Is dog insurance really worth the effort?  Why do you need to take out insurance for your four-legged family member? This page aims to give you a better understanding of why health insurance for dogs is necessary and why you definitely need it in your life.

The case for dog insurance

As more and more pet owners strive to take better care of their four-legged family members, the cost of veterinary care soon becomes a big burden. Some vet consultations cost the same as specialists visits to human doctors. When you take into consideration things like repeated vaccinations, emergency care and other medical treatments, the costs are simply overwhelming.

 

What exactly is dog insurance?

Dog insurance is medical insurance for cats. While some plans partially cover dogs for medical care, others cover the costs of medical treatment in full. Unlike medical aid for people, dog insurance doesn’t have prescribed minimum benefits or tax deductible payments.

 

In essence, pet insurance was designed to help pet owners afford quality care for their animals. Most plans cover maintenance care and emergency treatments in case of accidents. Just like all other types of insurance, dog insurance policies differ from one service provider to the next.

 

How does cat insurance work?

Unlike medical aid for people, dog insurers do not cover costs upfront when it comes to routine care. Once you’ve paid the vet, you’ll have to claim it back from the insurance company. In the case of accidents, most insurers pay fees upfront. Some dog insurance policies provide up to R60,000 per year for routine care and emergency treatments.

 

Taking up insurance for your dog’s health is a great idea if you own a breed that is prone to health problems. Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds are disposed to developing heat exhaustion, breathing issues, skin infections and eye problems. These include Pugs, Pekinese, Shih Tzus, most Bulldog breeds, Boston Terriers, and the King Charles Spaniel.

 

Although it sounds very inviting, there is one little thing that you should keep in mind when considering to take up an insurance policy for your dog: their age. Most pet policies exclude animals older than eight years of age. Consider this: the average dog lives between 10 and 15 years. This means that your dog might only qualify for insurance for half of their lifespan.

 

 

What are my options?

After considering the pros and cons of dog insurance (with the positives far outweighing the negatives), you have a few service providers to choose from. These include:

 

DogSure

Best for: Families on a restricted budget

Average monthly cost: R275

Annual limit: Unlimited

Entry age: 8 weeks – 8 years

Key benefits:

• No annual limit
• No sub-limits
• Accepted by all vets across South Africa
• No breed loadings or exclusions
• No microchip required

 

 

Hollard

Best for: Pet owners with more than one dog

Average monthly cost: R280

Annual limit: R40,000

Entry age: 8 weeks – 8 years

Key benefits:

• Cover for illnesses and accidents
• Optional add-on option for routine expenses
• No upper age limit for accidents
• Multi-pet discounts apply when you insure more than one pet
• Accepted by all vets, countrywide
• Payment within 14 days or receipt of the claim

 

KidoPet

Best for: Pet owners with older dogs

Average monthly cost: R360

Annual limit: R30,000

Entry age: 8 weeks – any age

Key benefits:

• No upper age limits, cats of all ages are covered
• No micro-chip required
• Breeders are covered, unlike most other service providers, Kido Pet covers breeders

 

 

OnePet

Best for: Families considering various benefit options and monthly premiums

Average monthly cost: R368

Annual limit: R44,000

Entry age: 8 weeks – 8 years

Key benefits:

• Choose between hospital, classic, and super plan
• Covers vaccinations as part of routine care
• Provides cover for pre-existing conditions

 

 

Solver

Best for: Budget-conscious families with multiple dogs

Average monthly cost: R340

Annual limit: R35,000

Entry age: 8 weeks – 8 years

Key benefits:

• Offers a comprehensive choice of cover
• No upper age limit for accidents
• Multi-pet discounts apply
• Choice on excess amount and % of benefit

 

Need more help?

Our team of pet lovers is here to lend you the helping hand you need. When it comes to dog insurance, we know the game all too well. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how you can get your canine family member insured and taken care of in case of unexpected events!