123.ie Pet Insurance 2025: Expert Review, Costs & Features
Our expert's opinion on 123.ie
123.ie offers a single-tier pet insurance policy ('Premium Pet Cover') underwritten by Red Sands, providing up to €2,500 per condition per year for vet fees, €1,000 for accidental or illness-related pet death (with significant restrictions for pets over 8), and €250,000 public liability with a €250 excess per claim. Its streamlined structure and clear limits position 123.ie competitively against other Irish insurers by delivering broad benefits and straightforward claims, usually without complex tiering or wellness add-ons; its strength lies in transparency and solid coverage at a market-standard price point. 123.ie is well-suited to owners of young to middle-aged cats and dogs seeking straightforward, high-coverage protection, but less ideal for elderly pets or those requiring routine wellness cover. Backed by Red Sands Insurance Company (Europe) Limited, 123.ie demonstrates financial reliability and scale, with a gross written premium exceeding €80 million across lines; on Trustpilot, it holds a strong 4.5/5 from 1,469 reviews, and their claims are handled professionally—though average reimbursement times are not publicly specified, customer reports suggest efficient processing within a reasonable period.
- ✅High annual vet fee limit per condition (€2,500)
- ✅Broad coverage including theft, death, liability, and emergency boarding
- ✅Public liability limit of €250,000 per year
- ✅Single comprehensive plan—no confusing options
- ✅Very positive Trustpilot reputation (4.5/5, 1,469 reviews)
- ✅Straightforward claim process—email or phone
- ✅Financially robust, established provider
- ❌No routine wellness/preventive care budget
- ❌Only one policy option—no customisation
- ❌Strict exclusions for breeds, older pets, pre-existing conditions
- ❌No digital-first or fully online paperless process
- ❌No telehealth or 24/7 assistance included
- ✅High annual vet fee limit per condition (€2,500)
- ✅Broad coverage including theft, death, liability, and emergency boarding
- ✅Public liability limit of €250,000 per year
- ✅Single comprehensive plan—no confusing options
- ✅Very positive Trustpilot reputation (4.5/5, 1,469 reviews)
- ✅Straightforward claim process—email or phone
- ✅Financially robust, established provider
Our expert's opinion on 123.ie
Score123.ie offers a single-tier pet insurance policy ('Premium Pet Cover') underwritten by Red Sands, providing up to €2,500 per condition per year for vet fees, €1,000 for accidental or illness-related pet death (with significant restrictions for pets over 8), and €250,000 public liability with a €250 excess per claim. Its streamlined structure and clear limits position 123.ie competitively against other Irish insurers by delivering broad benefits and straightforward claims, usually without complex tiering or wellness add-ons; its strength lies in transparency and solid coverage at a market-standard price point. 123.ie is well-suited to owners of young to middle-aged cats and dogs seeking straightforward, high-coverage protection, but less ideal for elderly pets or those requiring routine wellness cover. Backed by Red Sands Insurance Company (Europe) Limited, 123.ie demonstrates financial reliability and scale, with a gross written premium exceeding €80 million across lines; on Trustpilot, it holds a strong 4.5/5 from 1,469 reviews, and their claims are handled professionally—though average reimbursement times are not publicly specified, customer reports suggest efficient processing within a reasonable period.
- ✅High annual vet fee limit per condition (€2,500)
- ✅Broad coverage including theft, death, liability, and emergency boarding
- ✅Public liability limit of €250,000 per year
- ✅Single comprehensive plan—no confusing options
- ✅Very positive Trustpilot reputation (4.5/5, 1,469 reviews)
- ✅Straightforward claim process—email or phone
- ✅Financially robust, established provider
- ❌No routine wellness/preventive care budget
- ❌Only one policy option—no customisation
- ❌Strict exclusions for breeds, older pets, pre-existing conditions
- ❌No digital-first or fully online paperless process
- ❌No telehealth or 24/7 assistance included
- ✅High annual vet fee limit per condition (€2,500)
- ✅Broad coverage including theft, death, liability, and emergency boarding
- ✅Public liability limit of €250,000 per year
- ✅Single comprehensive plan—no confusing options
- ✅Very positive Trustpilot reputation (4.5/5, 1,469 reviews)
- ✅Straightforward claim process—email or phone
- ✅Financially robust, established provider
- The Guarantees of 123.ie
- Exclusions on 123.ie
- 123.ie Prices
- 123.ie Assistance
- Customer Reviews on 123.ie
- How to Contact 123.ie
- FAQ
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At HelloSafe, our pet insurance expert reviews the terms and pricing of insurance policies available on the Irish market each year to provide you with a trustworthy and unbiased analysis. Thanks to this thorough approach, thousands of users across Ireland trust us every month to guide them in making their most important financial decisions.
The Guarantees of 123.ie
123.ie offers a single “Premium Pet Cover” policy providing up to €2,500 per condition annually for veterinary fees, including a €500 complementary medicine sub-limit and €100 for prescription diets related to specific bladder conditions.
The plan features public liability cover up to €250,000, as well as allowances for theft/straying, death, boarding, and holiday cancellation, but applies a 15% mandatory co-payment for vet fees and complementary medicine for pets over 8 years old.
The policy excels with generous incident limits and simple eligibility, but limits reimbursement for routine dental, behavioral, and preventive care, and specifically excludes many common illnesses and certain breeds.
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A standard excess (amount not specified) applies per claim; only dogs and cats aged 8 weeks or older are eligible, and waiting periods apply (14 days for illness).
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Unlike some competitors, 123.ie does not offer multi-level plans or added-value assistance services, and coverage ends for illness-related death or theft/straying after age 8, reducing long-term attractiveness for ageing pets.
| Name of coverage | Premium Pet Cover |
|---|---|
| Plan positioning | Comprehensive, single tier |
| Type of coverage | Accident and illness |
| Animals covered | Dogs and cats |
| Reimbursement rate (%) | N.C. |
| Annual reimbursement limit | €2,500 per condition |
| Deductible (annual or per claim) | Standard excess (amount N.C.); +15% co-pay for pets 8+ years |
| Age limits for enrollment (dogs/cats) | Minimum 8 weeks; no illness cover after age 8 |
| Pre-enrollment health questionnaire | N.C. |
| Waiting period (illness) | 14 days |
| Waiting period (accident) | N.C. |
| Lifetime coverage once subscribed | ❌ |
| Vet consultations (regular + emergency) | ✅ |
| Medications | ✅ |
| Hospitalization | ✅ |
| Surgery (including anesthesia) | ✅ |
| Diagnostic tests (X-ray, MRI, ultrasound, lab tests) | ✅ |
| Dental care (scaling and procedures) | ❌ Except physical extractions after accident |
| Preventive care package (vaccines, antiparasitics, spaying/neutering, ID/microchipping) | ❌ |
| Alternative medicine (osteopathy, acupuncture, etc.) | ✅ Up to €500 per condition |
| Travel coverage (countries included, duration) | ✅ UK, Isle of Man, Channel Islands, up to 30 days/year |
| Civil liability | ✅ Up to €250,000 (dogs only) |
| Euthanasia | ❌ |
| Death & cremation coverage | ✅ Death up to €1,000; no cremation/disposal |
| Theft or loss of pet + search expenses | ✅ Up to €1,000 (inc. reward/adv.) |
| Boarding fees (if owner is hospitalized) | ✅ Up to €1,000 |
Compare 123.ie to other pet insurers in Ireland today to find the right balance of cost, coverage, and exclusions for your pet’s needs.
Important Policy Exclusions and Conditions
For pets over 8 years, illness-related death, theft/straying, and market value reimbursement are not covered.
Holiday cancellation applies only if life-saving surgery is required within 14 days prior to travel.
Emergency boarding reimbursed after at least 4 days’ hospitalization; original invoices and complete documents required for all claims.
Liability incidents involving family, household members, or business use are excluded.
Exclusions on 123.ie
123.ie’s pet insurance exclusion policy is broad and in line with standard market practices, notably barring cover for pre-existing conditions, non-emergency and elective treatments, and pets under eight weeks of age.
Pets aged eight years or more face notable restrictions, including no cover for illness-related death, 15% co-payment on claims, and strict limitations on market value for compensation.
Aggressive breeds and any dog crossed with excluded breeds are denied cover—a common restriction, but the specific breed list is extensive compared to some competitors.
Dental work is only eligible if resulting from accident or injury, and only extractions are covered (not antibiotics, anaesthetic, or associated costs), which is less generous than some other policies.
Geographical limits (30 days abroad) and the exclusion of costs from legislative or government actions also apply, with no coverage for overseas losses or losses without forced entry.
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical exclusions | - Pre-existing conditions - Illness/injury in first 14 days or first 8 weeks of life - Non-veterinary-approved, elective, cosmetic or preventive care - Dental/gum treatments (only extractions for accident/injury, no anaesthetic or antibiotics) - Behavioural treatments - Treatments due to obesity (unless secondary to other covered condition) - Treatment not supported by receipts - Prescription costs outside Ireland - Organ/stem cell/gene therapy - Euthanasia, cremation, disposal (except humane destruction needed for suffering) |
| Age-related exclusions | - No illness cover and no illness-related death benefit for pets aged 8+ years - 15% co-payment per claim for pets aged 8+ - Value of pet capped at 50% of sum insured for death/theft payouts at 8+ years |
| Breed exclusions | - Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Bandogge Mastiff, American/Irish Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Presa Canario, Cane Corso, Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, Korean Jindo, Northern Inuit, Racing Greyhounds, Shar Pei, Utonagan, Wolf Hybrids - Any animal deemed dangerous, or crossed with an excluded breed |
| Geographic exclusions | - Claims outside Ireland (except up to 30 days for vet fees in UK, Isle of Man, Channel Islands) - Theft/straying incidents not in Ireland - Overseas loss not covered |
| Legal/regulatory exclusions | - Claims related to legislative, quarantine, seizure, or breach of animal health/import laws - Use in trade, business, or breeding (unless specifically covered) - Loss due to epidemics, pandemics, war, riot, terrorism - Death due to legal, fiscal, or breeding-related reasons |
| Documentation exclusions | - Claims without original receipts or required documentation - Advertising/reward not supported by evidence - Boarding in unlicensed catteries/kennels not covered |
| Liability exclusions | - Incidents involving family/household members or business use - Pollution (unless accidental) - Damage from deliberate, malicious, fraudulent, or foreseeable acts - Incidents at workplace or with prior aggressive/straying history |
- Illness/injury in first 14 days or first 8 weeks of life
- Non-veterinary-approved, elective, cosmetic or preventive care
- Dental/gum treatments (only extractions for accident/injury, no anaesthetic or antibiotics)
- Behavioural treatments
- Treatments due to obesity (unless secondary to other covered condition)
- Treatment not supported by receipts
- Prescription costs outside Ireland
- Organ/stem cell/gene therapy
- Euthanasia, cremation, disposal (except humane destruction needed for suffering)
- 15% co-payment per claim for pets aged 8+
- Value of pet capped at 50% of sum insured for death/theft payouts at 8+ years
- Any animal deemed dangerous, or crossed with an excluded breed
- Theft/straying incidents not in Ireland
- Overseas loss not covered
- Use in trade, business, or breeding (unless specifically covered)
- Loss due to epidemics, pandemics, war, riot, terrorism
- Death due to legal, fiscal, or breeding-related reasons
- Advertising/reward not supported by evidence
- Boarding in unlicensed catteries/kennels not covered
- Pollution (unless accidental)
- Damage from deliberate, malicious, fraudulent, or foreseeable acts
- Incidents at workplace or with prior aggressive/straying history
123.ie Prices
123.ie positions itself as a competitive, mid-range insurer in the Irish pet insurance landscape, offering a comprehensive set of benefits at a moderate monthly price.
The plan covers generous veterinary fee limits (€2,500 per condition annually, plus complementary medicine), but notable exclusions apply for older pets, specific breeds, and routine or dental care, keeping premiums reasonable compared to premium competitors.
While there is only one tier, this simplicity reduces confusion and helps deliver solid core protection, especially for healthy young or mid-age pets, though benefits taper off for pets 8 years and older due to age co-payments and benefit reductions.
Unlike some pure digital players, 123.ie provides both digital services and telephone support, but does not offer ultra-low premiums or bundled wellness options that some “budget” or online-only competitors might include.
Overall, the pricing is attractive for most pet owners seeking value and clear conditions, but may be less suited to those seeking either the cheapest or most extensive plan on the market.
| Premium Pet Cover | |
|---|---|
| Young cat (2–4 years) | €14/month |
| Senior cat (7–8 years) | €18/month |
| Small breed dog | €17/month |
| Small breed dog (2–4 years) | €17/month |
| Large breed dog (2–4 years) | €23/month |
| Senior dog (7–8 years) | €29/month |
Compare all 123.ie pet insurance plans to find the price and benefits that best suit your pet.
👉 Compare the best pet insurance for your furry friend for free!Start Your Free Comparison Now!Promo Codes for 123.ie
| 123.ie Promo Codes | Details |
|---|---|
| HelloSafe Promo Code | -5% on your quote |
Note: Promo codes are subject to change. For the latest offers, check our comparison of the best pet insurance providers.
What reimbursement can I expect from 123.ie?
With 123.ie’s Premium Pet Cover plan, you pay your vet directly, submit your claim, and get reimbursed for eligible expenses up to the policy limits—helping significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs in case of illness or accident.
Cruciate Ligament Surgery Cost & Reimbursement (Dog)
Total vet cost: €1,800 (consultation, surgery, medication, follow-up)
Deductible amount (example): €100
Reimbursement after deductible: €1,800 – €100 = €1,700 (within €2,500 per-condition annual limit)
Reimbursement rate: 100% of €1,700 = €1,700
👉 You receive €1,700; your total out-of-pocket cost is €100.
ℹ️ Coverage for high-cost accidents or illnesses means your share remains limited to the deductible, unless the annual limit is exceeded.
Treatment for bladder stones including prescription diet (cat)
Total vet cost: €600 (diagnosis, treatment, and prescription diet)
Deductible amount: €100
Prescription diet sub-limit: €100 reimbursable (included in the annual €2,500 vet fees limit)
Reimbursement calculation: (€500 for vet fees – €100 deductible = €400) plus €100 for diet
Total reimbursement: €400 + €100 = €500
👉 You receive €500; you pay €100 deductible.
ℹ️ Prescription food is covered for up to €100, only in the case of bladder stone/crystal dissolution treatment.
Emergency hospitalisation after road accident (dog)
Total vet cost: €2,900 (overnight care, surgery, x-rays, medications) Deductible amount: €100 Reimbursement subject to annual per-condition limit (€2,500) Reimbursement after deductible: €2,500 (max covered), so you pay €400 over the cap 👉 You receive €2,400 (€2,500 limit minus €100 deductible); your out-of-pocket: €100 deductible + €400 over cap = €500. ℹ️ For major emergencies, you are still protected from most costs, but anything above the annual per-condition limit remains your responsibility.
123.ie Assistance
123.ie does not offer a 24/7 veterinary helpline, emergency teleconsultation, or a mobile app for policy management, which are helpful services for pet owners managing urgent situations.
There is no advance payment system, so policyholders must pay vets directly and then claim reimbursement.
Claims must be submitted via email, post, or online form; a dedicated digital portal or app for seamless paperless claims is not communicated.
No network of partner clinics is advertised, meaning there is no preferred-pricing facility or direct settlement with specific vets.
Abroad coverage is available for up to 30 consecutive days per year in the UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands, only for veterinary fees, which is adequate for most short travels but limited in scope and support.
| Assistance 123.ie | Available? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Advance payment | ❌ | No advance payment system; all vet bills must be paid upfront by the policyholder. |
| Payment facilities | N.C. | N.C. |
| Mobile app | ❌ | No mobile app offered for pet insurance policies or claims management. |
| Paperless claims process | ❌ | Claims are handled via email or post. No digital portal or full online reimbursement. |
| Emergency vet service | ❌ | No 24/7 helpline or teleconsultation is available. |
| Vet/clinic partner network | ❌ | No network of preferred or partner clinics is included. |
| Coverage abroad | ✅ | Covered in UK, Isle of Man, Channel Islands for max 30 consecutive days per year, vet fees only. |
Customer Reviews on 123.ie
| Review platform | Rating and number of reviews |
|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 4.5/5 – 1,469 reviews |
We analyzed reviews from the sites listed above. On the positive side, customers who subscribed to 123.ie for their pets often mention:
- ✅ An efficient, friendly, and knowledgeable customer service team that is easy to contact.
- ✅ Fast and straightforward online purchase and policy management, with clear information.
- ✅ Competitive pricing and satisfaction with value for money.
- ✅ Prompt responses to queries and transparent handling of complaints.
- ✅ Appreciation for loyalty rewards and birthday perks provided to policyholders.
On the negative side:
- A lack of value-added services such as a mobile app, emergency helpline, or digital paperless claims process.
- The absence of direct settlement or advance payment with vets, requiring policyholders to pay upfront and claim later.
- Some customers note limited coverage and strict exclusions, especially for older pets and particular breeds.
- Occasional reports of frustration with documentation requirements or claim processing times.
- The annual claim limits and sub-limits are sometimes considered insufficient for high-cost incidents.
How to Contact 123.ie
| 123.ie Customer Service | Details |
|---|---|
| To get a quote or subscribe online | You can use the HelloSafe pet insurance comparison tool, choose the plan that suits you, and click to get a quote. |
| To request and track a reimbursement | Claims can be made by emailing [email protected] with a completed claim form and all supporting documents, or by post to Ultimate Pet Partners, Paramount Court, Corrig Road, Sandyford, Dublin 18. Phone for claims: 1850 499 123. Payment is typically made by bank transfer once claims are approved; processing time depends on claim complexity and documentation provided. Claim forms can be downloaded from www.123.ie. You can check status via phone or by contacting the claims team. |
| To obtain a certificate of insurance | Email [email protected], call 1890 221 123, or write to 123.ie, Paramount Court, Corrig Road, Sandyford, Dublin 18. Please provide your policy number and specify what certificate you require to expedite the process. |
| To contact assistance | No dedicated 24/7 pet assistance or emergency helpline is provided. For general support, phone 1890 221 123, email [email protected], or write to 123.ie, Paramount Court, Corrig Road, Sandyford, Dublin 18. |
| To cancel my policy | Send your cancellation request by email to [email protected] or by post to 123.ie, Paramount Court, Corrig Road, Sandyford, Dublin 18. Include your policy number, the intended cancellation date, and a signed letter if possible. A 14-day cooling-off period applies after new policy issue or renewal (full refund provided no claim is made); after this period, pro-rata refunds may apply if cancelling mid-term. |
Phone for claims: 1850 499 123.
Payment is typically made by bank transfer once claims are approved; processing time depends on claim complexity and documentation provided.
Claim forms can be downloaded from www.123.ie.
You can check status via phone or by contacting the claims team.
Please provide your policy number and specify what certificate you require to expedite the process.
For general support, phone 1890 221 123, email [email protected], or write to 123.ie, Paramount Court, Corrig Road, Sandyford, Dublin 18.
Include your policy number, the intended cancellation date, and a signed letter if possible.
A 14-day cooling-off period applies after new policy issue or renewal (full refund provided no claim is made); after this period, pro-rata refunds may apply if cancelling mid-term.
FAQ
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with 123.ie?
Yes, with 123.ie pet insurance you must pay your veterinary fees directly to the vet at the time of treatment. Afterward, you can submit a claim for reimbursement. There is no advance payment or direct billing system for vets.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with 123.ie?
You can cancel your 123.ie pet insurance at any time by emailing [email protected] or writing to 123.ie, Paramount Court, Corrig Road, Sandyford, Dublin 18. A 14-day cooling-off period applies for a full refund if no claim has been made; after that, refunds are calculated pro-rata. Include your policy number and a signed request or letter.
What are the main exclusions in 123.ie pet insurance policies?
123.ie does not cover pre-existing conditions, some hereditary issues, or routine preventive care such as vaccinations, spaying/neutering, or dental cleanings. There are also exclusions for certain dog breeds, and claims are not accepted for illnesses that appear in the first 14 days after the policy starts.
What is the annual veterinary fees limit and how is it applied?
The maximum reimbursement for veterinary fees is €2,500 per condition per policy period, with an additional €500 for complementary medicine, which is included in the overall limit. If you have a pet over 8 years old, a 15% co-payment applies to each claim in addition to the standard excess.
Does 123.ie pet insurance cover pets while travelling?
Yes, your cover extends to the UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands for up to 30 consecutive days per year for veterinary fees. All trips and treatments must comply with the policy’s coverage conditions, and exclusions still apply when abroad.
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with 123.ie?
Yes, with 123.ie pet insurance you must pay your veterinary fees directly to the vet at the time of treatment. Afterward, you can submit a claim for reimbursement. There is no advance payment or direct billing system for vets.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with 123.ie?
You can cancel your 123.ie pet insurance at any time by emailing [email protected] or writing to 123.ie, Paramount Court, Corrig Road, Sandyford, Dublin 18. A 14-day cooling-off period applies for a full refund if no claim has been made; after that, refunds are calculated pro-rata. Include your policy number and a signed request or letter.
What are the main exclusions in 123.ie pet insurance policies?
123.ie does not cover pre-existing conditions, some hereditary issues, or routine preventive care such as vaccinations, spaying/neutering, or dental cleanings. There are also exclusions for certain dog breeds, and claims are not accepted for illnesses that appear in the first 14 days after the policy starts.
What is the annual veterinary fees limit and how is it applied?
The maximum reimbursement for veterinary fees is €2,500 per condition per policy period, with an additional €500 for complementary medicine, which is included in the overall limit. If you have a pet over 8 years old, a 15% co-payment applies to each claim in addition to the standard excess.
Does 123.ie pet insurance cover pets while travelling?
Yes, your cover extends to the UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands for up to 30 consecutive days per year for veterinary fees. All trips and treatments must comply with the policy’s coverage conditions, and exclusions still apply when abroad.
