Where To Get Pet Insurance In South Africa

Having a pet can bring owners and families some real joy, the unconditional love and bond families give to pets makes them one of the family, which is why when a pet falls ill or is injured owners would do anything to help the furriest member of their family. Medical care for your pet can sometimes cost more than what you may have on hand to spend, and no pet owner should have to choose between their pets life and financial ruin.

This is why pet insurance is so important as it can help pay for your pet’s unexpected veterinary care. If you're a pet owner who wants to avoid being hit with massive veterinary costs and would like to explore the option of pet insurance, then you're in luck as there are some pet insurance providers in South Africa.

If you're looking to get comprehensive coverage for your pet, then we've for all you need to know before you pay that first premium.

Note: If you love sharing shots of your pets on social media why not check out the best hashtags for pet posts

What you need to know before getting pet insurance

1. Try to take out insurance on your pet at an early age as most insurance companies will not homoeopathy a pet that is younger than eight weeks or older than eight years.
2. Taking out insurance on your puppy or kitten will allow it to remain on the insurance plan until old age.
3. Pet insurance must be taken out at least one month before you can submit any claims.
4. Your pet has to have a microchip installed.
5. The pet medical aid will not pay up front and won’t necessarily cover the entire bill. You will need to pay the bill and then file a claim afterwards.

What does pet insurance cover in South Africa?

Pet insurance usually covers accidents, unexpected illnesses and emergencies for dogs and cats.

While there are generally three levels of cover you can take out:

• Accident only
• Accident and illness cover
• Accident; illness and routine care cover which contributes towards things like vaccination, deworming, tick and flea control, sterilisation and dental scale and polish.

Some policies will also cover alternative medicine/therapies, such as homoeopathy and acupuncture if they can be administered by a provider registered with the South African Veterinary Council.

Taking out South African pet insurance for exotic animals

General pet medical aid is currently unavailable for exotic pets, birds, reptiles and rodents while some insurers will provide equine (horse) insurance cover. To find out more about exotic pet insurance, you will need to speak directly to a broker about your specific situation. 

What South African pet insurance does not cover

Unfortunately, pet insurance does not include preventative care like vaccinations, spaying or neutering and you will need to take out extra cover in those cases. Pet insurance also excludes food, grooming, training and behavioural problems, and pre-existing conditions. While any hereditary diseases or defects won’t be covered.

Companies that provide pet insurance in South Africa

1. Dotsure

2. Oneplan

3. Insure Pet

4. Medipet

5. Pet Sure

6. Hollard

7. Rogz Pet Insurance

8. Oakhurst Insurance

9. Pet health care

10. Paw Paw

11. Pet99

12. Dogsure

13. Jay Care

Tell us your pet story

Have you had a pet insurance claim before? Do you take out pet insurance on all your pets? Are there any pet insurance companies you feel should be added to the list. Leave a comment, and let us know or contact us.

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Tags: pets , insurance