Owners estimate the cost of medical treatment at one fifth of the price that will actually be charged. This appears from a survey of 1,021 (future) Belgian owners of cats and/or dogs, carried out between 20 and 30 March 2024 by the research agency DVJ Insights at the request of Figo Pet, the animal insurance company.
There are around 4.5 million dogs and cats in our country. And in most cases, we consider them to be full members of the family. Three-quarters of pet owners (73%) want the best medical care for their “best friend,” regardless of cost. When their dog or cat becomes ill, respectively 70% and 63% of the owners immediately contact the vet. But they underestimate the costs this will entail.
“An indigestible bill”
“Four out of five Belgians (80%) want a level of care for their animals that corresponds to what they receive for themselves,” estimates Aurélie Biefnot, spokesperson for Figo Pet Belgium. “But they are not always aware that this can result in a very indigestible bill. This is explained: Thanks to modern technology, today we can perform almost the same medical treatments for an animal as for a human. Those intended for us are often covered by insurance, but this is generally not yet the case for pets. »
For example, for a broken paw, cat owners expect a bill of 300 euros, while in reality, depending on the complexity of the fracture and the necessary examinations, it can reach up to 3,000 euros. If it is an operation for a dog, for example to remove a swallowed object – such as a sock – the bill can reach 2,000 euros.
Half of the dog owners and 45% of the cat owners have therefore already been unpleasantly surprised when they discovered the bill.
At Poilsart Veterinærcenter in Andenne, we also notice that owners more often underestimate the costs of medical treatments. “Like human medicine, veterinary structures now offer increasingly sophisticated examinations and treatments, such as on-site blood tests, scanners, ultrasounds, MRIs, and even treatments for certain cancers. And it must be admitted that these treatments are often performed more quickly than for humans. These advances however, there is a cost.By insuring your pet, you can offer it this high-quality care without having to worry about unforeseen expenses,” emphasizes Olivier Hoens, veterinarian.
Although we are willing to pay around €1,345 a year for our dog’s medical expenses, almost one in five dog owners (18%) say they would not be able to spend this money directly. Only 76% of dog owners and 67% of cat owners have enough money set aside to cover unexpected high costs. One in eight owners admit they would reconsider their decision to get a pet if they had known about it in advance.
a monthly amount
However, it is possible not to get there. The survey reveals that almost half of pet owners (47%) prefer to pay an amount each month rather than be faced with the surprise of a large unexpected bill. Since last year, Belgian owners have been able to take out health insurance with Figo Pet. “People think it’s normal to have health insurance for themselves, but they’re not yet familiar with the idea of having one for their ‘best friend.’
“Today, barely 3% of pets are covered by insurance, although almost half of the owners consider it a good idea,” adds Aurélie Biefnot. “Their pets will always receive the best care and they won’t be faced with an unexpected bill.”
An important aspect of Figo’s proposal lies in the quality of the relationships established with veterinarians. They welcome the arrival of a pet insurance company for several reasons:
“Insurance for dogs and cats gives you peace of mind in the face of unexpected veterinary expenses, so you can provide the best care without breaking the bank. It also helps cover regular vet visits to prevent major problems. In addition, veterinary medicine is making more and more progress, but of course it costs more if we want optimal care. The insurance thus ensures a longer and happier life for the animal thanks to constant and complete monitoring,” concludes Olivier Hoen.
