A policy for pets has been long overdue. In India, pets have become more prevalent in the last few years, but COVID-19 has made them even more popular.
Pet owners should get pet insurance because regular health checks and surgery costs can be very high.
Insurance companies offer pet insurance coverage under “lifestyle” plans, but most of the time, pet insurance would pay out if the pet passes away or gets sick.
Usual policy features: A pet policy may cover pets that are native, mixed-breed, or from far away. The youngest age to enter is three months, but the oldest age depends on the breed.
Your dog should have had its vaccination shots when you purchase the dog insurance policy. Also, all needed vaccinations must be given during the policy period for claims to be paid out. *
Pet policies can have a 30-day waiting period, meaning it may cover no illnesses for the first 30 days after the policy is bought. The waiting period may be up to 90 days if the dog is older than four years and the insured chooses not to get a medical exam before the policy is issued. *
There are two mandatory covers: surgery costs and hospitalisation. There are also seven optional covers: death benefit, terminal diseases, long-term care, OPD, third-party liability, and theft or straying. *
In the case of surgery, the policy may require 10% of the amount of the insured claim as a co-pay, which the pet owner has to pay. Co-pays are usually used to keep people from getting surgeries or treatments they wouldn’t get if they didn’t have insurance. These moral risks can be avoided by giving the customer a share of the total loss. *
Generally, there is a 10% deductible for the optional OPD cover. After you’ve paid 10% of the costs, the policy may cover the rest. *
Third-party liability insurance may only pay you back if you are legally required to pay for someone else’s injury, accident or property damage. If the dog is stolen or runs away for good, the insurance company may pay the amount insured if it isn’t found after 45 days of making reasonable efforts to find it. *
Dental care won’t be covered unless it can be considered some injury. Claims about skin treatments and spaying costs won’t be accepted either. *
Policy premiums: If you are looking for pet insurance for dogs in India, there are two ways to buy the best pet insurance. Plan A doesn’t cover kidney failure, cataract surgery, or critical diseases. Plan B gives you all of these protections, so it costs more. *
Plan A costs ₹ 1,264 for a medium-sized breed like a Pitbull or Bulldog between 7 and 10 years old. Plan B costs between ₹ 1,455 and ₹ 1,582 for surgery costs and hospital stay. Choose either of the two which you think may be a good fit for your pet. *
Just like you protect yourself and your family with a health insurance policy, you should definitely consider buying the best pet insurance for your beloved pet too. *
* Standard T&C Apply
‘Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.’
