Dog insurance in Switzerland is a complex subject for dog owners and even insurance experts.
It is necessary to distinguish “Liability insurance” and “specific insurance”, we will answer this. Then we will present you a comparative table of the best insurance for dogs.
What is civil liability (RC) insurance for dogs?
Civil liability (RC) insurance for dogs is insurance for individuals which provides essential protection for you and your pet.
It covers physical or material damage caused by the dog to third parties. It can be included in home insurance, this insurance covers the insured and people living under the same roof, including pets.
It is crucial for incidents involving bites, shoves or other accidents caused by the dog. Although not obligatory in certain cantons, it is strongly recommended to check whether your home insurance contract includes this coverage for your dog.
In which canton should I have a RC for my dog?
The obligation to take out civil liability insurance (RC) for dog owners varies depending on the cantons. A large number of cantons and municipalities impose this insurance on all dog owners, with specific coverage requirements, such as a minimum coverage amount or a specific deductible scale.
This requirement applies regardless of the type of dog, including those not classified as dangerous. However, for dogs considered dangerous, liability insurance is essential, and it is important to ensure that the breed of dog is not prohibited in the canton concerned.
Difference between dog liability insurance and specific dog insurance in Switzerland
Civil liability (RC) insurance for dogs covers damage that your dog could cause to third parties, such as injuries or destruction of property. It is often included in home insurance but may require specific coverage for certain types of dogs.
On the other hand, specific dog insurance focuses on the health of the animal, covering veterinary costs for illnesses, accidents, emergencies, and sometimes even preventative care. The latter is protection for your dog's health costs, while liability insurance protects against damage caused by the dog to third parties.
Specific insurance for my dog in Switzerland
What is covered with dog insurance?
Dog insurance can cover:
- costs related to the health of the animal.
- veterinary costs in the event of an accident, emergency, or illness
- exams,
- drug treatments,
- surgical interventions,
- clinic stays
- emergency ambulance transportation costs
- additional care such as physiotherapy or acupuncture following an accident.
How to choose insurance for your dog?
To choose the right insurance for your dog, we advise you to prioritize the following 3 points:
- Premium amount : beware of low premiums you may have the impression of saving money but this indicates that the coverage ceilings are low or that the deductible is high.
- Amount of ceilings : Depending on the breed of your dog, there is little risk that the damage caused will be high. Check that the ceiling is realistic for possible damage.
- Specific insurance benefits : Low cost insurance often has cases excluded from insurance such as transport in the event of an emergency (for example). Check and read the fine print of your contract
Insurance is not just a question of “which is the cheapest?” but rather a question of “what coverage for what need?”.
Comparative table of liability insurance offers + specific needs
If you have any questions, our team is available to help you choose the right insurance for your beloved pet.
| Insurance Company | Blanket | Monthly Rates | Franchise | Specificity |
| Epona | 10,000CHF | from CHF 5.40 | CHF 250 – CHF 1,000 | All types of accidents, Veterinary examinations and care, Emergency transport, Surgery, 24-hour assistance |
| Animalia | Unlimited | From CHF 5.90 | CHF 500 – CHF 1,000 | All types of accidents, Veterinary examinations and care, Additional care, Emergency transport by ambulance, Accommodation in the event of hospitalization |
| Wau-Miau | Unlimited | From CHF 6.90 | CHF 250 – CHF 1,000 | Veterinary treatments and medicationsDiagnostic tests and examinations, Surgical interventions, Living expenses and meals in the event of hospitalization |