Pet insurance is the thing in Sweden.Swedish pets are in fact amongst the most insured in the world. In 2018 it was estimated that an approximate 57% of pets were insured in Sweden. That is quite a lot even compared to other Nordic countries.
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Why this is the case may be due to a variety of reasons.
- Some believe it has to do with Sweden being one of the original animal welfare countries.
- Some say that pet insurance has just been around for so long that it has become the common practice. The first animal insurance policy in Sweden is believed to have been made in 1890.
- Some Swedes insure their pets because they consider them part of the family.
- Some are just afraid of the massive veterinary bills. Pet care is very expensive in Sweden and not covered by the government likeSwedish health care for humans.
- And finally, some think that insurance is just part of the Swedish way of life.
Where to insure my pet
There are many different places to insure your pet. Some insurance companies that are specialized in pets are:
- Hedvig* has insurance for both dogs and cats. High coverage, support and digital care via their app and a free yearly checkup included.
- Lassie* – dogs and cats. They have a cool digital app where the more you learn, the more points you get which can be used for a lower insurance price.
- Petson* is a new contender on the pet insurance market who cover both insurance and food. They have competitive insurances for dogs and cats and you should definitely check them out if you have 4-10 pets as they do special deals for a flock.
- FurryChamp* – dogs and cats. Super competitive pet insurance started by a newbie! All information is in English on their website and the customer service is in a bunch of different languages.
- ICA Försäkringar*– dogs and cats
- Agria– dogs, cats, horses and small animals and birds
What type of pet insurance are there?
Different insurances include different types of help. Make sure you research before signing so that you get exactly what your pet needs. Some common insurances for pets are:
- Veterinary care insurancegives you reimbursem*nt for costs at the vet’s above your excess.
- Life insuranceprovides compensation equivalent to the pets value if your pet dies, needs to be put to sleep, runs away or is stolen.
- Rehabilitation insurancereimburses you for costs in relation to stretching and massage when the pet gets a muscle injury.
- Breeding insurancewill reimburse you for lost income if your pet is unable to breed.
Some things to keep in mind
- Compare insurances to find which one fits your needs best. And make sure to check the fine print.
- Do your home work and check the rules and prices regarding excess vs monthly costs. You can often get a cheaper monthly payment if you accept a higher excess cost. However these excess costs can get rather steep, so just make sure you check what you can afford before signing anything.
- Check if the breeder of your pet (if there is a breeder that is) has an insurance.
- Check if your home insurance covers any costs for your pet.
- Most insurance companies cover dogs and cats. Make sure the insurance company covers the particular type of pet you have.
- Some usual problems in animals due to excessive breeding (for instance the eye decease entropion in Shar-pei dogs) are considered so common that most insurance companies do not cover this in their insurance. Make sure you check if the breed of your pet comes with special clauses.
- The age of your pet can affect the insurance. Just read up on this to avoid unpleasant surprises.
E-learning course: Moving to Sweden with pets
Are you planning to move with your pet to Sweden and feeling a bit overwhelmed about all the stuff you need to figure out to move? We’ve got you covered. Over the years we’ve been repeatedly told just stressful this process can be so we created a digital course with all the information you need to move with your pet. Here you will learn about:
- Bringing pets from the EU.
- Bringing pets from listed countries.
- Bringing pets from unlisted countries.
- Laws and animal protection.
- ID-markings.
- Missing pets.
- Different insurances and where to turn if you do not have a Swedish personal number.
- What to do if your pet gets sick.
- And some frequently asked questions.
Sign up to your course here
Where do I shop for my pet?
There are a lot of pet shops around, both large and small. If you want to buy food and other items online for your pet, we collaborate withVetZoo*. They deliver within 1-4 days all over Sweden, delivery is free of charge above 500 SEK and you don’t have to be home for the delivery. AND, you can get advice from a licensed veterinarian when placing your order.
