Looking for pet insurance for your furry friend? Pet medical expenses can quickly add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars per checkup, with surgery and long-term treatment even costing more. Many pet owners look to pet insurance as a way to protect their furry friends and their wallets! But with so many options out there, how do you know which plan is the right one for your pet?
Check out MoneySmart’s comparison of the popular pet insurance plans in Hong Kong from OneDegree, Blue Cross, FWD, Prudential, MSIG, PetbleCare, and China Taiping. We’ll showcase the price and coverage of the plan to help you make informed decisions for your furry kids!
Table of Contents: Pet Insurance
- Pet insurance comparison: medical expense coverage
- Pet insurance comparison: additional pet services coverage
- How much is pet insurance? Pet insurance quotes comparison
- Is a microchip required for pet insurance?
- OneDegree pet insurance—Pet’s breed and age don’t matter
- Blue Cross pet insurance—Overseas coverage for cats and dogs
- FWD pet insurance—Get discounts when insuring multiple pets
- Prudential pet insurance—Cancer or heart disease coverage
- MSIG pet insurance—Lifetime coverage if enrolled before age 4
- Petble Care pet insurance—Up to HK$68,000 vet bill coverage
- China Taiping pet insurance—Up to HK$2,000,000 third-party liability
- Pet insurance offers overview June 2023
- Is pet insurance useful?
- FAQs: Pet insurance
Pet insurance comparison: medical expense coverage
Similar to our health insurance, different pet insurance plans have different medical coverage for your furry buddies. In general, pet insurance includes the following coverage:
- Regular and specialist consultation fees
- Laboratory fees, X-rays, and ultrasound fees
- Prescription medications prescribed by the veterinarian
- Hospitalization fees for overnight stays and even surgeries for critically ill pets
- Chemotherapy for pets with cancer
However, it is important to note that neutering and spaying are not typically covered under most pet insurance policies.
Here is an overview of the comparison of medical coverage for pet insurance:
| Pet Insurance Medical Expenses Coverage Comparison (HK$) | |||||
| Insurance Plan | Outpatient/Surgery | X-ray/Ultrasound/Lab Test | Hospitalization | Veterinary Consultation | Chemotherapy |
| OneDegree Pawfect Care Ultra Plan | $80,000 | ||||
| Blue Cross LovePet Insurance Plan A | $60,000 | $6,000 | $12,000 | $15,000 | |
| PRUChoice Furkid Care Insurance Plan B | $70,000 | $10,000 per visit | $7,000 ($500/day) | $16,000 ($800/visit) | $10,000 ($5,000/visit) |
| China Taiping | $27,000 ($6,000/visit) | $20,000 ($2,000/day) | $10,000 ($1,000/visit) | $4,000 | |
| MSIG Ultimate Plan (dog) | $55,000 | $5,500 | included in outpatient/surgery | $13,750 | |
| MSIG Cat Plan | $20,900 | $2,090 | included in outpatient/surgery | $6,600 | |
| FWD Plan 3 | $60,000 | ||||
| PetbleCare Superior Plan | Surgical vet expenses: $60,000
Non-surgical vet expenses: $8,000 |
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Here are the highlights of the pet insurance plans regarding medical expense coverage:
Blue Cross LovePet Insurance has a coverage limit of HK$60,000 per year for surgery, X-rays, and laboratory fees, as well as sub-limits for hospitalization, chemotherapy, and behavioral therapy. The maximum total compensation for all medical expenses throughout the year is HK$60,000.
PetbleCare Superior Plan divides coverage into surgical and non-surgical categories, without separate items for X-rays and laboratory tests, with a maximum total compensation of HK$68,000 per year.
MSIG Ultimate Plan for dogs covers surgery expenses up to HK$55,000 per year, which includes chemotherapy, treatment within 90 days after surgery, and acupuncture.
Both OneDegree and FWD top-tier pet insurance plan does not have a sub-limit, which means all medical expenses are subject to the maximum coverage cap:
- OneDegree has a coverage limit of HK$10,000 for initial cancer diagnosis,
- while FWD allows additional coverage of up to HK$30,000 per year.
Pet insurance comparison: additional pet services coverage—emergency boarding, advertising expenses, and funeral services
| Pet Insurance Additional Expenses Coverage Comparison (HK$) | |||||
| Insurance Plan | Third-Party Liability | Funeral Service (per pet) | Pet Sitting Service | Holiday Cancellation# | Lost Pet Advertising Cost |
| OneDegree Pawfect Care Ultra Plan | N/A | ||||
| Blue Cross LovePet Insurance Plan A | $1,000,000 | $3,000 | $3,000 ($600/day, up to 5 days) | N/A | |
| PRUChoice Furkid Care Insurance Plan B | $3,000,000 | $3,000 | $3,000 ($600/day, up to 6 days) | N/A | |
| China Taiping | $2,000,000 | $2,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $2,500 |
| MSIG Ultimate Plan (dog) | $2,750,000 | $1,375 | N/A | ||
| MSIG Cat Plan | $1,375,000 | $1,375 | N/A | ||
| FWD Plan 3 | $1,000,000 | $1,500 | $500/day (up to 5 days) or per trip | N/A | $400 |
| PetbleCare Superior Plan | $2,000,000 | $1,000 | N/A | $300 | |
#The cost of canceling a holiday trip due to a pet’s critical surgery.
The table above covers the extra protection often offered by pet insurance plans in addition to medical expenses. For example, when a pet is lost, many owners will post “lost pet” advertisements. China Taiping, FWD, and PetbleCare provide compensation for related expenses.
The pet insurance plans mentioned above have deductibles.
What is pet insurance deductible?
Pet insurance plans often require deductibles, meaning that the owner must pay a portion of the medical expenses. For instance, FWD has a deductible of 20%. So, if a 2-year-old dog has HK$1,000 in medical expenses, the insurance will only cover HK$800, and the owner will need to pay the remaining HK$200.
The deductible for lost pet advertising, pet-sitting service fees, and holiday cancellations for China Taiping is 5%. FWD and Blue Cross have a deductible of up to 50% for pet-sitting service coverage.
How much is pet insurance? Pet insurance quotes comparison
Pet insurance premiums are typically divided into 2 to 3 policies and charged based on the age and breed of the cat or dog, making it hard to compare prices at once. So, the table below uses the 6-month-old Poodle breed as an example for pet insurance premium comparison.
| Pet Insurance Coverage Plan (HK$ per year) | |||
| Insurance Provider | High Coverage Plan | Medium Coverage Plan | Low Coverage Plan |
| OneDegree | $4,992 | $4,320 | $3,048 |
| Blue Cross | $3,464.65 | $2,734.1 | $1,898.1 |
| Prudential | $5,126 | $4,238 | |
| China Taiping | $6,000 | $3,000 | $1,000 |
| MSIG | $2,630.13 | $2,235.6 | $1,841.09 |
| FWD | $6,851 | $3,694 | $1,410 |
| PetbleCare | $4,320 | $1,620 | |
Which is the cheapest pet insurance?
In comparison, MSIG Standard Plan (Dog) offers the lowest premiums for poodles. However, this only applies to premiums for poodles and does not necessarily mean that MSIG is the cheapest provider for all pet insurance plans. Additionally, premiums for different pet breeds under the same plan can vary greatly.
For instance, a 2-year-old Bichon Frise only requires an annual premium of HK$1,753.42 for MSIG’s Excellent Plan for pet insurance, while a Pekingese requires HK$4,286.85, which is 1.44 times more expensive than the Bichon Frise.
China Taiping pet insurance charges a minimum fee of HK$1,000 for pets aged from 6 months to 8 years old or below, and their subsequent insurance can be extended up to 12 years old.
Is a microchip required for pet insurance?
Most pet insurance companies require your pet to have a microchip.
Blue Cross and OneDegree are the only companies that don’t need your cat to have a microchip. They accept other documents, like vaccination records, to identify your pet.
What is a pet microchip?
What is a pet microchip? A pet microchip is a tiny, rice-grain-sized object that includes a special identifying code that can be read by a handheld scanner when it is brought close to a dog’s skin.
Do dogs need to be implanted with a microchip?
According to the Rabies Regulations (Chapter 421A, Ordinance 20), anyone who owns a dog over five months old must obtain a dog license. Failure to do so may result in a fine of HK$10,000.
- Dogs as young as 3 months old can be implanted with a microchip.
- The dog license is valid for 3 years, after which the dog must be re-vaccinated against rabies to renew the license.
- If the dog has already been implanted with a microchip, there is no need to implant another one.
Most pet dog insurance plans only cover dogs that have been implanted with microchips. OneDegree pet insurance does not require proof of a microchip number during application.
Do cats need to be implanted with a microchip?
According to Hong Kong laws, there is no legislation requiring cats to be implanted with a microchip. However, it is recommended to implant a microchip in cats to prevent them from getting lost.
Most pet cat insurance plans only cover cats that have been implanted with microchips. OneDegree insurance and Blue Cross do not require proof of microchip number for pet insurance.
How much does it cost to implant a microchip in a cat?
The cost of implanting a microchip in a cat is similar to that of a dog. The Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department charges HK$80, while the cost at a typical clinic is around HK$200.
Is microchipping safe?
The entire process is safe, similar to a normal injection.
What is the information stored in a dog microchip?
A handheld scanner can read the dog’s unique identification code from the microchip by placing it close to the dog’s skin. Using the coding of the microchip, the government can check the dog owner’s information and the dog’s vaccination records.
OneDegree pet insurance—Pet’s breed and age don’t matter
Discounted Annual Premium
HK$2,892
- Annual Coverage
- HK$100,000
- Reimbursement
- Max. 90%
- Cancer Benefit
- HK$10,000
- Discounted Annual Premium
- HK$2,892
OneDegree “Pawfect Care” pet insurance primarily provides medical expense protection for cats and dogs. One key feature is that it covers any breed of cat or dog, including breeds that are not accepted for entry in many countries, such as Pit Bulls and Tibetan Mastiffs. Moreover, OneDegree’s pet insurance covers pets from 13 weeks to 11 years old, which is a wider age range than other pet insurance.
Unlike other pet insurance, “Pawfect Care” pet insurance does not have specific itemized compensation. Instead, it offers a maximum compensation of up to 90% of the total bill and a maximum coverage of HK$80,000.
OneDegree Pawfect Care Pet Insurance features
- Cover all cat and dog breeds.
- Only cover medical expenses; no third-party liability or end-of-life services.
- Claim up to 90% of expenses at the designated veterinarian’s network.
- Lifetime renewability.
- Conditions apply for hereditary/congenital diseases that develop after being insured.
- Online claims application.
OneDegree turtle, tortoise, and bird pet insurance
OneDegree Turtle, Tortoise, and Bird Insurance has introduced the first pet insurance in Hong Kong for turtles, tortoises, and birds. This specialized insurance plan covers a wide range of pets, including 68 species of birds and 53 species of turtles. Pets aged 1–10 years are eligible for applications, and there is no age limit for renewals.
The insurance can be purchased online for an annual premium of HK$2,988. It covers up to 20 medical claims per year, including consultation, hospitalization, and surgery fees, with a 50% reimbursement.
Blue Cross pet insurance—Overseas coverage for cats and dogs
Blue Cross pet insurance has a wide coverage range, providing not only medical expenses but also third-party liability and overseas coverage for insured cats and dogs. Even if pets encounter accidents during travel abroad, their medical expenses can be claimed, which is rare in pet insurance.
The insured age of Blue Cross pet insurance is 6 months to 8 years old, but the policy can be renewed up to 13 years old after a successful application. The compensation amount of Blue Cross pet insurance can reach up to 80% of the total policy, and the coverage amount can reach up to HK$60,000.
Blue Cross LovePet Insurance features
- Medical coverage for overseas travel within 90 days, allowing pets to travel.
- Paying insurance premiums can earn SmartPoints that can be exchanged for air miles.
5% discount plus SmartPoint offer
By becoming a “SmartClub” member of Blue Cross, you can enjoy a 5% discount on pet insurance premiums when you apply online.
That’s not all. For every HK$1 premium you pay, you can earn 1 “SmartPoint” that can be redeemed for cash vouchers or miles—1,000 points for a sweet HK$50 merchant cash coupon or 200 Asia Miles (HK$5/mile). Plus, new members can also earn 300 “SmartPoints” for their first successful application!
FWD pet insurance—Get discounts when insuring multiple pets
FWD’s Pet Care Insurance offers discounts for insuring multiple pets together, such as 5% and 7.5% off premiums for insuring 2 or 3 pets, respectively. Moreover, renewals can enjoy a no-claim discount of up to 15%! In other words, if no claims were made during the previous policy year, pet owners can enjoy these discounts and save on premiums when renewing their policy.
FWD Pet Care Pet Insurance features
- Coverage for pets when traveling or outside of Hong Kong for up to 90 days.
- Includes coverage for canceling a holiday trip due to a pet’s critical surgery.
- Premiums are relatively expensive and have a limit on outpatient visits.
Prudential pet insurance—Cancer or heart disease coverage
Prudential pet insurance offers medical protection for your dogs and cats. If your beloved furry friend is diagnosed with cancer or heart disease, PRUChoice Furkid Care will provide chemotherapy and heart disease treatment benefits to help cover the cost of necessary treatment recommended by licensed veterinarians.
PRUChoice Furkid Care Insurance features
- Coverage begins at 13 weeks of age, and the maximum coverage age is 8 years old.
- “PAWcare” Medical Expenses up to HK$70,000 per policy year.
- Discounts are available for purchases made at designated pet stores and clinics.
MSIG pet insurance—Lifetime coverage if enrolled before age 4
MSIG pet insurance provides lifetime coverage for your furry companions, as long as you enroll your pet before they are 4 years old. And this coverage includes specified hereditary and congenital conditions, such as dysplasia, luxating patella, glaucoma, cherry eye, intervertebral disk disease (IVDD), and hip dysplasia. That’s perfect for breeds that are more prone to inborn issues.
MSIG Happy Tails® Pet Insurance features
- Lifetime renewable (enroll the pet before age 4).
- Different premiums for different pet breeds
- Conditional coverage for specified genetic and congenital diseases
PetbleCare pet insurance—Up to HK$68,000 vet bill coverage
PetbleCare pet insurance covers up to 70% of eligible vet bills resulting from illness or accidents, up to HK$68,000 per year. The insurance allows you to visit any licensed veterinarian in Hong Kong with coverage, and no medical examination is required. It also covers third-party liability resulting from owning a pet, up to HK$2,000,000 per year.
Plus, it covers losses due to theft or accidental death and offers a no-claim renewal discount of up to 15% to reward healthy pets.
PetbleCare features
- Your dog can be insured starting at 8 weeks of age.
- There are diverse coverage options, such as pet training, emergency transportation, prescription diets, and theft of a dog.
- There are no sub-limits for diseases.
- You can file claims online.
China Taiping pet insurance—Up to HK$2,000,000 third-party liability
China Taiping’s pet insurance not only covers veterinary consultation fees, prescription medications, housing expenses, outpatient and surgical expenses, and chemotherapy coverage but also third-party liability up to HK$2,000,000. Plus, the policy can be renewed up to your pet’s 12th birthday, ensuring lasting peace of mind for you and your furry friend.
China Taiping pet insurance features
- Extensive coverage, including the cost of lost pets advertisements to overseas veterinary expenses
- An additional 10% premium for certain breeds, such as Dalmatians and Shar Peisf
Pet insurance offers overview 2023
| Pet Insurance Offers 2023 | |
| Insurance Company | Offer Details |
| OneDegree | First-year premium 20% off with MoneySmart promo code “SMARTPET” (valid until May 31, 2023) |
| Blue Cross | “SmartClub” members enjoy a 5% discount on premiums when applying online, and earn “Smart Points” to redeem cash vouchers or miles. |
| Prudential | Discounts at designated pet stores and clinics |
| China Taiping | 2-3 insured pets: 15% off; 4 insured pets and more: special discounts |
| MSIG | Up to 15% off for no-claim discount |
| FWD | Premium discount 2 insured pets: 5% off 3 insured pets: 7.25% off 4 insured pets: 10% off 5 insured pets and more: 15% offUp to 15% off No Claim Discount |
| PetbleCare | Up to 15% off for a no-claim renewal discount |
^No claim renewal discount is a discount or reward given to policyholders for the next year’s renewal premium if there were no claims made due to accidents in the past year.
Is pet insurance useful?
Whether or not to buy pet insurance depends on the owner’s preferences. Some owners may think that pet insurance is not necessary. However, if you are a cat or dog lover, you likely won’t want to see your “fur babies” suffer and will promptly seek veterinary care. In these cases, pet insurance can provide valuable protection.
Here’s what pet insurance can do for your pets.
Purpose 1: Cover medical expenses
The primary purpose of pet insurance is to cover medical expenses for pets resulting from illness or accidents, including complex surgeries or long-term treatments, which can easily cost HK$100,000 or more at any time.
To learn more about the cost of a vet visit, check out How Much Does A Visit To Vet Cost? Hong Kong Veterinary Service Fee Overview.
Purpose 2: 24-hour emergency hotline support
Another benefit of pet insurance is that most insurance companies offer a 24-hour emergency hotline for pets. So pet owners can quickly seek professional assistance when their pets experience problems.
Some pet insurance policies also provide additional protection, such as coverage for lost, stolen, liability, and pet travel insurance.
Many pet owners consider purchasing pet insurance for medical expenses coverage. However, there are two medical expenses that you shouldn’t overlook.
- If a pet has a congenital disease that only manifests when it is older, many insurance companies will not cover it.
- If a pet has been diagnosed with a disease before purchasing pet insurance, that condition will be considered pre-existing and will not be covered.
In cases like these, pet insurance is not effective, and the owner must pay for the medical expenses.
Last thought
Pets are not just animals; they are family members. As pet owners, it is our responsibility to provide them with the best possible care. Imagine having to let go of a furry friend who has been a loyal companion for years just because you cannot afford their medical expenses. It is a painful thought that no pet owner should have to endure.
Therefore, even if you choose not to buy pet insurance, please remember to set aside some funds for your pet’s future medical expenses. Your furry friend deserves the same love and care that they have given you throughout their lives.
Frequently asked questions: Pet insurance
What is pet insurance?
Pet insurance is an insurance policy that pays for the cost of veterinary care for pets. It can help pet owners handle the cost of unplanned medical expenses for their pets, like accidents, illnesses, and surgeries.
Pet insurance policies usually have various levels of coverage and premiums and may exclude or limit coverage based on the pet’s age, breed, or pre-existing conditions.
Why do you need pet insurance?
Pet insurance can help you cover the high cost of veterinary bills. For example, cancer treatments for dogs can cost up to HK$29,800 per year. Keep in mind that costs may vary depending on your pet’s condition and medical bills.
What should you pay attention to when buying pet insurance?
Before taking out a plan, it’s important to pay attention to coverage. Check if the plan includes hereditary and congenital diseases, like elbow dysplasia, luxating patella, glaucoma, cherry eye, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD), as well as other common pet diseases like hip dysplasia. Remembering these details can help you avoid frustration and unexpected expenses from choosing an unsuitable plan.
What are the requirements for insuring pets with pet insurance?
Before getting pet insurance, your pet must have a microchip implant and vaccinations against diseases. Additionally, your pet cannot be used for breeding, work, or commercial purposes and must have been seen by a registered veterinarian.
What does pet insurance cover?
In general, pet insurance includes the following coverage:
- Regular and specialist consultation fees
- Laboratory fees, X-rays, and ultrasound fees
- Prescription medications prescribed by the veterinarian
- Hospitalization fees for overnight stays and even surgeries for critically ill pets
- Chemotherapy for pets with cancer
However, it is important to note that neutering and spaying are not typically covered under most pet insurance policies.
What does pet insurance generally not cover?
Pet insurance typically excludes coverage for expenses related to vaccinations, sterilizations, and dental care. Moreover, genetic or congenital diseases that occur after the pet has grown up are usually not covered.
What other pets besides cats and dogs can buy insurance?
Pet insurance is generally designed for cats and dogs, while other animals may have fewer options for pet insurance. Some companies, such as OneDegree, offer pet insurance for turtles, exotic birds, and other pets.
Which insurance company offers pet insurance in Hong Kong?
Here are some common insurance providers that offer pet insurance: OneDegree, Blue Cross, FWD, Prudential, MSIG, PetbleCare, and China Taiping.
What is lifelong/lifetime pet insurance?
There are insurance companies that offer a lifetime protection plan for pets enrolled before the age of 4, which covers the majority of expenses, requiring the insured to only bear 20% of the cost.
(Disclaimer: This blog is for reference only. Regarding other details and the terms and conditions of pet insurance, please refer to the policy document.)
Related Article
Wanna know more about the Vet service fee in Hong Kong. Learn more from the blog post: How Much Does A Visit To Vet Cost? Hong Kong Veterinary Service Fee Overview
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