List of Pet Insurance in Singapore

So you already know getting a pet in Singapore is a long-term and big commitment. Aside from basics like food and regular medical care, you should be prepared for unexpected costs – the costs of pet ownership are unpredictable. Most pet owners are prepared for the usual expenses such as food and vaccinations. Then there’s the unexpected. Common examples are illness and accident. Surgery and treatment may add up hundreds and thousands more to your pet medical bill.

Like humans, the cost of pet medical bills is always a heavy burden – it could end up spending all of your hard-earned savings to settle the costly veterinary bill. Fortunately, pet insurance can help defray the potentially high cost of medical expenses if your pet falls ill. Don’t say “it would never happen to me”. We all want our pets to be happy and healthy. But we can’t guarantee our pets are always 100% healthy and pet insurance can come in handy in unforeseen circumstances. Therefore, we may need to consider pet insurance to protect our pets and ourselves, too.

1. PetCare by Liberty Insurance Singapore

PetCare is the first pet insurance in Singapore, which introduced by Liberty Insurance Singapore. It covers up to 70% of eligible vet bills arising from illness or accidents and the annual limit is up to $ 10,000. Rate starts from $ 350 per year.

Plan and Coverage PetCare comes in 3 options: Standard Plan, Enhanced Plan and Superior Plan. Covers 3 major categories, including accident, medical and liability.

Eligibility -Be micro-chipped -Be residing regularly in the same premise as you -Be at least 8 weeks old and not more than 9 years old at the enrolment date -Not be a working dog (e.g. guide dog and guard dog) -Not be a dog or cat used for breeding purposes

Key Benefits -Coverage includes theft (cover is not available to cats) -Covers non-surgical treatment -Medical examination is not required -Pawrents can visit any licensed veterinarian, including emergency animal hospitals and specialists in Singapore -The policy may be renewed until the Insured Pet reaches the age of 13 years

Drawbacks/Exclusions -Does not cover specified hereditary and congenital conditions -Coverage excludes theft and liability arising from any intentional, neglectful or preventable act -Pre-existing, hereditary, congenital and skin conditions, day to daycare, elective procedures and treatments are not under coverage -Coverage excludes damage to teeth and gums unless as a result of an accident -Does not cover illness related to endoparasites or ectoparasites, hip dysplasia and rabies

2. HappyTails by MSIG Singapore

HappyTails is underwritten by MSIG Singapore and distributed by Aon Singapore. Pawrents can receive up to 80% reimbursement of your vet bills before a mandatory Deductible of $ 250. The cover is immediate for accidents and 3 months after policy commencement for illnesses. Take note that 6 specified hereditary and congenital conditions are subject to a 12-month waiting period, including hip and elbow dysplasia, Luxating Patella, Glaucoma, Femoral Head and Neck Excision, Invertebral Disk Disease (IVDD) and Cherry eye. Rate may vary according to your pet’s age and conditions.

Plan and Coverage.

The Dog and Puppy Plans Cover is available to over 200 breeds of dogs and puppies. Annual limits of $ 12,500(Furball), $ 7,500(Furry) and $ 3,500(Fur) in 3 plan options. Plan coverage includes illness, accidents, specified hereditary conditions, specified congenital conditions, cancer, surgery, room and board, prescription medications, acupuncture treatment and emergency care. Keep in mind that cost of diagnostics, X-rays, blood test, ultra-sound are covered when it leads to surgery.

The Cat and Kitten Plan Feline annual coverage is up to S$5,000. Coverage is similar to The Dog and Puppy Plans.

Eligibility -Aged between 16 weeks and below 9 years old -Micro-chipped -Has completed all required vaccinations -Not a working pet (e.g. involved in racing, law enforcements or, breeding, guarding or for other commercial use) -Not used for breeding purposes -Clinically examined by a licensed vet within 30 days from the commencement date of the insurance

Key Benefits -Pawrents can visit any licensed veterinarian, including emergency animal hospitals and specialists in Singapore -Coverage includes hip and elbow dysplasia, Luxating Patella, Glaucoma, Femoral Head and Neck Excision, Invertebral Disk Disease (IVDD) and Cherry eye (your pet is enrolled before age six (6) with no pre-existing conditions) -Cost and expenses incurred for euthanasia, cremation, funeral service and handling charges following death are covered by HappyTails (except Fur plan) -Higher coverage for chemotherapy and surgical treatments -Lower co-insurance for puppy below 4 years old

Drawbacks/Exclusions -Does not cover pre-existing conditions, the clinical examination for insurance enrolment, spay/neuter procedures and non-surgical treatment or preventative care -Medical examination is required

3. Paw Safe by AIA Singapore

Paw Safe is an insurance plan that protects dog owners and their dogs against life’s unexpected and unfortunate turns. Annual premium starts from $ 80 per year.

Plan and Coverage The benefits of Paw Safe cover liability, theft, cremation expenses due to an accident, veterinary fees due to the accident and accidental death.

Eligibility -Age between 3 months and 7 years of age at point of application -Provides coverage for dogs up to 8 years of age -Cover is available to all breeds of dogs, except Mastiff, Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Pit Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Argentina dog, Canary dog, American Bulldog or dogs crossed with any of these breeds and/or wolves -You must be the dog’s owner -Your dog must be licensed -Maximum of 1 policy for each dog you own, up to a maximum of 2 dogs per household

Key Benefits -Spend less and worry less, rate starts from $ 80 per year only -Covers theft and cremation expenses due to death by accident -Comes in 2 options: without microchip implant and microchip implant. Suitable for those dogs who have not been microchipped

Drawbacks/Exclusions -Mastiffs, Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Pit Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Argentina Dog, Canary Dog, American Bulldog or a dog crossed with any dog crossed with any of these breeds and/or wolves are excluded from plan coverage -Cat is not eligible for insurance coverage -Cover is available to dogs between 3 months and 7 years of age -Does not cover organ transplants, skin problems caused by allergies or parasites etc

Is Pet Insurance Worth It

Is pet insurance worth it? You should consider a few things before purchasing a pet insurance. It can be a smart move to protect your pet, but shop carefully. We will outline things you need to know to insure your pet. First, is your pet eligible for pet insurance? Always take note of the insurance coverage excludes the following breeds: Mastiffs, Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Pit Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Argentina Dog, Canary Dog, American Bulldog, or a dog crossed with any of these breeds and/or wolves. Your dog’s age is one of the factor that determine whether he or she is eligible for insurance coverage. Plus, most of the pet insurances do not offer lifetime plan. Secondly, are there too many exclusions like hereditary problems and chronic diseases? The coverage usually excludes pre-existing conditions too. Always take note that most pet insurances cover for injuries, treatments and loss / damages in Singapore only. Check the policy wording as it will determine your pet’s coverage.