Is pet insurance mandatory in Spain?

Pets are more than just four-legged friends: they become part of our family and treasured companions, and it’s important to look out for their health and well-being, too. Spain has taken that one step further by passing new legislation for domestic animals – estimated to be present in one-third of Spanish households, and more than 14 million in total between cats and dogs.

In late 2023, new legislation was introduced in Spain to protect Fido, of course, as well as wild animals expand legal status of all animals, naming them as sentient beings and thus expanding their legal status. Essentially, the bill states that animals are no longer considered simply as objects and thus cannot be seized, abandoned or mistreated because they are sentient beings. The bill, 7/2023, de 28 de marzo, de protección de los derechos y el bienestar de los animales, was passed and published in the Official State Bulletin (BOE) on September 29, 2023 and became codified law on September 29, 2023. The bill has sweeping effects on pet owners and pet ownership, too.

So, if you’re a pet owner in Spain, you may be wondering, is pet insurance mandatory?

What is pet insurance? Why is pet insurance important?

Pet insurance is a type of coverage that helps pet owners manage the costs of veterinary care for their beloved companions. Just as you would contract health insurance for yourself and your family, pet insurance typically covers a portion of the costs associated with veterinary services, including illness, accidents, and sometimes even routine preventive care.

At the time of publication, dogs between 3 months and 9 years of age must be covered with pet insurance that includes civil liability insurance; those who own cats or other pets do not need to have obligatory pet insurance, though it could be a cost-effective way to be sure that your furry friend leads a healthy and full life.

Is pet insurance mandatory in Spain?

Yes and no. Civil liability insurance for dogs is now mandatory, whereas pet insurance that reduces veterinary costs is suggested for both cats and dogs. When considering pet insurance in Spain, check for one that provides basic care for the animal, as well as sterilization within a six-month period of purchase to prevent overbreeding. Further, all future dog owners must take a mandatory course prior to adoption, though this has not yet gone into effect or have penalties been firmly established.

What about civil liability? Are there different levels of insurance for dangerous or oversized breeds?

Civil liability coverage is now mandatory by law, and your pet must be covered if it damages a person or property. That said, the law has eradicated the list of dangerous dog breeds but does study the largest breeds and whether they should be in homes or not.

What does pet insurance generally cover?

Pet insurance policies vary, but they generally cover veterinary expenses for accidents, illnesses, surgeries, medications, and other treatments. Some policies also offer coverage for preventative care, such as routine check-ups and vaccinations.

There are different types of pet insurance coverage, including accident-only coverage, illness coverage, and comprehensive coverage that includes both accidents and illnesses. Some policies also offer optional add-ons for specific conditions or services, such as cremation.

Pet owners pay a monthly or annual premium to the insurance provider. There may also be a deductible, or the amount the pet owner must pay out of pocket before the insurance coverage becomes effective. Higher premiums often come with lower deductibles, and vice versa.

Many pet insurance policies allow you to choose your preferred veterinarian, as long as they are licensed. When you incur veterinary expenses, you typically pay the full bill upfront. Afterward, you submit a claim to the insurance company and receive reimbursement for the prices you covered at the time of payment.

Like any insurance policy, there may be aspects the pet insurance does not cover and waiting periods. Pre-existing conditions are often excluded, and there may be waiting periods before certain coverage takes effect.

How much does pet insurance cost in Spain?

At its most basic, pet insurance through a national insurer will cost from 20€-30€ monthly for veterinary pet insurance and about 30€ - 50€ / yearly for required civil liability.

Like you would before when purchasing health or car insurance, carefully review the terms, coverage limits, exclusions, and any other details to ensure that the policy meets your specific needs and preferences. Keep in mind that some policies may have age restrictions or different premium rates based on the pet's breed.

Does Caser Seguros offer pet insurance?

Yes! Caser proudly offers insurance coverage for your furry friend via the MIMAscota insurance plans in various coverage levels to best serve you and your pet. Currently, this coverage is only available for cats and dogs.

When choosing Caser MIMAscota insurance, you’ll have a network of more than 320 clinics in the network, plus knowing that your pet’s age and breed do not affect Fido’s ability to be covered. Caser’s most basic coverage plan, MIMAscota con Responsabilidad Civil, will set you up with mandatory civil responsibility insurance for only 3,90€ a month (that’s less than 50€ a year!). You get the following benefits:

• Civil liability of up to 350,000€ + legal defense in the case of damages incurred
• Tele veterinarian at any time, 24/7
• Online consultations with one of CaserVet’s professionals
• Coverage for all breeds and all ages
• Coverage throughout Spain
• The ability to add bespoke options according to your pet’s (and your wallet’s!) needs
  
  

If you’d like to keep vet bills under control, consider the MIMAscota Plan Salud or Plan Salud Premium. In addition to the benefits listed above, Plan Salud includes unlimited consultations and check-ups – including in emergency situations, plus coverage of rabies and tetravalent vaccines. This all-in-one plan is only 232€ a year and has no exclusions for breeds or for pre-existing conditions or health issues.

Finally, MIMAscota Plan Salud Premium also includes all universal vaccinations and a full, annual battery of check-ups and revisions for 330€ annually.

None of Caser’s range of benefits have a wait period, with the exception of remains incineration (3 months), so you can begin using your plan from Day 1!

You can calculate your MIMAscota insurance on Caser’s website and explore bundles with your annual Caser health, home or automotive insurance for additional savings. Should you have more than one pet, Caser offers discounts on each additional furry friend on your policy. So, if you’re going to protect your whole family, you should protect Toby, too!

Are there any additional elements of the Animal Protection law that could affect me?

Not only is pet insurance mandatory, but there are additional elements of the Animal Protection law you should take into account:  for example, you cannot buy a cat or a dog in a pet store unless the shop is an authorized vendor. If you do purchase an animal this way, you must communicate the sale to the Registro de Animales de Compañía within three days. Other animals, such as rabbits or reptiles or fish, may still be done at an authorized pet shop.

In the future, the government will also provide definition to what can be considered a pet versus what should remain wild and is expected by the end of 2026.