Category: Pet Insurance

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Pet Insurance in Singapore: What You Need to Know

pet insurance

As pet ownership continues to rise in Singapore, more pet parents are seeking ways to ensure their furry friends receive the best care possible. One of the most effective ways to do this is through pet insurance. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about pet insurance in Singapore, including the benefits, types of coverage, and factors to consider when choosing a policy.

Here is a Video of Pet Insurance in Singapore:

Why Pet Insurance Matters

Pet insurance is designed to cover unexpected veterinary costs, which can be quite high. However, unexpected illnesses or injuries can significantly increase these costs. For instance, surgery for a serious injury can cost upwards of SGD 5,000. Without insurance, these expenses can be a financial burden.

Types of Pet Insurance Coverage

There are several types of pet insurance coverage available in Singapore:

  1. Accident-Only Coverage

    • This type of insurance covers veterinary costs resulting from accidents, such as fractures or poisoning. It is usually the most affordable option but does not cover illnesses.

  2. Accident and Illness Coverage

    • This comprehensive plan covers both accidents and illnesses, including chronic conditions like diabetes and cancer. It is more expensive than accident-only coverage but offers broader protection.

  3. Wellness Coverage

    • Also known as routine care coverage, this type of insurance covers preventive care such as vaccinations, dental cleanings, and annual check-ups. It is often an add-on to accident and illness policies.

  4. Lifetime Coverage

    • Lifetime coverage is the most extensive type of insurance, covering your pet for ongoing conditions throughout their life. This type of policy ensures that once a condition is covered, it will continue to be covered in subsequent years.
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Factors to Consider When Choosing Pet Insurance

When selecting a pet insurance policy, consider the following factors:

  1. Coverage Limits

    • Understand the maximum amount the insurance company will pay out each year. Some policies have per-condition limits, while others have an annual limit.

  2. Exclusions

    • Review the policy exclusions carefully. Common exclusions include pre-existing conditions, elective procedures, and certain hereditary conditions.

  3. Deductibles and Co-Payments

    • Determine the amount you need to pay out-of-pocket before the insurance kicks in (deductible) and the percentage of the bill you need to pay even after the deductible is met (co-payment).

  4. Reimbursement Level

    • Check the reimbursement level, which is the percentage of the vet bill that the insurance will cover. Common reimbursement levels range from 70% to 90%.

  5. Network of Veterinarians

    • Some insurance companies have a network of preferred veterinarians. Ensure your preferred vet is included in the network or if you have the flexibility to choose any licensed vet.

Leading Pet Insurance Providers in Singapore

Here are some of the top pet insurance providers in Singapore:

  1. AIA Pet Care

  2. Liberty Insurance

  3. NTUC Income Pet Insurance

  4. AON Happy Tails

    • Specializes in lifetime coverage for chronic conditions, making it ideal for pets with long-term health issues. Check out AON Happy Tails.
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The Benefits of Pet Insurance

Having pet insurance offers numerous benefits:

  1. Financial Security

    • Pet insurance provides peace of mind knowing that you won’t have to choose between your pet’s health and your finances in an emergency.

  2. Access to Better Care

    • With insurance, you can afford advanced treatments and procedures that might otherwise be too expensive.

  3. Preventive Care

    • Many policies include coverage for routine care, helping you keep your pet healthy through regular check-ups and preventive treatments.

  4. Coverage for Chronic Conditions

    • Lifetime and comprehensive policies cover chronic conditions, ensuring your pet gets the necessary treatment throughout their life.

Statistics Highlighting the Importance of Pet Insurance

Making an Informed Decision

Choosing the right pet insurance policy requires careful consideration of your pet’s needs, your budget, and the available options. Here are some steps to help you make an informed decision:

  1. Research Different Providers

    • Compare policies from various providers, focusing on coverage, exclusions, and costs. Utilize resources like Pet Insurance Review to read customer reviews and ratings.

  2. Consult Your Veterinarian

    • Your vet can provide insights into common health issues for your pet’s breed and recommend suitable coverage options.

  3. Read the Fine Print

    • Carefully review the policy documents to understand the terms, conditions, and exclusions.

  4. Consider Your Pet’s Age and Health

    • Older pets or those with pre-existing conditions may have limited coverage options, so it’s essential to insure pets when they are young and healthy.

  5. Evaluate Your Financial Situation

    • Choose a policy that fits your budget while providing adequate coverage for potential health issues.

pet insurance

Conclusion

Pet insurance is a valuable investment for any pet owner in Singapore. By understanding the different types of coverage, factors to consider, and the benefits of having insurance, you can make an informed decision that ensures your pet receives the best possible care without financial strain. For more information, visit the websites of leading pet insurance providers like AIA, Liberty Insurance, NTUC Income, and AON Happy Tails.

Remember, insuring your pet is a proactive step towards their health and happiness. Don’t wait for an emergency to highlight the importance of pet insurance. Make the right choice today and enjoy peace of mind knowing your furry friend is protected.

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Finding Your Lost Cat in Singapore

lost cat

Losing a cat can be a heart-wrenching experience for any pet owner. In a bustling city like Singapore, the challenges of locating a lost feline can be daunting. This guide aims to provide practical advice and comfort to cat owners, tailored to the unique environment and legal considerations of Singapore. Whether you own a Siamese, a Persian, or a local Singapura cat, these tips will help you navigate this stressful situation.

Understanding Singapore’s Environment

Singapore’s urban landscape is a mix of high-rise buildings, busy streets, and green spaces. This environment presents both challenges and opportunities when searching for a lost cat. Knowing where your cat is most likely to hide can significantly increase your chances of finding them.

Immediate Steps to Take

1. Search Your Home Thoroughly

Cats are known for their ability to squeeze into the smallest spaces. Before assuming your cat is lost, conduct a thorough search of your home. Check closets, under beds, behind appliances, and in any nooks and crannies.

2. Notify Your Neighbors

Inform your neighbors about your lost cat. Provide them with a description and a photo. Neighbors can keep an eye out and might have seen your cat around the area.

3. Use Social Media and Online Platforms

Singapore has a robust online community of pet lovers. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Petfinder.com can be invaluable in spreading the word. Join local pet groups and post about your lost cat. Be sure to include a clear photo, a detailed description, and your contact information.

Here is a video on tips to find your missing cat:

Utilizing Singapore’s Pet Services

Microchipping

In Singapore, it is mandatory to microchip pets. Ensure your cat’s microchip information is up to date. This can significantly increase the chances of being reunited if your cat is found and taken to a vet or a shelter.

Animal Welfare Groups

Reach out to local animal welfare groups such as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and Cat Welfare Society (CWS). They often have resources and networks that can aid in the search.

Legal Considerations

Singapore has strict laws regarding pet ownership. Ensure that your cat is properly licensed and that you adhere to local regulations. This not only helps in the search but also avoids potential fines.

Comforting Your Cat When Found

A lost cat can be distressed and scared when found. Here are some tips to help comfort them:

1. Approach Gently

When you locate your cat, approach them slowly and calmly. Sudden movements can startle them and cause them to run away.

2. Offer Food and Water

Carry some of your cat’s favorite treats or food. Offering food can help coax them out of hiding and provide comfort.

3. Re-establish Routine

Once home, re-establish your cat’s routine as quickly as possible. Familiar routines can help reduce stress and anxiety.

Just Sitting Here Missing You GIFfrom Just Sitting Here GIFs

Preventive Measures

1. Keep Your Cat Indoors

The safest place for your cat is indoors. If your cat enjoys the outdoors, consider building a cat enclosure or taking them for walks on a leash.

2. Regular Check-ins

Regularly check your home for potential escape routes. Ensure windows and doors are secure, and there are no gaps in fences or screens.

Breed-Specific Tips

Different cat breeds have different behaviors and tendencies. Understanding these can help you tailor your search efforts.

Siamese Cats

Siamese cats are known for their vocal nature. If your Siamese is lost, they are likely to meow loudly, which can help you locate them. These cats are also social and may approach strangers for help.

Persian Cats

Persians are less likely to wander far due to their calm and laid-back nature. They might be hiding somewhere close to home, so focus your search on nearby quiet spots.

Singapura Cats

The Singapura, being one of the smallest cat breeds, can hide in extremely small spaces. They are also quite agile and might climb to higher spots. Look up trees, rooftops, and other elevated areas.

lost cat

Conclusion

Losing a cat is a distressing experience, but with the right steps, you can increase the chances of a happy reunion. Understanding your cat’s behavior, utilizing Singapore’s resources, and adhering to legal requirements are crucial. Remember, the community is your ally, and together, you can bring your beloved pet back home.

For more information and resources, consider visiting the following links:

Stay hopeful and proactive, and you’ll have your furry friend back in no time.

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All You Need to Know about Pet Insurance

Dog with a stethoscope. A dogter.

Falling sick and going to see a doctor is a costly thing, so is the same as our pets falling sick and furthermore these things are out of our control. Pets are like humans, they may fall sick, get injured or meet with an accident. We have medical insurance while there is pet insurance for them.

Do you know that when the pet is stolen or lost, the costs involved in search & retrieval of our pet, having a pet insurance can help with the costs involved? You didn’t know? Neither did I prior to doing research. Like most people, I thought pet insurance would just be like ours, able to claim medical bills whenever I fall sick and is hospitalised and that’s it. 

The insurance is quite limited and is covering dogs or cats only.

AIA Paw Safe CIMB My Paw Pal Liberty Insurance PetCare AON Happy Tails
Breed Dogs Cats & Dogs Cats & Dogs Cats & Dogs
Age 3 months to 7 years old 3 months to 7 years old 2 months to 9 years old 4 months to 9 years old
Eligibility 1. Must be licensed
2. Must not be any of these breeds: mastiff, bull terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, pit bull terrier, American pit bull terrier, Dogo Argentino, canary dog, American bulldog or dogs crossed with any of these breeds and/or wolves
3. Maximum of 1 policy for each dog you own, up to a maximum of 2 dogs per household		 1. Must be licensed with AVS and microchipped
2. Fully vaccinated and neutered/spayed 3. Must not be a working dog (not for the purpose of racing, breeding, law enforcement, guide dog, guarding or for other commercial use) 		 1. Microchipped
2. Must be residing with you
3. Must not be a working pet or one used for breeding		 1. Microchipped
2. Fully vaccinated
3. Must not be a working pet or one used for breeding
What do they cover? Accidental injury and/or death
Cremation and/or burial fees due to accident
Vet fees due to accidents
Loss of dog due to theft
3rd party liability		 Basic Cover
Accidental injury and/or death
Cremation and/or burial fees due to accident
Vet fees due to accidents

Add-ons:
Option A: Lost of dog due to theft (+S$32.10/annual)
Option B: Medical and cremation/burial expenses due to illness (+S$321.00/annual)

 Accidental death
Vet costs for accidental injury and/or illnesses
Loss of dog due to theft
3rd party liability		 Clinical and surgical
Chemotherapy
Final expenses (euthanasia, cremation, funeral service and handling charges following death of the Pet)
3rd party liability
Annual Price Microchipped: SGD$79.49
Non-microchipped: S$84.58		 Basic: S$74.90
Option A: S$74.90 + S$32.10 = S$107
Option B: S$74.90 + S$321 = S$395.90		 Standard: S$350

Enhanced: S$450

Superior: S$750
**the payout amount will be different for different tier

 For dogs:
Fur: S$337.82 (Limit of S$3,500/year)
Furry: S$410.22 (Limit of S$7,500/year)
Furball: S$482.60 (Limit of S$12,500/year)

For cats:
Purrfect: S$299.69 (Limit of S$5,000/year)
Coverage Period Until 8 years old Until 13 years old Until 13 years old Lifetime

Co-insurance and deductibles

Co-insurance refers to the portion you have to pay when making a claim. For example, if your pet goes for a surgery and the total bill comes up to S$3,000. Your pet insurance plan offers 20% co-insurance on all vet surgeries.

The 20% means you have to cover it by yourself and they will reimburse you the remaining 80%, in this case S$2,400.

Deductible is the amount paid out of pocket by the policyholder before an insurance provider will pay any expenses. For example, third party liability, if your dog has escaped and ran into someone’s house and broke an ancient vase, they are claiming $5,000 from you. 

Your insurer offers a deductible of $1,000 on all third party liability claims, which in this case means that your insurer will pay you $4,000 after the claim instead of the full $5,000.

Co-insurance and deductibles help insurers lessen the financial burden on the individual policyholder and its family and also bring down premiums by making sure that only policyholders who need to make a claim pay their share. Otherwise, the costs will be passed on to everyone, making all policyholders pay higher premiums.

It is important to understand this and remember this as it will affect the cost that you have to bear even with this.  

AIA Paw Safe (Dogs only):

Accidental Death S$1,000 or purchase price (whichever is lower)
Vet fees due to accident
*deductible of S$150		 Up to S$1,000
Cremation or Burial Expenses due to Death by Accident Up to S$250
Loss of Dog Due to Theft
*deductible of S$250		 S$1,000 or purchase price (whichever is lower)
Third Party Liability
*deductible of S$1,000		 Up to S$1 million dollars

CIMB My Paw Pal (Cats and Dogs):

Basic ($74.90)
Accidental Death S$1,500
Medical Expenses Due To An Accident
*minimum claims of S$100		 Up to S$3,000/year
Cremation Or Burial Expenses Due To An Accident Up to S$300
Third Party Liability  Up to  S$250,000
Option A (+S$32.10)
Loss of Dog Due To Theft Up to S$1,500
Option B (+S$321)
Medical and Cremation/ Burial Expenses Due To Illness Up to S$3,000/year
(inclusive of basic plan)

Liberty Insurance PetCare (Cats, Dogs):

Standard (S$350) Enhanced (S$450) Superior (S$750)
Accidental Death S$1,000 S$2,000 S$3,000
Accidental Injury
*deductible of S$50		 S$500 S$750 S$3,000
Loss of Dog Due To Theft
*not applicable for cats		 S$300 S$500 S$1,250
Vet fees for non-surgical treatment
*co-insurance of 50%		 S$500 S$750 S$3,000
Vet fees for surgical treatment
*co-insurance of 30%		 S$1,500 S$2,000 S$10,000
Third Party Liability
*deductible of S$500		 S$100,000 S$250,000 S$500,000

AON Happy Tails (Cats, Dogs):

Fur (S$337.82) Furry (S$410.22) Furball (S$482.60) Purrfect (S$299.69)
Maximum annual coverage S$3,500 S$7,500 S$12,500 S$5,000
Clinical and surgical benefit
Limit for room and board expenses
Limit for post-surgical treatment benefit		 S$2,500
S$250
S$150		 S$6,000
S$600
S$300		 S$10,000
S$1,000
S$500		 S$3,800
S$380
S$200
Chemotherapy S$1,000 S$1,500 S$2,500 S$1,200
Final expenses NA S$250 S$250 S$250
Third party liability S$100,000 S$250,000 S$500,000 S$250,000
Co-insurance (Cats and Dogs)
Before Age 4 20%
Before Age 7 30%
Before Age 9 40%
Deductible
Cats & Dogs; Any age $250

With all the pet insurances and what you can claim from them covered, let’s talk about deciding which policy is best for your pet.

Some factors you have to think about:

  1. Age: it is better to get your pet insured the earlier the better as the pet insurance won’t allow you to purchase a policy for your pet if there’s pre-existing health conditions.
  2. Pet Breed: It is good to look into whether your pet breed is known to develop any health issues at their later stage of health, if yes, it’s best to get one that covers the health issue.
  3. Medical History: If your pet is prone to falling sick, you should look for one that has higher medical bills coverage
  4. Accidents: If your pet is accident-prone or like to escape from the house, it is best to look for one that covers this and third party liability
  5. Cost: This is an important factor as you have to calculate if the policy is something that you can afford and at the same time keep some money aside for emergency.
  6. Lifetime: It would be great if all the policies are covering pets their lifetime as who would know what’s going to happen towards the last stage of their life. If you would like to have lifetime coverage for your pet, you can look into getting AON Happy Tails

This is considered an important decision so you should take some time to think about the policies before making decisions.

Take care paw parents and pets!

Stay safe everyone!