Life and health insurance for pets: wasted money or a necessity?

Although we take care of our pets with love and as best we can, there may be times when we will need tens of thousands of crowns to treat our dog or cat. And insurance - as with people - can be the solution.

It is frightening to imagine a situation where, in addition to the serious health condition of your four-legged partner, you have to raise funds for his treatment. In such cases, insurance may be the solution. Let's take a look at the types of insurance we can choose from and who it makes sense for.

You never know what could happen. Your pet may get sick or may have a serious accident. Insurance theoretically makes sense for anyone who, like me, considers their animals to be legitimate family members.

It's basically life and health insurance that covers the necessary and urgent costs of veterinary treatment or the death of an animal. The basis is insurance of veterinary care. In the event of your pet's illness or injury, it usually involves its transportation or hospitalization. However, it does not apply to chronic illnesses, and you always have to expect coinsurance and a waiting period (after the policy has been taken out when you don't have the right to draw it).

Insurance against death or euthanasia. In this case you will receive an agreed amount of money after the insured pet dies. This won’t make your heart ache any less or alleviate your sadness, but it can make it easier for you to get a new four-legged family member. It's basically an animal version of human life insurance.

There is also liability insurance. This kind of insurance is useful if your dog bites someone or damages someone else's property. This is something for all those who live in a rented apartment with their pet. It should be customary, but when you take out the policy you should check whether the policy also applies to the injury of another animal if you are interested in this service. This type is usually included in the insurance mentioned above.

In addition to livestock and horses, cats and dogs are the only insurable animals so far. They must also have a microchip or tattoo. They must be in good health and kept in good conditions at the time the policy is taken out. The insurance is usually age-limited - an animal from six months to eight years of age is usually insurable. 

They must also be vaccinated against selected diseases (the list of diseases differs from one insurance company to another, but it is usually a list of common vaccinations). In addition to a form filled out by the vet on the health of the animal, which you will receive from the insurance company, you will also need a vaccination card and, in some cases, a pedigree.

As with any such insurance, there are situations in which you will not be paid. The most common cases include treatment due to chronic, hereditary, congenital and developmental diseases, violations of the law on the protection of animals, preventive and cosmetic interventions or participation in races or sports events, including preparation for them. You will usually not receive money if a family member or a person living in the same household suffers damage.

Are your pets insured? How did you proceed when choosing an insurance policy? What types of insurance proved to be most useful?

 

Related articles

Fasting once a week: Truth or myth?

Allegedly, fast is instinctively practised by both wolfs and wild dogs. This has led many people to that assumption, that our dog on the couch should, once in a while, be fasting as well. A wild animal surely knows what it is doing, nature is wise, you...

Dog History II: Hachiko

In this cycle, we will get to know interesting dog personalities. Dogs play an important role in our life, so let us take a look what they have already achieved during our life together. We should find Hachiko in the dictionary next to the phrase...

When is excessive movement harmful for your dog

Have you ever wondered how much movement is healthy for your dog and when it can be harmful? Or that not every movement is beneficial? Most dog owners never think about this. It’s said that the more you move, the better. But this is not always true.

My experience with humane trapping

As I mentioned in previous articles, I occasionally help out my friend Markéta, who runs a cat shelter. I had the opportunity to take part in several humane trappings for stray cats and would like to share the experience with you today. 

Dog depression

Did you know that even your pet dog can suffer from depression? As with people, we shouldn’t underestimate the mental state of our dogs. How to recognize it and what to do about it?

Dogs and cats in the world I: Greece

In this cycle, we shall take a look at how cats and dogs are getting along in the world. Where people nurture and spoil them, or on the contrary they suffer and their situation is critical. Today I would like to introduce you to the cats of Greece,...

Overheating your dog

The approach of warm sunny days will surely entice many people to go for long walks. Many of us take our four-legged companions on vacation. It’s during these times that we should be careful about sunstroke, both for us and our dogs. How can we prevent...

What to do if your dog is overweight

Just like with people, being overweight can have a negative impact on a dog’s health. Preparing the right diet and amount of food to give them can sometimes be, however, like pure alchemy, and so your dog can start to become obese. If this is the case...

How to protect your dog from ticks

There seems to be more and more ticks year after year. Fortunately, the ways to protect our furry friends, whether dogs or cats, against these parasites are growing. Everyone can choose what product fits best for them and their four-legged companions.

Skinny guinea pig or hairless guinea pig

Until recently skinny guinea pigs were relatively rare in our country. Word about them is quickly spreading, however, and they have become a sudden hit among breeders. What’s it like having these guinea pigs and what do they like to eat?

Feline kidneys need good nutrition

The kidneys perform one of the most important functions in the body - cleaning the blood. Due to their small intake of water, cats are more burdened than other animals and therefore suffer quite often from kidney problems the older they get.