Best Pet Insurance in South Africa (2025)
By MoneyToday Team • Dec 2025 • 8 min read
Vet bills in South Africa can be shockingly expensive. A broken leg can cost R15,000+, cancer treatment R50,000+, and even a simple consultation is now R500-R800. Pet insurance protects you from these unexpected costs.
We've compared the top pet insurance providers in South Africa for 2025, looking at coverage, pricing, waiting periods, and what real pet owners say about the claims process.
Quick answer: For most pet owners, Dotsure offers the best balance of comprehensive cover and value. For pets with pre-existing conditions, MediPet is the only option. On a tight budget? PawPaw starts at just R76/month.
2025 Pet Insurance Comparison
| Provider | From | Max Cover | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| MediPet | R199/mo | R62,000 | Older pets & pre-existing conditions |
| Dotsure | R99/mo | R100,000+ | Comprehensive cover & exotic pets |
| Oneplan | R70/mo | R58,000 | Upfront payment via Onecard |
| OUTsurance | Quote-based/mo | R65,000 | Personalised pricing & OUTbonus rewards |
| PawPaw | R76/mo | Unlimited (Comprehensive) | Affordable cover & fast claims |
Click a provider below for detailed breakdown. Prices vary by pet breed, age, and location.
Detailed Provider Reviews
MediPet
Est. 2007Pros
- + Only SA broker covering pre-existing conditions (after 30 days)
- + Covers pets of all ages
- + Holistic wellness benefits on higher plans
- + Multiple pet discounts available
Cons
- - Higher premiums for comprehensive cover
- - Broker model (uses underwriters)
Available Plans
Dotsure
Est. 2011Pros
- + Voted Best Pet Insurance 2023/2024
- + Covers dogs, cats, birds, reptiles & small mammals
- + 15% multi-pet discount
- + Month-to-month, cancel anytime
Cons
- - 12-month waiting period for genetic conditions
- - Routine care only on higher plans
Available Plans
Oneplan
Est. 2010Pros
- + Onecard pays vet directly (no waiting for reimbursement)
- + December 2025: 50% off first 2 months
- + Premiums locked for 1 year
- + Day-to-day benefits included
Cons
- - Age limits apply (varies by dog size)
- - 25% excess for first 6 months
Available Plans
OUTsurance
Est. 1998Pros
- + Premiums based on YOUR pet (not subsidising others)
- + OUTbonus cashback if you don't claim
- + Healthy pet discount for ideal body condition
- + Well-established insurer
Cons
- - No fixed pricing (must get quote)
- - R900 excess on accident/illness claims (from Jan 2025)
Available Plans
PawPaw
Est. 2013Pros
- + Claims processed within 72 hours
- + No breed exclusions
- + Pack Plan covers all household pets (R160/month)
- + 10% discount for pets under 4 years
Cons
- - 30-day general waiting period
- - Less brand recognition
Available Plans
What Does Pet Insurance Cover?
Coverage varies by plan and provider, but here's what's typically included:
Usually Covered
- Accidents (car accidents, poisoning, broken bones)
- Illnesses (infections, cancer, diabetes)
- Surgery and hospitalisation
- Diagnostic tests (X-rays, blood work)
- Medication (prescribed by vet)
- Emergency vet visits
Usually NOT Covered
- Pre-existing conditions (except MediPet)
- Elective procedures (cosmetic surgery)
- Breeding-related costs
- Routine care (unless on comprehensive plan)
- Dental cleaning (unless specified)
- Food and supplements (unless specified)
Understanding Waiting Periods
All pet insurance has waiting periods before coverage kicks in. This prevents people from signing up only after their pet gets sick.
| Type of Cover | Typical Wait |
|---|---|
| Accidents | 0-48 hours |
| Illness | 14-60 days |
| Routine/Wellness | 30 days |
| Genetic/Hereditary conditions | 6-12 months |
| Hip dysplasia (specific) | 12 months+ |
What Affects Your Premium?
Pet Type
Dogs are generally more expensive to insure than cats. Cats have fewer vet visits and are less prone to injuries.
Breed
Purebreds often cost more due to genetic conditions. Dachshunds (back problems), Bulldogs (breathing issues), Persian cats (bladder stones).
Age
Older pets cost more to insure. Some insurers have age limits (e.g., Oneplan: 9 years for big dogs, 11 for small dogs).
Cover Level
Accident-only is cheapest. Add illness cover and premiums increase. Comprehensive with routine care is most expensive.
Dogs vs Cats: Cost Comparison
Dog Insurance
- Average cost: R150 - R500/month
- Why more expensive: More injuries, more chronic conditions, larger medical costs
- Common claims: Broken bones, hip dysplasia, tick fever, skin conditions
Cat Insurance
- Average cost: R100 - R300/month
- Why cheaper: Fewer vet visits, less prone to accidents, lower treatment costs
- Common claims: Kidney disease, diabetes, urinary blockages, dental issues
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pet insurance worth it in South Africa?
Yes, if you can't afford a R20,000+ emergency vet bill. A single surgery can cost more than years of premiums. Pet insurance gives you peace of mind and ensures you never have to choose between your pet's health and your finances.
What about pre-existing conditions?
Most insurers exclude pre-existing conditions entirely. MediPet is the only provider in South Africa that covers pre-existing conditions after a 30-day waiting period (on their LitePlus plan). Expect to pay more for this coverage.
Can I use any vet?
Yes, all major pet insurers in South Africa allow you to use any registered veterinarian. You're not locked into a network like with some human medical aids.
How do claims work?
Most insurers require you to pay the vet and then submit a claim for reimbursement (typically 3-14 days). Oneplan is different – their Onecard pays the vet directly, so you don't need to pay upfront.
Does pet insurance cover sterilisation?
Only on comprehensive plans (like Dotsure Superior, MediPet Ultimate360). Basic and mid-tier plans typically don't include routine procedures like sterilisation, vaccinations, or annual checkups.
What's the excess/co-payment?
Most insurers charge 10-25% of the claim as excess, with a minimum amount (e.g., R150-R900). This means if your claim is R10,000 with 15% excess, you pay R1,500 and insurance pays R8,500.
Our Verdict
Best Overall: Dotsure
Comprehensive cover, competitive pricing, covers exotic pets, and voted Best Pet Insurance 2023/2024. The 15% multi-pet discount is generous.
Best for Pre-Existing Conditions: MediPet
The only insurer in SA that covers pre-existing conditions (after 30 days). Also covers pets of all ages when others won't.
Best Budget Option: PawPaw
Starting at R76/month with fast claims processing. The Pack Plan (R160/month for ALL household pets) is unbeatable value.
Best for Easy Claims: Oneplan
The Onecard pays the vet directly – no paying upfront and waiting for reimbursement. Currently offering 50% off first 2 months (Dec 2025).
Ready to Protect Your Furry Friend?
Get quotes from multiple providers to find the best price for your pet's breed and age.