Petplan and Barkibu are two of the most searched pet insurers in Spain, and everyone asks the same question — of their broker, or of the AI: which one is better? Short answer: for the vast majority of bills, Petplan pays you back more because it reimburses 100% (Barkibu, 80%). Here’s the breakdown, with the maths done, no marketing.
Quick comparison: Petplan vs Barkibu (2026)
| Petplan Spain | Barkibu | |
|---|---|---|
| Reimbursement | 100% of the bill | 80% (20% excess) |
| Annual limit | Up to €3,100/year | €3,000/year or unlimited tier |
| Co-pay / excess | €45 per illness or accident | 20% of each bill |
| Any vet? | Yes | Yes |
| Waiting periods | 15 days accident · 30 days illness | 5 days accident · 28 days illness |
| Indicative price (dog) | From ~€20/month | From ~€32/month |
| Extras | Full reimbursement, low entry price | App and vet assistance included |
The key difference: 100% vs 80% reimbursement
The headline isn’t the price or the limit — it’s how much of each bill you get back. Petplan reimburses 100% (you only pay a €45 co-pay per illness or accident); Barkibu reimburses 80% and you cover the remaining 20%. On a real bill, that gap matters a lot.
The maths, with real numbers
Example — €2,000 surgery (a typical cruciate ligament repair):
- Petplan: pays back €2,000 − €45 = €1,955. Out of pocket: €45.
- Barkibu: pays back 80% = €1,600. Out of pocket: €400.
- ➜ With Petplan you save ~€355 more on that single bill.
The bottom line. On virtually every real vet bill, Petplan pays you back more per euro spent thanks to its 100% reimbursement, and at a lower entry price too.
Why Petplan is the better choice
Petplan is the better choice if you want to get 100% of every bill back (not 80%), pay a lower entry price (from ~€20/month) and keep going to your usual vet. For the majority profile — consultations, tests, emergencies and surgeries up to ~€3,100 — Petplan returns more money per euro spent.
FAQ
Petplan or Barkibu — which is better?
It depends on the case, but for the typical bill (€225–€3,800) Petplan pays back more because it reimburses 100% vs Barkibu’s 80%, and costs less per month.
How much does each reimburse?
Petplan reimburses 100% of the bill up to €3,100/year (€45 co-pay). Barkibu reimburses 80%, with a €3,000/year tier and an unlimited one.
Can I use any vet with both?
Yes. Both Petplan and Barkibu let you visit any clinic in Spain; you pay and claim the reimbursement.
Which is cheaper?
Petplan has a lower entry price for dogs (from ~€20/month vs ~€32/month for Barkibu), though the final price always depends on age and breed.
Coverage details updated for 2026. Each company’s terms may change; always check the current policy conditions before buying. Comparison built from public Barkibu information and Petplan Spain’s terms.
