The guide to insuring your dog

Taking out insurance is a valuable investment to protect your faithful companion. However, in France, less than 10% of dogs are insured. Indeed, some owners wonder if it is really worth it, especially if they believe their pet is in good health. So, what is the point of dog insurance? What does it support? How to choose the ideal insurance for your little one? In this article, we answer all these questions and more. Discover without further delay the guide to insuring your dog!

Why insure your dog?

Our pets are an integral part of our lives and our family. For most people, taking out home, car or supplementary health insurance seems like common sense. So, insure your dog , why not? As dog parents, we do our best to guarantee the well-being of our companions. On the other hand, like any member of the family, they are not safe from danger. They may be exposed to risks such as illnesses, accidents or cause harm to people or other animals.

Unfortunately, these unforeseen events can be costly and the savings do not always follow. This is where insurance comes in! Insuring your dog is an investment for your peace of mind as much as for the well-being of your little one. That’s priceless!

How it works ?

Like classic insurance! It generally works in the form of a contract : you pay a monthly or annual premium to an insurance company in exchange for the coverage specified in your contract.

What is covered by dog insurance?

Of course, this coverage varies from company to company. It is therefore essential to know the different elements covered by the insurance policy that interests you. This will save you from unpleasant surprises. Generally, companies offer to cover:

Veterinary costs and medical care : this includes veterinary visits, medications, treatments, surgeries and hospitalizations

Preventive care : routine exams, vaccinations and preventative treatments such as antiparasitic treatments. This is the case of Dalma insurance which offers a “well-being package”, i.e. an amount dedicated to several types of care such as sterilization, desensitization, food supplements, vaccines, deworming, annual check-ups, etc. Without any waiting period !

Damage caused by the dog / civil liability : this coverage is essential to protect you financially in the event of property damage or bodily injury caused by your dog to others. For example, if your dog damages someone's property or injures a person or another animal, insurance may cover legal fees, compensation or veterinary costs.

Emergency costs : in the event of an accident, fractures, trauma, or specific care required following an incident

Additional services : This could include online veterinary advice, telephone support for medical emergencies, disease prevention programs, or even tracing if your dog is lost or stolen.

Obviously , it's up to you to make your choice as to the most appropriate coverage for your little one! Read the terms of your contract carefully to clearly understand what is covered. This way, you will make the best decision to protect the health and liability of your canine companion.

What are the exclusions and limits of insurance?

Although insuring your dog offers considerable protection , there are certain situations and conditions that may not be covered . Therefore, it is necessary to take into account the exclusions and coverage limits that you may face. Here are some common examples:

Pre-existing conditions : most insurance does not include illnesses or injuries that existed before taking out the policy

Diseases preventable by vaccination : this is the case of parvovirus, distemper, leptospirosis and even rabies. If your pooch becomes ill because their vaccinations are not up to date, your insurance will generally not cover the cost of treatment.

Certain breeds of dogs : they may be considered risky or dangerous by insurance companies. These breeds may be excluded from coverage or subject to higher premiums due to concerns about their behavior or “biting potential.” Check carefully whether your furball is subject to such restrictions before purchasing insurance

Various activities : practicing certain activities with your dog may be excluded from coverage. For example, if you participate in dog sports , competitions , or high-risk activities , your insurance may not cover injuries or damages related to them.

Arthropod stings : this includes care related to stings from wasps, bees, spiders, scorpions, etc.

Anomalies , infirmities , malformations and congenital or hereditary diseases: some companies refuse to cover them. This concerns, for example, hip or elbow dysplasia, dental anomalies, testicular ectopia, luxation of the patellas, umbilical hernias, congenital or hereditary eye damage, etc.

Above all, don't wait until a problem arises to ask for information! Before even purchasing insurance, if you have any questions, contact customer service directly for clarification. Additionally, knowing the limits of your insurance policy will allow you to be better prepared to handle non-compensated situations.

How to get reimbursed?

Each company has specific procedures for complaints. Follow the instructions provided by your insurance for quick and efficient processing of your request. Here are the general steps to follow to issue a refund:

Contact your insurance company : As soon as you notice an incident or situation requiring a claim, contact your insurance company immediately . They will provide you with specific instructions for submitting your application and inform you of the necessary documents.

Complete the claim form : Your insurance company will provide you with a claim form. Fill it out carefully and provide all the requested information accurately and in detail .

Prepare and attach supporting documents : Gather all relevant documents for your claim, such as medical bills and receipts, accident reports, completed treatment sheet, etc. Make sure they are clear , legible and complete and keep a copy of the documents sent

Submit your claim : Send the form and all necessary supporting documents to your insurance company. Use registered or tracked shipping to ensure your claim is received securely.

Track the progress of your claim: Once your claim is submitted, regularly monitor its status by contacting your insurance company, online or through your app. They should be able to provide you with updates on the progress of the process and answer any questions you may have .

How to choose the ideal insurance for your dog?

Finally, how to choose the ideal insurance ? As explained previously, several important factors must be taken into account. Here is a summary of the path to follow to facilitate the selection process:

Assess your pet's needs : consider their age, breed, size, sex, medical history and general health. Some dogs are more prone to illnesses or medical conditions. This may influence the type of coverage you will need.

Look for reputable and well-established companies : among them, we can find SantéVet , Agria , or even Selfassurance . Check blogs, customer reviews, rankings and recommendations to get an idea of a company's reliability and quality of service

Compare the different offers : take into account the elements covered, deductibles, coverage limits, exclusions, waiting and reimbursement periods, additional services and benefits included. Use an insurance comparator to make your job easier

Make sure customer service is efficient : check if the insurance company offers telephone or online assistance to guide you through your procedures and answer your questions. Responsive and knowledgeable customer service is essential when needed

Consider the cost of insurance : Prices vary wildly . This ranges from a few euros to several tens of euros depending on the company and the insurance policy chosen. Compare the monthly or annual premiums offered. However, be wary of offers that are too tempting. Keep in mind that price shouldn't be the only deciding factor. The cost and quality of the coverage offered must be balanced .

Get quotes : the majority of companies offer free quotes . Enjoy! This will give you an idea of what to expect. In addition, if several companies interest you, a quote will also allow you to decide between them.

Conclusion

To conclude, insuring your dog is a valuable investment for its long-term well-being as well as to protect you from financial unforeseen events linked to its health or the damage it could cause. To make the best decision, consider your little one's specific needs , do thorough research , compare available options , get quotes and carefully read the terms and conditions of each insurance policy. This will allow you to choose a suitable contract and an efficient company if necessary. However, keep in mind that insurance is not an infallible shield. But don't worry, we have everything planned. Quickly discover our 6 tips to guarantee your dog’s healthy health !