Should you insure your pet?

Insuring your pet may seem unnecessary. But it's a decision that shouldn't be taken lightly when you live in Luxembourg. With high veterinary costs and civil liability in the event of damage caused by the animal, pet owners in Luxembourg need to consider a suitable solution.

In this article, we explain:

• the reasons why it is a good idea to take out insurance for your pet,
• the different pet insurance options available
• the coverage offered by these pet insurance policies.

You will also discover how these insurance policies can reduce your veterinary expenses while giving you peace of mind.

As an expatriate in Luxembourg, the health and well-being of your pet is probably one of your priorities.

Why insure your pet?

Veterinary costs can be high in Luxembourg

In Luxembourg, veterinary care is renowned for its quality but also for its high cost. The country's general standard of living is reflected in the rates charged by veterinarians. A simple consultation can cost between €30 and €60, while complex surgery for your pet can easily exceed €1,000.

Pet owners can find themselves facing significant veterinary bills, especiallyin the event of an emergency or chronic illness. These unexpected costs can place a heavy burden on a household budget, particularly for expatriates who are already facing other expenses related to settling in Luxembourg.

Pet insurance can cover a large portion of these costs, making quality care more accessible. Depending on the plan chosen, insurance can cover 50% to 90% of veterinary costs, with annual limits of up to several thousand euros.

Expert tip: " It is advisable to compare different insurance offers, taking into account not only the price, but also the reimbursement limits and exclusions. A higher deductible can sometimes reduce monthly premiums while maintaining good coverage for large expenses. For example, opting for a deductible of $100 instead of $50 could reduce your monthly premium by 10 to 20%, while still providing you with good protection in the event of significant expenses."

What pet insurance is available in Luxembourg?

Few companies offer pet insurance

The pet insurance market in Luxembourg is less developed than in some neighboring countries, but there are still several options available. The country's main insurance companies offer specific products for pets, often as a supplement to their home or car insurance policies.

Expatriates may find it difficult to identify companies offering this type of insurance and to compare offers. The language barrier and lack of familiarity with local players in the insurance market can make it difficult to find accurate information.

Several Luxembourgish and international companies offer pet insurance, each with its own specific features. Among the main players are Foyer Assurances, Baloise Insurance, and AXA Luxembourg. Some foreign companies, particularly French and Belgian ones, may also offer coverage valid in Luxembourg.

Expert tip: " Don't hesitate to contact insurance companies directly to obtain personalized quotes. Some may offer discounts for existing customers or special offers for expatriates. It may be a good idea to ask if documents or explanations are available in English, which is often the case for large international companies operating in Luxembourg."

What is the best insurance option for your pet?

Pet insurance policies generally offer several levels of coverage, from basic to premium protection. These policies vary in terms of reimbursement percentages, annual limits, and types of care covered.

It can be difficult to choose the plan that best suits your needs and budget. The differences between plans are not always obvious at first glance, and the terms used may vary from one company to another.

Carefully compare the different plans, taking into account the coverage offered, reimbursement limits, and exclusions. In general, there are three levels of coverage:

1. Basic plan: generally covers accidents and may include civil liability protection.
2. Intermediate plan: adds illness coverage to the basic plan.
3. Premium plan: offers the most comprehensive coverage, often including preventive care costs.

Expert advice: "Assess your pet's needs based on its age, breed, and health. An intermediate plan often offers a good compromise between coverage and cost, but for an older or high-risk animal, a premium plan may be more advantageous in the long run. Don't forget to take into account deductibles and waiting periods, which can vary considerably from one plan to another."

Is your pet eligible for pet insurance?

Insurance companies impose certain eligibility criteria for animals to be insured. These criteria are designed to manage risk for the insurer while ensuring fair coverage for pet owners.

Some animals may not be eligible for insurance due to their age, health, or breed. This can be particularly problematic for owners of older animals or breeds considered to be at risk.

Carefully check the eligibility criteria before taking out insurance for your pet and make sure your pet meets all the requirements. Common criteria include:

• Your pet's age: Generally between 3 months and 8 years old for a first-time policy.
• Your pet's health: A recent veterinary check-up is often required.
• Pet identification: Microchips are mandatory for dogs in Luxembourg.
• Vaccination: An up-to-date vaccination record is required.

Expert advice: " If your pet already has health problems, be transparent when taking out insurance. Some companies may agree to cover pre-existing conditions for an additional premium or after a waiting period. For breeds considered to be at risk, it may be wise to take out insurance as early as possible in the animal's life in order to benefit from the best conditions."

Find out more about the legal obligations of pet owners in Luxembourg.

Pet insurance coverage and guarantees

What veterinary costs are covered by pet insurance?

Pet insurance generally covers a wide range of veterinary expenses. In Luxembourg, where veterinary care is high quality but expensive, a good understanding of this coverage is essential.

Owners may find it difficult to understand exactly what is covered and to what extent. Technical terms and specific conditions can be confusing, especially for expatriates who are unfamiliar with the local system.

Take a close look at the costs covered, reimbursement percentages, and annual or per-procedure limits. Generally, the costs covered include:

1. Consultations and visits to the veterinarian
2. Laboratory tests and analyses
3. Surgical procedures
4. Prescription drugs
5. Hospitalization costs
6. Treatments for chronic illnesses

The reimbursement rate generally varies from 50% to 90% of the costs incurred, with annual limits ranging from €1,000 to €5,000 or more, depending on the plan.

Expert advice: " Pay particular attention to the reimbursement conditions for chronic illnesses and long-term treatments. These aspects can have a significant impact on the long-term cost of care for your pet. For example, if your dog is prone to joint problems, make sure that long-term treatments for osteoarthritis are covered. Similarly, check whether preventive care costs such as vaccinations or worming treatments are included, as these regular expenses can add up over time."

What additional pet insurance services are available?

Some insurance policies offer additional services beyond simply covering veterinary expenses. These services can be particularly useful for expatriates navigating a new animal healthcare system.

These additional services may go unnoticed when comparing offers, but they can provide significant added value, especially in an expatriate context.

Identify the additional services offered by each insurance company and assess their relevance to your situation. Commonly offered services include:

1. 24/7 veterinary telephone assistance, often multilingual
2. Coverage of boarding costs if the owner is hospitalized
3. Search costs in the event of loss or theft of the animal
4. Coverage abroad for travel
5. Repatriation assistance in the event of the animal's death abroad
6. Animal behavior counseling services

Expert advice: " For expatriates, services such as multilingual veterinary hotline assistance or coverage abroad can be particularly valuable. Don't underestimate the importance of these additional services when making your final choice. For example, if you travel frequently to neighboring countries with your pet, coverage extending to the European Union could be a decisive factor. Similarly, an English-language helpline can be reassuring if you are not yet comfortable with the local languages."

Avoiding unpleasant surprises? Limitations of pet insurance

All pet insurance policies have exclusions and limitations that are crucial to understand. These restrictions are put in place to manage the insurer's risks and keep premiums affordable.

These exclusions can lead to unpleasant surprises when you file a claim. Pet owners may end up with uncovered expenses that they thought were included in their insurance.

Carefully read the general and specific terms and conditions of the contract, paying particular attention to exclusions, waiting periods, and reimbursement limits. Points to watch out for include:

1. Waiting period: Initial period (often 15 to 90 days) during which certain coverages do not apply.
2. Pre-existing conditions: Generally excluded from coverage.
3. Specific veterinary procedures: Dental care, sterilization, and C-sections may be excluded or subject to special conditions.
4. Reimbursement limits: Annual or per-procedure limits.
5. Deductibles: Amount remaining to be paid by the owner for each reimbursement claim.
6. Exclusions specific to certain breeds or types of animals.

Expert advice: " Be particularly vigilant about exclusions related to hereditary or congenital diseases, especially if your pet is a purebred. Some insurance companies may offer options to cover these risks for an additional premium. For example, if you have a French bulldog, a breed known for respiratory problems, check whether surgery related to these problems is covered. Don't hesitate to ask the insurer for clarification on any points in the contract that you find ambiguous."

Insure your pet for peace of mind

Given the high cost of veterinary care in Luxembourg, insurance can cover a large portion of unexpected expenses, offering peace of mind to owners. It also protects against damage that the animal may cause to others, in additionto providing additional services, such as multilingual assistance. Despite a limited local market, there are various options available, ranging from basic coverage to premium packages. Each level offers protection tailored to the animal's needs and the owner's means. Eligibility for these insurance policies often depends on specific criteria such as the animal's age and health.