From Dubai to Abu Dhabi: Why Pet Insurance Is the New Must-Have for Cats and Dogs

Dogs accompany their owners on beachside walks and cats lounge on sun-kissed windowsills. But with enjoyment comes responsibility—and especially with regard to health care. That is where pet insurance comes in as a new necessity.

As rising veterinary costs and more UAE residents embracing their pets as part of their family, pet insurance is gaining more popularity among responsible pet parents. Whether you are an adoptive on your first or a long-time pet lover, your cat or dog being covered is no longer optional—it's mandatory.

Why Pet Insurance Is Necessary in the UAE

Rising Veterinary Costs

The cost of veterinary care in the UAE is sometimes expensive. Check-ups may be within budget, but accidents or illness add up very fast. Operations, hospital stays, and lab tests run into thousands of dirhams. Pet insurance means that these are paid for so fiscal worries never delay life-saving treatment.

Shortage of Public Pet Health Coverage

Unlike countries with national pet health programs, the UAE does not offer any public aid for veterinary services. Every test, shot, or surgery must be paid for out of pocket—unless your pet is insured. Pet insurance provides a financial cushion for everything from slight infections to terminal illnesses.

Peace of Mind for Expats and Travelers

For regular UAE visitors or individuals who want to relocate overseas, pet insurance offers extra convenience. Some policies pay for overseas emergencies or even the transport cost, allowing you to bring your pet along worry-free.

Coverage for Chronic Health Conditions

Chronic ailments like diabetes, arthritis, or skin allergies are common in certain breeds. Pet insurance will enable your dog or cat to get continuous treatment without putting a financial burden on your household.

What Is Covered Under Pet Insurance?

The policies vary, but most of the companies that have established themselves in the UAE cover:

Accidents and Emergencies: Trauma, poisoning, surgery, and hospitalization

Illnesses: Infection, chronic conditions, cancer treatment

Veterinary Visits: Consultation, diagnostics, medication

Preventive Care (with add-ons): Vaccines, deworming, annual check-ups, dental care

Third-Party Liability: Payment if your pet causes damage to property or hurt someone

Death, Theft, or Loss: Compensation for loss or death of a pet (in certain circumstances)

Always take a close look at the wording and exclusions of the policy. Standard exclusions include pre-existing illness, pregnancy therapy, or cosmetic surgery.

Top 5 Pet Insurance Companies in the UAE

1. Shory – Quick Pet Insurance Provider

Shory is disrupting the way UAE residents purchase pet insurance. With its online-first model, pet parents can shop around, customize, and purchase plans within minutes. Shory simplifies the previously complicated and paper-heavy process and makes it more transparent.

Key Benefits:

Entirely online sign-up and activation

Policy quotes generated instantly and customized by breed, age, and risk

Transparency in comparison of various insurers

Emergency, illness, and wellness coverage options

Timely customer support and efficient claims process

Best for: Busy pet owners who want speedy, guaranteed coverage with minimal paperwork. Shory is especially easy to use for first-time buyers of pet insurance.

2. RSA Insurance (Now a part of NLGIC Group)

RSA is the name that's known in UAE insurance and offers robust pet insurance cover with full scope veterinary coverage. They offer plans suitable for owners who want premium, long-term coverage.

Features:

Annual benefits of up to AED 30,000

Third-party liability up to AED 250,000

Chronic diseases covered for life

Emergency boarding and theft compensation

Best for: Pedigree or high-risk breed owners seeking overall cover and value long-term care.

3. PetCare by Orient Insurance

Under Al-Futtaim Group, Orient's PetCare policies are appropriate for pet parents seeking coverage from a reputable local insurer. Their policy is convenient to claim, straightforward, and ideal for cats and dogs of any breed.

Key Features:

Maximum AED 25,000 per year for veterinarian charges

Flexible premiums and deductibles

Vaccination and preventive care covered

Dedicated customer care

Ideal for: Pet owners looking for secure local coverage with added wellness features.

4. Noor Takaful – Islamic-Compliant Pet Insurance

As a Sharia-compliant organization, Noor Takaful offers a halal pet insurance solution aligning with values of mutual responsibility. Their business model serves Muslim pet owners seeking ethical pet insurance.

Coverage Includes:

Cover in case of emergencies and accidents

Reimbursement for loss or theft of pet

Third-party liability cover

Flexible policy conditions

Best for: Pet owners who prioritize religious compliance in financial transactions.

5. Union Insurance Company

Union Insurance offers customized plans to cater to accident-only as well as full-cover needs. They boast a growing number of veterinary partners across the UAE, which is a boon for citizens of all emirates.

Advantages:

Easy claims process

Hospitalization, diagnostic, and treatment cover

Optional wellness packages

Low premium rates

Best for: Pet owners seeking reasonable protection with adequate coverage and wide service reach.

How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost in the UAE?

Premium varies based on numerous considerations like the breed of pet, age, existing conditions, and coverage limit. On an average basis:

Cats: AED 500 to AED 1,200 annually

Dogs: AED 700 to AED 2,000 per annum

Including wellness packages or raising the coverage limit may be expensive, but can also prevent higher future out-of-pocket expenses. Premiums even go lower for pets when purchased early, which makes early subscription economically justifiable.

Selecting the Proper Pet Insurance Plan

To select the best coverage for your pet:

Evaluate Your Pet's Lifestyle and Risks: Your high-energy dog may need accident coverage, and your aging cat may need chronic illness coverage.

Compare Plans Through Aggregators: Use online resources like Shory to compare insurers, coverages, and exclusions.

Check Vet Network Compatibility: Ensure that your regular clinic accepts the insurer or has direct billing.

Consider Deductibles and Caps: Understand how much you pay out-of-pocket before coverage begins and what the year's limit is.

Read Policy Fine Print: Exclusions, waiting periods, and breed-specific restrictions are important factors to look for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pet insurance mandatory in the UAE?

No, but highly recommended because of high vet bills and lack of government subsidies for pets.

Can I insure a rescued or adopted pet?

Yes, provided the pet has had a general health check and qualifies in terms of age and vaccination.

Are vaccinations and preventative treatments included?

These are typically available as optional extras under wellness plans.

Is there a maximum age for coverage?

The majority of insurers will take pets from 8 weeks to 8 years old. Older animals have limited possibilities.

What documents are required to apply?

Fundamental medical background information, records of vaccination, and in a few instances, a recent veterinary checkup certificate.

Conclusion: Invest in Your Pet's Health Today

Pet insurance is no longer an afterthought. It is part and parcel of quality pet parenting, especially in a country like the UAE where pet numbers are rising and vet expenses can be astronomical. Whichever city you happen to reside in the UAE, be it Dubai Marina or Khalifa City, insuring your pet covers your pet's health as well as your own financial welfare.

With industry-leading providers like Shory, it's faster, easier, and more transparent than ever to insure your pet. Make a conscious choice, get insured ahead of time, and give your pet the care they deserve—without exception.