To improve consistency and remove subjectivity, our pet insurance ratings are calculated using industry averages to create an unbiased ranking table.
The result is a ranking table where the majority of ratings are industry average policies, awarded 3 stars. 4 star ratings provide better than average cover and 5 stars are reserved for those policies that offer the very best cover. 2 and 1 star rated policies fall below industry average standards.
Remember this is just a rating on the policy itself and does not provide the whole picture. It may well be the case that a 3 or 4 star rated policy (and in some cases even a 1 or 2 star policy) will meet all your requirements and suit your budget. For this reason we encourage you to look at our assessments, think carefully about the cover you need for your pet and use the star ratings in conjunction with our in-depth reviews, to narrow down your choices.
Please note the information and analysis that we provide should not be construed as advice, but only as a means of assisting with your search to find a policy that best suits your needs.
Our database calculates the industry average for each section of cover in a pet insurance policy. Our algorithm attaches a value to each section and calculates an overall score. The more comprehensive the cover the higher the rating.
(Where a policy has an option to include a certain section of cover, we have assumed that it is included for rating purposes)
In keeping with our goal of transparency, our star ratings requirements are as follows:
FIVE STARS
Policies must provide cover for all core sections and all secondary sections.
Vets Fees – Policies must provide a minimum maximum benefit of £6,000, or £4,000 per condition and cover either;
a) A maximum benefit per condition no renewal guarantee.
b) A maximum limit per condition with a lifetime renewal guarantee; or
c) A maximum benefit per year with a lifetime renewal guarantee.
Cruciate Ligaments - Damage to, or disease of the cruciate ligament is a common problem in animals. Most policies include cover for this within their overall vet fees limit. In line with industry averages, a policy must offer cover of at least £4,000.
MRI/CT Scans - If your pet suffers from seizures, paralysis or back problems, your vet may recommend an MRI scan. Most policies include cover for this within their overall vet fees limit. In line with industry averages, a policy must offer cover of at least £2,000.
Euthanasia - If your pet needs to be put to sleep to alleviate further suffering, policies must cover this. A policy must offer at least £100 to cover the cost of euthanasia.
Complementary treatments - The industry average for complementary treatments such as physiotherapy is £1,000. Five star policies have at least this amount of cover.
Prescribed Food - All five star policies must cover the cost of prescription food (to treat bladder stones) up to at least £100.
Dental treatment - Dental treatment for accidents of at least £500.
Loss of your Pet - The industry average benefit for loss of your pet due to accident, illness, theft or straying is £1,000. All policies must offer at least this amount.
Compulsory excesses - The industry average for the age at which additional compulsory excesses are charged is 6. All five star policies will not charge an additional compulsory excess until at least this age.
Five-star policies may provide additional service and cover benefits over and above standard policies.
Premiums are competitive in relation to the cover provided.
Five-Star policies have clear and consumer friendly, wording and explanations of cover.
The standard excess is equal or lower than the £100 market average.
FOUR STARS
Four-star policies cover all core sections and secondary sections under a pet insurance policy.
Four-Star policies offer Veterinary Fees cover that are above the market average and provide either
a) A maximum benefit per condition no renewal guarantee.
b) A maximum limit per condition with a lifetime renewal guarantee; or
c) A maximum benefit per year with a lifetime renewal guarantee.
Four-star policies may have a maximum of one core and one secondary section, or two secondary sections of cover lower than the market average or the excess may be above the market average.
Four-star policies may provide additional cover benefits.
Premiums are competitive in relation to the cover provided.
Four-star policies have clear and consumer friendly wording and explanations of cover.
THREE STARS
Three star policies cover all core sections, but may not offer all secondary sections of cover.
Three star policies cover veterinary fees that may be lower than the market average and provide either
a) A maximum limit per condition limited to 12 months
b) A maximum benefit limited to 12 months.
c) A maximum benefit per condition no renewal guarantee
d) A maximum limit per condition with a lifetime renewal guarantee; or
e) A maximum benefit per year with a lifetime renewal guarantee.
Three star policies have some core covers lower than the market average, or up to one secondary sections of cover missing.
Three star policies have some secondary covers lower than the market average.
Three star policies may not have all the features and benefits of a four or five star policy.
The standard excess may be higher than the market average.
TWO STARS
Two star policies generally provide cover that is below the market average and/or have core and secondary sections of cover missing from their policies.
Two star policies cover veterinary fees cover that are below the market average and provide either
a) Accident only cover,
b) A maximum limit per condition limited to 12 months,
c) A maximum benefit limited to 12 months,
d) A maximum benefit per condition no renewal guarantee,
e) A maximum limit per condition with a lifetime renewal, guarantee; or
f) A maximum benefit per year with a lifetime renewal guarantee.
Two star policies may have sections of cover missing.
Premiums tend to be much lower than the market average due to the low levels of cover provided.
The Standard Excess can be higher than the market average.
Policy wordings may not be as consumer friendly as other Insurers and contain more terms and conditions.
ONE STAR
One star policies provide cover that is below the market average.
One star policies have core sections and secondary sections of cover missing from their policies.
One star policies cover veterinary fees cover that are below the market average and provide either
a) Accident only cover
b) A maximum benefit limited to 12 months.
c) A maximum benefit per condition no renewal guarantee.
Premiums tend to be the lowest available due to the minimum levels of cover provided.
One star policies have an excess which normally exceeds the market average.
Policy wordings may not be as consumer friendly as other Insurers and contain more terms and conditions.
