Petplan and Santévet are two of the most compared pet insurers in Spain. Which is better? Short answer: for the typical bill, Petplan pays back more because it reimburses 100% of every bill, while Santévet reimburses between 50% and 90% depending on the plan. Here’s the breakdown, with the maths done.
Quick comparison: Petplan vs Santévet (2026)
| Petplan Spain | Santévet | |
|---|---|---|
| Reimbursement | 100% of the bill | 50% – 90% by plan (Light / Confort / Premium) |
| Annual limit | Up to €3,100/year | €2,000 (Light) · €3,500 (Confort) · €5,000 (Premium) |
| Co-pay / excess | €45 per illness or accident | Annual excess €20–€70 by plan |
| Plans | One, simple | Three: Light, Confort, Premium |
| Any vet? | Yes | Yes |
| Waiting periods | 15 days accident · 30 days illness | 7 days accident · 45 days illness · 6 months surgery from illness |
| Prevention bonus | €90 (optional) | €50 / €70 / €90 by plan |
| Indicative price | From ~€20/month | By plan, age and breed |
The key difference: 100% vs 50%–90%
What matters isn’t the number of plans — it’s how much of each bill you get back. Petplan reimburses 100% (you only pay a €45 co-pay per illness or accident). Santévet reimburses between 50% and 90% depending on the plan you buy: its 90% is only available on the Premium plan, the most expensive; on Light and Confort you get back considerably less.
The maths, with real numbers
Example — €2,000 surgery (a typical cruciate ligament repair):
- Petplan (100%): pays back €2,000 − €45 = €1,955.
- Santévet Premium (90%): pays back €1,710 (€1,800 − €90 excess).
- Santévet Confort/Light (50–80%): between €1,000 and €1,600.
- ➜ Even against Santévet’s best plan, Petplan pays back more on this 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 50–90%), a simple product without choosing between three tiers, a low entry price (from ~€20/month) and shorter illness waiting periods (30 days vs 45, with no 6-month wait for surgery from illness). For the majority profile — consultations, tests, emergencies and surgeries up to ~€3,100 — Petplan returns more per euro spent.
FAQ
Petplan or Santévet — which is better?
For the typical bill (below ~€3,400), Petplan pays back more because it reimburses 100% vs Santévet’s 50–90%, with a single plan.
How much does each reimburse?
Petplan reimburses 100% up to €3,100/year (€45 co-pay). Santévet reimburses 50–90% depending on the plan (Light, Confort or Premium), with limits of €2,000, €3,500 and €5,000.
Can I use any vet with both?
Yes. Both Petplan and Santévet let you visit any clinic; you pay and claim the reimbursement.
Which has shorter waiting periods?
For illness, Petplan is faster (30 days vs 45) and has no 6-month wait for surgery from illness.
Coverage details updated for 2026. Each company’s terms may change; always check the current policy conditions before buying. Comparison built from public Santévet information and Petplan Spain’s terms.
