One of the best ways in which we can show our love and care to our beloved dogs is by getting the right pet insurance for them. But with a vast pool of choices available today, selecting the right pet insurance can seem quite daunting. This is where this blog will help you.

In this blog, you will see some of the best-rated pet health insurance companies in India. Whether you are searching for pet insurance for cats or pet insurance for dogs, selecting the right coverage can make a ton of difference to you. By choosing the optimal pet health insurance, you can keep your furry friends sound and healthy.

So let us get started,

What Exactly is a Pet Insurance?

Pet insurance is like a protective cover for your beloved pets. It covers the whole cost of treatment in case your pets get sick or injured. A good pet health insurance will take care of sudden medical bills, ensuring that your pets receive the necessary care without putting financial stress on you. Having pet insurance is one of the best ways to keep your furry friends healthy and also save you from draining your pockets for your pet’s treatment.

List of the Best Pet Insurance Providers in India

1) New India Pet Assurance Pet Insurance

New India Pet Assurance Pet Insurance is considered one of the best pet health insurance companies since it has decades of experience and is trusted by lakhs of pet owners in India. They offer all-around coverage for both dogs and cats. Their policy covers a wide range of areas, including accidents, diseases, illnesses, surgeries and third-party liabilities. The premium of this affordable, easy to claim and is available nationwide. These factors make this one of the best pet health insurance policies in the country. 

2) Bajaj Allianz Pet Insurance

Considered one of the sought-after pet insurance companies in India, this insurance is known for giving excellent medical cover, especially for dogs. Their policy covers a wide range of needs, including hospitalisation charges, surgery bills and even the financial coverage of third-party liabilities. Bajaj Allianz Pet Insurance also offer personalised plans which include add-ons like vaccinations and routine check-ups.

3) Oriental Insurance Pet Insurance

Another trusted pet health insurance company in India is Oriental Insurance Pet Insurance, since it is a government-backed policy and offers comprehensive coverage as well. It covers the hospitalisation charges of pets, veterinary expenses and also the surgery costs. Their policy is available for a wide range of dog breeds and provides coverage for pets having age between 8 weeks to 8 years. The premium charges Oriental Pet Insurance are affordable, is easy to claim, and is accepted across a large number of veterinary clinics in India.

4) Future Generali Pet Insurance

Another well-known pet insurance company in India, Future Generali Pet Insurance, is known for offering excellent coverage for surgeries and critical illnesses. Their policy also includes benefits like third-party liability, OPD Cover, and even coverage for stolen or lost pets. It is extremely easy to enrol in the policy, has a user-friendly mobile app, and a hassle-free access to pet care. Future Generali Pet Insurance also has a dedicated customer service that makes it an ideal option for pet owners. 

Characteristics of Pet Health Insurance

A Pet Health Insurance has a wide range of features, designed to fulfil the different needs of a pet owner. Here are some of the top features of a pet insurance scheme,

1) Personalised Plans: The best pet insurance companies provide pet owners with flexible and personalised plans for their pets. You can select a coverage plan based on your pet’s needs and your budget. Whether you need a basic plan to cover any emergency or a comprehensive plan that includes routine care, there is an option that suits each pet and its owner.

2) Easy to Claim Process: Today, almost all pet health insurance schemes in India have a streamlined claims process, making it easy to claim and redeem the amount quickly. Many pet insurance schemes offer online portals and apps, where you can upload the medical bills from the vet and get your money back without any hassle.

3) 24/7 Customer Service: Having access to 24/7 customer support, you will always get your doubts cleared when it comes to your pet’s health needs. The best pet insurance companies offer dedicated support to help answer your questions, guide you through the process of claims process, and offer assistance whenever you need it. 

4) Coverage for Hereditary and Inherited Conditions: Many best pet health insurance policies include coverage for hereditary and genetic conditions, which your pet may be at risk of. This is particularly useful for those pet breeds that are known to have specific health issues 

What are the Benefits of Pet Health Insurance in India?

Our pets are like our family members, and hence, they deserve the best care from us. The pet health insurance schemes in India are one of the best ways to give your pets the best protection without any financial woes. Here are some of its top benefits,

1) Covers the Medical Expenses: An optimal pet medical insurance covers the costs of high veterinary bills, surgery, accidents and illnesses, etc. This reduces your worries about any unexpected bills.

2) Protection Against Accidents: Whether it is a minor or major accident, having a pet insurance health scheme helps you offer your pets the most ideal treatment, without taking financial stress.

3) Covers the Expense of Chronic Conditions: Some pets can develop chronic conditions like arthritis and diabetes. A good pet health insurance scheme covers ongoing treatments, helping you to take care of your pets effectively.

4) Helps You Have Peace of Mind: The fact that you don’t have to worry about the expenses for your pet’s treatment helps you take care of them effectively.

5) Flexibility: One can select from a wide range of policies that suit your pet’s specific needs, whether it is for emergency care or for just routine check-ups.

6) Broad Treatment Options: Having a pet health insurance gives you the freedom to select the best treatment options, without having to worry about its financial aspects.

What are the Requirements of a Pet Insurance Policy?

Firstly, it is important to register the insured cat or dog with the Municipal Corporation or the deemed local government authority. You may also consider registering them with the certified Kennel Club of India or micro-chipping by the policyholder. Apart from the submission, you can also check if you have submitted the photograph of the insured dog or cat as per the requirement.

• Face photo of the pet

• A photo showing the birthmark of the pet

• Photo from back, front, left, right and top
  

What are the Documents Required While Buying a Pet Insurance Policy?

To avail a pet insurance policy for your pet, you need to submit certain documents. Here are the key documents you should submit,

• Submit the insurance form and list out all the details of your pet.

• The insurance companies will ask for colour photos for identification of the pet

• You must submit all the necessary documents, declaring that the vaccinations given to your pet are up to date.

• Sometimes, the policyholder might have to submit diagnostic test results of the pet, such as chest X-Ray, circulatory blood count (CBC), urine test, etc.

• If you want to select the Sum Insured basis pedigree lineage, you have to submit a pedigree certificate from the Kennel Club of India (KCI).

Inclusions vs Exclusions in Pet Insurance Plans

It is always better to check the inclusions and exclusions before getting the pet health insurance. It will help you make the right decisions. Let’s take a look at the things that are included and excluded from pet insurance in India.

Step-by-Step Guide to Pet Insurance Claims in India

For a pet insurance policy, the claim settlement can be completed in two ways: through the cashless claim settlement process or the reimbursement claim process.

Cashless Claim Settlement Process:

• Authorisation: Notify the network veterinary hospital at least 72 hours before any sudden medical treatment or within one day in case of an emergency.

• Documentation: Present a copy of your E-Card along with a valid ID proof at the veterinary hospital and get the pre-authorisation form.

• Submission: Complete and sign the pre-authorisation form and submit it to the veterinary hospital.

• Direct Settlement: Once you have finished all the formalities, the insurance company will directly settle the bills with the hospital.

Reimbursement Claim Process:

• Treatment: You can get your pet treatment done from any veterinary hospital in India of your choice. Contrary to the cashless process, you will need to pay the bills at the start.

• Documentation: Once you have made the payment, you need to submit the original bills and other related documents of the expense to the insurance company.

• Reimbursement: The reimbursement process is not cashless. The insurance company will reimburse the expenses within 30 days upon the timely submission of the necessary documents.

You have just seen a complete guide on the pet health insurance process in India. So you might have understood that by getting the right pet insurance for your dog or cat, you can keep them in excellent health without taking any financial stress. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Is Pet Insurance Available For all Types of Pets in India?

• In  India, pet insurance is mostly available for dogs, and to some extent for cats as well. Only rare insurance schemes exist for exotic pets like birds, rabbits, reptiles etc.

2) What is the Average Cost of Pet Insurance in India?

• Pet insurance premium rates in India can range from Rs 300 to Rs 1000 per month. It depends on the coverage type, breed type and also the age of your pet. The annual premium charges can range between Rs 3000 to Rs 12000.

3) Can I Get Pet Insurance For Older Dogs?

• You can avail pet insurance for older dogs in India, although the charges may be a bit higher than normal. You can confirm with the specific pet health insurance provider that you are interested in.

4) How Can I File a Claim With Pet Insurance?

• Many pet insurance companies give you the option of filing claims online or through the mobile app. All you need to do is submit your vet bills and a completed claim form in the portal. Once reviewed, the company will reimburse you based on the factors in your policy.