Pet insurance: most common guarantees and coverages
The pet insurance focus primarily on providing veterinary medical cover for dogs and, in some policies, also for cats. These products are designed to suit the specific needs of each animal, depending on its breed, age and lifestyle.
Coverage can vary significantly depending on the insurer, but is generally divided between basic guarantees (included by default) and optional guarantees that the insured can take out additionally.
Here are some of the most common types of cover that you might find in a pet insurance. However, it is essential to always read carefully the general and special conditions of your policy. It details key aspects such as waiting periods, exclusions, deductibles, financial limits and specific requirements.
Take care of your pet as it deserves
Take out insurance with real guarantees: veterinary assistance, civil liability and more.
Death by accident
This guarantee covers financial compensation in the event that the animal dies or has to be put down due to an accident. Some insurers also cover disposal costsIn some cases, they may extend coverage to death due to old age or illness, depending on the contract.
Theft of the animal
If your pet is stolen, the insurance company can offer you a financial compensation up to the limit established in your policy. This amount usually corresponds to the declared value of the animal or to a maximum agreed in the particular conditions.
Missing
In the event of loss of the animal, some insurers will cover the costs of expenses incurred in the searchsuch as placing advertisements in the press, on the radio or online platforms. It is a useful aid in the early days of distress, when every minute counts.
Residential stays
If the pet owner has to be hospitalised and has no one to look after the pet, some policies cover the costs of the pet's care. temporary accommodation costs in a kennel or cattery.
Liability
This is one of the most important covers, especially for dogs. The insurer takes care of the damages that your pet may cause to third parties (bites, accidents, etc.), both personal and material, within the contracted economic limit.
It also usually includes the legal defence of the insured in the event of civil or criminal proceedings related to the events covered by the policy. In addition, the associated judicial and extra-judicial costs are usually covered.
What if I already have home insurance?
Some household policies include basic pet liability coverage. However, potentially dangerous dogs are generally excludedunless explicitly stated otherwise in the policy. If this is your case, we recommend that you consider a specific insurance policy.
There are also insurances exclusively designed for dogs of breeds considered dangerous, which focus only on covering civil liability, without including other guarantees such as medical assistance.
Veterinary assistance
This is the most demanded coverage and the one that justifies, in the majority of cases, the contracting of an insurance for dogs or cats. It usually includes:
- Free consultations with veterinary surgeons.
- Franchised treatmentswith reduced prices compared to the market.
- Veterinary telephone counselling serviceto resolve doubts or to know which clinic to go to in each case.
It is important to note that this coverage is generally provided through a network of associated veterinary clinics. The insured pays directly to the centre the franchised costs, if any, and has access to preferential services without waiting or surprises in the bill.
Summary: Which safeguards should I prioritise?
The choice of cover will depend on your pet's profile and your desired level of protection. As a basic recommendation:
- Veterinary assistanceEssential for any dog or cat.
- LiabilityMandatory in some cases and recommended in all cases.
- Theft and lossIdeal if your pet has access to the outdoors or is a valuable breed.
- Death by accidentprovides peace of mind in the face of unexpected situations.
In short, a pet insurance not only protects your animal, it also protects you against unforeseen events that could involve a large financial outlay or legal liability. Knowing its guarantees will allow you to make a more informed and personalised decision.