How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost? A Complete Guide for Pet Owners

You're a doting pet parent of a friendly Labrador or an inquisitive Persian cat or somewhere in between; regardless, pet insurance can be that back-up element that means your cherished pet gets the best of care without having to take shortcuts.

But how costly is pet insurance, really? How is it priced? And do you actually save money in the long run?

In this ultimate guide, we'll cover the cost of pet insurance on average, explain key factors affecting pricing, compare plans, and help you choose which plan is best for your pet and wallet.

Why Pet Insurance Is On The Rise

With pets considered a part of the family, owners are more likely to spend on their health. Vet bills in the UAE and globally have reached exorbitant levels, with routine surgeries and treatments costing thousands of dirhams. Pet insurance in the UAE gives peace of mind by covering these costs, reducing the expense burden during stressful periods.

Average Cost of Pet Insurance

Pet insurance varies with different factors, but the majority of pet owners in the UAE pay anywhere from 100 to 300 dirhams per month for sickness and accidents coverage. Accident-only plans are comparatively cheaper at between 40 dirhams per month, while full wellness plans can be up to as much as 500 dirhams and upwards.

The amount you actually pay will differ considerably depending on the breed, age, and health of your pet and the level of coverage you choose. The younger and healthier your pet, the less your monthly payments will be.

What Affects Pet Insurance Prices?

Several factors influence how much you will pay for pet insurance. Knowing these factors will help you to choose the best plan for you.

Type of Pet

Dogs are more costly to insure than cats. This is because dogs have more medical incidents, and certain breeds develop costly hereditary conditions. Exotic animals like birds or rabbits might require specialized policies that are usually more expensive or difficult to find.

Breed

Some breeds are more susceptible to sickness than others. Golden retrievers, for example, are more apt to experience joint problems, while Persian cats are more likely to develop respiratory issues. Insurers factor these risks into premiums.

Age

The younger your pet is at the time of enrollment, the lower the monthly premium. As pets age, the risk of illness increases, which drives up insurance costs. Many companies may not cover pets over a certain age or may require more expensive senior plans.

Type of Coverage

Accident-only policies cost the least and cover only emergencies like fractures or injuries. Accident and illness policies are the most common and offer greater coverage. Comprehensive policies, covering dental cleaning, vaccinations, and yearly examinations, are the most costly but offer the best value to pet owners who want full protection.

Location

Insurance rates can vary based on your location. In cities where veterinary care is more expensive, premiums are typically higher to reflect the local cost of treatment.

Deductibles and Reimbursement Rates

A higher deductible will lower your monthly premium but cause you to pay more when you file a claim. Conversely, a larger percentage of reimbursement — that is, 90 percent of charges versus 70 percent — will be more expensive in premiums but decrease your share of future bills.

Pet Insurance in the UAE

The UAE pet insurance industry is expanding rapidly. As more and more residents bring pets home, insurers are developing schemes that meet the local market's demands. The conditions of cover have also become more flexible, and it is easier and faster than ever to buy insurance.

One of the UAE's highest-rated online resources for finding pet insurance is Shory, which allows pet owners to compare best policies and providers side by side in an instant.

What Pet Insurance Typically Covers

Most basic policies cover a range of services for illness and accident. These include:

- Emergency treatment

- Surgery

- Hospital stays

- Prescription medications

- Lab testing and diagnostics

- Chronic disease

- Congenital and inherited disease

- Some policies also have optional or included coverage for:

- Vaccinations

- Dental work

- Wellness exams

- Flea and tick treatment

- Behavioral therapy

- Alternative medicine

- However, it’s important to note that most policies do not cover:

- Pre-existing conditions

- Cosmetic procedures

- Routine grooming

- Breeding or pregnancy

- Non-certified treatments

Always read the policy wording carefully and ask for clarification if you’re unsure what’s included.

How to Choose the Right Plan

Selecting the right pet insurance plan is about more than just price. You’ll want to make sure the policy fits your pet’s specific needs. Here are a few important things to consider:

Does the plan insure sickness in addition to accidents?

Is chronic and inherited illness insured?

What is the deductible and how does it function?

What percent of costs will be paid back by the insurance?

Are there limitations on coverage in terms of lifetime or yearly maximums?

Is preventive care an available option?

Are diagnostic tests and vet visits included?

Do you need to see any licensed vet, or is there a network?

Using an online comparison tool like Shory makes this decision much easier by allowing you to pre-filter and compare policies at the touch of a button.

Is Pet Insurance Worth the Expense?

This will depend on your finances and how much risk you can afford to take. For many pet owners, pet insurance is definitely worth the expense.

A single emergency procedure can cost thousands of dirhams. Under a policy, you will only have to shell out a percentage of that amount. Suppose your dog's surgery costs 12,000 dirhams and the policy covers 80 percent of the expense. You will only need to pay 2,400 dirhams.

Even if your pet remains healthy for years, you'll have the assurance that you're prepared in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. It also makes budgeting easier, as you're paying a known monthly fee rather than having large unexpected bills.

How to Lower Pet Insurance Premiums

There are a couple of ways to make your premiums more manageable:

Enroll your pet when it's young and healthy

Choose a higher deductible or lower percentage of reimbursement

Select annual payments instead of monthly charges

Package several pets on the same plan, if available

Shop around and compare with multiple providers for quotes

Websites like Shory can quote you the cheapest plan by putting all the options in one page.

Pet Insurance Myths

Most individuals don't buy pet insurance because of myths or misinformation. Let's debunk a few:

Myth: It's too expensive

Fact: Fundamental policies start at an extremely low monthly cost and can end up saving you thousands in the long run.

Myth: My pet is healthy, I do not need it

Fact: Sickness and injuries can strike anyone at any time, and lacking coverage can leave you making difficult choices.

Myth: Claims are complicated

Fact: Most modern pet insurance providers have fast, simple claims processes with electronic filing and quick payment.

Final Thoughts

Pet insurance is a smart investment that will protect your pet and your checkbook. While rates can vary based on the pet's age, breed, and health, there are many affordable options available to suit any type of owner.

No matter if you're looking for accident-only or full wellness coverage, make the effort to shop around. Shory is the perfect place to compare pet insurance policies simply and easily, which means you'll get the proper policy without having to guess.

If you plan ahead, you can have peace of mind knowing that your pet will receive the attention they need without draining your bank account.