Insuring your dog: is it necessary?
First and foremost, the most important question: is there any point in taking out dog insurance?
Your dog is a full member of your family, and you always want to be able to provide them with the best possible care. After all, just like people, dogs can fall ill or become injured, and in some cases, these veterinary costs can be very high. Whether it is necessary to take out dog insurance depends on your individual situation, but it is certainly worth considering.
Financial assistance with the vet’s bill is not just beneficial for you, but for your dog too. After all, you may be more mindful of your pet’s health and more likely to take them to the vet, especially when in doubt. This can benefit your four-legged friend’s health. It is therefore no surprise that more and more people in the Netherlands are taking out insurance for their dogs.
How much does dog insurance cost?
This varies considerably and depends on many factors. For instance, with most insurers, you will pay more for some breeds than for others. After all, some dog breeds are more prone to health problems than others, or have a shorter (or, conversely, longer) life expectancy. In addition, owning a large dog generally means higher costs for anaesthesia during surgery and for medication. This is also taken into account when calculating the premium.
Your dog’s age is another factor, and in some cases even where you live. The latter is mainly because vets’ fees can vary from one region to another.
The premium for dog insurance generally ranges from €20 to €50 per month, with occasional outliers at either end of the scale. If you opt for a more comprehensive or, conversely, more basic package, the cost may be slightly higher or lower. On this page, you can calculate how much dog insurance would cost in your situation.
Is dog insurance good value?
It is impossible to say with certainty whether dog insurance offers better value in the long run. It is much the same with people: one dog may be a regular visitor to the vet, while another may never have any health problems. Unfortunately, there is no way of predicting this in advance.
You could also choose to set aside money yourself to cover any veterinary costs. Bear in mind, however, that it will take time to build up a sufficient reserve. With a monthly contribution (and premium) of €25, it would take nearly three years to save as much as a dog insurance policy would cover on a €1,000 vet’s bill.
If you do not want to run the risk of suddenly having to pay a large vet’s bill, it may be worth considering taking out dog insurance. After all, you pay a relatively small amount each month for the reassurance that you can make use of your insurance if the need arises. Here, you can compare all dog insurers in the Netherlands and calculate the premium for your specific situation.
