123.ie Pet Insurance 2025: In-Depth Review, Features & Value
Our expert's opinion on 123.ie
123.ie offers a single, robust pet insurance plan designed to cover a broad range of standard needs for Irish pet owners, with benefits per condition up to €2,500 (including €500 for complementary medicine), annual caps on special diets, boarding, loss, and public liability capped at €250,000 per policy period. Positioned as a mainstream provider with a focus on simplicity, 123.ie provides mid-to-high reimbursement rates but features notable exclusions and specific sub-limits for older pets (including a 15% co-payment and reduced compensation for pets over 8) and some popular breeds. This policy can be a strong fit for those with younger pets and for owners seeking clear, predictable cover for common vet bills, with a single tier and straightforward reimbursement structure for both mixed breeds and many purebreds not listed as excluded. 123.ie—underwritten by Red Sands Insurance and recognised for operational reliability—handles over €100 million in gross written premiums across all insurance lines and maintains a 4.5/5 rating on Trustpilot (1,469 reviews), with claims handling considered responsive and clear, typically processed within a few weeks.
- ✅Single, comprehensive plan for multiple treatment types
- ✅Up to €2,500 per condition per policy period
- ✅Public liability cover up to €250,000
- ✅Competitive prescription diet, theft, loss, boarding limits
- ✅Strong Trustpilot rating: 4.5/5 from 1,469 reviews
- ✅Prompt, professional customer service responses
- ✅Clear territorial scope including UK/Isle of Man
- ❌Many breed restrictions and general exclusions
- ❌No cover for pets under 8 weeks or certain older pet illnesses
- ❌No wellness allowance or value-added assistance service
- ❌No digital claims portal; mainly email/postal claims
- ❌Co-payment of 15% plus excess for pets over 8 years
Score- ✅Single, comprehensive plan for multiple treatment types
- ✅Up to €2,500 per condition per policy period
- ✅Public liability cover up to €250,000
- ✅Competitive prescription diet, theft, loss, boarding limits
- ✅Strong Trustpilot rating: 4.5/5 from 1,469 reviews
- ✅Prompt, professional customer service responses
- ✅Clear territorial scope including UK/Isle of Man
Our expert's opinion on 123.ie
- ✅Single, comprehensive plan for multiple treatment types
- ✅Up to €2,500 per condition per policy period
- ✅Public liability cover up to €250,000
- ✅Competitive prescription diet, theft, loss, boarding limits
- ✅Strong Trustpilot rating: 4.5/5 from 1,469 reviews
- ✅Prompt, professional customer service responses
- ✅Clear territorial scope including UK/Isle of Man
- ❌Many breed restrictions and general exclusions
- ❌No cover for pets under 8 weeks or certain older pet illnesses
- ❌No wellness allowance or value-added assistance service
- ❌No digital claims portal; mainly email/postal claims
- ❌Co-payment of 15% plus excess for pets over 8 years
Score- ✅Single, comprehensive plan for multiple treatment types
- ✅Up to €2,500 per condition per policy period
- ✅Public liability cover up to €250,000
- ✅Competitive prescription diet, theft, loss, boarding limits
- ✅Strong Trustpilot rating: 4.5/5 from 1,469 reviews
- ✅Prompt, professional customer service responses
- ✅Clear territorial scope including UK/Isle of Man
Why Trust HelloSafe?
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 reliable and unbiased analysis. Thanks to this thorough approach, thousands of people across Ireland trust us every month to help guide them in making their most important financial decisions.
Guarantees from 123.ie
123.ie provides a single comprehensive plan—Premium Pet Cover—which includes competitive benefits such as €2,500 annual cover per condition for vet fees (including up to €500 for complementary therapies), €1,000 death/accident/illness cover, €1,000 each for boarding, theft, and holiday cancellation, and public liability up to €250,000.
The plan covers both accidents and illness for dogs and cats, with added features like prescription diet, advertising/reward for lost pets, and partial travel coverage to select regions.
Weaknesses include significant exclusions (notably pre-existing conditions, dental unless accidental and with strict limits, behavioral care, and a range of dog breeds) and a 15% co-payment for pets over 8 years in addition to unspecified excesses.
No wellness/preventive package, alternative medicine (beyond the limited “complementary therapy” cap), teleconsultation, or 24/7 vet helpline are provided, which sets coverage slightly behind more service-rich competitors.
123.ie stands out for annual benefit per condition, broad coverage for core risks, and reliable claims administration, but its lack of plan options and strict policy sub-limits may limit flexibility for some owners.
| Name of coverage | Premium Pet Cover |
|---|---|
| Plan positioning | Comprehensive single plan |
| Type of coverage | Accidents and illness |
| Animals covered | Dogs and cats |
| Reimbursement rate (%) | N.C. |
| Annual reimbursement limit | €2,500 per condition per year (includes €500 for complementary therapy) |
| Deductible (annual or per claim) | Not specified; 15% co-pay on vet claims for pets 8+ years |
| Age limits for enrollment (for dogs and cats) | 8 weeks min; no max specified but restrictions at 8+ years |
| Pre-enrollment health questionnaire | N.C. |
| Waiting period (illness) | 14 days |
| Waiting period (accident) | N.C. |
| Lifetime coverage once subscribed | N.C. |
| Vet consultations (regular + emergency) | ✅ Up to benefit limit |
| Medications | ✅ Up to benefit limit |
| Hospitalization | ✅ Up to benefit limit |
| Surgery (including anesthesia) | ✅ Up to benefit limit |
| Diagnostic tests (X-ray, MRI, ultrasound, lab tests) | ✅ Up to benefit limit |
| Dental care (includes scaling and procedures) | ❌ (only accidental and extraction, strict conditions) |
| Preventive care package (vaccines, antiparasitics, spaying/neutering, ID/microchipping) | ❌ |
| Alternative medicine (osteopathy, acupuncture, etc.) | ✅ Complementary therapy; €500/year, included in €2,500 cap |
| Travel coverage (countries included, duration) | UK, Isle of Man, Channel Islands; vet fees only, max 30 days/year |
| Civil liability | ✅ Dogs only, €250,000/year, €250 excess per claim |
| Euthanasia | ❌ (putting to sleep, cremation/disposal not covered) |
| Death & cremation coverage | ✅ Death: €1,000 accident/illness; cremation/disposal: ❌ |
| Theft or loss of pet + search expenses | ✅ €1,000 per year; includes up to €600 advertising/reward |
| Boarding fees (if owner is hospitalized) | ✅ Up to €1,000 if owner in hospital ≥4 consecutive days |
Important Considerations for Pet Insurance
For pets over 8 years, a 15% co-payment applies to each vet/complementary medicine claim, on top of any standard excess.
Public liability is only available for dogs and excludes certain breeds.
Holiday cancellation requires surgery within 14 days of trip.
Dental only covered if accident-related, and then only extraction costs.
No assistance service (helpline/teleconsult) included.
To find the best price for your needs, be sure to compare pet insurance plans before subscribing.
👉 Compare the best pet insurance for your furry friend for free!Start Your Free Comparison Now!Exclusions on 123.ie
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical exclusions |
|
| Age and breed-related |
|
| Geographic exclusions |
|
| Administrative/documentation |
|
| Legislative/regulatory |
|
| Liability/public incidents |
|
| Financial exclusions |
|
| Benefit-specific exclusions |
|
- Pre-existing conditions
- Illness in first 14 days
- Preventive, elective, routine, and cosmetic treatments
- Dental/gum treatments unless accident-related, and only extraction (no anesthesia/antibiotics)
- Behavioral treatments
- Obesity unless due to diagnosed illness
- Organ/stem cell/gene therapy
- Pets under 8 weeks old
- No illness cover for pets 8+ years (death benefit)
- Specific dog breeds excluded (e.g., Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, etc.)
- Any breed/types deemed dangerous or crossed with excluded breeds
- Claims outside Republic of Ireland (except travel cover for vet fees in UK/IOM/Channel Islands, max 30 days)
- Loss/theft outside Ireland
- Claims not supported by receipts or proper documentation
- Claims where premium unpaid or policy lapsed
- Any claims resulting from quarantine, seizure, government/animal health regulation
- Breach of animal import or health rules
- Incidents involving your household/family or business use
- Incidents at the workplace, pollution (unless accidental), or where no owner consent
- Prior straying/incident history of pet
- Rewards for theft/straying paid to family, household, or pet minder
- Unlicensed kennels/catteries for boarding claims
- Emergency boarding: owner hospitalised less than 4 days, or due to certain causes (pregnancy, addiction, suicide)
- Holiday cancellation: non-life-saving surgery, holiday booked within 28 days
- Theft: no forcible entry, missing pet not reported within required timeframe
Prices on 123.ie
123.ie positions itself as a mid-range insurer in the Irish pet insurance market, offering a single policy with strong all-round cover for accidents, illnesses, and related costs.
The plan stands out for a relatively high annual cap per condition, broad protection—including complementary therapies and liability—and a standard (but not low) excess, striking a balance between generous reimbursement and affordability.
While not the cheapest provider, it maintains competitive pricing thanks to digital-first processes and no-frills policy design, making it suitable for pet owners seeking robust protection without premium pricing.
Some cost limitations for older pets and certain breeds can reduce out-of-pocket predictability in those cases, but overall coverage is more comprehensive than most budget insurers.
Frequent positive customer feedback on value for money and service reliability supports its appeal compared to pricier legacy brands or basic competitors.
| Premium Pet Cover | |
|---|---|
| Young cat (2–4 years) | €19/month |
| Senior cat (7–8 years) | €24/month |
| Small breed dog | €21/month |
| Small breed dog (2–4 years) | €20/month |
| Large breed dog (2–4 years) | €27/month |
| Senior dog (7–8 years) | €33/month |
Compare plans to find the best rate for your companion animal’s needs.
👉 Compare the best pet insurance for your furry friend for free!Start Your Free Comparison Now!123.ie Promo Codes
| 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.
How much reimbursement can I expect from 123.ie?
With 123.ie Premium Pet Cover, the insurer reimburses veterinary fees (accident and illness) up to €2,500 per condition per policy year, minus the annual deductible and any co-pay (if applicable), leaving you only the remaining out-of-pocket costs.
Broken leg surgery (dog under 8 years)
Total veterinary cost: €1,600 (consultation, X-rays, surgery, medication)
Deductible amount: €120 (annual excess, paid first)
Amount subject to reimbursement: €1,600 – €120 = €1,480
Reimbursement rate: 100% (no co-pay for pets under 8 years)
👉 You receive €1,480 reimbursement.
ℹ️ For pets over 8 years, a 15% co-pay on the amount after excess would apply, slightly increasing the policyholder’s share.
Cancer diagnostics and treatment (cat)
Total veterinary cost: €2,300 (exams, ultrasound, surgery, chemotherapy)
Deductible amount: €120 (if not already applied that year)
Amount after deductible: €2,180
Reimbursement rate: 100% (no co-pay for pets under 8 years)
👉 You receive €2,180 reimbursement.
ℹ️ If the annual limit of €2,500 per condition is not exceeded, the insurer pays the full eligible amount, less deductible.
Remboursement de l'alimentation thérapeutique pour calculs vésicaux
Coût total de l'alimentation thérapeutique : 110 € (prescrite pour la gestion post-opératoire, 60 jours) Limite de la police pour l'alimentation thérapeutique : jusqu'à 100 € par an Franchise (généralement non appliquée à l'alimentation) : 0 € Montant remboursé : 100 € (maximum par période de police) Coût à votre charge : 10 € 👉 Vous recevez un remboursement de 100 €. ℹ️ Seules les alimentations thérapeutiques pour la gestion des calculs ou cristaux vésicaux sont remboursées, jusqu'à la limite de 100 € par an.
Assistance from 123.ie
Assistance available to 123.ie pet insurance policyholders is basic and focuses on administrative support, lacking some features now considered standards in the Irish market. There is no advance payment service, so clients must cover all veterinary charges upfront before claiming reimbursement.
No emergency veterinary helpline or teleconsultation is offered, meaning owners handle emergencies directly with their own vets and pay fees out of pocket.
Paperless claims are not explicitly described: while claim forms can be downloaded from the website, there is no mention of a customer portal, mobile app, or digital claim submission process to streamline reimbursements.
International coverage is limited to vet expenses in the UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands for up to 30 consecutive days per year, but there is no assistance or support package for travel outside Ireland.
| Assistance 123.ie | Available? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Advance payment | ❌ | No advance payment service offered; all costs must be paid upfront by the policyholder. |
| Payment facilities | ❌ | No payment facilities or instalment plans for vet bills are offered. |
| Mobile app | ❌ | No mobile app for managing policy or submitting reimbursements is available. |
| Paperless claims process | ❌ | Claims form can be downloaded, but no portal or app; all claims submitted by post or email. |
| Emergency vet service | ❌ | No 24/7 emergency vet helpline or teleconsultation provided by the insurer. |
| Vet/clinic partner network | ❌ | No network of partner clinics or negotiated fee arrangements. |
| Coverage abroad | ✅ | Vet costs covered in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man for up to 30 days per year. |
Customer Reviews on 123.ie
| Review platform | Rating and number of reviews |
|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 4.5 out of 5 (1,469 reviews) |
We analysed reviews from the sites listed above. On the positive side, customers who subscribed to 123.ie for their pets often mention:
- ✅ A friendly and knowledgeable customer service team, with prompt, professional responses and effective resolution of queries.
- ✅ An easy and quick online policy purchase process, plus a user-friendly website and clear documentation.
- ✅ Competitive pricing and flexible premium options are frequently highlighted as offering good value for money.
- ✅ Additional perks such as customer rewards (like birthday benefits) are appreciated and seen as a thoughtful touch.
- ✅ All negative reviews receive a prompt and helpful response from the company.
On the negative side:
- ❌ A lack of detail in policy documentation about certain exclusions surprises some policyholders, leading to confusion with claim outcomes.
- ❌ The 123.ie pet insurance policy features notable limits for older pets, such as co-payments and exclusions for illness and certain breeds.
- ❌ The absence of a digital claims portal or dedicated mobile app for pet cover is sometimes viewed as inconvenient.
- ❌ There is no dedicated helpline or teleconsultation service included, which some owners would find useful in an emergency or for quick advice.
- ❌ Some customers report that claims related to pre-existing conditions or certain routine treatments are more frequently declined than expected.
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 | Submit a completed claim form with original vet invoices via email to petclaims@ultimateservices.co.uk, by post to 123.ie, Paramount Court, Corrig Road, Sandyford, Dublin 18, or call 1850 499 123 for updates. Required documents: claim form, receipts, and supporting documentation. Payment is typically by bank transfer after approval, with average processing in several working days. |
| To obtain a certificate of insurance | Request by phone at 1890 221 123, by email at info@123.ie, or by postal mail to 123.ie, Paramount Court, Corrig Road, Sandyford, Dublin 18. Provide your policy details for faster service. Certificates are sent by email or post upon validation. |
| To contact assistance | For general support, call 1890 221 123, email info@123.ie, or write to their postal address: 123.ie, Paramount Court, Corrig Road, Sandyford, Dublin 18. No dedicated pet emergency or teleconsultation helpline is provided by 123.ie. |
| To cancel my policy | Contact 123.ie by phone at 1890 221 123, or email info@123.ie, or send a written request to their postal address. You will need your policy number, a signed cancellation request, and at least 14 days’ notice. For a refund of unused premium, ensure you submit any remaining documents as requested. |
FAQ
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with 123.ie?
Yes, with 123.ie pet insurance, you are required to pay your vet directly at the time of treatment. After payment, you can submit a claim to be reimbursed for eligible expenses according to your policy terms. 123.ie does not provide advance payment to vets or a third-party payment system. Make sure to obtain detailed invoices and complete the claim form for submission.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with 123.ie?
To cancel your 123.ie pet insurance policy, you should provide at least 14 days' written notice. Contact customer service by phone, email, or post; you will be asked for your policy number and a signed cancellation request. Send your documents to info@123.ie or to their Dublin address. Any potential refund of unused premium will depend on the timing and policy terms.
What does 123.ie pet insurance cover?
123.ie pet insurance offers a single comprehensive plan that covers up to €2,500 per condition per year for veterinary fees, including limited complementary medicine. It also covers death due to accident or illness (up to age limits), emergency boarding, holiday cancellation, theft or straying, and public liability up to €250,000. Cover is available for treatment in Ireland and for up to 30 days of travel to the UK, Isle of Man, or Channel Islands each year.
Are there age restrictions or breed exclusions with 123.ie?
Yes, the policy is only available for pets aged 8 weeks or older. Dogs and cats aged 8 years and over face certain restrictions, such as limited or no cover for illness and an added 15% co-payment on claims. Several dog breeds are excluded from cover, particularly those considered dangerous or with specific breed risks, as listed in the terms and conditions.
How do I make a claim and how long does it take to be reimbursed?
To make a claim, download a claim form from www.123.ie, complete it, and submit it along with original vet receipts to petclaims@ultimateservices.co.uk or by post. Be sure to provide all supporting documentation required by the claims handler. Payment is reimbursed by bank transfer upon approval. Average processing times vary but typically take several working days from receipt of a fully documented claim.
Does the policy include any helplines or extra assistance?
123.ie does not currently offer a 24/7 vet helpline, emergency teleconsultation, or digital chat support as part of its pet insurance policy. For general queries, you can contact their customer service team by phone or email during office hours. For claims or emergencies, you should use the provided contact details for the claims partner or send enquiries to their main support email.
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with 123.ie?
Yes, with 123.ie pet insurance, you are required to pay your vet directly at the time of treatment. After payment, you can submit a claim to be reimbursed for eligible expenses according to your policy terms. 123.ie does not provide advance payment to vets or a third-party payment system. Make sure to obtain detailed invoices and complete the claim form for submission.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with 123.ie?
To cancel your 123.ie pet insurance policy, you should provide at least 14 days' written notice. Contact customer service by phone, email, or post; you will be asked for your policy number and a signed cancellation request. Send your documents to info@123.ie or to their Dublin address. Any potential refund of unused premium will depend on the timing and policy terms.
What does 123.ie pet insurance cover?
123.ie pet insurance offers a single comprehensive plan that covers up to €2,500 per condition per year for veterinary fees, including limited complementary medicine. It also covers death due to accident or illness (up to age limits), emergency boarding, holiday cancellation, theft or straying, and public liability up to €250,000. Cover is available for treatment in Ireland and for up to 30 days of travel to the UK, Isle of Man, or Channel Islands each year.
Are there age restrictions or breed exclusions with 123.ie?
Yes, the policy is only available for pets aged 8 weeks or older. Dogs and cats aged 8 years and over face certain restrictions, such as limited or no cover for illness and an added 15% co-payment on claims. Several dog breeds are excluded from cover, particularly those considered dangerous or with specific breed risks, as listed in the terms and conditions.
How do I make a claim and how long does it take to be reimbursed?
To make a claim, download a claim form from www.123.ie, complete it, and submit it along with original vet receipts to petclaims@ultimateservices.co.uk or by post. Be sure to provide all supporting documentation required by the claims handler. Payment is reimbursed by bank transfer upon approval. Average processing times vary but typically take several working days from receipt of a fully documented claim.
Does the policy include any helplines or extra assistance?
123.ie does not currently offer a 24/7 vet helpline, emergency teleconsultation, or digital chat support as part of its pet insurance policy. For general queries, you can contact their customer service team by phone or email during office hours. For claims or emergencies, you should use the provided contact details for the claims partner or send enquiries to their main support email.
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