Health insurance and accident insurance for dogs and cats: Is it recommended?
When purchasing a pet, there are many things to consider, and the financial aspects should also be well thought out. After all, a dog burdens the household budget with about 23'000 SFr. over an average lifetime of 13 years! Cats cost on average up to the age of 15 years around 13'000 SFr.
Besides food, 'collars' and 'blankets', you also have to factor in health costs. Veterinary costs can vary greatly. There are many health risks from simple diarrhea to an accident with a broken leg or a prolonged illness.
The basic costs for disease prophylaxis with vaccinations, deworming and protection against external parasites, as well as castration, can be compiled as needed and included in the budget. All other veterinary costs are usually not known in advance.
How do I deal with this uncertainty now? Every pet owner has the opportunity to set aside some money to be ready for a larger veterinary bill in case of emergency. Nowadays it is common practice at most veterinary practices and clinics to pay immediately when picking up the animal.
What costs can I expect? In most cases it is the operations that are the most expensive. If you would like to be able to finance a more expensive operation for your pet, as well as any necessary aftercare, you would have to set aside about 2,000 to 3,000 Swiss francs as a reserve. If you cannot do that or if you want to be prepared for even more expensive cases, you should think about a pet insurance.
Bone fractures: Often only surgery can help, and that costs money.
There are also health insurance and accident insurance for animals, but since there is no state obligation, the offers are very different and must be compared in detail! In addition to the amount of the premium and the deductible, the following questions are also important:
- Which cases are covered and which cases are not?
- What is the maximum amount per case and per year?
- Hospitalization costs?
- Is there a waiting period after enrollment?
- Are certain risks excluded in principle? (Breeding, dog sports, pre-existing conditions)
- What about participation in disease prevention costs? (Vaccinations)
The animal insurances mostly distinguish between illness and accident. Most of the time you have to decide whether to insure only accident or both. Younger animals are more likely to suffer accidents and older ones are more likely to have high medical expenses. Attention: From a certain age the animals are no longer included in the health insurance. Therefore, think early to make an application!
So that it does not remain only with the provisional treatment: Clarify financing beforehand!
In summary, it can be said: Especially if you are on a tight budget, you should definitely think about pet insurance, because unexpected often comes!
Our tip: Get expert advice without obligation, for example:
Renato Schäppi, Helvetia Insurance, General Agency Horgen: 058 280 81 35, renato.schaeppi@helvetia.ch or have a look at our Links to other animal insurances.
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