Having a pet can be a lot of fun, but it's also a lot of responsibility. But along with all that love and loyalty, there’s a growing financial side to it too—one that often sneaks up on pet parents.
But in general, most policies will help with surgeries, hospital stays, outpatient visits, and even cover unfortunate events like accidental death or theft
Having a pet can be a lot of fun, but it's also a lot of responsibility. But along with all that love and loyalty, there’s a growing financial side to it too—one that often sneaks up on pet parents.
Over the last few years, the costs of basic pet care have slowly but steadily increased. Routine things such as vaccinations, anti-tick treatments, regular grooming, and checkups can run anywhere between Rs 10,000 to Rs 80,000 a year. Additional costs can be incurred due to a sudden injury or surgery, These additional costs can lead to heavy out-of-pocket expenses.
What Is Pet Insurance
Pet insurance covers any medical expenses of pets just like health insurance covers medical expenses of humans. It covers treatments, hospital stays, emergencies, and more.
Pet insurance in India is growing more popular with more and more pet parents as it brings peace of mind and better care for their loved pet. Not just medical expenses, some policies also provide compensation if a pet is lost or stolen.
You pay a small premium each month, and in return, you get to breathe a little easier knowing that help is there if you ever need it.
What Kind Of Coverage Is Available
Right now, dogs are the main focus of pet insurance plans in India, which makes sense, considering dogs make up the majority of pets here. Ever since the COVID-19 lockdowns, there’s been a noticeable jump in dog adoptions, and insurance providers have started catering to that growing demand.
Though dog insurance is the most popular, cats haven’t been left out entirely, though. A few insurers have started offering specific plans for our feline friends, too, which is great news for cat lovers who’ve long felt left out of the picture.
What’s Usually Included—And What’s Not
Coverage can vary quite a bit depending on which insurer you choose and the plan you go for. But in general, most policies will help with surgeries, hospital stays, outpatient visits, and even cover unfortunate events like accidental death or theft.
However, cosmetic treatments and non-essential surgeries, and dental procedures will not be covered. Also, for most pets, coverage starts from when they are two years old to when they are ten years old. Factors like age, breed, and size can influence the premiums, and so it is important to compare options before you choose a plan.