They are part of the family. Not only for the affective, but also in the treatment they receive in each home. For several years now, pet insurance has been common in both supply and demand. But how much do they cost and what do they really cover?
According to a study prepared by the Gfk Group, a multinational market research company, which included a sample of 27,000 people from 22 countries, Argentina is one of the countries with the most domestic animals per person. 80% of its inhabitants state that they have at least one pet in their home.
Also read: Your pet’s oral health is also a priority
Argentina leads Latin America in terms of the penetration of pets in homes, followed by Chile, where 71% of homes have pets, followed by Mexico with 54%, Brazil with 44% and Colombia with 35%. According to specialist estimates, in the country there is a market of about 9 million families with pets.
The companies offer all kinds of coverage for the dogs and cats in the house. (Photo: st.kolesnikov – stock.adobe.com)
Pet insurance: what does it cover?
Obviously it depends on each insurance company, but generally pet insurance covers dogs and cats insured 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, within the Argentine Republic. Coverage includes the following items:
-Veterinary assistance expenses due to accident.
With this coverage, veterinary assistance expenses are compensated, due to an accident suffered by the insured animal. Such expenses include: initial examinations, x-rays, analysis, electrocardiograms, ultrasounds. Surgical interventions or of another type, anesthesia, surgical material, medicines and prostheses. Postoperative care, cures and stay in the clinic, when necessary. According to each policy, the coverage limit can go up to 50,000 pesos.
-Robo
In case of theft of the dog, the compensation will be the value of a puppy of the breed of the insured animal (with a limit of the established insured sum).
-Loss
In case of loss of the animal due to carelessness of the insured or person in charge of its custody (walkers, residences or people in charge of the animal), the expenses related to its search will be covered. For example, insert ads in the local press or radio.
-Stay in residence for animals
This coverage is granted exclusively if the pet owner is hospitalized.
-Necessary sacrifice and disposal of the corpse
The action taken by the veterinarian to put an end to irreversible suffering of the animal, as a result of an accident, old age or illness, is compensated. In this case, the coverage figure can be between 6,000 and 10,000 pesos.
-Civil Liability
A coverage that allows the insured to face claims originated by the damages that their pet may cause. In this case, and according to each company, the amount of coverage is between 300,000 and 400,000 pesos.
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-Online vet
There are insurances that allow access to a veterinarian online, through a video call carried out by a professional who provides advice for any type of eventuality. The number of video calls depends on the agreed policy.
Other benefits offered by pet insurance
Care: vaccinations, transfers, pipettes and deworming. Castrations: simple, operations for sterilization. Well-being: nursery, alternative therapies, training. Beauty: baths, hairdressing, nail trimming.
Also read: Your pet’s oral health is also a priority
Pet insurance: requirements
The insured must be over 18 years of age. Have access to a credit card. A pet policy. Age of the pet: 3 months and 9 years of age, extending coverage until the age of 10. Types: dog and cat .
Pet insurance: the costs
There are companies that offer different plans to insure pets. For example, the firm Qualia has five plans in its portfolio. They start at 1,000 pesos per month and end at 3,200 pesos per month.