3 Best Pet Insurance Plans for Dogs in Singapore 2024

Our beloved pets hold a special place in our hearts, and as responsible pet owners, it’s natural to want to protect them from the uncertainties of life. In Singapore, the pet insurance market has seen growth, albeit with limited options.

Choosing the right pet insurance plan for your furry friend can be as tricky as teaching a cat to fetch. Common questions arise, such as “What’s the difference between the limited pet insurance offerings in the market?”, “Which pet insurance is the best?”, “Does pet insurance cover this and that?”, and “Should I buy insurance for my furkids?”

In this article, we’ll delve into 3 best pet insurance plans in Singapore, dissecting their features to help you make an informed decision for your cherished fur friend.

Why Buy Pet Insurance?

Our pets, much like our human family members, can face unexpected health issues or accidents. Vet bills can quickly spiral out of control, and that’s where pet insurance steps in. Even if your cats or dogs are healthy right now, they may get into trouble due to old age or accidental ingestion of foreign objects. The primary goal is to provide financial assistance for significant medical expenses, ensuring your pet receives the care they need without breaking the bank.

With Pet Insurance:

• You can get timely treatment for your pet, regardless of the cost.
• Get access to better quality healthcare options.
• Most importantly, peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your pet’s well-being rather than worrying about expenses.

When it comes to choosing the best insurance policy tailored to your unique needs, the process might seem overwhelming. Fear not! I’ve compiled a guide on how to select the optimal insurance policy in Singapore.

Co-insurance and Deductibles Explained

Before we dive into the specifics of pet insurance, let’s take note of two critical terms: co-insurance and deductibles.

• Co-insurance: This is the percentage of the bill you’re responsible for when making a claim. For instance, with a 20% co-insurance and a $5,000 vet bill, you’ll receive $4,000 from the insurer, and you’ll cover the remaining $1,000.
• Deductibles: Applied before processing a claim, deductibles represent the fixed amount you must pay. If your dog causes $2,000 in damages to a neighbor’s property, and your deductible is $500, the insurer covers $1,500.

Both co-insurance and deductibles exist to control premiums and ensure fair sharing of costs among policyholders.

Pet Insurers in Singapore 2023

AIA Paw Safe, once common, is now obsolete. Here are three best pet insurance options catering to dogs and cats:

1. Liberty PetCare by Liberty Insurance
2. AON Happy Tails (Underwritten by NTUC Income)
3. CIMB My Paw Pal (Underwritten by Sompo Insurance Singapore)

Types of Pet Insurance Coverage

Understanding the various coverage options is crucial when choosing a plan. In Singapore, pet insurance can include:

• Accidental Death & Injury
• Non-Surgery-Related Treatment
• Surgery-Related Treatment
• Room and Board Fees
• Post-Surgery Treatment
• Specific Diseases (e.g., Cancer Treatment)
• Third-Party Liability
• Theft
• Final Expenses

Some plans also extend coverage overseas, including expenses related to travel, dental treatment, and missing pet advertising fees.

What Pet Insurance Usually Does Not Cover

Some major exclusions in pet insurance are:

• Theft arising from any intentional, neglectful, or preventable act.
• Liability arising from any intentional or preventable act.
• Pre-existing, hereditary, congenital, and skin conditions.
• Day-to-day care (e.g., vitamins, supplements, vaccinations, training, grooming).
• Damage to teeth and gums unless as a result of an accident.
• Illness related to endoparasites or ectoparasites, hip dysplasia, rabies.
• Elective procedures and treatments (e.g., nail clipping, tail docking, debarking).

How the Three Plans Compare

Summary of the Best Pet Insurance Plans in Singapore

Feature	PetCare by Liberty Insurance	AON Happy Tails (underwritten by NTUC Income)	CIMB My Paw Pal (underwritten by Sompo Insurance Singapore)
Main Focus	All-rounded cover	Medical	Accident, with optional add-on for medical cover
Annual Premium	$353.27 – $757.00	Starts from S$300+/month. Premiums are variable, depending on breed and age.	$88.56
Medical Examination	No	Yes	No
Accidental Death	Up to $3,000	S$1,500
Medical Expenses Due to an Accident	Up to S$3,000	($50 deductible per incident)	Up to S$1,500 per year
Optional: Add-on for Coverage due to Illness	–	Optional: Add-on $321.00 yearly for coverage due to illness	–
Cremation or Burial Expenses Due to an Accident	Up to S$300	Optional: Add-on $324.00 yearly for coverage due to illness	–
Third-Party Liability	Up to $500,000	Up to $500,000	Up to S$250,000
Loss of Dog Due to Theft	Up to $1,250	Up to S$1,500 (with $32.40 add-on yearly)	–
Coverage Period	Until the pet is 13 years old	Lifetime	Until the pet is 13 years old
Non-Surgical Treatment	Up to S$3,000 (50% co-insurance)	Possible with premiums add-on	–
Clinical and Surgical Benefit	Up to S$10,000 (30% co-insurance)	Up to $10,000 in total (inclusive of room and board, and post-surgery claims)	Possible with premiums add-on
Room and Board Expenses Post-Surgery	– Up to $1,000 for room and board claims	–	–
Post-Surgical Treatment Benefit	– Up to $500 for post-surgical claims	–	–
Chemotherapy Benefit	Up to $2,500	–	–
Cremation or Burial Expenses Benefit (Non-Accidental)	$250	–	–
No-Claim Discount	One year – 5% Two years – 10% Three years and onwards – 15% (reduced to 5% the next year once claimed)	One year – 5% Two years – 10% Three years and onwards – 15%	–
Type of Breeds	Cats and dogs	Cats and dogs	Cats and dogs But there are some exclusions.
Other Notes	Co-insurance: Non-surgical treatment: 50% Clinical and surgical: 30%	Co-insurance: 20% – Dogs enrolled before age 4 30% – Dogs enrolled before age 7 40% – Dogs enrolled before age 9 $250 deductible is applicable per claim Annual coverage limit depending on the plan $3,500 – $12,500 The minimum medical claim is $100	–

Best Pet Insurance Plans for Dogs

1. Liberty PetCare by Liberty Insurance

Liberty PetCare adopts a holistic approach to pet insurance, providing coverage for a diverse range of events that may impact your pet’s health and safety. From accidental injuries to medical expenses and even cremation or burial fees due to accidents, this plan is designed to offer a comprehensive shield, ensuring peace of mind for pet owners.

If your pet faces accidental death, Liberty PetCare steps in with coverage of up to S$3,000, easing emotional stress and handling unexpected financial strains. It also stands out by supporting vet expenses for accidental injuries, extending up to S$3,000 per incident.

Liberty PetCare offers flexibility with optional coverage for medical expenses related to illnesses, allowing you to adapt the insurance as your pet ages and faces different health challenges. Additionally, it provides third-party liability protection up to S$500,000 and coverage for cremation or burial expenses due to accidents. Liberty PetCare offers a range of premium options, ensuring accessibility for pet owners with different budgets. The annual premium depends on factors like your pet’s age, breed, and specific coverage needs. While Liberty PetCare provides a comprehensive set of features, it’s crucial to note that it doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, emphasizing the importance of enrolling your pet early for optimal coverage.

It is one of the best plans when it comes to the age eligibility range. its extensive age eligibility range, covering dogs and cats from as early as 8 weeks up to 9 years old. This flexibility benefits owners who prioritize early insurance enrollment or those who may be undecided initially but later decide to secure pet insurance even as their pets age.

Lastly, Liberty PetCare enhances customization further by offering three distinct packages—Standard, Enhanced, and Superior—each providing coverage for accidental death, accidental injury, theft, illness (both surgical and non-surgical treatment), and third-party liability benefits. This array of packages ensures that pet owners can choose a plan precisely aligned with their pet’s needs and their preferences.

Coverage Highlights	Details
All-Rounded Coverage	Comprehensive approach covering accidental injuries, medical expenses, and even cremation or burial fees due to accidents.
Accidental Death Benefits	Financial assistance of up to S$3,000 in the unfortunate event of accidental death.
Vet Expenses for Accidental Injuries	Support for veterinary costs resulting from accidental injuries, with coverage up to S$3,000 per incident.
Optional Coverage for Medical Expenses Due to Illness	Flexibility with an optional add-on for medical expenses related to illnesses. Allows customization based on your pet’s health requirements.
Third-Party Liability Protection	Coverage extending up to S$500,000, protecting you from potential financial liabilities arising from your pet’s actions.
Cremation or Burial Expenses Due to Accidents	Additional coverage for cremation or burial expenses resulting from accidents.

2. AON Happy Tails (Underwritten by NTUC Income)

In the world of AON Happy Tails, your pet’s health is the main focus. They’ve got you covered with extended medical help for various situations, like surgeries, chemotherapy, and even final expenses. The plan offers different levels of coverage for dogs, letting you choose what suits your dog’s age and health. There’s also a discount for responsible pet owners who don’t make claims often. And if your pet accidentally causes harm, AON Happy Tails has you protected with up to S$500,000 coverage. You can even add coverage for illnesses as your pet ages.

But here’s the thing to note – while AON Happy Tails offers a lot, it doesn’t cover everything. There are some things, like pre-existing conditions or certain treatments, that might not be included. So, it’s good to be aware of these limitations.

In my opinion, AON Happy Tails Fur is the standout choice, especially if you want extensive illness coverage for your pet. It covers specific health conditions, has a lifetime coverage period, and gives you a discount if you don’t make claims – just like Liberty Pet Care Standard. So, when your furry friend gets sick, and you want top-notch care without breaking the bank, AON Happy Tails Fur is the way to go. It’s a practical and valuable choice among pet insurance options.

Coverage Highlights	Details
Extended Medical Coverage	Comprehensive coverage for cats and dogs, including clinical and surgical benefits, chemotherapy coverage, post-surgery treatment benefits, and coverage for final expenses.
Tiered Coverage for Dogs	Fur, Furry, and Furball options providing escalating levels of coverage, catering to different dog ages, health statuses, and potential medical requirements.
No-Claim Discount	Encourages responsible pet ownership through discounts on premiums for consecutive claim-free years.
Third-Party Liability Protection	Inclusion of third-party liability protection with coverage up to S$500,000, safeguarding against potential financial liabilities from your pet’s actions.
Optional Coverage for Medical Expenses Due to Illness	Flexibility with an optional add-on for medical expenses related to illnesses. Allows adapting coverage as your pet ages and faces different health challenges.

3. CIMB My Paw Pal (Underwritten by Sompo Insurance Singapore)

CIMB My Paw Pal stands out as a versatile and accessible pet insurance option in Singapore. With tailored plans for various budgets and preferences, this insurance accommodates different needs. The plan covers cats and dogs from 3 months to 7 years old, offering inclusive age eligibility.

CIMB My Paw Pal provides three packages: Basic Cover, Optional A, and Optional B. Each package includes coverage for accidental death, medical expenses due to accidents, and cremation or burial fees due to accidents. Optional A extends coverage to loss of a pet due to theft, while Optional B covers medical expenses due to illness and related burial or cremation fees.

The flexibility of choosing different packages makes it easy to match your pet’s needs. It’s worth noting that working pets used for law enforcement, breeding, racing, or other commercial purposes are not eligible for this policy.

While CIMB My Paw Pal caters to budget-friendly protection against accidental death and injury, it also allows you to extend coverage to include illness. This optional feature enables you to claim vet fees for sickness and disease treatments, offering flexibility as your pet’s health needs change over time. For instance, you might start with basic accident cover when your pet is young and add illness cover as they age and face increased risks of certain diseases.

Consider your pet’s potential risks, health issues, and budget constraints to make an informed decision, keeping in mind factors like breed, age, and pre-existing conditions. The choice of the right pet insurance plan is a personal decision influenced by your pet’s needs, your budget, and individual preferences.

Key Features	Details
Tailored Plans for Every Need	Offers a range of plans to accommodate various budgets and preferences.
Flexible Age Eligibility	Inclusive age eligibility range, covering cats and dogs from 3 months to 7 years old.
Comprehensive Coverage Options	Three distinct packages – Basic Cover, Optional A, and Optional B – each including coverage for accidental death, medical expenses due to accidents, and cremation or burial fees due to accidents. Optional A and B offer additional benefits.

Tips for Choosing the Best Pet Insurance

Know Your Needs

Determining your pet’s potential risks and health issues is vital. Consider factors such as breed, age, and any pre-existing conditions. Ask yourself if your pet is prone to accidents or if their breed is predisposed to specific health problems. These questions will guide you in understanding the coverage your pet requires.

I had a friend whoI held off on getting insurance for her pet dog Latte until she was four, taking a gamble on her health. Luckily, her clean bill of health so far has justified the decision.

Remember, you’re not insuring for minor expenses but safeguarding against significant bills in the future.

Know Your Budget

Budget constraints play a role in your decision-making process. While we all want the best for our pets, it’s essential to find a balance. Avoid biting off more than you can chew by considering the long-term affordability of the chosen plan. Keep in mind that some premiums increase as your pet ages, making early enrollment a financially savvy move.

Tip: Similar to picking insurance plans for yourself and your family, consider starting with a more affordable plan and upgrading later. Early enrollment often comes with perks, such as lower co-insurance and exemptions from pre-insurance blood tests.

Other Factors to Consider

• Congenital and Hereditary Conditions Cover
• Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Cover
• Lifetime Coverage
• Pre-Insurance Check-Ups
• Choice of Clinics
• Claim Ease and Speed
• Customer Experience

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Choosing the best pet insurance plan is a personal decision influenced by your pet’s needs, your budget, and individual preferences. We hope this guide sheds light on the complexities and helps you navigate the pet insurance maze with confidence. Remember, every pet is unique, and finding the right coverage ensures a happy and healthy journey for both you and your beloved furry companion.