You think you're covered. Then you have to put the family dog to sleep.

Today, we’re putting down my 5 year old son’s beloved dog. It’s completely unnecessary. He has a treatable injury, and we have Dotsure Pet Insurance. Sadly, we didn’t realise that Dotsure insurance is of little to no value.

We’re on the standard plan. I pay R306/month. We have annual limits of almost R30,000 for accident and illness cover, and R10,000 per-claim limits. And then other limits for specific procedures/medical needs.

So this morning, when my dog’s back legs were paralysed, I was confident that we would be able to sort it out. Dotsure would contribute at least R10,000, and I’d find a way to cover the rest.

But then I spoke to Dotsure… Dog needs an MRI costing R9-R10,000. Dotsure contributes a maximum of R850.

Dog will need surgery that will cost about R15,000. Dotsure will contribute a maximum of R3,600….roughly enough to have a surgeon laugh at you.

Dog will require rehab…. Didn’t even bother asking.

You don’t have R10,000 in insurance plus specific amounts for specific procedures. You have much smaller amounts for specific procedures that add up to about 10,000. So if your dog's illness wouldn't require surgery, you can subtract R3600 from your perceived cover. To actually realise the promised annual coverage, your pet would have to have 3 distinct MAJOR accidents/illnesses per year. It would also have to require ALL of the subcategories of coverage (which would be unlikely to say the least).

I’m sure it all skates along the legal razor’s edge, and I bear some responsibility - I should have asked more questions about how these “sub limits” are app****. But consider the mathematical model. It is almost impossible to access the promised “annual maximums” because the per-claim limits restrict the amount that can be app**** to any one cost (to truly absurd levels). Basically, they sell you on the annual claim limits, then use the per-claim limits to ensure you are never able to realise what you’ve been promised.

So if all your pet needs is a checkup every now and then, you’re fine (Dotasure will cover a small portion of it)). But if your pet has an accident, sorry - you don’t “actually” have insurance. So now, I need to go explain to my son that his best friend’s not going to come home. Brought to you by Dotsure.

PS. All the great reviews you see? They incentivise you to do this when you sign up. It's basically spamming the rating system. Look for reviews specific to claims/coverage, and I'm sure you'll see a different story emerge.