Maximum benefit pet insurance
Our pet insurance includes dental as standard and offers cover for life, so your pet has support when they need it.
Pet insurance provided by Pinnacle Insurance Ltd.
Sainsbury’s Pet insurance are two-time consecutive Defaqto Pet Insurer of the Year.
What is maximum benefit pet insurance?
Whether you’ve had pets all your life or are welcoming your first pet into your home, you’ll want what’s best for your furry housemate. That’s why it’s important to think about pet insurance.
Dogs and cats love to play and accidents can happen. And, of course, they can get ill – just like us. It's at times like this that maximum benefit cover, also known as max benefit pet insurance, can help give you peace of mind.
With maximum benefit insurance, you can claim vet fees per condition during the lifetime of your policy, up to the policy limit.
If you choose Sainsbury’s maximum benefit pet insurance, you’ll also get:
- 24/7 advice from the Sainsbury’s Money Vet Assistance helpline
- A discount for every pet you insure with our multi-pet offer †
- Additional discount for Nectar members Δ
Award winning pet insurance: Defaqto’s Pet Insurer of the Year 2026/27
We're delighted to have been named Defaqto Pet Insurer of the Year 2026/27, marking our second consecutive year receiving this prestigious industry award.
This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality pet insurance and delivering great outcomes for pet owners and their beloved companions. Following a rigorous assessment process, Defaqto recognised the strength of our products, policy transparency and customer proposition, helping us stand out in a highly competitive market.
Being named Pet Insurer of the Year for two years running is an achievement we're incredibly proud of and highlights our dedication to giving customers confidence that their pets are protected when it matters most.
What does our maximum benefit pet insurance cover?
With our maximum benefit cover you can claim for the same condition multiple times up to your chosen policy limit. If you reach the limit for one condition you will still be covered for any different conditions that your pet may develop over the course of your policy.
Simply choose the level of cover – either a maximum limit of £3,000 or £6,000. Find the right policy for you and your pets.
| Benefit | Maximum benefit £3,000 (Covers up to max amount per condition) | Maximum benefit £6,000 (Covers up to max amount per condition) |
|---|---|---|
Treatment period | unlimited | unlimited |
Treatment basis | per condition | per condition |
Veterinary fees | ||
Veterinary helpline | ||
Additional benefits | ||
Holiday cover |
Veterinary fees can include
| Benefit | Maximum benefit £3,000 (Covers up to the maximum amount per condition) | Maximum benefit £6,000 (Covers up to the maximum amount per condition) |
|---|---|---|
Dental Cover | up to £3,000 | up to £6,000 |
Complementary Treatment | up to £1,500 | up to £1,500 |
Physiotherapy | up to £1,500 | up to £1,500 |
Behavioural illnesses | up to £3,000 | up to £6,000 |
Overseas veterinary treatment | up to £3,000 | up to £6,000 |
Additional benefits and limits
| Benefit | Maximum benefit £3,000 (Covers up to the maximum amount per condition) | Maximum benefit £6,000 (Covers up to the maximum amount per condition) |
|---|---|---|
Death from accident/injury | up to £1,500 | up to £1,500 |
Death from illness | up to £1,500 | up to £1,500 |
Cremation | up to £200 | up to £200 |
Advertising & reward (dogs must be microchipped) | up to £1,500 | up to £1,500 |
Theft or straying (dogs must be microchipped) | up to £1,500 | up to £1,500 |
Emergency boarding kennel fees (if you're ill/injured for over 48hrs) | up to £1,500 | up to £1,500 |
3rd party liability (dogs only) | up to £2 million | up to £2 million |
Holiday travel cover
| Benefit | Maximum benefit £3,000 | Maximum benefit £6,000 |
|---|---|---|
Holiday cancellation | up to £1,500 | up to £1,500 |
Quarantine costs | up to £1,500 | up to £1,500 |
Loss of healthcare cert | up to £250 | up to £250 |
Emergency expenses abroad | up to £1,500 | up to £1,500 |
Please note that we won't cover any pre-existing conditions and that terms, conditions, excesses, exclusions and limitations apply. You can find out more about the terms of our cover in our policy documents.
Should I get maximum benefit or lifetime pet insurance?
Choosing between maximum benefit or lifetime pet insurance can seem confusing, but it gets a lot easier once you know the differences. Our lifetime insurance helps cover the cost of treatment, even for recurring conditions and illnesses, for as long as your pet needs it.
With maximum benefit you can claim up to a maximum amount for vet fees per condition during the lifetime of the policy. After this limit is reached, that condition will no longer be covered.
When considering if maximum benefit or lifetime pet insurance is worth it for, you need to consider what your pet’s conditions are. For example, if your pet has a long-term illness that may rack up vet fees, you may be better suited to lifetime insurance. But if your furry friend needs on-going medication, such as steroids, maximum benefit will help cover these costs.
To find out more about what the difference between max benefit and lifetime pet.
Any questions?
We understand how important it is to make the right decision on pet insurance. To help you get all the information you need, our FAQs list the most popular questions that pet owners ask – as well as others that aren’t so common.
Frequently asked questions
What is better - maximum benefit or lifetime pet insurance
To find out if maximum benefit or lifetime pet insurance is best for you, you need to understand the difference between them.
Maximum benefit insurance will cover any pet condition your pet suffers up to a one-time maximum amount. Lifetime pet insurance does the same, but resets each year.
What does maximum benefit mean in pet insurance?
Maximum benefit means your pet will be covered per condition up to a set amount. These policies don’t have a time limit on reaching the maximum benefit, so long as you renew your policy year-on-year.
How much does maximum benefit pet insurance cover me for?
With Sainsbury’s Pet insurance, we offer two levels of maximum benefit pet insurance: Up to £3,000 or up to £6,000 per condition.
What is the excess for a maximum benefit pet insurance policy?
Depending on your policy and the age of your pet, your excess could change. Usually, the payable excess will be 20% of your claim, or £99, whichever is highest.
Should I get maximum benefit or lifetime pet insurance
This depends on your pets and your own circumstances. Maximum benefit pet insurance can be cheaper than lifetime pet insurance, but if your pet has recurring conditions and illnesses then lifetime may be better suited.
If your pet needs on-going medication, then maximum benefit could be a better choice. Remember, once the maximum benefit is reached for a condition, it will no longer be covered.
Handy guides for pet owners
Cats and dogs come in all shapes, sizes and personalities. We all want our pets to be happy and healthy, that’s why our guides cover everything from fun facts to healthcare.
Need to talk to us?
If you can’t find the answers you need on our help and support page, or if you’d prefer to speak to someone directly, just get in touch.
Terms and Conditions
Δ Guaranteed discount for Nectar members: The discount is based on information related to you and the transactions you've made with Sainsbury's supermarkets and Sainsbury's Money using your Nectar card. For more information go to money.sainsburys.co.uk/nectar.
† Multi-pet discount is a minimum of £24 when insuring more than one pet as this is worked out at £1 per pet per month for each pet on a policy. Pets can have different cover levels. Discount deducted separately from any other offer.