The past decade has witnessed an indisputable increase in pet adoption in India. Whether it is Indie dogs rescued in shelters or high-maintenance breeds such as Shih Tzus and Labradors, pet parenting is no longer a niche phenomenon, it is a way of life. Industry estimates put the number of pets in India at more than 30 million, with dogs topping the list.
However, with friendship comes duty. The cost of taking your pet to the vet, diagnostics, surgeries, vaccinations and even grooming- pet care costs can accumulate quickly. And in the event of an emergency, a mere trip to a well-known veterinary clinic might cost between 15,000 and 1,00,000.
And that is precisely where pet insurance comes in- as a financial cushion to the new pet parents. In this blog, we break down the scope, structure and the importance of pet insurance in the Indian context, thus enabling you to make an informed decision.
Pet Insurance: An Overview
Pet insurance is an agreement between a pet owner and an insurance firm in which the insurance company covers part or all of the veterinary costs incurred as a result of accidents, diseases, or particular health conditions in the pet.
The basic concept of this insurance for pets is easy to understand: the same way health insurance cushions you against any unscheduled hospital expenses, pet insurance cushions you against the financial impact of your dog or cat becoming ill or injured.
The Indian market is still in its infancy. However, compared to western markets where pet insurance is already mainstream, it is evolving rapidly, with more products and greater coverage options entering the pet insurance market.
Evolution of Pet Insurance in India
Pet insurance has been slow to take off in India, mainly because:
- Ignorance regarding formal pet care
- Low insurer participation until recently
- Cultural hesitation in financially planning for pet health
Traditionally, state-run insurers like New India Assurance offered policies for working or guard dogs, especially for police departments, military units, or private security firms. However, these policies for pets were not targeted at pet parents.
Jump to 2022-2025, and the situation is completely different. Various insurers are coming up with customized pet health insurance to meet the needs of the urban Indian household. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) is also promoting pet insurance in the form of expanded health and wellness policies.
What Does Pet Insurance Typically Cover?
Depending on the policy type, pet insurance in India can offer a variety of protections. Here’s what’s usually covered in these policies for pets:
- Illness & Injury Coverage
- Veterinary consultations
- Diagnostic tests (bloodwork, scans, MRIs)
- Medicines and therapeutic treatment
- Surgery and hospitalisation
- Post-treatment care
- Accident Coverage
- Fractures
- Burns or cuts
- Injuries from falls or vehicle impact
- Poisoning or ingestion of foreign objects
- Vaccination & Preventive Care
- Optional in most plans
- Includes annual vaccinations, deworming, flea control
- Third-party Liability
If your pet causes harm to another person or their property, the insurance company may cover legal and compensation costs (for instance, if your dog bites a neighbour or knocks over an expensive item).
- Theft or Loss (For Pedigree Dogs)
Some policies for pets offer a lump-sum payout in case your dog goes missing or is stolen—especially relevant for rare or expensive breeds.
- Death Due to Accident or Illness
This insurance for pets covers the insured value of the pet in case of untimely death, including burial or cremation costs (in select plans).
What is Not Covered?
Knowing what’s excluded in the pet insurance policy is just as important as knowing what’s covered. Here are common exclusions:
- Pre-existing medical conditions
- Congenital anomalies or inherited diseases
- Cosmetic or elective procedures (like ear clipping or nail trimming)
- Pregnancy, fertility, or breeding-related treatment
- Dental care (unless part of an injury treatment)
- Injuries due to abuse, neglect, or non-vaccination
- Acts of war or natural calamities
Each insurance policy comes with waiting periods (usually 15–30 days) for illness-related claims and specific conditions. Always read the fine print of the policy before making your purchase decision.
Types of Pet Insurance Policies in India
Pet insurance policies are increasingly modular and come in tiers. Let’s break down the types:
- Basic Accident-Only Cover
- Cheapest option
- Covers only accidental injuries
- Ideal for younger, healthy pets
- Illness + Accident Cover
- Covers both disease and injury
- Suitable for most domestic dogs and cats
- Comprehensive Plans
- Includes wellness, OPD, vaccination, and diagnostics
- May also cover death, theft, and third-party liability
- Custom Add-on Plans
Choose additional riders like:
- Emergency ambulance
- Cancer treatment
- Alternative therapies (hydrotherapy, acupuncture)
- Daily cash allowance during hospitalisation
Key Benefits of Pet Insurance
Why should a pet parent in India opt for insurance for pets? Let’s make the case stronger:
- Reduce Financial Shock
Vet bills can skyrocket in a single night. A mere torn ligament surgery can run in the range of 30,000-70,000 rupees. Insurance aids in absorbing this financial impact.
- Access to Advanced Care
Digital X-rays, MRI scans and the rest of it has turned veterinary care into a costly affair these days. Pet insurance ensures quality care without having to worry about the increasing cost.
- Improves Pet Longevity
Routine and preventive care (included in comprehensive plans) ensure that diseases are detected early enough and your pets live longer.
- Peace of Mind for Pet Parents
You do not need to decide between your wallet and the health of your dog any longer. When you have pet insurance, you simply need to concentrate on recovery, not receipts.
Eligibility Criteria
Most insurers set basic requirements for policy issuance:
- Age: 3 months to 8–10 years
- Species: Primarily dogs; cats in limited plans
- Vaccination status: Must be up to date
- Medical history: Should be disclosed honestly
- Breed-specific limitations: Some aggressive or banned breeds (like Pit Bulls) may be excluded
Documentation usually includes:
- Colour photos of the pet
- Vaccination and deworming records
- Government-registered pet ID (optional but useful)
How to Buy Pet Insurance in India
You can purchase a pet insurance policy through:
- Online portals: Direct websites of insurance providers or aggregator platforms
- Offline agents: Helpful for tailored insurance policies for pets
- App-based insurance providers: Offers facilities such as instant quotes, document uploads, and claim tracking
You will need:
- Owner’s ID proof
- Proof of pet’s age and health
- Vaccination details
- Vet-issued health certificate (if required)
How to File a Claim
Here’s a standard process followed by most insurance companies:
- Visit a licensed vet and retain all bills
- Fill claim form (online or downloadable PDF)
- Attach necessary documents (prescription, invoice, discharge summary)
- Submit the insurance claim via email, app, or courier
- Claim review and decision by the insurer within 7–14 days
- Get reimbursed via bank transfer. Alternately, you can opt for cashless facility, if available
Cost of Pet Insurance in India
Pet insurance premiums are determined based on:
- Breed
- Age
- Medical history
- Location
- Type of coverage and sum insured
Things to Consider Before Buying
- What’s the waiting period for new illnesses?
- Does the insurance policy cover pre-existing conditions after a specific duration?
- Does the insurance company have ties up with network vet hospitals for ensuring cashless treatment?
- How much is the claim limit per treatment/year?
- Does the insurance policy have a deductible or co-payment clause?
Do make sure to review the fine print. These insurance policies for pets are only useful when the claims processes in them are smooth and transparent.
Final Thoughts
The pet culture in India is growing up, and so should the way we think about pet healthcare. Pet insurance is more than a financial product: it is an indicator of a responsible pet parent who realizes that pets, just like humans, require proactive, secured treatment.
Regardless of whether you consider yourself a proud owner of a street-rescued dog, or a pedigreed Persian cat, pet insurance means that your fur baby is insured, no matter what life throws your way.
It is time to plan, prepare and protect- because pets are not just animals. They are family.
