What pet insurance covers

Pet insurance is a voluntary type of cover that protects the owner of a cat, dog or other pet from unexpected costs. Programmes are made up of several parts:

  • Vet expenses — treatment after injuries, accidents and illnesses: appointments, diagnostics, surgery, inpatient care. The clinic is paid directly or the owner is reimbursed.
  • Owner's third-party liability — harm the pet causes to other people, their animals or property: a bite, damaged belongings, a road accident caused by a dog running out.
  • Death of the animal from an accident or illness.
  • Theft or loss — in some programmes, usually for expensive pedigree animals.

Who needs it

A policy is useful for dog owners who walk their pets a lot, owners of pedigree animals with costly treatment, owners of puppies and kittens, and those preparing for shows and trips. Liability cover is especially relevant for owners of large dogs: under Federal Law No. 498-FZ on responsible treatment of animals, the owner must prevent harm to people and property, and harm is compensated under the general rules of the Russian Civil Code.

Laws and regulation

There is no compulsory pet insurance in Russia. The contract is concluded under Chapter 48 of the Civil Code and the insurer's policy wording. Under Bank of Russia Directive No. 3854-U a voluntary policy can be cancelled within 14 calendar days if there have been no insured events.

Limits and exclusions

Insurers usually accept animals of a certain age — for example, not too young and not too old; the exact limits are in the wording. A pet passport and up-to-date vaccinations are often required, sometimes a microchip or tattoo. There is almost always a waiting period for illnesses.

Typical exclusions: congenital and hereditary diseases, illnesses identified before purchase, routine procedures (vaccination, sterilisation, grooming), dentistry, pregnancy and birth, participation in fights and baiting, and harm caused intentionally by the owner.

What drives the price

  • species, breed and its predisposition to disease;
  • the pet's age;
  • the set of risks and limits for vet treatment and liability;
  • the deductible;
  • for death or theft cover — the animal's value, supported by documents.

You can get an estimate with the calculator.

How to prepare

  • Check the pet passport: vaccinations should be on schedule and recorded by a vet.
  • Prepare documents confirming breed and value if you insure against death or theft: pedigree, purchase agreement.
  • Ask whether a vet examination is needed before the contract and what happens if the pet already has diagnoses.
  • Save the contacts of the insurer and listed clinics so you do not lose time after an injury.

How to choose a plan and insurer

  1. Check that your pet qualifies by species, breed and age.
  2. See which vet clinics the policy works with and how services are paid.
  3. Compare limits for treatment and liability and the list of exclusions.
  4. Ask whether online vet consultations are included — many programmes have them.
  5. Compare insurers in the directory of insurers.

How to claim

  1. After an injury or illness, contact the insurer or a listed clinic: treatment is often paid directly.
  2. If you paid for treatment yourself, keep the vet's reports, receipts and prescriptions.
  3. If harm is caused to others, do not accept the claim amount without agreeing it with the insurer; record the circumstances and the injured party's details, and contact the police if needed.
  4. File the claim with documents within the time set in the wording.

More in the Insurance claim section.

Common mistakes

  • Missing vaccinations. Breaching the wording's requirements can lead to refusal.
  • Expecting routine procedures to be paid. Insurance usually does not cover vaccination, sterilisation or grooming.
  • Hiding the pet's illness. Illnesses identified before purchase are excluded.
  • Forgetting liability. Claims for a bite or damaged property can cost more than treating the pet.

If you often travel with your pet, check the animal transport rules in advance and get travel insurance for yourself. Liability to neighbours for leaks and fire is covered by home insurance.