Poste Italiane Launches New Pet Insurance for Dogs and Cats

Poste Italiane S.p.A. subsidiary Poste Assicura has launched a dedicated pet insurance line for dogs and cats, addressing a growing demand for veterinary cost reimbursements and legal protection in the Italian market, according to reporting by Il Giornale and Il Giornale d’Italia.

While pet ownership remains widespread across Italy, the local insurance culture has historically lagged behind other European nations, as noted by Il Giornale d’Italia. Poste Assicura aims to bridge that gap with its “Poste Vivere Protetti” product. The offering comes as families face mounting financial pressure from routine care, specialized medical treatments, and unexpected third-party liabilities involving their domestic animals.

Coverage Options and Veterinary Reimbursements

The insurance line provides structured tiers depending on the level of medical intervention required, according to Il Giornale d’Italia. The comprehensive veterinary reimbursement option covers surgical procedures alongside pre- and post-surgery hospitalization costs for up to 30 days before and after an operation, carrying a maximum payout limit of 2,000 euro.

For non-surgical needs, the policy covers veterinary visits, diagnostic exams, and medical hospitalization due to illness or injury up to a 1.000-euro limit. Alternatively, policyholders can select a surgery-only reimbursement plan capped at 1.500 euro, which includes medical expenses incurred within 30 days of the procedure.

Additional assistance services include locating specialized veterinary clinics and pharmacies, as well as arranging pet boarding if the owner is hospitalized. Reimbursement rates depend on the chosen facility: clients receive 90% coverage when using affiliated clinics, compared to 80% at non-affiliated centers, according to Il Giornale d’Italia. Furthermore, policyholders can schedule a checkup within 90 days of contract activation, which is fully covered at network facilities or reimbursed as a 45-euro flat fee elsewhere.

Civil Liability and Legal Protection

Beyond medical care, the policy addresses legal exposures tied to pet ownership. The civil liability component covers damages up to 300.000 euro with a 150-euro deductible per incident, protecting owners if their dog or cat injures people, harms other animals, or damages property, as reported by Il Giornale d’Italia.

For dogs classified under higher aggression-risk categories, insurers apply a 15% deductible with a minimum threshold of 500 euros and a maximum cap of 5.000 euro. To manage potential disputes arising from animal-related damages, the plan also includes legal assistance coverage with a 10.000-euro ceiling, according to Il Giornale d’Italia.