5 Best Pet Insurance providers for Dogs

 

Whether you’re a new dog owner or looking to switch policies, our guide is designed to help you understand the top factors that influence pet insurance choices, from coverage types and exclusions to premiums and deductibles.

 

In this guide we’ll show you the best insurance for dogs, as well as:

 

• ✅ How to choose the best pet insurance for your dog
• ✅ Frequently asked questions about choosing pet insurance for your dog

 

 

Read on to learn how you can secure peace of mind with the right pet insurance plan for your beloved dog.

 

 

How to choose the best pet insurance for your dog

 

Choosing the right pet insurance for your dog is an important decision that can affect both your finances and your pet’s health. Here are some tops tips to consider when choosing the best pet insurance for your dog:

 

 

Understand the Types of Coverage

 

Pet insurance policies can vary widely. Some cover accidents only, while others include illnesses, hereditary conditions, and even routine wellness visits. Decide what type of coverage is most important based on your dog’s age, breed, and health history.

 

Learn more about the Best Pet Insurance in South Africa

 

Check for Exclusions and Limits

 

Look carefully at what each policy does not cover. Some common exclusions include pre-existing conditions, breed-specific hereditary conditions, and certain types of illnesses or injuries. Also, check the limits on payouts, which can be per incident, annually, or over the lifetime of the pet.

 

 

Consider the Deductible and Reimbursement Levels

 

Choose a deductible that you can comfortably afford in case of a sudden need for veterinary care. Most policies offer a range of deductibles. Be sure that you understand the reimbursement model — whether it’s a percentage of the cost after the deductible is met, or if it operates on a benefit schedule.

 

 

Look at the Premium Costs

 

Premiums can vary based on breed, age, and the extent of coverage. Make sure you can comfortably fit the insurance premium into your budget, but also consider how paying a higher premium might provide your pet more comprehensive coverage.

 

📢 Complete below form and receive a quote from Oneplan Pet Insurance

 

 

 

Read Reviews and Get Recommendations

 

Check consumer reviews and ratings for different insurance providers. It can be beneficial to ask your veterinarian or other dog owners about their experiences with pet insurance to gauge satisfaction and reliability.

 

 

Understand the Policy’s Waiting Periods

 

Most insurance plans have a waiting period before coverage starts, especially for illnesses or certain conditions. Make sure you know how long this period is, so you aren’t caught off guard if your pet needs care.

 

 

Examine the Company’s Reputation and Stability

 

Research the insurance provider’s history and financial stability. A company that has been around for a long time and has a solid financial foundation is more likely to be reliable in terms of paying claims.

 

 

Consider the Ease of Making Claims

 

Look into how claims are processed and what the typical turnaround time is for reimbursement. Some companies offer direct payment to vets, which can significantly reduce upfront costs.

 

 

Plan for Future Coverage Needs

 

Consider how your dog’s age might affect coverage and costs. Some policies may increase premiums or reduce coverage as your dog gets older, or may not cover senior-related issues if the policy is started when the dog is older.

 

 

Review Annually

 

Your dog’s insurance needs can change as they age and as your financial situation evolves. Review your policy and shop around annually to see if another plan fits your needs better as circumstances change.

 

 

😺 Read also: Pet Insurance that cover your Cats’ health

 

 

 

The Best Pet Insurance for Dogs

 

Below we review the best pet insurance providers and plans for your dogs.

 

OnePlan

 

 

 

OnePlan Pet Insurance is recognized as one of the leading pet insurance providers in South Africa, known for its affordability and comprehensive coverage options.

 

OnePlan offers several plans including Accidental, Hospital, Classic, and Super, each designed to cater to different levels of need and budget constraints. These plans cover a range of services from accidents and illnesses to routine care​.

 

The insurance plans offered by OnePlan are customizable, giving pet owners the flexibility to adjust their coverage according to their specific needs and financial situations​.

 

OnePlan is praised for its straightforward policies and easy-to-understand coverage, which helps pet owners make informed decisions about the insurance that best fits their needs.

 

 

Accident Plan

 

This entry-level plan is priced from R80 per month and primarily covers hospital admission for accidents. It also includes burial and cremation expenses but has limited day-to-day benefits and a relatively low overall annual limit of R8,500​.

 

 

Hospital Plan

 

Starting at R190 per month, this plan includes hospitalisation costs due to accidents or illnesses, diagnostic tests, treatments, medications, and surgery. It provides an annual limit of up to R15,000 for hospital expenses and includes kennel cover if the owner is hospitalized​.

 

 

Classic Plan

 

This plan encompasses features of both the Accident and Hospital plans, with added benefits for routine care such as vet visits and pet-med savings. It offers broader coverage with an annual limit of R18,000, and allows enhancements through add-ons like a Diagnostics Booster​.

 

 

Super Plan

 

The most comprehensive option, the Super Plan starts at R480 per month and covers all types of accidents, illnesses, routine care, and even hereditary, congenital, and pre-existing conditions. It’s designed for pet owners seeking extensive coverage and peace of mind​.

 

 

What is the monthly premium for the plans from OnePlan?

 

The various plans from OnePlan start at R80 and a month and range up to R430 per month, depending on the plan you select.

 

 

What Is the Waiting Period for OnePlan Pet Insurance Benefits?

 

OnePlan Pet Insurance has specified waiting periods for their pet insurance plans, which you’ll need to consider before your coverage can fully kick in:

 

• ✅ Accidental Injury Claims: There’s a waiting period of 14 days from the start of your policy before you can claim for accidental injuries​

 

• ✅ Illness Claims: Claims for illnesses have a waiting period of 30 days. This means you need to wait a month after your policy start date before coverage for illness-related medical expenses begins​,

 

• ✅ Pre-existing Conditions: There is a 12-month waiting period for any claims related to pre-existing conditions. This means that conditions diagnosed or noticeable before the start of the insurance will only be covered after you’ve had the insurance for a year​.

 

 

How to Claim for OnePlan Pet Insurance Benefits

 

• ✅ Send the claim notification to OnePlan. They usually have a website or smartphone app that you can use for this. Do not schedule an appointment with the vet until you have filed the claim.

 

• ✅ After notifying OnePlan, take your pet to the vet to address any health concerns. Before you take your pet to the vet, make sure your insurance will cover the visit.

 

• ✅ Use your OnePlan Card to pay the vet straight. According to your plan entitlements, OnePlan preloads the card with the money you can use at the veterinarian. If the costs end up being more than the predetermined amount, you’ll have to foot the bill.

 

• ✅ To submit all the required papers, including the vet’s invoice and medical report, use the OnePlan app or go online. All of this documentation supports your claims.

 

• ✅ Ensure that you submit the necessary documentation to request compensation in the event that any additional justified expenses were incurred beyond the preloaded amount. Assuming all requirements are satisfied, OnePlan typically processes these claims quickly.

 

 

OnePlan Pet Insurance Contact Details

 

163 5th Street Nelson Mandela Square

South Tower 2nd Floor

Sandton

Sandown

Johannesburg

2196

 

 

PawPaw Pet Insurance

 

 

 

PawPaw Pet Insurance offers a range of insurance plans for dogs in South Africa, providing comprehensive and accident-only coverage. They focus on affordability, reliability, and the flexibility to meet the unique needs of each pet and owner.

 

PawPaw’s policies are underwritten by Renasa Insurance Company Ltd, ensuring reliability and compliance with local insurance regulations. Their plans are tailored to not exclude any breed-related conditions, and they offer a simple and fast claims process, usually settling claims within 72 hours​.

 

These plans are suitable for pet owners looking for comprehensive or specific accident coverage, with the added benefits of quick claim processing and no exclusions for breed-related health issues.

 

 

Comprehensive Plan

 

This plan offers extensive coverage with no annual limits or sub-limits. It includes accident and illness cover, day-to-day benefits, hospital cover, and virtual vet access. This plan also provides lifestyle benefits like annual health checks and socialization classes, and is available starting from R290 per month for dogs​.

 

 

Smart Plan

 

With an annual limit of R30,000, this plan offers a balance of coverage and cost. It includes similar benefits to the Comprehensive Plan but with specified per claim limits, making it a versatile choice starting at R195 per month for dogs​.

 

 

Accident Plans

 

PawPaw provides two levels of accident-only coverage — Accident 10 and Accident 20, offering R10,000 and R20,000 coverage respectively. These plans are priced from R70 per month and are designed to cover unexpected accidents without any waiting period​.

 

 

What is the monthly premium for the PawPaw pet insurance plans?

 

There are various prices for the different plans from PawPaw. These start at R70 per month and can go up to R225 per month, depending on the plan that you choose.

 

 

What Is the Waiting Period for PawPaw Pet Insurance Benefits?

 

Typically, PawPaw Pet Insurance has the following waiting periods:

 

• ✅ In most cases, there is no waiting period for coverage after an accident.

 

• ✅ When filing a claim for an illness, you need allow at least 30 days for the policy to take effect.

 

 

How to Claim for PawPaw Pet Insurance Benefits

 

• ✅ The PawPaw claim form can be downloaded and filled out online. Information regarding the therapy and its associated expenses must be included on this form.

 

• ✅ When filing a claim with PawPaw, you have the option of using the website’s submission form or sending an email to [email protected] to reach the support team.

 

• ✅ Pay close attention to where your claim stands once you’ve submitted it. Contact PawPaw if you see that your claim submission is delayed or under review. They will explain the holdup and ask if there’s anything you can do to help move the claim along.

 

• ✅ You can expedite the process of receiving your refunds by enrolling in direct deposit if it is a possibility.

 

• ✅ In order to guarantee coverage, PawPaw may require pre-authorization for some treatments. When it comes to treatments that aren’t emergencies but could still cost a large penny, this is usually how it works.

 

 

PawPaw Pet Insurance Contact Details

 

29th Floor

The Box

9 Lower Burg St

Cape Town City Centre

Cape Town

8001

 

 

Medipet

 

 

 

MediPet Pet Insurance is a well-regarded provider in South Africa, known for its comprehensive and flexible pet insurance options tailored for dogs and cats. Founded in 2007 by a veterinary nurse, MediPet has grown to become a leading name in pet insurance, offering policies that cover a wide range of needs without the constraints of breed restrictions or sub-limits on claims​.

 

MediPet also offers unique add-ons such as Day-to-Day Routine Care, which covers preventative care costs, and a Premium Saver option, which provides a discount on premiums for those willing to accept a higher excess on claims​.

 

Overall, MediPet stands out with a focus on genuine, comprehensive coverage supported by a team with in-house veterinary expertise, ensuring a high rate of claim approvals and customer satisfaction​.

 

 

Essential Plan

 

This plan provides a balance of affordability and coverage, offering up to R60,000 per year for accidents, illnesses, holistic wellness, and behavioural therapy. It’s a popular choice for those looking for comprehensive care at a reasonable price​.

 

 

Ultimate360 Plan

 

As the most comprehensive option, this plan increases the coverage to R72,000 annually and includes benefits like prescription food, dental care, and chronic care support. It’s designed for pet owners who seek the most extensive coverage for their pets​.

 

 

Accident Plan

 

Aimed at covering accidents only, this plan is suitable for older pets or those specifically looking for accident coverage without the broader scope of illness protection​.

 

 

What is the monthly premium for the plans from Medipet?

 

Plan prices from Medipet are tailored to your specific requirements and can be obtained by requesting a quote directly from the insurance provider on their website.

 

 

What Is the Waiting Period for Medipet Insurance Benefits?

 

MediPet Pet Insurance has specific waiting periods for their coverage which are designed to prevent claims for conditions that appear just after the policy begins:

 

• ✅ There is a standard waiting period of 30 days for illness-related claims from the start date of the policy. This means any illness that occurs within the first 30 days after joining will not be covered​.

 

• ✅ Accidental injuries are covered immediately without any waiting period. This includes incidents such as car accidents, burns, or falls from elevated positions, among others​.

 

• ✅ There is a 6-month waiting period for more significant conditions like knee and hip replacements, elbow and shoulder treatments, eye treatments, respiratory system treatments, and spinal treatments. MediPet does offer some support for diagnostic tests related to these conditions during the waiting period, up to a specified amount​.

 

 

How to Claim for Medipet Insurance Benefits

 

To submit a claim with MediPet Pet Insurance, follow these steps to ensure a smooth process:

 

• ✅ After your pet receives treatment, make sure to collect all necessary documentation related to the medical services provided. This includes detailed invoices and any medical reports from your veterinarian.

 

• ✅ Fill out the MediPet claim form. This form can be found and completed online on the MediPet website. Ensure that all information is accurate and complete to avoid delays.

 

• ✅ Submit the completed claim form along with all required documents as soon as possible after treatment. It’s important to submit your claim within 60 days of the treatment date, as claims submitted after this period may not be eligible for reimbursement.

 

• ✅ Once submitted, MediPet will review your claim. This process includes verifying the details and calculating the reimbursement based on your cover and any applicable excess.

 

• ✅ If the claim is approved, MediPet will refund the claim amount either directly to your bank account or directly to the vet, depending on your preference and the arrangements you have made with MediPet.

 

• ✅ If there are any issues with your claim or additional information is needed, MediPet may contact you. Keep an eye on your contact information provided in the claim form for any communications from MediPet.

 

 

Medipet Insurance Contact Details

 

Unit 4 Silverwood Cl

Tokai

Cape Town

7945

 

 

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Dotsure

 

 

Dotsure Pet Insurance offers a variety of plans tailored to meet the needs of pet owners, ensuring that dogs, as well as other pets, receive comprehensive coverage.

 

 

Basic Plan

 

This plan includes coverage for both accidents and partial illness claims. The plan reimburses up to 50% of the costs for illness treatments alongside full accident coverage. It introduces a 30-day waiting period for illness claims, with no waiting period for accidents.

 

 

Standard Plan

 

The Standard Plan provides comprehensive coverage for both accidents and illnesses. This plan covers a broader range of medical issues including hereditary and congenital conditions. It maintains a 30-day waiting period for illness claims and includes third-party liability coverage.

 

 

Superior Plan

 

The Superior Plan offers extensive coverage including accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, and wellness benefits. This plan includes routine care such as vaccinations and dental check-ups, with a waiting period of 30 days for illness and 12 months for hereditary conditions. Third-party liability is also covered.

 

 

What is the monthly premium for the Dotsure Plans?

 

Premiums start from as low as R85 per month for the basic accident coverage, going up to R1,199 per month for the Ultimate -change to Superior plan, which offers the broadest coverage​.

 

 

What Is the Waiting Period for Dotsure Benefits?

 

When you sign up for Dotsure pet insurance, there is usually a waiting period before the coverage starts. There are different waiting times for each type of coverage.

 

Most of the time, you have to wait 24 hours after an accident before your insurance starts to pay out.
For medical illnesses, most of the time you have to wait 14 days. Usually, you have to wait 30 days before this coverage kicks in for regular and preventative medical care.

 

 

How to Claim for Dotsure Pet Insurance Benefits

 

• ✅ Tell Dotsure about the claim as soon as possible after the event or report. The main ways people do this are through their website, an app on their phone, or by calling them.

 

• ✅ Get together all the information you need to back up your claim. All the necessary paperwork about the care and costs must be included. This includes full vet bills and medical records.

 

• ✅ Use email or the web to send your claim and any papers that back it up. Dotsure often gives a digital submission method so that things can be processed more quickly.

 

• ✅ Dotsure will look over your claim to make sure it meets the rules of your policy. They might ask for more information if they need to.

 

• ✅ According to the terms of your insurance, Dotsure will pay out your claim as soon as it is approved. It is normal to get paid back by having money sent straight to your bank account.
  Dotsure is the company to call if you have any questions or want to know how your claim is going.

 

 

Dotsure Pet Insurance Contact Details

 

117a York St

George Central

George

6530

 

 

OUTsurance Pet Insurance

 

 

OUTsurance offers a range of pet insurance plans for dogs, each designed to suit different needs and budgets.

 

Each of these plans is tailored to provide varying levels of protection, from basic accident coverage to comprehensive health care, including routine and preventive treatments.

 

OUTsurance also offers a multiple pet discount, making it more economical for households with more than one pet. Tailored premiums ensure that you only pay for the coverage your pet needs, potentially lowering your overall insurance costs​.

 

 

Accidental Cover

 

This basic plan provides coverage exclusively for accidents, with an annual limit of R16,000 and a per-claim limit of R9,500. There’s no waiting period for accident claims, making it a straightforward option for immediate coverage needs​.

 

 

Core Cover

 

This plan expands on the Accidental by including illness cover, with an overall annual limit of R44,000. It covers both accidents and illnesses, with illness claims subject to a 60-day waiting period. The plan also covers hereditary, congenital, and pre-existing conditions after a 12-month waiting period, making it a comprehensive choice for broader protection​.

 

 

Standard Cover

 

Similar to the Core, but with additional features such as Help-Pet-OUT, which covers rehabilitation treatments, advertising costs for a lost pet, and emergency kennel fees. It has the same annual limit as the Core plan but includes routine care benefits like vaccinations and sterilization, covered after a 30-day waiting period​.

 

 

Executive Cover

 

The most comprehensive plan offered, with an annual limit of R65,000. It includes all the benefits of the Standard plan plus higher claim limits and the addition of Pet-Act-OUT, which covers behavioural treatments and puppy classes. Like the Standard plan, it also offers routine care and third-party liability coverage​.

 

 

What is the monthly premium for the OUTsurance Pet Insurance Accidental Plan?

 

Prices for each plan are determined by your specific circumstances and cover requirements and can be determined by requesting a personal quote.

 

 

What Is the Waiting Period for OUTsurance Pet Insurance Benefits?

 

For OUTsurance Pet Insurance, these are the usual wait periods:

 

• ✅ Accidents: Most of the time, cover for accidents starts right away, without a waiting period.

 

• ✅ Illnesses: You usually have to wait about 30 days before you can file a claim for an illness. This is to make sure that the sickness presents before the cover starts.

 

• ✅ As for routine and preventative care, the waiting period for this type of coverage may be longer, but this will rely on your insurance.

 

 

How to Claim for OUTsurance Pet Insurance Benefits

 

• ✅ Get in touch with OUTsurance as soon as you can after the event or when your dog falls ill. You can also call their customer service line or go to their website to make a claim.

 

• ✅ Get together all the papers you need for the claim. This includes detailed veterinary bills, medical records, and any other proof that backs up the claim. If it was an accident or emergency, write down everything that happened in great detail.

 

• ✅ Fill out the claim forms that OUTsurance gives you. To keep your claim from taking too long to be processed, make sure you give complete and correct information.

 

• ✅ Send in the filled claim forms with all the necessary proof. This can usually be done online, by email, or by mail, based on what OUTsurance lets you do.

 

• ✅ After you send in your claim, OUTsurance will check it against the terms and conditions of your insurance. They might get in touch with you if they need more details.

 

• ✅ If OUTsurance agrees to pay your claim, they will do so according to the terms of your insurance. This could be payment to the veterinary office or money sent back to you.

 

 

OUTsurance Pet Insurance Contact Details

 

1241 Embankment Rd

Zwartkop Ext 7

Centurion

South Africa

0157

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

What factors should I consider when choosing pet insurance for my dog?

When selecting pet insurance, consider coverage options like accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, and wellness care. Look at the deductible amounts, reimbursement levels, and annual or per-incident limits. It’s also important to review the insurer’s reputation, customer service, and the speed of claim processing. Policies may differ in coverage for pre-existing conditions and age limits for older pets.

 

 

Are pre-existing conditions covered by pet insurance?

Most pet insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions. These are health issues that were diagnosed or showed symptoms before the start of an insurance policy or during a waiting period. However, some plans might cover curable conditions after a certain period without symptoms, typically around 12 months.

 

 

What is the difference between accident-only and comprehensive pet insurance plans?

Accident-only plans cover vet bills only if your dog is hurt in an accident but do not cover illnesses. Comprehensive plans cover both accidents and illnesses and can also include coverage for hereditary conditions, prescription medications, and even routine care depending on the policy.

 

 

How does the reimbursement process work in pet insurance?

Most pet insurance operates on a reimbursement model. You pay the vet bills upfront and submit a claim to the insurance company. After processing, the insurance typically reimburses you a percentage of the covered costs, based on your plan’s deductible and co-pay terms. The percentage of reimbursement can vary from 70% to 90% or more, depending on the policy.

 

 

Can I use my own veterinarian, or do I need to use a network provider?

Most pet insurance companies allow you to use any licensed veterinarian or emergency care facility. There are no network restrictions like human health insurance plans, which provides flexibility for you to continue using a vet you trust or seek specialty care if needed.