You already have a health contract for your dog or are considering taking one, but you wonder if your faithful companion will be covered during your trips abroad. We assure you, the answer is yes, in most cases.
Zoom on dog insurance contracted in France and how it works when you leave the territory.
Most dog mutuals operate abroad
In principle, your contract covers your dog’s health well, including when you are abroad. It is the guarantees taken out that apply, such as the payment of veterinary costs in the event of accident, illness, or additional costs for x-rays, check-ups, blood, etc.
For quotes on dog insurance
If your contract is not yet in place, and you are looking for the best insurer for your dog abroad, you should read the general and specific conditions carefully before signing, and in particular:
- The clauses relating to the territoriality of the guarantees,
- The clauses relating to the exclusions of the contract.
For dog insurance already in place
If you have already taken out your contract, you can refer to it to find out, or simply call or send an e-mail to your insurer to ask them what the situation is.
We advise you to always prefer a written response from the insurer, in order to protect yourself in the event of a misunderstanding to assert your rights. Do not hesitate to ask him for a dog insurance certificate mentioning:
- The name of the subscriber of the contract,
- The name of the insured dog,
- The country of destination,
- The date of stay,
- The scope of guarantees.
What are the conditions for receiving support?
If the insurance of your dog works well abroad, some preliminary conditions must be respected according to the contracts. This is why it is essential to inquire before your departure so as not to be taken unawares and to see you refused the implementation of the guarantees.
The territoriality of dog insurance abroad
The contract may cover your dog only in certain countries. Most frequently, you will find European countries for dog mutual insurance taken out with a French insurer.
But the guarantees can extend to other countries, on all continents (America, Asia, Africa, Oceania). Please note, however, that certain countries considered to be at risk may be excluded from the guarantees.
The duration of cover for dog insurance abroad
The duration of cover for your pooch abroad is generally valid for 3 months, or 90 days. According to the insurers, it is possible to renew this period for an additional 3 months.
Beyond 6 months, your dog is no longer guaranteed, because you do not meet the conditions to remain a French tax resident. However, this is often a sine qua non of insurance contracts.
Prerequisites for support abroad
The rules concerning animals are not necessarily the same in France as abroad, even if you are traveling only within the European Union. It is therefore necessary to inquire before your departure with the host country, but also with the airline if you are flying.
For example, the rabies vaccine is mandatory in Spain. In the absence of vaccination in accordance with the applicable rules, your dog insurance could refuse to reimburse you for treatment, for rabies as for any other condition.
Are there specific guarantees in dog insurance for a trip abroad?
Support Guarantee
Some contracts specifically designed for our four-legged friends give you access to 24-hour support, online and / or by phone. It allows you, for example, to easily find a veterinarian wherever you are.
Check that your dog assistance guarantee also works abroad. This is often the case, insurance companies forming partnerships in different territories, but it is better to be sure before leaving.
Optional guarantees
Some contracts, especially high-end ones, provide for the inclusion or option of additional services for dog owners. For example, you could benefit from the following services:
- Care of your dog in case of hospitalization,
- Search costs in case of loss of your animal.
Know that it is always possible to add options before your departure. But beware of waiting periods, remember to subscribe in time so as not to pay for an extension that you could not benefit from during your trip.
Do you need a quote to insure your dog before going abroad? Or on the contrary are you already insured but want to compare the guarantees? You can choose your dog insurance with peace of mind using our online simulator, which is simple, accessible, free and without obligation.
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