Which pet insurance to choose? Comparison as of March '25

When we talk about taking care of our furry companions, we usually think about good food, exercise, love… but also about being able to provide them with the veterinary care they need, especially when something unexpected happens. At Dog Scouts Madrid Río, we see it every day: the right treatment can make a huge difference in an animal’s quality of life, recovery, or even survival.

But reality tells us that sometimes the cost of surgery, rehabilitation, or an emergency stay in a pet boarding facility can be a real obstacle. That’s why having a comprehensive pet insurance policy can be a very helpful tool for any responsible pet parent.

In this article, we help you understand the different options available in the Spanish market and the key differences between them. We’ve compared Petplan, SantéVet, Mapfre, Santalucía, Barkibu, and Asisa/Adeslas, with information updated as of March 2025.

Why Talk About Pet Insurance?

Because many people sign up for insurance without really understanding what it covers. Some only protect against accidents. Others cover illnesses but have high deductibles or limit you to a network of selected clinics. Very few include physiotherapy, behavioral treatments, or expenses when the pet parent is hospitalized and can’t care for their pet.

At Dog Scouts Madrid Río, in addition to offering complementary natural therapies, we partner with Petplan because we believe in giving families real access to essential veterinary care. That’s why we’ve put together this detailed comparison.

Pet Insurance Comparison Table (Spain – March 2025)

Here’s a quick summary of the most relevant points of each insurance provider. Remember: not all policies cover the same things, and not all are truly useful when something serious happens.

(Swipe or expand to view the full table)

Coverage	Petplan	SantéVet	Mapfre	Santalucía	Barkibu	Asisa/Adeslas
Vet expenses (annual limit)	Up to €3,100/year	Up to €5,000/year (by plan)	Up to €2,000	Up to €1,000	Up to €3,000	Partial coverage (consults/discounts)
Reimbursement type	100% - €45 fixed copay	50–90% reimbursement (by plan)	20% outside network / 100% in network	Limited refund model	80% reimbursement (20% copay)	Closed network only
Physiotherapy covered	✔️	✔️	❌	❌	✔️	❌
Behavioral issues covered	✔️ (through vet clinics)	❌	❌	❌	✔️ (with vet prescription)	❌
Death by illness	✔️ (market value)	❌	❌ (accident only)	❌	✔️	❌ (accident only)
Euthanasia & corpse disposal	✔️	❌	✔️ (up to €150)	✔️	❌	✔️ (limited)
Pet boarding if owner hospitalized	✔️ (up to €5/day or full boarding)	❌	✔️ (limited)	❌	❌	❌
Theft & loss	✔️	❌	✔️ (limited)	✔️ (ads covered)	❌	✔️ (limited)
International coverage	✔️ (EU & approved countries)	✔️ (worldwide)	❌	❌	✔️ (limited)	❌
Age to enroll	From 2 months / up to 7 years	From 2 months / up to 5–7 years	From 3 months	From 3 months / up to 9 years	Up to 11 years	No age limit in some plans

So… Which One Should You Choose?

That depends on what you value most for your pet. Ask yourself:

• Do I want to choose my own vet freely?

• Do I want coverage for physiotherapy or behavioral therapy?

• Would I rather have a fixed deductible or pay a percentage every time?

• Do I travel often or might I need boarding if I’m ever hospitalized?

  
  

At Dog Scouts Madrid Río, we recommend Petplan for its comprehensive and realistic approach: it covers more than most plans (including behavioral therapy, physical rehab, pet boarding in emergencies, and death by illness) and allows you to visit the vet of your choice with 100% reimbursement (minus the 45€ fixed copay per claim).

Still Have Questions?

We’re happy to help. At Dog Scouts Madrid Río, we actively collaborate with Petplan, but we understand that every family is different. What matters most is that you know what you're buying and why.

If you’d like more information or personal guidance, feel free to contact us or drop by. We’d love to help you find the coverage that suits your four-legged friend best..

📍 Dog Scouts Madrid Río – Av. Manzanares 100, Madrid

📧 hola@dogscouts-madridrio.com