejections or processing hold-ups.

 

Requirements for Your Claim:

• Fully completed claim form
• Itemised vet invoices
• Full medical history for your pet (especially for first-time claims)
• Proof of payment (receipts or bank transaction)
• Any referral letters if applicable
• Details of previous insurance (if transferring)

 

4. Submit Your Claim

You can submit your claim either online through your Animal Friends account or by post. Online submission is generally faster and easier to track.

 

5. Await Confirmation and Processing

Once submitted, Animal Friends will review the claim. If additional information is needed, they’ll contact you or your vet directly. Claims are typically processed within a few working days, but more complex cases may take longer.

 

6. Receive Your Reimbursement

If the claim is approved, the payment will be made directly to your bank account or to your vet if you’ve requested direct payment. Keep an eye on your email for confirmation of payment and any final notes on your claim.

 

Considerations Before Applying for Animal Friends Pet Insurance

Before choosing a policy from Animal Friends, it's important to understand the key factors that could affect your coverage and satisfaction:

 

• Breed Restrictions – Some breeds are excluded or may face higher premiums due to increased risk.
• Pre-existing Conditions – Conditions your pet has had before the policy starts are generally not covered.
• Age Limits – Coverage options may be limited based on the age of your dog or cat at the time of application.
• Policy Terms – Insurance policies are subject to specific terms, so it’s vital to read the fine print to understand what you're covered for.
• Level of Cover – Carefully select the level of cover that meets your pet’s health needs and your finances at the moment.
• Excess and Co-Payments – You may need to pay a portion of the vet fees, especially for older pets.
• Waiting Periods – Most policies include a waiting period before coverage begins, particularly for illness and injury.
• Optional Cookies and Privacy – When managing your policy online, you’ll encounter cookie choices and essential cookies that impact your ad experience and site functionality.

 

 

Final Thoughts

Animal Friends Pet Insurance stands out in 2025 as a compassionate, reliable, and versatile provider offering a range of pet insurance cover to meet the needs of UK pet owners. With flexible policy options, a strong reputation, and a commitment to making a difference to the lives of animals everywhere, it’s a provider worth considering. Just be sure to review the policy terms, understand what you're covered for, and select a level of cover that suits your pet and your finances at the moment.