Travelling With Your Pet? Know About Pets Travel Insurance

Taking a holiday with your pet in tow is no longer cause for judgey stares. Here’s what you need to know to have a happy holiday with your furkid.

Our pets are becoming increasingly important members of our households, with some – like those with double income, no kids, with a dog (DINKWADS) – even choosing furkids as replacements for human children.

It’s no wonder, then, that taking your pet with you on holiday is a growing trend; cruise operator Condor Ferries estimates that as many as 53% of pet owners take holiday with their pets, prompting a rise in pet-friendly accommodations.

If you’re mulling jumping on the (furry) bandwagon, you probably have questions about how it’s going to work out. We’ve got you covered!

Understanding Travel Insurance for Pets

If you’re bringing your pet with you for international trips abroad, you’ll need to purchase a specific pet travel insurance plan as default travel insurance doesn’t offer coverage for pets, not even as a travelling companion. 

International travel insurance for pets typically cover accidental death of your pet, as well as vet costs due to injury or illness. Many also come with third-party liability cover, which provides a degree of protection against claims of damages or losses caused by your pet – useful if your pet gets overly excited and knocks over some poor old granny. Finally, pet travel insurance also includes coverage for the loss of your pet due to events like theft. 

If you have a local pet insurance plan, you may be able to use it as a stand-in for pet travel insurance. However, it is not a standard practice that your insurer extends coverage to geographical regions outside of Singapore. They may also only honour some claims (like accidental death) and not others (such as losing your dog due to theft overseas).

Hence, you should check with the insurer to be sure – see if you are able to purchase an overseas or travel add-on.

If your insurer flat out refuses to insure your pet outside of Singapore, know that you’ll be proceeding at your own risk.

Why Consider Pet Travel Insurance?

Travelling with your pet can be an incredible experience, but it's important to be prepared for the unexpected. Imagine your pet suddenly falling ill without a travel insurance covering pet illness, you could end up facing hefty veterinary bills in a foreign country. International pet travel insurance is key to help offset these unexpected costs, ensuring your fur baby gets the care they need without breaking the bank.

Some regions like countries in the European Union, even require mandatory pet travel insurance if you are travelling with a fur companion. If you want to bring your pet to these places, you’ll need to at least have single trip pet travel insurance to be granted entry.

What Does Pet Travel Insurance Cover?

When travelling with your furry friend, pet travel insurance ensures you’re prepared for any unexpected events. Here’s a breakdown of what travel insurance for pets typically covers:

Veterinary Expenses Abroad
Pets can fall ill or get injured just like humans, and veterinary care in other countries can be costly. International pet travel insurance covers these expenses, ensuring your pet gets the necessary treatment without putting a dent in your wallet.

Accidental Death, Loss, or Theft
Losing a pet can be devastating, and it can be even more devastating if you are in an unfamiliar place. Pet travel insurance often includes coverage for accidental death, loss, or theft of your pet. While it doesn’t make up for the loss of your pet, receiving some form of financial compensation in an unfortunate event can help alleviate some of the burden.

Third-Party Liability
Pets can sometimes cause accidents or damage property, which can lead to legal issues. Pet insurance for travel abroad often includes third-party liability coverage. This protects you from claims if your pet injures someone or damages property during your travels.

When comparing pet travel insurance, start by considering the specific health needs and risks associated with your pet's breed and age. From there, it is a matter of choosing the right plan for your budget, with enough coverage for veterinary expenses abroad, protection against pet theft or loss, and third-party liability. Single-trip is great if you only plan to travel to one destination, while you might want to consider multi-trip options if you plan to travel with your fur baby frequently. 

The Best Travel Insurance for Pets

Paw Protect Travel Insurance - Comprehensive Plan

Paw Protect Travel Insurance is a top-tier option for pet owners looking for extensive coverage while travelling abroad. It offers a wide range of protections specifically designed for pets, ensuring your furry companion is well taken care of during your travels.

Veterinary Expenses Abroad: This plan provides up to S$50,000 in coverage for veterinary expenses incurred due to illness or injury while traveling. This includes emergency treatments, surgeries, and follow-up care.

Accidental Death, Loss, or Theft: The plan offers compensation of up to S$10,000 in the unfortunate event of accidental death, loss, or theft of your pet. This helps cover the emotional and financial impact of such incidents.

Third-Party Liability: Paw Protect includes third-party liability coverage up to S$100,000. This protects you from claims if your pet causes injury to someone or damages property while abroad.

Trip Cancellation: If you need to cancel your trip due to your pet's sudden illness or injury, this plan provides up to S$5,000 in trip cancellation coverage. This ensures you’re not left out of pocket for non-refundable travel expenses.

Loss of Pet Travel Documents: The plan covers up to S$1,000 for the loss or theft of essential pet travel documents, ensuring you can replace them quickly and continue your journey with minimal disruption.

Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation: Paw Protect offers unlimited coverage for emergency evacuation and repatriation if your pet requires urgent medical attention that cannot be provided locally.

Multi-Trip Coverage Option: For frequent travellers, this plan offers a multi-trip coverage option, allowing you to protect your pet across multiple trips within a year under a single policy.

How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance for Pets

Choosing the right pet insurance for travel abroad is crucial to ensuring their safety and your peace of mind. Here are the key factors to consider:

Veterinary Expenses Coverage
Your pet’s health should be the top priority. Look for a plan that offers comprehensive veterinary coverage for all types of pet-related injuries or illnesses. Comprehensive coverage should include emergency treatments, surgeries, and follow-up care. 

Cancellation Coverage
If your pet’s travel insurance includes cancellation coverage, you can recoup some non-refundable travel expenses like travel bookings and accommodations if you need to cancel or shorten your trip due to your pet's health.

Loss and Theft
If you are travelling to an area or region with high crime, you might want to consider a travel pet insurance plan with robust pet loss and theft coverage. This will help you manage the costs of searching for your pet, such as putting up posters, hiring search teams and even offering rewards, ensuring that every possible effort can be made to reunite with your pet.

Accidental Death Coverage
In the unfortunate event that your pet passes away due to travel-related incidents, accidental death coverage helps to provide financial support during a difficult time, covering costs like cremation or burial expenses. While nothing can replace the loss of a beloved pet, having this coverage can help alleviate some of the emotional and financial burdens.

Pet Breed and Age

Certain breeds and older pets may have specific health issues or higher risks that need to be considered. Ensure your international pet travel insurance plan doesn’t exclude certain breeds or impose age limits that could leave your pet unprotected.

Common Exclusions and Limitations for Pet Travel Insurance

When selecting pet travel insurance, it's essential to be aware of common exclusions and limitations that may impact your coverage. Understanding these can help you avoid unexpected surprises and ensure you choose the best plan for your pet.

Pre-existing Medical Conditions
Most pet travel insurance policies do not cover pre-existing medical conditions. If your pet has a known illness or condition before the policy starts, any treatment related to that condition is likely to be excluded from coverage. 

Routine Care and Regular Treatments
Routine vaccinations, flea control, worming treatments, nail trimming, and routine health checks are usually not covered by travel insurance for pets. These are considered part of standard pet care and are typically the responsibility of the pet owner. 

Dietary Expenses and Grooming
International pet travel insurance plans generally exclude costs related to dietary needs and grooming. This includes special pet foods, supplements, and grooming services such as haircuts or baths. Plan to cover these expenses out of pocket during your travels.

Behavioural Issues
Coverage for incidents resulting from behavioural issues, such as aggression or anxiety, may be limited or excluded. If your pet has a history of behavioural problems, it’s important to understand how these might affect your travel insurance coverage, especially regarding third-party liability claims while abroad.

Cosmetic Procedures
Pet insurance with international coverage typically do not include cosmetic procedures. This includes surgeries or treatments that are not medically necessary, such as ear cropping, tail docking, or elective dental procedures. Ensure you are clear on what procedures are considered cosmetic and thus excluded from pet travel insurance plan.

Preparing Your Pet for Travel

Your pet doesn't need a passport to travel, but there are other travel documents you will need to prepare. What’s required exactly will differ depending on your destination, so do check the customs requirements of your host country before you fly.

Some common documents include: 

• Pet Import License: Some countries require a pet import license, which allows your pet to enter the country legally.

• Health Checkup: A recent health checkup from a veterinarian is often necessary to prove that your pet is in good health.

• Vaccinations: Ensure your pet’s vaccinations, such as rabies, are up-to-date. This is mandatory for entry in many countries.

• Microchip and Registration Number: Many countries require pets to be microchipped and registered to identify them easily.

Consider printing out copies of receipts, doctor’s reports, vaccination certificates, declaration forms and all relevant documents for easy reference to help smoothen the process of getting your pet through customs.

Related to this topic: Guide To Vet Clinics In Singapore: How Much Does It Cost To Treat Your Sick Pets

FAQs for Travel Insurance for Pets

Is my pet allowed to board the plane (or ship) with me?

Whether your pet can travel with you on a plane or ship depends on the operator’s policies. Airlines may allow small pets in the cabin if they meet size and safety criteria, while larger pets must travel in the cargo hold, which can be stressful and risky due to changes in air pressure and temperature. 

Some airlines ban certain breeds prone to respiratory issues. Cruises and land travel are generally safer and more comfortable for pets, provided the operator permits them. Always check the specific policies of your airline, cruise line, or car rental company to ensure your pet can travel with you.

Do I need to purchase a ticket for my pet?

In most cases, you do not need to purchase a separate ticket for your pet. Airlines will instead, treat your pet as extra luggage, and will charge a fee based on the weight and size of your animal. This would include the weight of the carrier or crate used to contain your pet during the flight.

Some airlines charge a flat fee for travelling pets; this might be a more budget-friendly option if your animal happens to be on the larger and heavier side. As for cruise ships and trains, you’ll need to check with the operators. Some may ask you to purchase an additional ticket, or charge an extra fee for your pet. Others may allow your pet to travel for free.

Does pet travel insurance cover both domestic and international trips?

Pet travel insurance typically covers both domestic and international trips, as long as you are within the bounds of your plan. For example, pet insurance for travel abroad will not apply if you buy a plan for Asia, but take an international trip to a country in Europe. It’s important to check the details to ensure your pet is covered for all destinations.

What types of pets are eligible for travel insurance?

Most pet travel insurance plans cover common household pets like dogs and cats. However, international coverage for other types of pets, such as birds, rabbits, and exotic animals, varies by insurer. Check with your insurance provider to see if your specific pet is eligible for coverage.

How do I file a claim if my pet needs medical care while we are travelling?

If your pet needs medical care while travelling, contact your pet travel insurance provider as soon as possible. They will guide you through the claims process, which typically involves submitting veterinary reports, receipts, and any other relevant documents. Keep all paperwork and receipts from the vet to ensure a smooth claims process.

Can pet travel insurance cover multiple pets at once?

Yes, international travel insurance for pets can cover multiple companions under a single-trip or multi-trip plan. However, the details for each pet must be listed individually on the policy, and additional premiums may apply. It's important to specify all pets when purchasing the insurance to ensure each one is adequately covered.

Are there any age limits for pets under travel insurance policies?

Age limits for pets under travel insurance plans can vary. Some insurers may not cover very young or very old pets, or they might charge higher premiums for them. Always check the policy details to understand any age-related restrictions and ensure your pet is eligible for international coverage.

Does pet travel insurance include liability coverage for damages caused by my pet?

Yes, many pet travel insurance plans include liability coverage for damages caused by your pet. This can protect you from financial responsibility if your pet injures someone or damages property while traveling. It's important to confirm this coverage with your insurance provider and understand the limits and conditions of the liability coverage.

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