Pet Insurance in Spain for Dogs and Cats

Not everywhere yet. Spain's Animal Welfare Law (Ley 7/2023) makes third-party liability insurance compulsory for all dogs, but that rule only takes effect once its implementing regulation is approved. Some regions (for example Madrid and the Basque Country) already require it, and it is already compulsory for potentially dangerous breeds. Note that Sanitas Salud Mascotas is veterinary (health) cover and does not include civil liability. That's a separate policy, often already part of your home insurance. We'll help you make sure you've got both.

It reimburses 80% of your vet bills, up to €2,500 a year, with free choice of any vet. It covers consultations (general, specialist, emergency), hospitalisation and surgery, diagnostic tests, chronic illness, physiotherapy, allergies, medication, a 24/7 vet phone line and more. Yearly limits: diagnostic tests €1,000, chronic illness that starts after the policy begins €1,000, allergies €100, physiotherapy and rehabilitation 5 sessions, prosthetics and implants €200, the 24/7 vet phone line 6 calls, one preventive check up to €50, and euthanasia and cremation up to €500. Waiting periods: 30 days for vet care, and 12 months for euthanasia, cremation and neutering needed because of an illness.

Yes. Sanitas Salud Mascotas works as both canine insurance and cat insurance. Each policy covers one pet, and every cat breed has the same price.

No. Sanitas Salud Mascotas is veterinary/health cover only. The mandatory third-party liability for dogs is a separate policy, frequently included in home contents insurance. We'll point you the right way so you're fully covered.

It's priced on your pet's breed. As a guide, most dogs come out around €52 a month (smaller breeds from about €46, larger or higher-risk breeds around €69) and cats are around €50 a month. Request a quote for your pet's exact figure. Pets can be insured from 3 months to 9 years old, and existing Sanitas health or dental customers get €100 off the annual premium.

No. Sanitas Salud Mascotas sets the starting monthly price by species and breed only, so your pet's age when it joins does not change it. A dog or cat of the same breed starts at the same price whether it joins at 3 months or at 9 years old. Existing Sanitas health or dental customers also get €100 off the annual premium.

Yes, two. There is a 30-day waiting period for any vet care for an illness or accident, emergencies included. There is a 12-month waiting period for euthanasia, cremation, and neutering (castration or sterilisation) needed because of an illness. They apply even if your pet was insured with another company before.

You declare it in a short health questionnaire when you apply, and that does not automatically mean your pet can't be insured. The relevant Sanitas team reviews it and gets in touch to talk it through. Pre-existing conditions (anything your pet had before the policy starts) are not covered by the policy. Congenital conditions (present from birth), hip or elbow dysplasia and costs linked to brachycephaly (a short, flat-faced skull) are not covered either.

No. Vaccinations, deworming and fitting a microchip are not covered. Neutering is covered only when an illness makes it necessary. The policy does include one preventive vet check-up a year, up to €50. Other preventive tests and treatments are outside the cover, as are pregnancy and birth (phantom pregnancy included), behaviour problems, stem-cell treatment, genetic tests and alternative therapies such as acupuncture or homeopathy. Home visits by a vet, grooming, cosmetic treatment and hospital stays with no medical reason are also outside the cover.

Your pet must be a companion animal aged 3 months to 9 years, with a Spanish microchip entered in the regional pet register. The policyholder and the pet's registered owner must be 18 or over and live in Spain. Each policy covers one pet, and you can apply online through HealthPlan Spain with no paperwork.

No. Dogs and cats used for work, breeding or competition cannot be insured. That includes hunting, racing, guard, police, rescue and guide dogs. Emotional support dogs can be insured.

Yes, you have free choice of vet. Use whichever vet you like anywhere in Spain (with emergency cover across the European Union and the United Kingdom); you pay the vet and Sanitas reimburses 80% of the bill.

For emergencies only. Emergency vet care is covered in the European Union and the United Kingdom, with the same 80% reimbursement and limits. All other vet care is covered in Spain only.

You pay the vet, then claim the money back in the app within 90 days of the visit. You need the itemised invoice showing your pet's name and microchip number, proof of payment and the vet's report. Sanitas sends you the link to the app by text message once a policy you apply for through HealthPlan Spain is activated.

Yes. The discount goes to the pet's registered owner when they hold a Sanitas health or dental policy. Once it is applied, it stays for the life of the pet policy, and it applies to each pet policy they take out.

Yes, the policy renews each year, and once it's in force there's no upper age limit, so your pet stays covered as they get older. New policies can be started for pets aged 3 months to 9 years.

The policy renews every year. To cancel, give written notice at least one month before the renewal date. If you took the policy out online or by phone, you can also withdraw within 14 days without giving a reason.

As early as you can: cover can start from 3 months old. Insuring while your pet is young and healthy means fewer pre-existing conditions to exclude and unbroken cover as they age.