Dog Insurance in Switzerland: A Basic Guide

Alongside cats, dogs are one of the most popular pets in Switzerland. It is estimated that more than one out of every ten Swiss households includes at least one dog, with Switzerland’s resident dog population estimated at around 550,000 dogs.

What is dog insurance?

Pet insurance for dogs covers certain veterinary costs. The exact costs that are insured or excluded varies between insurance offers.

Which kinds of dog insurance are there?

Most dog insurance offers fall into one of two main categories: Insurance that covers veterinary care for accidents only, and insurance that covers both accidents and illnesses. There are also other less common types, such as dog insurance that only cover operations, but no other treatments.

Which costs does dog insurance cover?

Dog insurance generally covers necessary medical treatments for injuries and/or illnesses by a veterinarian, with some exceptions. Some offers also include additional benefits, such as coverage for vaccinations, deworming, castration and sterilization, emergency petsitting, orthopedic aids, physiotherapy, psychotherapeutic treatments, plaque removal, and alternative medicine.

Health problems that already exist before you get the insurance are generally excluded from coverage, though some insurers let you add coverage for these.

Because the insurance benefits vary broadly between offers, it is very important to compare the insurance benefits and not just the premiums. The interactive pet insurance comparison on moneyland.ch lets you filter offers based on your specific needs.

Does dog insurance pay the full cost of covered treatments?

Dog insurance normally has a deductible – a fixed amount that you have to pay out of your own pocket. The insurance only covers the portion of the annual costs that exceed the deductible. Typically, you can choose between several different deductible models when you apply for the insurance.

Some offers also have a coinsurance payment, which means that even after reaching your deductible, you still have to pay a percentage of the costs (20 percent, for example).

There is usually a maximum limit for the total amount that is covered by the insurance. Depending on the offer, the limits on coverage can be somewhat low (just a few thousand francs per year, for example).

As a general rule: The larger the portion of the costs are covered and the higher the limits for benefits are, the more you have to pay for the insurance. The pet insurance comparison on moneyland.ch lets you compare offers with different deductibles and limits.

Are all dogs eligible for dog insurance?

Most dog insurance providers only accept applications for dogs that are at least three months old. Some insurers do not accept new insurance applications for dogs above a certain age (six or seven years old, for example). Note: Once a dog is insured, you can keep the insurance for their entire life, as long as you pay your premiums and the insurance is not terminated.

Although insurers typically accept dogs of all breeds, which kind of dog you want to insure can affect your insurance premiums. Insurers may also exclude certain conditions (hereditary illnesses, for example) from insurance coverage for some dog breeds.

Is my dog insured right from the start?

Swiss dog insurance generally only begins to cover your dog after a waiting period called the qualification period. This period begins when your insurance policy is issued. The insurance only covers costs that occur after the qualification period has ended.

Qualification periods for accident coverage are normally short (one day or 10 days, for example). Qualification periods for illnesses are normally longer (30 or 90 days, for example).

Does Swiss dog insurance cover treatments outside of Switzerland?

The insurance coverage normally applies worldwide. Some insurers give you the option of limiting coverage to treatments in Switzerland, in exchange for somewhat lower insurance premiums.

Does dog insurance also cover theft and damages?

No. Dog insurance only covers the costs of veterinary care and some other costs that are directly related to your dog’s health and wellbeing.

If your dog is stolen, the theft may be covered by your household insurance or your insurance for simple theft away from home. Your liability for damages that your dog inflicts on other people or their property may be covered by your personal liability insurance.

Is getting dog insurance worth it?

That depends on the premiums and benefits of the dog insurance offer. You can easily find these using the moneyland.ch pet insurance comparison.

Whether or not insuring your dog’s health is worth it also depends on whether the insurance actually covers the costs that you are likely to incur. When choosing a dog insurance, make sure to pay attention to the exact terms, conditions, and coverages.

How much you spend on veterinary care also plays a role in determining whether or not having dog insurance could save you money. The pet insurance calculator makes it easy to calculate the total costs of dog insurance.

More on this topic:
Compare Swiss dog insurance offers now
How much does dog insurance cost?
Financial tips for keeping dogs, cats, and other pets in Switzerland