Does Travel Insurance Cover the Insurance of Pets?
You and your furry companion are off on an exciting vacation. You have prepared everything: purchased tickets, booked accommodation, and packed your pet’s favourite snacks. However, during your trip, your pet falls ill or, worse, gets lost while you are shopping. Your budget gets disrupted since you are not financially prepared for such events. This is when you start to wonder if your travel insurance extends coverage to your pet. Let’s find out.
What Does Pet Travel Insurance Cover?
In India, travel insurance that extends coverage to pets is not common. However, there are some insurers who offer this cover as an add-on, which you can purchase alongside your standard travel insurance plan by paying an additional premium. The coverage under pet insurance generally includes the following:
- Medical Emergency
When your pet travels to a foreign destination, it is exposed to a new environment and unfamiliar pathogens. It must also adapt to differences in climate and diet, which increases the likelihood of falling ill.
Additionally, travel-related factors, especially confinement due to long journeys, can weaken the pets’ immune systems, making them susceptible to illnesses.
Travel insurance comes in handy here by covering the cost of their hospitalisation.
- Lost or Stolen Pets
Taking care of your pet can be challenging, especially in a crowded market or when attending an event where your fluffy companion isn’t allowed. But have you ever thought about how you would deal with the situation if your pet gets lost amidst all this?
Well, if you have pet travel insurance, your insurer covers the costs associated with advertising or other necessary actions to find your lost pet.
- Trip Cancellations
You have packed your bags and are ready to leave for the airport when suddenly, you realise your pet is unwell. Since you are the only one who can care for it, you need to cancel your trip.
In such cases, the insurer compensates you for non-refundable expenses you have already paid, including flight tickets, hotel reservations, and payments for activities.
- Emergency Assistance
During a trip, you might fall sick or sustain an injury that requires hospitalisation for a few days. Finding someone reliable to care for your pet in such a scenario can be difficult.
Here, the insurer provides coverage for emergency boarding of your fluffy companion back home.
How is a Pet Travel Insurance Premium Calculated?
Similar to general travel insurance, where the premium depends on age, destination, and health factors, pet insurance premiums rely on various parameters, like:
- The pet you own plays a role in determining the premium. For instance, travel insurance premiums for dogs may be lower than those for cats.
- Premiums can also vary by destination. For example, if you are flying to a country with higher veterinary care costs, you might be charged a higher premium.
- If your pet has a pre-existing condition, you may face higher expenses for their insurance coverage.
- Older pets typically incur higher premiums due to increased health risks.
- The breed of your pet is also a factor. For example, securing insurance for a Labrador may cost more than for a Pomeranian.
Tips to Buy Pet Travel Insurance
Before you buy travel insurance coverage through a travel insurance app, factor in the following important points:
- Compare different insurance plans to find one that suits your pet’s needs and your travel plan.
- Read through the policy to understand what is not covered, such as pre-existing conditions or specific breed restrictions.
- Ensure the insurance provides 24/7 emergency assistance for pets.
- Before purchasing pet travel insurance, consult your veterinarian to understand your pet’s health needs during travel.
Tips to Take Care of Your Pet
You can take care of your pet when travelling abroad or to any domestic destination by following the tips below:
- Schedule a visit to the vet for a health check-up well in advance. Ensure your pet is up-to-date with vaccinations and ask for any required travel-specific health certifications.
- Research hotels or rentals that welcome animals to avoid last-minute stress. Look for areas where your pet can play, rest, and explore without risk.
- For safety, use a well-ventilated carrier or a secure harness designed for your pet’s size and breed during travel.
- Bring enough food, water, medications, and familiar toys to keep your pet relaxed throughout the trip.
- Ensure your pet’s collar has updated identification tags, and consider a microchip for added security.
Conclusion
While standard travel insurance does not typically cover pets, specialised pet travel insurance offers a dedicated solution to protect your furry companions during trips. Understanding the coverage options available, evaluating policy details, and preparing adequately ensures your pet’s health and safety are prioritised while travelling.
