一文講清寵物保險怎樣選

Cats and dogs are important members of the family, and besides comfortable living conditions, we also want to provide them with better health protection. As pets age, health problems gradually emerge, and expensive medical expenses can easily reach thousands of dollars. Purchasing pet insurance not only ensures proper medical treatment for your pet but also reduces the financial burden on you. Insurance products have complex terms and details, so what insurance products are suitable for your furry friend? What are some things to keep in mind when purchasing insurance? Gogo Herbs explains how to choose pet insurance in one article.

Types of pet insurance

The main types of pet insurance in Hong Kong are divided into four categories: medical insurance, third-party liability insurance, pet lost advertising insurance, and pet accidental injury insurance. There are also personalized services such as pet training cost coverage, pet emergency transportation insurance, pet transportation insurance, and pet funeral insurance. Most pet insurance policies only accept cats and dogs.

Pet medical insurance

General medical expenses include outpatient visits, surgery, hospitalization, medications, injections, and health checkups (such as electrocardiograms, blood tests, X-rays or other imaging examinations, MRI, CT scans, ultrasound), chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Insurance products may only cover specific types of medical expenses; please pay attention to the details when purchasing insurance.

Third-party liability insurance

When a pet causes injury, death, or financial damage to a third party or other animal, the insurance company will cover the other party's medical expenses or other losses. Dogs go outside more often than cats, and more dog owners choose this type of insurance for their pets. Most insurance companies refuse to insure dangerous dog breeds and have a maximum compensation limit. Third-party liability insurance products offer either full compensation or require the owner to bear a portion of the compensation.

Pet accidental injury insurance

The insurance company will cover the medical and surgical expenses incurred by the pet due to accidental injury or swallowing of foreign objects.

Pet Insurance Application Guidelines

Age limit for first-time insurance application

Generally, insurance products accept dogs for initial insurance coverage at around 12 weeks to 8 years old, and cats at 12 weeks to 11 years old. The maximum age for insurance renewal is generally 13 years old. It is not lifelong coverage, nor is successful renewal guaranteed.

Pets not accepted for insurance purposes

Insurance companies do not accept applications for insured pets, including aggressive dogs, animals with specific functional needs, and pets with a history of poor health. Some insurance companies also do not accept applications for mixed-breed cats or mixed-breed cats.

Aggressive dog breeds include, but are not limited to: Antarctic sled dogs, Boateras, Argentine Dogos, Fila Brasileiros, Japanese Satays, Pit Bulls, Tibetan Mastiffs, and Bull Terriers. Animals with specific functions refer to animals used for performance, breeding, and working. A poor health record refers to a pet exhibiting obvious physical symptoms or a history of poor health.

Insurance premiums are related to pet breed.

When applying for insurance, owners need to inform the insurance company of the pet's specific breed. Insurance companies refuse to insure certain breeds of dogs at high risk of genetic diseases. Insurance premiums also vary depending on the breed; some breeds require an additional 10% policy surcharge.

Insurance cost budget

Based on the annual premiums of seven mainstream pet insurance products on the market in 2023, taking Shiba Inus as an example, the annual premium for a one-year-old Shiba Inu ranged from HKD$ 2553-6000, with a median of HKD$ 3835. The annual premium for an eight-year-old Shiba Inu was...

The annual premium for a one-year-old Shorthair cat ranges from HKD$ 4780 to HKD1213, with a median of HKD$ 3823. For an eight-year-old Shorthair cat, the annual premium ranges from HKD$ 2830 to HKD$ 6595, with a median of HKD$ 5932. Discounts are available for insuring multiple pets.

Pet identification is required for insurance.

Most insurance companies only cover cats and dogs with microchips. Some insurance companies also accept vaccination records or other medical reports as valid documents to identify pets. Pet owners should note that after the waiting period, they need to provide relevant documents to identify their pet before receiving treatment. If these documents cannot be provided in time, the costs of treatment may not be covered.

Premium payment methods

Premium payment methods are divided into incremental premiums and level premiums. Incremental premiums have a lower premium in the first year and increase in subsequent years. Level premiums have a constant premium throughout the policy term.

Pet Insurance Claim Instructions

Types of diseases that medical insurance claims may be denied

Some pet medical insurance policies do not cover certain common ailments, such as oral diseases, cataracts, glaucoma, retinal degeneration, spaying/neutering, childbirth, dental cleaning, degenerative joint inflammation, cryptorchidism, nasal alaculous dilation treatment, as well as treatment for congenital defects and diseases, such as congenital heart disease, congenital organ cartilage structure defects, and Amur muzzle syndrome. Diseases contracted before the insurance was purchased are also not covered.

Medical insurance limits the amount of medical expenses and the number of claims.

Some pet medical insurance products only cover outpatient and medication costs, excluding outpatient examination fees. When a pet seeks veterinary care, the owner still needs to bear the examination fees. Some insurance policies have restrictions on the reimbursement amount for specific medical items per visit, such as specific limits for each outpatient visit, each prescription drug, examination and laboratory test fees, hospitalization fees, and cancer chemotherapy fees. Choosing an insurance product that allows for combined medical item reimbursement offers more flexibility. In addition, preventative examinations are generally not eligible for reimbursement. Pet medical insurance policies have limits on the number of outpatient, hospitalization, and surgical claims per year. The higher the claim limit, the more protection the pet receives, but the premium will also be higher.

Pets with a history of illness are ineligible for insurance claims.

If the pet already has an illness or injury before the insurance is purchased, no claim can be made.

Coverage will not be provided during the waiting period after the policy takes effect.

After the insurance policy takes effect, there is a 30-day waiting period during which no coverage is provided. If the insurance company requires a clinical examination report related to the pet, the owner should provide the results to the insurance company with the first claim; otherwise, the policy may lapse.

Co-insurance

Co-insurance refers to a percentage of the compensation amount that the policyholder is required to pay in the event of a claim. This percentage increases with the pet's age, and also increases if the pet is in poor health.

When insuring your pet, you should consider the genetic factors of their parents, their health condition, age, and annual premium. Insurance offers better coverage for acute illnesses, but pets with chronic diseases may face the risk of not being able to renew their insurance. Scientific daily care can improve your pet's immunity, such as a balanced diet, regular checkups, and prompt veterinary attention when they are unwell. Appropriate pet food is crucial for a pet's health. Since pets of different ages have different nutritional needs and physical characteristics, it's best to choose age-specific food. Hill's™ pet food is specially formulated for the nutritional needs of large breed dogs over 6 years old. Its nutrients are easily absorbed, helping to maintain the energy and activity of senior dogs. It contains naturally derived glucosamine and chondroitin to maintain joint health in senior dogs, and a scientifically balanced mineral ratio to support heart and kidney health. It also contains omega-6 and vitamin E for antioxidant protection and coat nourishment. For more cat and dog food options suitable for different breeds, sizes, and ages, please visit our website. Feel free to contact us via WhatsApp at +852 5483 0695 for inquiries and orders.