Pet insurance in India: How much it really covers (and what it doesn’t)

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As vet fees climb and more Indians treat pets like family, insurance is slowly moving from “nice-to-have” to “sensible backup.” Policies today promise protection against accidents, major illnesses and expensive hospital stays. Yet many owners discover limits only at claim time — when a treatment is denied because of a waiting period, exclusion or missing document. Understanding what insurers actually pay for, and where they draw the line, is crucial before you sign up.

What pet insurance usually covers

Most plans are built around accidents and significant health problems rather than everyday care. If your pet has a fracture, deep wound, serious infection, gastro trouble, fever, respiratory issues or common skin diseases, treatment costs are usually covered within the policy limits. Mid- to top-tier plans also pay for surgeries, hospitalisation, scans, blood tests and post-operative follow-ups, subject to caps and sub-limits.

Some insurers bundle in third-party liability, which steps in if your pet injures someone or damages their property. A few premium products also compensate for theft or loss of the pet, but only when you file the required police report and documentation.

What is often excluded

Pre-existing illnesses are almost always outside the scope of cover. Anything your pet was already diagnosed with, or showed clear symptoms of, before the policy start date is typically excluded. Routine and preventive care — vaccinations, deworming, grooming, tick and flea control, nail clipping and basic dental cleaning — is usually not covered unless you pay extra for a wellness add-on.

Breeding-related costs, pregnancy care, elective C-sections, behavioural training, boarding charges and cosmetic procedures like tail docking or ear cropping are also commonly excluded. On top of this, there is usually a waiting period of around 15–30 days after purchase; illnesses that arise in this window are not eligible for claims.

Limits and conditions to check carefully

Most insurers have age brackets, commonly allowing new policies only for pets between about 2 months and 8–10 years. Older pets, if accepted at all, may attract higher premiums and co-pay clauses where you pay part of every bill. Many policies also set maximum limits per surgery, daily room-rent caps for hospitalisation or annual claim ceilings.

Certain “high-risk” or restricted breeds may not be covered, especially under liability sections. You may also be asked to microchip your pet and maintain proper vet records. Missed timelines, incomplete forms or unrecognised invoice formats are frequent reasons for claim delays or rejection.

How to pick a plan that works for you

Start by shortlisting at least three insurers and reading their coverage and exclusions side by side, not just the glossy brochure promises. If your pet regularly has skin flare-ups, ear infections or stomach sensitivities, an accident-only plan may disappoint — look for a policy that clearly covers illnesses and OPD visits.

Add-ons like wellness or routine care can be helpful if you are disciplined about vet visits, but they do push up the premium. Make sure your regular vet’s prescriptions, bills and hospital records match the insurer’s documentation requirements. And before you pay, check the waiting periods, age rules and breed list so you are not caught off guard later.

FAQs

How much does pet insurance cost in India?

Basic accident-only covers often start at around ₹2,000 a year. More comprehensive policies that include illnesses, surgery and hospitalisation can range from roughly ₹5,000 to ₹20,000 annually, depending on your pet’s age, breed and sum insured.

Can I buy cover for an older pet?

Most companies restrict fresh entry to pets below about 8–10 years, but once your pet is insured, many plans allow you to keep renewing as long as premiums are paid on time and you follow disclosure rules.

Does pet insurance cover euthanasia or cremation?

Only a handful of higher-end plans pay for euthanasia on medical grounds or for cremation and burial costs. In most standard policies, these expenses remain outside the scope of cover, so it is worth checking specifically before you buy.