Lifelong protection for our furry friends

According to the Thematic Household Survey Report No. 66 by the Census and Statistics Department, over 241,000 families in Hong Kong are owners of cats and dogs, with over 30% of whom also being owners of more than one pet. Hong Kong is beyond a doubt a pet-loving city, with many pet owners playfully nicknamed "cat slaves" and "dog slaves" to their “pet master”. Many pet owners are willing to invest time and money in the happiness and well-being of their pets. Naturally, their biggest worry as pet owners is injuries, illness, and the mounting medical expenses that come with it. This is also where pet insurance comes in.

Medical advancement and better living environments have thankfully led to an increase in the average life expectancy of pets these days. However, illness is still an inevitable reality for our furry friends. Pet insurance on the market generally covers medical expenses such as medically necessary surgeries, diagnostic tests, medical examinations, consultation fees, operating theatre fees, drugs, dressings, and other miscellaneous items. There are also major expenses such as chemotherapy and the cost of boarding at a licensed veterinary clinic or hospital following a surgery. Certain insurance companies provide coverage for post-surgery 90-day follow-up consultations, diagnostic and laboratory services, examinations and acupuncture to extend comprehensive support for the insured pet and the owner. In the unfortunate events of death or euthanization, pet insurance plans may also cover final expenses, including cremation, funeral services, or certain handling charges.

It is worthwhile to note that the prospective insured should pay attention to coverage before taking out a plan. Items to look out for include whether the plan will cover hereditary and congenital diseases such as elbow dysplasia, luxating patella, glaucoma, cherry eye, intervertebral disk disease (IVDD), and other common pet diseases such as hip dysplasia. Keeping these in mind will save one from the frustration of uncovered expenses for choosing an unsuitable plan.

Pets are spirited and lovable for good reasons. Dogs especially need their daily one-hour walk, during which physical fights and property damage are also arguably accidents waiting to happen. In 2018, it was reported on the news that a girl was bitten by an Akita, with its owner having to compensate the injured HK$582,000 in the aftermath. To manage these risks, insurance companies provide third-party legal liability protection against physical injuries, property loss or damage to third parties.

Akin to personal insurance, it is recommended for individuals to take out pet insurance as early as possible. There are insurance companies that introduce lifetime protection that is valid for pets enrolling before they reach the age of four, wherein the insured will only need to bear 20% of the covered expenses. Some policies also provide a premium discount of up to 15% upon renewal, provided there have been no claims filed in the year prior.

At the end of the day, caring for a pet is a lifetime commitment. Pets bring us happiness, joy, and lifelong companionship that are invaluable to their owners. While it is important to take care of their daily needs, it is just as important, if not more, to protect their well-being. Before buying insurance, owners need to pay attention to the terms and conditions of the insurance plan in order to truly benefit from all-around protection for the pet’s breed, age, health, and even personality.

To find out more about Happy Tails® Pet Insurance, please contact us directly on or find out more about our insurance plans:

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