The Most Common Pet Insurance Claims According to Vets

Every year, vets across South Africa see thousands of preventable and unexpected pet health issues. New data from dotsure.co.za, combined with insights from Dr Carla Goede of Rinaldo Riverside Veterinary Hospital in Durban North, paints a clear picture of the most common pet insurance claims according to vets, and what pet parents should watch out for.

Digestive and Internal Issues in Pets: Major Claims Drivers

Latest claims analysis shows that digestive and internal issues in pets consistently rank among the most frequent medical claims. Gastroenteritis, vomiting, and allergies collectively account for more than 6% of all claims, while diarrhoea remains a weekly occurrence at clinics nationwide.

Dr Goede notes that stomach issues surge during summer and holiday periods when pets are fed rich treats: “Over the festive season, pets tend to be fed overly rich, fatty scraps which can lead to stomach upset,” she explains.

Internal concerns aren’t limited to the tummy. Ingestion of foreign objects is particularly common in dogs, who “explore the world by chewing or eating things that could make them sick,” says Dr Goede. Cats, by contrast, tend to roam further and are more prone to injuries.

Chronic illnesses such as cancer and dental disease also contribute to rising veterinary bills, particularly because these conditions can carry long-term or hidden costs.

Injuries and Musculoskeletal Issues in Pets: Frequent and Often Costly

Injury-related claims make up a significant portion of dotsure.co.za’s annual data. Issues such as cruciate ligament damage, lameness, fractures, and bite wounds are among the most expensive and time-sensitive cases vets treat. Bite wounds alone appear in the insurer’s top 10 most frequent diagnoses.

Dr Goede confirms this trend: “We see quite a lot of dog and cat bite wounds that can turn into nasty infections,” she says.

Other Common Pet Claims That Vets Encounter

Conditions such as ear infections, eye infections, skin conditions, and emerging spinal issues remain steady contributors to national claim volumes. Data reveals that ear infections alone make up more than 3% of all claims and rank among the top medical costs for pets.

Seasonal Spikes Are Real

Claims peak sharply at certain times of the year. This aligns with Dr Goede’s observations of seasonal hazards, including summertime overheating in flat-faced breeds, Easter chocolate toxicity, and parvovirus surges after heavy rain.

Why Pet Insurance Matters

Dr Goede has seen firsthand how financial protection changes outcomes: “Pet parents with insurance can focus on their pet’s immediate medical needs, without the stress of financial implications overshadowing their judgement.”

With these different diagnoses ranking high in both frequency and cost, comprehensive pet insurance has become essential for South African families.

_{Dotsure Limited (Registration number 2006/000723/06) is a licensed non-life insurer and authorised financial services provider (FSP39925). Voted South Africa’s Best Pet Insurance 2023-2025 by readers of The Star, Die Burger, Beeld, and City Press.}