What does pet insurance cover and not cover?

Pets become part of our family and treasured companions, and it’s estimated that one-third of Spanish households have at least one pet under their roof. 

New legislation has been introduced and passed to name animals at sentient beings and thus expand their legal status. At its most basic level, animals – whether wild or domesticated – can no longer be considered objects and thus cannot be seized, abandoned or mistreated. The bill, 7/2023, de 28 de marzo, de protección de los derechos y el bienestar de los animales, was passed and published in the Official State Bulletin (BOE) on September 29, 2023 and became codified law on September 29, 2023. The bill has sweeping effects on pet owners and pet ownership, too. Let's take a look at some of these effects and what pet insurance does to help cover them.

So, what does the Animal Welfare Act of 2023 mean for pet owners? 

While the Animal Welfare Act of 2023 has many components that correspond to a wide array of animals, pet owners will be affected by the following measures:

•    Identification of pets within 3 months of animal’s birth or 30 days of purchase date via the municipal census;
•    Mandatory supervision of animal (no more than three consecutive days or 24 hours, in the case of a dog);
•    Mandatory vaccination;
•    Control of animal husbandry and sterilization;
•    Zero slaughter rules;
•    Civil liability insurance for dog owners and dog handlers, as well as a mandatory course in dog ownership.

And, of course, pet owners who do not comply will see larger fines for animal neglect in Spain, ranging from 10,001€ to 50,000€, or even community service or imprisonment.

Perhaps the factor that most affects pet owners is mandatory pet insurance for dogs; pet insurance is a great way to ensure care and health for any of your furry friends, so read on to learn more about what pet insurance does and does not cover, and why it’s important.

What is pet insurance? Why is pet insurance important?

Pet insurance is a type of coverage that helps pet owners manage the costs of veterinary care for their pets. Similar to health insurance for humans, pet insurance typically covers a portion of the costs associated with veterinary services, including illness, accidents, and sometimes routine preventive care.

At the time of publication, dogs between 3 months and 9 years of age must be covered with pet insurance that includes civil liability insurance; for the time being, those who own cats or other pets do not need to have obligatory pet insurance, though it could be a cost-effective way to be sure that your furry friend leads a healthy and full life.

What does pet insurance cover, in general?

Pet insurance policies vary, but they generally cover veterinary expenses for accidents, illnesses, surgeries, medications, and other treatments. Some policies also offer coverage for preventative care, such as routine check-ups and vaccinations.

There are different types of pet insurance coverage, including accident-only coverage, illness coverage, and comprehensive coverage that includes both accidents and illnesses. Some policies also offer optional add-ons for specific conditions or services.

Pet owners pay a monthly or annual premium to the insurance provider. There may also be a deductible, or the amount the pet owner must pay out of pocket before the insurance coverage becomes effective. Higher premiums often come with lower deductibles, and vice versa.

Many pet insurance policies allow you to choose your preferred veterinarian, as long as they are licensed. When you incur veterinary expenses, you typically pay the full bill upfront. Afterward, you submit a claim to the insurance company, and receive reimbursement for the prices you covered at the time of payment.

What does pet insurance not cover?

Like any insurance policy, there are may be aspects the pet insurance does not cover and waiting periods. Pre-existing conditions are often excluded, and there may be waiting periods before certain coverage takes effect.

What about civil liability? Civil liability coverage is now mandatory by law, and your pet must be covered if it damages a person or property. 

How much does pet insurance cost in Spain?

At its most basic, pet insurance through a national insurer will cost from 20€-30€ monthly for veterinary pet insurance and about 30€ - 50€ / yearly for Civil Liability.

Like you would before when purchasing health or car insurance, carefully review the terms, coverage limits, exclusions, and any other details to ensure that the policy meets your specific needs and preferences. Keep in mind that some policies may have age restrictions or different premium rates based on the pet's breed.

Does Caser Seguros offer pet insurance? 

Yes! Caser proudly offers insurance coverage for your furry friend via the WeCAN insurance (available for cats and dogs) and in various coverage levels to best serve you and your pet. Choose comprehensive or basic depending on your needs.

When choosing Caser WeCAN insurance, you’ll have at network of more than 320 clinics in the network, plus knowing that your pet’s age and breed do not affect Fido’s ability to be covered. Caser’s most basic coverage plan, WeCAN RC, will set you up with mandatory civil responsibility insurance for only 45€ a year. If you’d like to keep vet bills under control, consider the WeCAN Check and enjoy discounts on 100 different veterinary procedures plus free check ups and emergency visits. If you have an older dog or one prone to medical interventions, WeCAN Live will provide the best level of service in addition to surgeries and your vet right on your phone line. You can calculate your WeCAN insurance on Caser’s website and explore bundles with your annual Caser health, home or automotive insurance for additional savings!

A reminder about animal chip registration

Despite the dog being the most popular pet in Spain, not all canines are properly registered in their respective autonomous communities.

Fido and Toby are now required to be registered with the Red Española de Identificación de Animales de Compañía, or the REIAC. This organization is run at the autonomous community level and serves to register animals who require an identification chip. As this is now in the penal code, be sure to take your pet to the vet to ensure that they can be properly traced.

The takeaway

Pet insurance can be a valuable financial tool for you as a pet owner to manage unexpected veterinary expenses and meet civil liability requirements, no matter what scaly, furry or feathered friend lives in your house. Download our free guide to pet Insurance options bellow: