Many of us consider our pets to be members of the family - and caring for them is just as important to us as our own health and wellbeing. But there’s no denying that owning a pet can be an expensive undertaking, and the costs keep rising.
Veterinary costs have surged globally over the last few years. In the United States, costs have risen 60% since 2014. Improved technology means that there are more options for pets diagnosed with cancer or needing emergency care. That’s good news for our hearts, but it can be a blow to our bank balances. That’s why pet insurance has become essential.
Santam has recently launched a new option for Namibian pet owners - but first, let’s look at what pet insurance is all about.
What is pet insurance and why do I need it?
Pet health insurance is similar to human health insurance or medical aid, and acts as a safety net in the event of high medical costs for your dog or cat. You can choose how much cover you want - for instance, cover for accidents only, or a comprehensive pet insurance plan. Your monthly premium will be higher if you choose a comprehensive plan with fewer exclusions and a lower excess. However, you may have more peace of mind knowing that you have full vet bill insurance.
What options are there for pet insurance cover?
Pet owners can choose between accident-only pet cover and comprehensive plans, which cover consultations, medication, surgery, chronic cover, and more. You can select the plan based on your pet’s age, breed and medical history. If you have more than one pet, consider a policy that allows you to add multiple animals to the same cover.
Choosing the right pet insurance plan means taking a look at what you can afford, as well as what you think your pet’s medical needs will be. For instance, some breeds are associated with common health issues, such as labradors and hip dysplasia.
Insurance for senior pets can also cost more, as they are more likely to require medical care. Santam offers pet insurance for qualifying pets between 8 weeks and 8 years old when taking out a new policy, while pets older than 8 years can remain covered if they are already insured.
Santam’s affordable pet cover
Santam Namibia is introducing pet insurance for dogs and cats aged between eight weeks and eight years at policy inception. Cover is as little as $N80 per month. Ask your broker for a quote that’s tailored to your pets.
You can choose from:
Comprehensive insurance with three different excess options;
A SMART plan with optional benefits;
An accident-only plan with two different limits, of either N$10 000 or N$20 000 per year;
A Pack Plan, allowing you to cover all your dogs and cats in a single policy.
Santam understands just how important our pet companions are. Our pet insurance has been trusted by pet owners for over ten years and is now available in Namibia. We understand pets mean the world to their families, and so we’re committed to offering great value, with affordable premiums and no upper limit for our comprehensive plan.
We also provide you with a vet in your pocket, via the TAME Vet App, an add-on product for the Comprehensive and SMART plan options. Services are available from 9am to 9pm daily and pet parents can get two free chats with a virtual vet every month - helping you save money day to day.
Unlike many other insurers, we underwrite upfront, so that you know exactly what the conditions of coverage are. Many companies only underwrite at point of claim, which can result in a nasty surprise.