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You now have the option to include pet dogs and cats in your family health insurance plan. Find out what benefits this new service offers and what factors to consider before purchasing the policy.

A new health insurance service has been introduced for those who consider their pet dogs and cats as family members. It is no longer always necessary to purchase a separate policy to cover their medical expenses. Bajaj General Insurance’s new plan offers the option to include pets within the family health insurance coverage.

The company has launched this policy under the name 'My Family Complete'. A key feature is that both family members and pets can be covered under a single health insurance policy. However, it is worth noting that standalone pet insurance policies already exist in India.

Who is eligible for this cover?

The policy allows for the inclusion of individuals aged 18 and above, as well as children aged between 3 months and 30 years. Pet dogs and cats can be covered from the age of 3 months; there is no specified upper age limit for them in the policy.

This health insurance offers coverage ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹5 crore. The policy tenure can extend up to a maximum of 5 years. Benefits for humans include coverage for hospitalization, pre- and post-hospitalization expenses, home-based treatment, advanced medical care, and admission to AYUSH hospitals.

Benefits for pet treatment

Hospitalization-related treatment expenses for pet dogs and cats are covered. Additionally, services such as pet ambulance facilities are included in the policy. The policy also offers a 'restore' or 'refill' feature—allowing the insurance cover to be reinstated after exhaustion—subject to the policy's terms and conditions. It is important to first understand the additional premium required for pet coverage, the waiting period, the expenses that are excluded, and whether there are any sub-limits on pet-related claims. Additionally, it would be wise to compare this plan with standalone pet insurance policies.