Berlin. Dogs and cats are like family members. That's why pet owners suffer when their pets aren't well. The problem: many pets don't have health insurance – this can be expensive for pet owners. Veterinarian Dr. Lena Sötje from the Medivet veterinary group explains when pet health insurance is worthwhile.
What advantages does pet health insurance offer from your perspective as a veterinarian?
Dr. Lena Soetje: The biggest advantage of pet health insurance is the protection against very high costs that can arise from the medical care of animals. Almost anything is possible in veterinary medicine these days, from disc surgery to tumor surgery to MRI and CT diagnostics. However, these treatments are often very expensive. Depending on the case, it can be hundreds, but in the worst case, thousands of euros. This happens quite often when animals become ill or have an emergency beyond the normal preventive care, such as vaccinations or deworming. As a pet owner, you are financially obliged to be able to provide medical care for your pet. For many people on normal incomes, this is not so easy these days and the best way to do it is with pet health insurance.
Are there certain types of animals or breeds for which health insurance is particularly useful?
Dr. Lena Soetje: Theoretically, you can also insure your rabbit, but the most common insurance policies are for dogs, cats and horses, and insurance is very useful for these animals. Insurance is particularly important for breeds that are more susceptible to health problems. However, you have to read the small print carefully so that breed-related diseases are not excluded. It makes the most sense to insure your animal from an early age, when it is still young, as it is difficult to insure animals with pre-existing illnesses. In addition, premiums for young animals are often cheaper.
Which typical services are covered by pet health insurance and which are not?
Dr. Lena Soetje: This varies depending on the insurance and tariff. A distinction is often made between pure surgery insurance, which only covers operations and is usually cheaper – starting at around 25 euros per month – and health insurance, which, like our human health insurance, also covers doctor's visits. These are more expensive and usually start at 50 to 60 euros per month. However, depending on the breed, age, tariff and deductible, the premiums can also be significantly higher. Castrations are often excluded, so it is worth reading the small print carefully and comparing. It is important that dental treatments are not excluded.
What should pet owners consider when choosing pet health insurance?
Dr. Lena Soetje: I think it is particularly important that the insured amount is not too low. It is best if it is unlimited. You should also check up to what rate the insurance covers the veterinarian's services. Normally, you can pay between single and triple rates, and in emergency cases, even quadruple rates. It is therefore important to check whether the insurance covers this. You should also make sure that breed-related illnesses and dental treatments are not excluded across the board, that you have free choice of veterinarian and what the waiting period is. In addition, the insurance should not be able to cancel your policy in the event of a claim, as this would be very inconvenient.
What alternatives are there to pet health insurance to cover high veterinary costs?
Dr. Lena Soetje: Actually, the only alternative is a well-filled savings account for animals. However, you should have a sum of around 10,000 euros that you can access in an emergency in order to be somewhat protected. If you don't have a savings account or insurance, the only option left is to take out a loan if you can no longer pay the bill. However, this doesn't always work and leads to further financial burdens. Therefore, you would be better protected with pet health insurance.
About Medivet
Medivet is a chain of veterinary practices with 20 branches nationwide and a total of 180 employees. Medivet specializes in the treatment of domestic and small animals and, in addition to basic veterinary care, also offers special treatments such as cardiac diagnostics, dentistry or surgery. Patients benefit from the high qualifications of the treating veterinarians, the modern equipment and the quality and treatment standards across the practice. In addition, there are in-house laboratories, digital X-ray machines, high-quality ultrasound machines and special treatment and waiting rooms for cats.
About Dr. Lena Sötje
Dr. Lena Sötje is the head veterinarian at the Medivet practices in Hamburg-Stellingen and Pinneberg. She studied veterinary medicine at the Hannover Veterinary School Foundation and received her doctorate from the Free University of Berlin. She is an all-rounder in small animal medicine and is also enthusiastic about avian and companion animal medicine. In her private life, Dr. Sötje keeps a cat as well as chickens. She has a big heart for animals and a passion for natural sciences.
Source: Medivet Veterinary Practices