Common Myths About Pet Insurance in the UAE & the Truth Behind Them

Pet insurance is still new territory for many pet parents in the UAE. Misconceptions often prevent responsible owners from securing the right protection for their pets. A single surgery or hospitalisation can run into thousands of dirhams, yet most pet owners still believe pet insurance is either unnecessary or complicated.

If you’re wondering, 'Is it worth insuring my pet in the UAE?' this guide clarifies the most common myths about pet insurance in Dubai and explains what’s actually true.

Myth 1: “Pet Insurance is Only Useful for Sick Pets.”

The reality: Accidents and illnesses can happen anytime.

Many pet owners assume insurance is unnecessary if their pet is healthy.

But even the healthiest pets can break a bone, eat something toxic, or develop allergies. Waiting until something happens defeats the purpose of insurance because conditions diagnosed before coverage are treated as pre-existing, which won’t be covered later.

💡 Insurance is for the unexpected. Get it before you need it.

Myth 2: “If Pre-Existing Conditions Aren’t Covered, What’s the Point?”

The reality: That doesn’t make pet insurance useless.

It’s true that most pet insurance plans don’t cover pre-existing conditions; illnesses or injuries that showed signs before your policy started. But new, unrelated issues that occur after enrolment will be. That still includes infections, accidents, and chronic illnesses that develop later. When these happen after your policy begins, the treatment is typically covered, helping you manage costs and focus on your pet’s recovery.

So while you can’t insure a condition that already exists, having coverage ensures you’re protected for the future.

At MooPetCover, we go a step further. Our plans now include a list of certain pre-existing conditions that may be covered, making us the only pet insurance provider in the UAE to offer this added benefit.

Coverage depends on the condition and your pet’s medical history, so we encourage you to speak with a MooPet representative for details and eligibility.

💡 Don’t let one old diagnosis stop you from protecting everything else.

Myth 3: “Pet Insurance is Too Expensive!”

The reality: Monthly premiums start from AED 90 for cats and AED 120 for dogs.

Many owners avoid coverage believing it will cost more than potential vet bills. Considering the cost of emergency surgery, specialist consultations, or chronic condition care, insurance can be more economical than paying out-of-pocket.

Plans like MooPet Cover offer flexible options for every budget, from accident-only cover to comprehensive lifetime protection.

💡 Think of it as spreading out the cost of care instead of facing one big unexpected bill.

Myth 4: “I’ll buy insurance when my pet gets older.”

The reality: The earlier you start, the better.

Most UAE insurers require pets to be enrolled before they turn 8 years old, and for some breeds, especially large or brachycephalic dogs like Bulldogs, the age limit is 5 years. After that, they’re considered ‘senior’, and as per underwriting restrictions you can’t get coverage.

Once insured, you can keep renewing for life. But if you wait too long, you may lose eligibility altogether.

💡 Start early while your pet is healthy to enjoy lower premiums and broader cover.

Myth 5: “Lifetime coverage isn’t worth it.”

The reality: It’s the smartest long-term investment you can make for your pet’s health.

Many owners think lifetime cover is unnecessary, but as pets age, chronic diseases like arthritis, diabetes, or cancer become common. With time-limited plans, a covered condition is only protected for 12 months, after that, it becomes a pre-existing condition and won’t be covered.

With MooPet Cover’s lifetime coverage, once a condition is covered, it stays covered for life, as long as you renew on time.

💡 Your pet’s health changes with age. Lifetime cover ensures their protection does not.

Myth 6: “Pet insurance works like human insurance—you’re tied to certain vets”

The reality: With MooPet Cover, you can visit any vet in the UAE.

There are no ‘network hospitals’ or restrictions. Simply go to your preferred vet, pay the bill, and submit it for reimbursement.

This freedom matters- especially during emergencies, when the last thing you want is to check if your clinic is “approved.”

💡 Your pet. Your vet. No restrictions.

Myth 7: “Claims are difficult and rarely approved.”

The reality: Claims are straightforward if you follow the process.

Most UAE providers, including MooPet, have digital claims systems. Simply submit your vet bill, medical records, and claim form, and the process is complete.

Rejections usually only happen if the condition is excluded or required documents are missing, not because insurers want to deny valid claims. MooPet Cover offers hassle-free online claims, flexible monthly payments, and the freedom to visit any licensed vet in the UAE. Transparency and ease of use make insurance accessible for both first-time and experienced pet owners.

💡 Keep records and follow the policy, and claims are smooth and stress-free.

Myth 8: “Insurance covers everything, including vaccines and grooming”

Reality: Most pet insurance plans exclude routine and preventive care.

Vaccinations, grooming, dental cleanings, and neutering are excluded under pet insurance cover. Pet insurance is designed to protect against unexpected medical costs, not everyday care.

Some insurers offer optional wellness add-ons, but most focus on emergencies and illnesses.

💡 Think of insurance as protection for emergencies, not everyday treatments.

These misconceptions are why many UAE pet parents still face unexpected vet bills they could have avoided. Understanding how pet insurance works helps you make better, proactive choices for your pet’s health.

Choosing the Right Pet Insurance Plan

Once you understand the common myths and how pet insurance works, the next step is finding the type of pet insurance plan that fits your pet’s needs.

• Lifetime Plan: Comprehensive coverage for both chronic and acute conditions, providing long-term protection.

• Time-Limited Plan: Covers illnesses and accidents for a set period, suitable for pets with lower risk or shorter-term needs.

• Accident-Only Plan: Focused coverage for emergencies, offering a cost-effective way to handle unexpected accidents.

• Travel Extension: Optional add-on for pets that travel outside the UAE.

Conclusion:

Pet insurance is not a luxury; it’s an essential tool for responsible pet ownership in the UAE. By choosing MooCover, pet owners gain peace of mind, financial security, and access to quality care for their pets, from routine emergencies to chronic condition management.

So, don’t wait for your pet to get older or fall sick. The best time to insure them is now.

Contact us today and give your pet the protection they deserve!