Pet Insurance
What is Pet Insurance
Pet insurance is a specialised coverage designed to protect the health and well-being of various animals. Just as we purchase health insurance for ourselves and our loved ones, pet insurance provides financial support for your pets' medical needs and other related expenses.
With the rising annual costs of caring for pets—including vaccinations, tick treatments, and grooming—pet ownership can become quite expensive. These costs can range from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 54,000 annually, with veterinary fees and medical procedures often being the most significant expenses. Pet insurance offers a way to manage these costs by providing financial support for unexpected medical needs.
Features and Benefits of Pet Insurance
Pets offer us unconditional love and companionship, and it's only fitting to ensure their health and well-being with the right insurance coverage. Pet insurance can help cover various expenses, from costly treatments and vaccinations to routine grooming. Here are some key benefits:
- Financial Safety: Pet insurance acts as a crucial safety net, helping to cover the significant expenses that may arise if your pet falls ill or needs urgent medical care.
- Protection from Unforeseen Mishaps: Accidents can happen unexpectedly. Pet health insurance can help cover costs in such scenarios, preventing unexpected financial strain.
- Exclusive Benefits: Many pet insurance providers offer additional benefits, such as coverage for damages your pet might cause to third parties or their property. Some policies also assist if your pet is lost or stolen.
Why Do I Need Pet Insurance?
With the increasing costs of personal care, grooming, and medical treatments, pet owners often spend Rs. 70,000 to Rs. 80,000 annually on their pets. Pet insurance, a well-established practice abroad, is gaining traction in India for several compelling reasons:
- Ensures Optimal Health: Pet insurance ensures that your beloved pets receive the best possible medical treatment and care.
- Cost-effective: For a modest premium, pet insurance covers a range of benefits, including medical care, accidents, and even international protection in some cases.
- Protection Against Accidents: Although we strive to keep our pets safe, accidents can happen while they are playing or for other reasons. Insurance will cover these medical expenses, preventing unexpected financial strain.
- Additional Benefits: Depending on the insurer, pet insurance may offer extra perks such as coverage for third-party damages or if your pet is lost or stolen.
Types of Pet Insurance
While insurance companies in India have long offered coverage for cattle and livestock, private-sector insurers now provide comprehensive protection for pets, including coverage for worldwide transit, third-party liabilities, theft or loss, entry fees for dog shows, and more. Currently, the following types of pet insurance plans are available:
- Dog Insurance: This is the most common type of pet insurance in India. With an estimated 28 million to 29 million pets in the country, dogs constitute a significant portion of this number. The popularity of dog ownership has surged, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to an increase in insurance plans designed to protect dogs from various risks.
- Cat Insurance: Many insurance providers now offer plans specifically for cats. If you own a cat, this insurance will cover various risks associated with your feline friend, including accidents and health issues, ensuring her overall well-being.
Top Pet Insurance Policies for 2025
Here are some of the leading pet insurance policies for dogs available:
- New India Assurance Dog Insurance Policy
- Oriental Insurance Dog Insurance
- Bajaj Allianz Pet Dog Insurance Policy
- Future Generali India Dog Health Insurance
Eligibility Criteria for Pet Insurance in India
Pet insurance is specifically designed for dogs and cats that are at least 90 days old. The policy covers pets of indigenous origin, crossbreeds, and exotic breeds.
Animal Type | Breed Type | Entry Age | Exit Age |
Pet Dog | Small Breed | 3 months to 7 years | Up to 10 years |
Medium Breed | 3 months to 4 years | Up to 6 years | |
Large Breed | 3 months to 4 years | Up to 6 years | |
Giant Breed | 3 months to 4 years | Up to 6 years | |
Pet Cat | All Breeds | 3 months to 4 years | Up to 12 years |
Documents Required for Buying Pet Insurance in India
If you're looking to secure pet insurance for your furry friend, here's a list of documents you'll need
- Completed pet insurance proposal form
- Diagnostic test results if opting for PIN cover (effective from the following day)
- Detailed description of the pet for identification purposes
- Self-declaration of timely vaccinations for the insured pet
- Proof of purchase if the sum insured exceeds the maximum price specified in the pricing matrix
- Pedigree certificate if the pet is of pedigree lineage
Note: Documentation requirements may vary based on the type of pet and individual insurer policies. Some insurers might have relaxed documentation criteria.
Top Pet Insurance Policies - A Brief Overview
Here is a summary of some of the leading pet insurance policies for dogs available in India:
Insurance Provider | Details |
New India Assurance Dog Insurance Policy | Coverage: Insures against death due to accidents or illnessEntry Age: 8 weeks to 8 yearsMaximum Annual Coverage: Rs. 50,000Includes: Indigenous, cross-bred, and exotic breedsPremium: 5% of the sum insuredCo-payment: 20% of the claim amount |
Oriental Insurance Dog Insurance | Entry Age: 8 weeks to 8 yearsMaximum Annual Coverage: Up to Rs. 50,000Covers: Death due to illness or accident, vaccination, and tick treatmentsExcludes: Partial and permanent disability, rabies, canine distemper, and leptospirosis |
Bajaj Allianz Pet Dog Insurance Policy | Maximum Annual Coverage: Up to Rs. 50,000Entry Age: 3 months to 7 yearsMinimum Premium: Starts from Rs. 315Medical Tests: Not required, even for older petsCo-payment: 10% on each claimCoverage: Includes pet vaccination, hospitalisation, mortality benefit, surgery expenses, terminal diseases, third-party liability, theft, loss, and strayingPolicy Period: Up to six monthsIncludes: Indigenous, cross-bred, and exotic breeds |
Future Generali India Dog Health Insurance | Maximum Annual Coverage: Varies based on breed and sizeEntry Age: 6 months to 10 yearsCoverage: Terminal illness, surgery, treatment costs, pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses, death and funeral expensesOptional Add-ons: Doctor on call, third-party liability, lost and stolen cover |
Pet Insurance Inclusion & Exclusions
The benefits of pet insurance can vary depending on the insurer and the premium cost. Mentioned below are the inclusions and exclusions typically covered by the insurance providers
Pet Insurance Inclusions
- Surgery Expenses
- Death due to Accident or Disease
- Hospitalisation
- Outpatient Department (OPD) Cover
- Coverage for Lost or Stolen Pets
Pet Insurance Exclusions
- Certain medical expenses may not be covered by pet insurance, including
- Surgeries not required due to illness or accident
- Surgeries for congenital defects or deformities
- Surgeries related to pregnancy or whelping
- Surgeries related to grooming
- Cosmetic or elective surgeries not connected to injury
- Dental surgeries not caused by an accident or injury
Pet Insurance Claim Process
Follow these steps to make your pet insurance claim smooth and straightforward:
- Notify the Insurer: Inform your insurer about any incident involving your pet within 24 hours.
- Register the Claim: Submit your pet insurance claim by emailing the insurance provider or calling their toll-free number or service helpline.
- Provide Information: A customer support representative will contact you to gather the necessary details for the claim.
- Submit Documentation: Complete the claim form and send it along with the required documents via email or upload them through the insurer's official website or mobile app.
- Additional Information: If further details or documents are needed, an insurer representative may get in touch.
- Claim Evaluation: The claims team will assess the eligibility of your pet insurance claim.
- Payment Processing: If the claim is approved, you will receive an NEFT form. Once you return the completed form, the payment for the claim will be processed. This may vary for different insurance providers.
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FAQs On Pet Insurance In India
- What is pet insurance?
Pet insurance is a specialised plan designed to cover the health and well-being of pets. It provides financial support for medical treatments, vaccinations, and other expenses, similar to health insurance for people. This helps manage the rising costs of pet care, which can range from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 54,000 annually.
- What are the main benefits of pet insurance?
Pet insurance provides numerous benefits. It ensures financial safety by covering substantial medical expenses incurred from illnesses or accidents. Additionally, it offers protection from unforeseen mishaps, assisting with unexpected costs arising from accidents. Some policies also come with exclusive benefits, such as coverage for damages caused by the pet to third parties or assistance if the pet is lost or stolen.
- Why should I get pet insurance?
Pet insurance helps manage the high costs of pet care, including medical treatments and routine expenses. With insurance, you ensure your pet receives the best care without facing unexpected financial strain. It is a cost-effective way to protect against high expenses due to accidents or illnesses.
- What types of pet insurance are available in India?
In India, pet insurance is available for both dogs and cats. For dogs, coverage encompasses a range of risks and can be customised to suit various breeds. Cat insurance plans address health issues, accidents, and other related expenses, ensuring comprehensive protection for your feline companions.
- What are some of the top pet insurance policies for 2024?
Several leading pet insurance policies available in India include the New India Assurance Dog Insurance Policy, Oriental Insurance Dog Insurance, Bajaj Allianz Pet Dog Insurance Policy, and Future Generali India Dog Health Insurance. Each of these policies offers various levels of coverage and benefits tailored to ensure comprehensive protection for your pet.
- What is the eligibility for pet insurance in India?
Pet insurance is available for dogs and cats that are at least 90 days old, with eligibility criteria varying by breed and age. For dogs, small breeds are covered from 3 months to 7 years of age, while medium, large, and giant breeds are covered from 3 months to 4 years. Cats of all breeds are eligible from 3 months to 7 years of age.
- What documents are needed to buy pet insurance?
To secure pet insurance, you'll typically need to provide several documents. These include a completed pet insurance proposal form, diagnostic test results if you're opting for a PIN cover, and a detailed description of your pet. You'll also need to submit a self-declaration confirming timely vaccinations, proof of purchase if the sum insured exceeds specified limits, and a pedigree certificate if your pet is of pedigree lineage.
- What does pet insurance generally cover?
Pet insurance generally covers a range of expenses, including those for surgeries, death resulting from accidents or diseases, and hospitalisation. It also includes outpatient department (OPD) care and provides coverage for pets that are lost or stolen
- What are common exclusions in pet insurance?
Common exclusions in pet insurance often include surgeries that are not connected to illness or accidents, such as those for congenital defects or related to pregnancy and grooming. Additionally, cosmetic surgeries not related to injuries and dental surgeries not resulting from an accident are typically not covered.
- What is the process for filing a pet insurance claim?
To file a claim, first notify your insurer within 24 hours of the incident. Then, register the claim through email or phone. Provide the required information and fill out the claim form, submitting all necessary documentation either online or via email. If further information is needed, the insurer will reach out to you. The claims team will assess and process your claim, and if approved, you will need to complete an NEFT form to receive the payment. The claim process may vary from bank to bank or different insurance providers.
Devarthi Gattuwar is a Finance Content Writer who has experience writing about Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Tax, and other BFSI products. Other than that, she also writes about non-financial utility products like Aadhar Card, Voter ID, Government Certificates, etc. She has a special interest in Social Media Marketing and its nuances. She likes to read and learn new things. She's a mental health advocate, LGBTQIA+ ally and a dog mom.
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