Blue insurance Pet Insurance 2025: In-Depth Review for Ireland
Our expert's opinion on Blue insurance
Blue Insurance is a prominent provider of pet insurance in Ireland, offering three distinct plans: Essential, which covers accidents only; Premier, which extends to both accidents and illnesses for up to €4,000 per condition/year; and Premier Plus, a lifetime policy with €4,000 annual veterinary cover reinstated every year for chronic conditions. The plans present tiered benefits, with Premier Plus leading for ongoing illness cover, while deductibles are structured as a fixed excess (e.g., €125) plus an age-related co-payment (15% for pets 5+ years), and there are no wellness/preventative care reimbursements. Compared to other Irish insurers, Blue Insurance stands out for its clear benefit tiers, robust liability cover (€250,000 for dogs), and access to a 24/7 vet helpline, making it a highly competitive, value-oriented option for comprehensive benefits. Blue Insurance is particularly well-suited to owners seeking high reimbursement limits for young to mid-age pets (8 weeks to 7 years at policy start), especially those wanting annual or lifetime illness protection, and provides notably strong third-party liability cover for dog owners. Financially stable, Blue Insurance manages over 5,517 Trustpilot reviews with an excellent 4.5/5 score, is known for prompt, courteous claims handling, and generally processes claims rapidly via its digital and postal channels.
- ✅Choice of accident-only, annual, or lifetime cover
- ✅High annual veterinary cover: up to €4,000
- ✅Lifetime chronic condition cover on Premier Plus
- ✅Strong third-party liability: €250,000 for dogs
- ✅24/7 vet nurse helpline access
- ✅Digital claims portal and paperless process
- ✅Excellent Trustpilot rating: 4.5/5 from 5,517 reviews
- ❌No illness cover on Essential plan
- ❌No wellness or preventive care reimbursement
- ❌Strict age limits: 8 weeks–7 years at start
- ❌Pre-existing conditions and some breeds excluded
- ❌Mandatory co-payment (15%) for pets aged 5+
- ✅Choice of accident-only, annual, or lifetime cover
- ✅High annual veterinary cover: up to €4,000
- ✅Lifetime chronic condition cover on Premier Plus
- ✅Strong third-party liability: €250,000 for dogs
- ✅24/7 vet nurse helpline access
- ✅Digital claims portal and paperless process
- ✅Excellent Trustpilot rating: 4.5/5 from 5,517 reviews
Our expert's opinion on Blue insurance
ScoreBlue Insurance is a prominent provider of pet insurance in Ireland, offering three distinct plans: Essential, which covers accidents only; Premier, which extends to both accidents and illnesses for up to €4,000 per condition/year; and Premier Plus, a lifetime policy with €4,000 annual veterinary cover reinstated every year for chronic conditions. The plans present tiered benefits, with Premier Plus leading for ongoing illness cover, while deductibles are structured as a fixed excess (e.g., €125) plus an age-related co-payment (15% for pets 5+ years), and there are no wellness/preventative care reimbursements. Compared to other Irish insurers, Blue Insurance stands out for its clear benefit tiers, robust liability cover (€250,000 for dogs), and access to a 24/7 vet helpline, making it a highly competitive, value-oriented option for comprehensive benefits. Blue Insurance is particularly well-suited to owners seeking high reimbursement limits for young to mid-age pets (8 weeks to 7 years at policy start), especially those wanting annual or lifetime illness protection, and provides notably strong third-party liability cover for dog owners. Financially stable, Blue Insurance manages over 5,517 Trustpilot reviews with an excellent 4.5/5 score, is known for prompt, courteous claims handling, and generally processes claims rapidly via its digital and postal channels.
- ✅Choice of accident-only, annual, or lifetime cover
- ✅High annual veterinary cover: up to €4,000
- ✅Lifetime chronic condition cover on Premier Plus
- ✅Strong third-party liability: €250,000 for dogs
- ✅24/7 vet nurse helpline access
- ✅Digital claims portal and paperless process
- ✅Excellent Trustpilot rating: 4.5/5 from 5,517 reviews
- ❌No illness cover on Essential plan
- ❌No wellness or preventive care reimbursement
- ❌Strict age limits: 8 weeks–7 years at start
- ❌Pre-existing conditions and some breeds excluded
- ❌Mandatory co-payment (15%) for pets aged 5+
- ✅Choice of accident-only, annual, or lifetime cover
- ✅High annual veterinary cover: up to €4,000
- ✅Lifetime chronic condition cover on Premier Plus
- ✅Strong third-party liability: €250,000 for dogs
- ✅24/7 vet nurse helpline access
- ✅Digital claims portal and paperless process
- ✅Excellent Trustpilot rating: 4.5/5 from 5,517 reviews
- Blue Insurance Guarantees
- Blue Insurance Exclusions
- Blue Insurance Prices
- Blue Insurance Assistance
- Customer Reviews of Blue Insurance
- Contacting Blue Insurance
- FAQ
Why Trust HelloSafe?
At HelloSafe, our pet insurance specialists review the terms and pricing of insurance policies available in Ireland each year to provide you with reliable and impartial analysis. Thanks to this thorough approach, tens of thousands of people across Ireland trust us every month to guide them in their most important financial decisions.
Blue Insurance Guarantees
Blue Insurance offers three pet insurance plans for the Irish market—Essential, Premier, and Premier Plus—covering a range from accident-only (Essential) to full lifetime protection for accidents and illness (Premier Plus), all subject to annual or per-condition reimbursement limits.
Premier and Premier Plus plans provide up to €4,000 annually for veterinary fees, with coverage for both illness and accident, third party liability (€250,000 for dogs), complementary treatments, advertising/reward, theft or straying, accidental death, emergency boarding, and holiday cancellation, while the Essential plan is accident-only and more basic.
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All plans feature a fixed excess (e.g., €125 per claim/condition/year) and a 15% co-payment for pets aged 5+, but do not reimburse routine or preventive care (vaccinations, spaying/neutering, parasite treatments) and only cover dental treatment with up-to-date annual checks and follow-up.
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Notable strengths include the lifetime coverage (with Premier Plus), high annual limits, and access to a 24/7 vet helpline; key weaknesses are the lack of direct wellness benefits, routine care, and a strict list of permanent exclusions and age/breed eligibility rules.
Thus, Blue Insurance stands out for comprehensive chronic condition management and overseas add-ons at higher tiers, but is less suited for those prioritising preventive care.
Compare Blue Insurance plans to find the most suitable balance of cover and value for your pet.
| Name of coverage | Essential | Premier | Premier Plus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan positioning | Accident-only, entry-level | Accident & illness, enhanced | Lifetime, most comprehensive |
| Type of coverage | Accident only | Accident & illness | Accident & illness |
| Animals covered | Dogs and cats | Dogs and cats | Dogs and cats |
| Reimbursement rate (%) | N.C. | N.C. | N.C. |
| Annual reimbursement limit | €1,500 (accident) | €4,000 (accident/illness) | €4,000 (renewable) |
| Deductible (annual or per claim) | Fixed per claim/condition, e.g., €125; +15% if over 5 yrs | Fixed per claim/condition, e.g., €125; +15% if over 5 yrs | Fixed per claim/condition, e.g., €125; +15% if over 5 yrs |
| Age limits for enrollment (for dogs and cats) | 8 weeks–7 years (new policies) | 8 weeks–7 years (new policies) | 8 weeks–7 years (new policies) |
| Pre-enrollment health questionnaire | N.C. | N.C. | N.C. |
| Waiting period (illness) | N/A | 14 days | 14 days |
| Waiting period (accident) | 48 hours | 48 hours | 48 hours |
| Lifetime coverage once subscribed | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Vet consultations (regular + emergency) | ✅ accidents only | ✅ | ✅ |
| Medications | ✅ accidents only | ✅ | ✅ |
| Hospitalization | ✅ accidents only | ✅ | ✅ |
| Surgery (including anesthesia) | ✅ accidents only | ✅ | ✅ |
| Diagnostic tests (X-ray, MRI, ultrasound, lab tests) | ✅ accidents only | ✅ | ✅ |
| Dental care (includes scaling and procedures) | Only if annual check and followup | Only if annual check and followup | Only if annual check and followup |
| Preventive care package (vaccines, antiparasitics, spaying/neutering, ID/microchipping) | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Alternative medicine (osteopathy, acupuncture, etc.) | ❌ | ✅ up to €250/year | ✅ up to €250/year |
| Travel coverage (countries included, duration) | ❌ | Optional add-on, EU/max 30 days/trip/3 trips | Optional add-on, EU/max 30 days/trip/3 trips |
| Civil liability | ✅ dogs, €250,000/year | ✅ dogs, €250,000/year | ✅ dogs, €250,000/year |
| Euthanasia | Only humane destruction (no cremation/disposal) | Only humane destruction (no cremation/disposal) | Only humane destruction (no cremation/disposal) |
| Death & cremation coverage | ❌ | Accidental death €500/y (no cremation) | Accidental death €1,000/y (no cremation) |
| Theft or loss of pet + search expenses | ❌ | Theft/straying €500/y; Advertising/reward €500/y (max €200 reward) | Theft/straying €1,000/y; Advertising/reward €1,000/y (max €200 reward) |
| Boarding fees (if owner is hospitalized) | ❌ | Up to €500/year | Up to €1,000/year |
Important Policy Information
Claims for pre-existing conditions, routine or preventive treatment, cosmetic/elective procedures, and certain breeds are permanently excluded.
Complementary/alternative treatment and theft/holiday/boarding benefits are only in Premier and Premier Plus.
To keep dental cover valid, yearly checks and any recommended treatment must be completed and documented.
Reimbursement subject to policy limits; lifetime cover for ongoing conditions is only in Premier Plus.
A 24/7 vet helpline is available to all policyholders.
Pets aged 5+ at claim date are subject to an extra 15% co-payment per claim, after the fixed excess.
N.C. means “Not Communicated”—some provider details are not shown publicly.
Blue Insurance Exclusions
Exclusions with Blue insurance are both broad and strictly enforced, with pre-existing conditions, routine and elective care, non-ROI claims (unless travel option is chosen), and non-vet-prescribed medication all permanently excluded.
Notably, there is an age restriction (no new policies for pets less than 8 weeks or over 7 years), and dental costs are only reimbursed if annual dental checks and recommended treatments are consistently documented.
The list also specifically excludes aggressive or restricted breeds, commercially used pets, and any incidents stemming from owner negligence or breach of Irish animal law.
Extra conditions apply for benefits such as theft or straying, accidental death, holiday cancellation, and boarding, making pay-outs in these cases more restrictive than some competitors.
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical exclusions | • Pre-existing conditions • Waiting period (14 days illness, 48 hrs accident) • Routine, elective or preventative care (vaccines, dental scaling, neutering, grooming, worming, flea control) • Dental costs without annual check and follow-up • Prescriptions not from a vet • Breeding, pregnancy, giving birth • Organ transplants, prosthetics • Notifiable diseases • Behaviour/obesity/sex hormone unless part of covered treatment |
| Age/breed restrictions | • Pets under 8 weeks or over 7 years at policy start (except renewals) • Aggressive, dangerous, or restricted breeds • Pets with aggressive tendencies • Dogs on licensed premises selling alcohol • Commercial/racing/working/breeding animals |
| Geographic exclusions | • Claims outside Ireland/Northern Ireland unless overseas cover option selected • Max three trips per year, 30 days each, EU only (with optional add-on) |
| Owner & procedural | • Malicious or wilful injury, negligence by owner/household/agent • Claims not listed on Validation Certificate • Failure to follow vet recommendations/vaccination schedules • Failure to document incident or report theft/loss within time limits • Expenses over benefit caps |
| Third party liability | • Injury/property damage to members of insured’s household or workplace • Professional care (groomer/dog-walker) • Incidents before start or first 14 days • Pollution not caused directly and immediately by the pet’s actions |
| Administrative & other | • Admin, vet forms, postage/courier charges • Boarding: exclusions if hospitalisation due to pregnancy, addiction, or foreseeable before policy • Accidental death not paid if not reported to authorities, or if not humane destruction for incurable suffering |
• Waiting period (14 days illness, 48 hrs accident)
• Routine, elective or preventative care (vaccines, dental scaling, neutering, grooming, worming, flea control)
• Dental costs without annual check and follow-up
• Prescriptions not from a vet
• Breeding, pregnancy, giving birth
• Organ transplants, prosthetics
• Notifiable diseases
• Behaviour/obesity/sex hormone unless part of covered treatment
• Aggressive, dangerous, or restricted breeds
• Pets with aggressive tendencies
• Dogs on licensed premises selling alcohol
• Commercial/racing/working/breeding animals
• Max three trips per year, 30 days each, EU only (with optional add-on)
• Claims not listed on Validation Certificate
• Failure to follow vet recommendations/vaccination schedules
• Failure to document incident or report theft/loss within time limits
• Expenses over benefit caps
• Professional care (groomer/dog-walker)
• Incidents before start or first 14 days
• Pollution not caused directly and immediately by the pet’s actions
• Boarding: exclusions if hospitalisation due to pregnancy, addiction, or foreseeable before policy
• Accidental death not paid if not reported to authorities, or if not humane destruction for incurable suffering
Blue Insurance Prices
Blue insurance sits at a mid-range price level for pet insurance in Ireland, providing solid coverage for core needs but with caps and benefit structures that align closely with market standards. The Essential plan is competitively priced but limited, as it does not cover illness or extras, making it best for owners seeking only accident protection at a lower monthly cost. The Premier and Premier Plus plans offer comprehensive cover—including illness, chronic conditions (for Premier Plus), boarding, and travel add-ons—placing them in the mid-to-upper price category but with benefit limits typical of the segment. Unlike some fully digital insurtechs, Blue insurance offers both traditional and digital support, which helps maintain stable pricing without aggressive cost-cutting or ultra-budget offers. Overall, Blue insurance balances accessibility and breadth of coverage, making it a good fit for owners looking for reliable protection without the higher premiums of luxury or unlimited-cover providers.
Compare plans below to find the best price and level of protection for your pet.
| Essential | Premier | Premier Plus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Young cat (2–4 yrs) | €13/month | €19/month | €25/month |
| Senior cat (7–8 yrs) | €18/month | €28/month | €35/month |
| Small breed dog | €15/month | €22/month | €29/month |
| Small breed dog (2–4 yrs) | €15/month | €22/month | €29/month |
| Large breed dog (2–4 yrs) | €20/month | €29/month | €38/month |
| Senior dog (7–8 yrs) | €29/month | €41/month | €52/month |
Blue Insurance Promo Codes
| Blue insurance 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 is the reimbursement amount with Blue insurance?
Reimbursements with Blue insurance’s Premier Plus plan are based on the total vet bill, minus the annual fixed excess, then reimbursed up to the annual policy limit—so you pay less out of pocket for expensive veterinary care.
Cruciate Ligament Surgery Cost Breakdown
Total veterinary bill: €1,800
Annual fixed excess (deductible): €125 (paid once per insurance year)
Amount claimed after excess: €1,800 – €125 = €1,675
Amount reimbursed (up to €4,000 limit): €1,675
Out-of-pocket cost: €125
ℹ️ Once the excess is paid for the year, all further claims are not subject to a new deductible. If your pet is aged 5 or older, you’ll also pay a 15% co-payment on the remaining bill after the excess.
Ongoing treatment for chronic kidney disease (annual)
Total annual veterinary costs: €2,600
Annual fixed excess: €125 (already paid earlier in the policy year for a previous claim)
Amount claimed: €2,600
Amount reimbursed (up to €4,000 per year benefit): €2,600
Out-of-pocket cost: €0 extra beyond the fixed excess
ℹ️ Blue insurance Premier Plus covers ongoing or chronic conditions by reinstating the €4,000 annual benefit each policy year, as long as you renew your policy and the condition stays covered.
Complementary Treatment After Surgery (Physiotherapy) Example
Total complementary therapy costs: €230
Annual fixed excess: €125 (already paid for another claim this year)
Coverage limit for complementary therapy: €250 per year
Amount reimbursed: €230 (full cost, within annual complementary therapy limit)
Out-of-pocket cost: €0
ℹ️ Physiotherapy and other complementary therapies are covered up to €250 per year (with a vet referral), helping your pet recover comfortably after major treatments.
Blue Insurance Assistance
Blue insurance offers a 24/7 vet nurse helpline, which is a valuable and rare support benefit that answers medical or health-related pet queries at any time.
Advance payment of vet fees is not provided, so policyholders pay the vet up front and claim for reimbursement afterward.
No mobile app exists for policy or claim management, but online and postal claims options are available through the customer portal.
There is no network of partner clinics or teleconsultation, which can be a drawback for owners seeking direct vet partnerships, fast e-claims, or emergency digital advice.
Overseas cover is possible as an optional add-on and is valid for up to three trips per year, with stays of no more than 30 days per trip within the EU.
Customer Reviews of Blue Insurance
| Review platform | Rating and number of reviews |
|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 4.5/5 (5,517 reviews) |
We analyzed reviews from the sites listed above. On the positive side, customers who subscribed to Blue insurance for their pets often mention:
- An efficient and helpful customer service, with frequent praise for team members’ courtesy and support.
- Prompt payment of claims, described as fast settlements on accepted cases.
- An easy online claim process, with a clear web portal for policy management.
- Automatic policy renewal and straightforward application steps that save time.
On the negative side:
- A significant number of customers report premium increases at renewal, especially as pets get older.
- A lack of flexibility when dealing with pre-existing conditions, downgrades, or changes to the policy.
- Some policyholders voice frustration over claim denials or processes they find complex.
- Complaints occur regarding a restricted annual cover limit that may not be sufficient in case of major illness or repeated treatment needs.
Contacting Blue Insurance
| Blue insurance 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 | Log in to the online claims portal in the "Your Policy" section on blueinsurance.ie. Alternatively, submit a claim form by post to: Blue Insurance Pet Claims, 10B Beckett Way, Parkwest Business Park, Nangor Road, Dublin 12, D12 W702. You can also email: [email protected]. Required documents: completed form, vet invoice/receipts, consultation notes. Claim payments are by bank transfer; average processing time is typically a few days after receipt of all documents. |
| To obtain a certificate of insurance | Contact customer service by phone at 0818 484 484 or by email at [email protected]. Provide your policy number and request the certificate directly. It can typically be sent by email or post. |
| To contact assistance | For veterinary assistance (24/7 helpline): phone 0148 54463. For other assistance, use customer service at 0818 484 484 or email [email protected]. |
| To cancel my policy | Contact customer service by phone at 0818 484 484 or by email at [email protected]. You must provide your policy number and written cancellation request. Notice period: at least 14 days before renewal date. Send by post if needed: Blueinsurance.ie, Plaza 255, Blanchardstown Corporate Park 2, Dublin 15, D15 A4TP. Attach any requested identification or proof of policy ownership. |
Alternatively, submit a claim form by post to: Blue Insurance Pet Claims, 10B Beckett Way, Parkwest Business Park, Nangor Road, Dublin 12, D12 W702.
You can also email: [email protected].
Required documents: completed form, vet invoice/receipts, consultation notes.
Claim payments are by bank transfer; average processing time is typically a few days after receipt of all documents.
Provide your policy number and request the certificate directly.
It can typically be sent by email or post.
For other assistance, use customer service at 0818 484 484 or email [email protected].
You must provide your policy number and written cancellation request.
Notice period: at least 14 days before renewal date.
Send by post if needed: Blueinsurance.ie, Plaza 255, Blanchardstown Corporate Park 2, Dublin 15, D15 A4TP.
Attach any requested identification or proof of policy ownership.
FAQ
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees?
Yes, you must pay your vet directly for treatment and then submit a claim to Blue insurance for reimbursement. Blue insurance does not offer direct or third-party payments to vets.
How do I make a claim and how long does it take to be reimbursed?
You can submit your claim through the online portal, by email, or by post using the required Blue insurance claim form and supporting documents. Once all paperwork is received, claims are usually processed in several days, but complex cases may take longer.
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees?
Yes, you must pay your vet directly for treatment and then submit a claim to Blue insurance for reimbursement. Blue insurance does not offer direct or third-party payments to vets.
How do I make a claim and how long does it take to be reimbursed?
You can submit your claim through the online portal, by email, or by post using the required Blue insurance claim form and supporting documents. Once all paperwork is received, claims are usually processed in several days, but complex cases may take longer.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Blue insurance?
To cancel your Blue insurance pet policy, contact customer service by phone or email, providing at least 14 days’ notice before your renewal. You’ll need to supply your policy number and a written cancellation request.
Are pre-existing conditions covered by Blue insurance?
No, Blue insurance excludes pre-existing conditions, meaning any illness or injury that showed symptoms before your policy started, or within the initial waiting period, will not be covered.
Can I get lifetime cover for ongoing conditions?
Yes, the Premier Plus policy provides lifetime cover for chronic and recurring health conditions, as long as your policy is renewed without a break. There is an annual benefit limit per policy year, so ongoing conditions can be claimed within this annual cap.
What pets and breeds can be insured?
Blue insurance covers cats and dogs aged between 8 weeks and 7 years at the policy start date. However, coverage is not available for certain restricted dog breeds or pets used for commercial purposes, in line with Irish legislation.
