How to Get Pet Insurance in Dubai – Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Pet keeping has seen a boom in Dubai over the last few years, especially among expatriates and families that treat pets as part of the family. The larger the numbers, the more the need to bear their maintenance—financially and medicinally.

UAE vet bills can quickly add up, from routine check-ups, shots, and surgery to emergency treatment. No surprise that Dubai pet insurance is no longer a luxury—it's becoming a necessity. If you're a Marina cat owner or a Jumeirah dog owner, a good pet insurance policy can be the difference between life and death.

In this comprehensive 2025 manual, you will learn precisely how to get pet insurance in Dubai—starting from researching insurance policies to filing your first claim. We will also introduce you to websites like Shory, on which you can easily compare the best providers within a matter of minutes.

What Is Pet Insurance and Why You Need It in Dubai

Pet insurance is an agreement that will reimburse you a portion of your payment to the vet. Under your plan, it may include:

- Regular check-ups and vaccinations

- Accidents and emergencies

- Surgery and hospitalization

- Chronic ailments and inherited illnesses

- Teeth cleaning and prescription drugs

The Dubai lifestyle, urban setting, and climate all contribute to the likelihood of worsening the health threats to pets—heatstroke, parasites, and arthritis are all prevalent. And finally, all veterinary care within the UAE is private, so there is no government coverage or subsidy.

Pet insurance gives your pet the ultimate care without a reduction in income. It also takes you by surprise because one surgery can cost you more than AED 10,000.

Step-By-Step Guide to Pet Insurance in Dubai

Step 1: Explore Options from Existing Pet Insurance Companies

Start by looking for the top insurance providers that provide pet policies in the UAE. Leading players in 2025 are:

MetLife Gulf – Tailored plans for cats and dogs

Salama Islamic Arab Insurance – Globally renowned for Sharia-halal Takaful pet insurance

Orient Insurance – Strong protection plans and flexible deductibles

Union Insurance – Economical policies with essential coverage

Shory – A platform through which you can compare and buy pet insurance in minutes

Find firms with excellent customer reviews, 24/7 claims service, and unambiguous policy wording. Compare using websites such as Shory and filter by your pet's age, breed, and health condition right away.

Step 2: Check Eligibility Requirements

Not all animals can be covered. Most Dubai providers do have some eligibility requirements:

Age: Cover usually begins at 8 weeks and finishes at around 8 years for new policies.

Breed: Some insurers exclude high-risk breeds (e.g., Rottweilers, Bulldogs).

Vaccination Status: Keep your pet up to date with the vaccinations.

Microchipping: Both required for legal and insurance reasons in Dubai.

Double check that your pet meets the insurer's conditions before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Choose the Right Type of Coverage

Pet insurance policies in Dubai are available in different types:

Accident-Only Plans: Covers accidents, bites, fractures, etc.

Basic Plans: Covers accidents and certain sicknesses.

Comprehensive Plans: Covers accidents, chronic illness, diagnostic testing, dental care, and more.

Wellness Add-ons: Flea/tick prevention, grooming, and vaccinations are not mandatory coverage areas.

Make sure the plan you choose takes into account your pet's breed-specific diseases, age, and lifestyle. Larger dog breeds, for example, may adore coverage related to orthopedic or joint issues.

Step 4: Compare Plans and Premiums

Then look at each plan's premium arrangement:

Monthly versus annual premiums

Deductibles (how much you pay out-of-pocket before the insurance kicks in)

Co-insurance (your payment vs. the insurer's payment)

Reimbursement rates (usually 70% to 90%)

Comparison, side by side, on Shory or other sites of coverage, cost, and benefits. Don't select the cheapest policy without a review of the fine print—you might lose benefits.

Step 5: Apply Online or By Agent

After you've selected a plan:

Visit the insurer's website or use Shory to complete the application

Submit your Emirates ID and pet details (age, breed, medical condition)

Upload vaccination certificates and microchip certificate

Choose your desired cover and pay premium

Most websites now have end-to-end digital onboarding—you can insure your pet in under 10 minutes.

Step 6: Familiarize yourself with the Waiting Period

All pet insurance policies will include a waiting period, typically:

Accidents: Immediate or 2-3 days

Illnesses: 14 to 30 days

Major surgery or ongoing illness: Up to 60 days

Any pre-existing conditions that are diagnosed before policy activation or during the waiting period will likely be excluded. Read this section thoroughly to avoid rejection of the claim.

Step 7: Read the Policy Documents

Read the whole policy terms and conditions carefully before finalizing, including:

Exclusions (e.g., behavioral therapy, elective surgery)

Lifetime versus yearly limits

Claim procedure and deadlines

Renewal procedure

Cancellation conditions

In case of doubt, call your provider or check the help page on comparison sites like Shory.

How to Claim

Claiming has never been easier in 2025. This is how it is normally done:

Visit a vet that is registered and get treated

Collect all the documents: prescriptions, diagnosis reports, and receipts

Claim through the insurer app or portal

Insert receipts and payment proof

Claims are normally settled within 7–14 working days

Other businesses have direct billing, so you don't pay out of pocket. This is usually limited to specific vet clinics.

How to Get the Most from Pet Insurance

Purchase as soon as possible: Puppies and kittens pay lower premiums

Use one insurer: Use the same for best renewal terms and less exclusions

Claim discounts: Some sites offer multi-pet or bundle discounts

Preserve records: Scan documents so you don't lose them

Regular veterinary check-ups: Preventive care averts costly medicine later

FAQs – What People Also Ask

Is pet insurance worth it in Dubai?

Yes. An accident or unexpected vet visit can cost you AED 1,000–5,000. Insurance allows you to pay for the unexpected expense without compromising care.

Can expats purchase pet insurance in the UAE?

Yes. Most policies accept expat applications with Emirates ID and residence.

Is vaccination covered in pet insurance?

Not by default. You need to opt for an add-on of wellness or opt for an upgraded plan that covers periodic care.

What is generally not covered in pet insurance?

Pre-existing illness, pregnancy-related procedures, grooming, behavior adjustment, and cosmetic or elective surgery are generally not covered.

Can I cover my exotic pet in Dubai?

Most of the schemes pay for dogs and cats only. If your pet is a bird, reptile, or exotic pet, you will need to seek specialized insurance that has yet to be available in the UAE.

Conclusion

Buying pet insurance in Dubai for 2025 is fast, simple, and smart. With vet costs rising and the amount of information about pet health increasing, a good policy might be keeping you out of trouble and paying less. As a first-time or older pet owner, the above is to make you thoroughly prepared.

Sites like Shory provide convenience when comparing and buying plans online, thereby you have less time to stress and more time with your loved one to enjoy life.