THE SHORT ANSWER
If you have a dog or cat, veterinary insurance covers certain costs when the animal becomes ill or is injured. It is different from life insurance for the animal, which is another part of the agreement.
Do not compare only the monthly price. The maximum payout, excess and exclusions determine which costs the insurance can cover. Read the details for the correct animal and current period. [1][2]
Keep these points in mind
- Veterinary cover and life cover serve different purposes.
- The excess can have both a fixed and a percentage part.
- Previous illnesses need particular attention when switching.
STEP BY STEP
How to check your cover
Read both parts of the excess
A fixed excess is an amount. A variable excess is a share of the cost under the policy terms. Check the order in which they are calculated and how long the excess period lasts. Several visits do not necessarily mean paying a new fixed excess each time.
[3]Check waiting periods and individual exclusions
A waiting period is a time after the insurance starts when certain events are not yet covered. An individual exclusion instead excludes something specific, such as a previous illness. Read both. Ask the insurer whether a new or changed agreement affects an ongoing condition.
[1][3]
A switch needs checking for your particular animal
A new insurer may assess previous illnesses and injuries under different conditions. Some offer transfer arrangements, but only when their requirements are met. Ask for written confirmation of the new cover before treating two offers as equivalent.
[3]See the cost and document together
You can bring your pet insurance documents together in My Forsio and open them from the policy details. A renewal change can be shown when comparable price information is available. Forsio does not make veterinary assessments, and a displayed amount is not a decision on payment for a particular treatment.
Fictional calculation
The excess has two parts.
Assume 10 000 kr in eligible veterinary costs, a new excess period and enough cover remaining in the policy.
- Fixed excess
- 2 000 kr
- Variable part: 20% of 8 000 kr
- 1 600 kr
- You pay in this example
- 3 600 kr
The calculation shows why a fixed excess is not always your entire share of the cost. Your agreement and which costs are accepted determine the actual amount.
Common questions
Is life cover the same as veterinary cover?
No. Veterinary cover applies to certain care costs. Life insurance can pay a lump sum if the animal dies in circumstances covered by the terms. The presence of one part does not confirm that the other is included. [1][2]
What if the documents do not show a limit?
Read the full terms or ask the insurer. An empty field in an overview means neither unlimited payment nor confirmed missing cover.
What does excess mean in pet insurance?
The excess is the part of an eligible vet bill that you pay yourself. In Swedish pet insurance it usually has a fixed amount and a percentage of the eligible costs above it. According to Konsumenternas, most insurers set that percentage between 15 and 25 percent. Your own policy states the exact figures. [1]
What does “20% of the remaining claim” mean?
It is the percentage part of the excess. After the fixed amount, you pay that share of the eligible costs that remain. In the fictional example above, a 10 000 kr bill with a 2 000 kr fixed excess and 20 percent of the remaining 8 000 kr leaves you paying 3 600 kr.
Is there a waiting period before the cover starts?
Some dog insurance policies have a waiting period (karenstid) of 14 to 20 days. If the dog falls ill during that time, the insurance does not apply. Check the period in your own terms. [1]
Can I insure an older dog?
According to Konsumenternas, most insurers accept dogs from six weeks old without an upper age limit, but some do not accept new policies once the dog has turned seven. The life part usually ends at 8 to 12 years, depending on breed and insurer. [1]
MY FORSIO
Start with the policies you already have.
Bring your documents together in My Forsio and see what the information shows. Free for individuals.
Sources and references
Sources checked
This guide explains general principles of Swedish insurance. Your policy schedule and terms set out what applies to you.