Tesco vs Sainsbury’s pet insurance
Last updated
The two big supermarket-bank pet insurers are closer than the marketing makes them look. Both are mainstream, both pay the vet directly at participating practices, both are competent rather than category-leading. The decision usually comes down to which loyalty card sits in your wallet and which tier prices better for your specific pet on the day.
Quick verdict
The two ranges now mirror each other — both sell Time Limited, Maximum Benefit and Lifetime cover on Pinnacle paper. Tesco edges the vet-fee ceiling (£11,000 versus £10,000 on Lifetime). Whichever you already shop with is usually the winner once the loyalty discount applies. Get a quote from both with the same pet details and pick the cheaper one with the cover you need.
Side-by-side
| Brand | Tesco Bank | Sainsbury's Bank |
|---|---|---|
| PetCoverPro score | 4 / 5 | 3.9 / 5 |
| Cover style | Multiple tiers | Lifetime |
| Plan tiers | Time Limited, Maximum Benefit, Lifetime | Time Limited, Maximum Benefit, Lifetime |
| Vet-fee limit | Up to £11,000 per year on Lifetime cover | Up to £10,000 per year on Lifetime cover |
| Excess from | From £69 | From £79 |
| Dental cover | Partial | Partial |
| Behavioural cover | Partial | Partial |
| Mobile app | No | No |
| Direct vet payment | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-pet discount | £12 discount per pet when you insure more than one | £1 off per pet, per month on multi-pet policies |
| Max new-policy age | 8 years for dogs and cats on lifetime tiers | 8 years for new lifetime policies |
| Underwriter | Pinnacle Insurance plc | Pinnacle Insurance plc |
| Get a quote | Visit Tesco Bank → | Visit Sainsbury's Bank → |
Limits and prices change. Confirm current figures on each brand’s site before buying. We last refreshed this table at the date stamped on the page.
Winner by criterion
Cover tier choice
TieBoth now sell the same three cover types — Time Limited, Maximum Benefit and Lifetime.
Underwriter quality
TieBoth are now underwritten by Pinnacle Insurance — Tesco moved from RSA to Pinnacle in January 2025. Identical paper underneath.
Loyalty perk weight
Depends on your walletClubcard at Tesco, Nectar at Sainsbury’s. Whichever card you actually use is the deciding factor.
Vet-fee limit
TescoTesco’s Lifetime cover reaches £11,000 per year versus £10,000 at Sainsbury’s.
Direct vet payment
TieBoth pay the vet directly at participating UK practices.
Mobile app
NeitherBoth phone-and-online, no dedicated claims app.