🐶 For Dog Owners80% ReimbursementUp to €2,500/year
Dog Insurance in Spain
Looking for dog insurance in Spain? Sanitas Salud Mascotas helps dog owners protect against unexpected veterinary costs, with 80% reimbursement of eligible treatment costs up to €2,500 per year, free choice of veterinarian, and cover for illness, accident and emergency care. Whether you have moved to Spain with your dog, adopted locally, or just want peace of mind against rising vet bills, this guide explains what dog insurance covers, how reimbursement works, and how to request a quote in English.
80% reimbursement up to €2,500/yearFree choice of veterinarianPuppies, adult dogs and older dogsIllness, accident & emergency coverAnnual preventive consultation includedCover across Spain, with EU emergency cover (subject to policy terms)
Sanitas Salud Mascotas — Veterinary Insurance for Dogs
Sanitas is part of the Bupa group and offers Salud Mascotas — veterinary assistance insurance for companion dogs (and cats) in Spain. The policy reimburses 80% of eligible veterinary costs up to €2,500/year, with free choice of vet, illness and accident cover, emergencies, hospitalisation, surgery and an annual preventive consultation. Cover applies throughout Spain, with emergency cover in the EU and UK.
80%Reimbursement
€2,500Annual Limit
🐶Dog-Focused
EUEmergency Cover
✓ Sanitas — part of Bupa
✓ 80% reimbursement up to €2,500/yr
✓ Free choice of veterinarian
✓ Puppies, adults & older dogs
✓ Illness, accident & emergency cover
✓ Annual preventive consultation
Dog insurance for expats
Dog Insurance in Spain for Expats
Spain is a dog-loving country, but veterinary treatment for dogs can still become expensive quickly. A routine consultation may be manageable — but unexpected illness, surgery, diagnostic tests, emergency care or hospitalisation can create a much larger bill.
Dog insurance gives owners a way to reduce the financial shock of unexpected veterinary costs. Instead of paying every eligible cost completely out of pocket, you can recover part of the cost through reimbursement, subject to the policy terms and limits.
For expats, dog insurance can be especially useful because you may not yet know which vets are best in your area, how Spanish veterinary pricing works, or what to do if your dog becomes ill outside normal clinic hours.
Product overview
What Is Sanitas Dog Insurance?
Sanitas Salud Mascotas is Sanitas' veterinary assistance insurance for companion dogs and cats. On this page we focus on how it works for dog owners.
It is designed to help cover unexpected veterinary costs caused by illness or accident, while giving you the freedom to choose your own veterinarian. Unlike some fixed-network products, Sanitas describes this as a reimbursement-style pet insurance product with free choice of vet.
The core benefit is simple: you pay your dog's vet, submit the eligible bill, and Sanitas reimburses 80% of covered veterinary expenses up to €2,500 per year — subject to policy terms, limits and exclusions.
Recommended
Sanitas Salud Mascotas — Dog Cover
Veterinary assistance insurance for companion dogs
80%Reimbursement
€2,500Annual limit
FreeChoice of vet
You pay your dog's vet, submit the eligible bill, and Sanitas reimburses 80% of covered veterinary expenses up to €2,500 per year — subject to policy terms, limits and exclusions. Cover applies throughout Spain, with emergency cover in the EU and UK.
What's covered
What Does Sanitas Dog Insurance Cover?
Sanitas Salud Mascotas is designed to cover veterinary assistance for illness, accident and preventive care. For dogs, cover can include:
General veterinary consultations
Specialist consultations
Emergency consultations and out-of-hours care
Illness and accident treatment
Hospitalisation
Surgical interventions
Diagnostic tests (blood work, imaging, lab)
Medication administered in consultation or surgery
Rehabilitation and physiotherapy where included
Dental treatment following an accident
Annual preventive consultation for your dog
Veterinary helpline or digital support where available
Sanitas' corporate product information says the policy includes general and specialist consultations, hospitalisation, surgical interventions and specific treatments such as rehabilitation or dental care following an accident. Exact cover, sublimits and exclusions should always be checked in the current policy documents before buying.
Key benefits
Key Benefits of Sanitas Dog Insurance
Six headline reasons Sanitas Salud Mascotas is the dog insurance we recommend for expats in Spain.
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80% reimbursement
Sanitas Salud Mascotas reimburses 80% of eligible veterinary costs for your dog, up to the annual limit of €2,500. A major difference if your dog needs surgery, diagnostic tests or unexpected treatment.
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Free choice of vet
Use your trusted local vet — or any veterinarian in Spain. Sanitas describes the policy as libre elección de veterinario, so you keep control of where your dog is treated.
🐾
Illness & accident cover
The policy is designed to help with veterinary costs arising from illness or accident — the bills dog owners most fear.
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Emergency cover
Includes emergency veterinary care, which can be some of the most stressful and expensive costs of dog ownership.
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Annual check-up
Includes an annual preventive consultation, helping you stay on top of your dog's health before problems become serious.
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For companion dogs
Sanitas Salud Mascotas is designed for perros y gatos cuya función sea de compañía — companion dogs and cats. Working, breeding or commercial dogs are not the target of this product.
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Dog-walker benefit
If the insured person is hospitalised for more than 48 hours or immobilised at home for more than five days following an accident or illness, the dog-walker benefit may provide up to 20 hours per policy year. Sanitas may require supporting medical evidence. This is a limited benefit for those circumstances, not an everyday dog-walking service, and it cannot be used together with the pet boarding and care benefit for the same event. Subject to the policy terms, limits and conditions.
Why dog owners
Why Dog Owners in Spain Need Vet Cover
Dog owners face a wide range of possible veterinary costs. The most common reasons dog owners choose insurance:
Dogs are accident-prone — sprains, cuts, ingested objects
Larger or active dogs face more injury risk
Tick-borne and parasite-related illness in Spain
Heat-related illness in hot Spanish summers
Skin and ear conditions are common in many breeds
Digestive issues, vomiting and food-related emergencies
Surgery and diagnostic costs can be high
Older dogs often need more frequent vet visits
A good policy helps you avoid making healthcare decisions for your dog based only on cost.
Life stages
Dog Insurance for Puppies, Older Dogs & Rescues
Dog insurance is not one-size-fits-all. Your dog's life stage and background often affect what's possible, and what's most useful.
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Dog Insurance for Puppies
Puppies are accident-prone — chewing, swallowed objects, infections and slips can all lead to vet trips. Starting cover when your dog is young is one of the best ways to avoid issues later becoming “pre-existing”.
Eligibility may depend on the puppy's minimum age and vaccination status. Request a quote to confirm what is possible for your dog.
🐕🦺
Dog Insurance for Older Dogs
Older dogs often need more frequent care — joint issues, chronic conditions and diagnostic tests can all build up. Cover for older dogs depends on the dog's age, breed and existing health history.
Many owners only think about insurance once a problem appears, by which point the condition may already be considered pre-existing. The earlier you ask, the more options you tend to have.
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Dog Insurance for Rescue Dogs
Rescue dogs can usually be insured. You may be asked to declare any known history; the rescue centre will often already have shared medical and vaccination information with you.
Cover can be especially reassuring for rescues whose full background is uncertain, helping you afford treatment if hidden conditions appear later.
Breeds
Dog Insurance for Different Breeds
Breed can affect both the kinds of health issues a dog faces and the cost of insurance. The vet history of your individual dog still matters most, but breed-specific patterns are common.
Labrador / Golden Retriever
Prone to joint issues, ear infections and weight-related conditions.
French Bulldog / Pug
Breathing issues, skin folds and heat sensitivity are common.
German Shepherd
Hip dysplasia, joint problems and digestive sensitivity.
Cocker Spaniel
Ear infections, eye conditions and skin issues.
Yorkshire Terrier / Chihuahua
Dental issues, fragile joints and trachea problems.
Mixed-breed / Mestizo
Often hardy but still face age, accident and illness risks.
Working / Active breeds
Higher activity = higher accident and joint risk over time.
Brachycephalic breeds
Flat-faced dogs especially struggle in Spain's heat.
Large breeds
Bigger dogs tend to develop joint, heart and weight conditions earlier.
Mixed-breed dogs are often more resilient overall, but still face age, accident and illness risks. Brachycephalic (flat-faced) and large breeds are particularly worth thinking about insuring early.
Cover area
Is Dog Insurance Valid Across Spain?
Sanitas states that Sanitas Salud Mascotas provides cover throughout Spain and emergency cover in the EU and UK, subject to policy limits and conditions.
This is helpful if you travel between regions in Spain with your dog, or take occasional trips into other EU countries.
If you regularly travel outside Spain with your dog, always check the exact emergency cover terms, limits and claim process before relying on the policy.
How claims work
How Dog Insurance Reimbursement Works
Sanitas Salud Mascotas is a reimbursement-style dog insurance policy. The headline reimbursement is 80% up to €2,500 per year, but sublimits and exclusions may apply depending on the treatment. This is different from a direct-payment system where the insurer pays the clinic directly.
Important: because this is a reimbursement-style policy, you should normally expect to pay the vet first and claim back eligible costs afterwards. This is different from a direct-payment policy where the insurer pays the clinic directly.
1
Choose your vet
You pick your veterinarian — Sanitas Salud Mascotas offers free choice of vet, so your dog can keep seeing the clinic they already know.
2
Pay the vet bill
Pay the vet directly at the time of treatment. This is a reimbursement-style policy, not a direct-pay policy.
3
Keep the invoice
Keep the original invoice and supporting medical documents — diagnosis, lab results, imaging and treatment notes.
4
Submit the claim
Submit your claim to Sanitas with the supporting documents using the claim process Sanitas provides.
5
Sanitas reviews the claim
The insurer reviews the claim against your policy cover, limits and exclusions.
6
Eligible costs reimbursed
Sanitas reimburses 80% of eligible veterinary costs, up to the annual limit of €2,500/year. Sublimits and exclusions may apply depending on treatment type.
What's NOT covered
What Dog Insurance May Not Cover
Dog insurance is not designed to cover everything. Before buying, check the exclusions carefully. Possible exclusions or limitations may include:
Pre-existing conditions in your dog
Routine treatments not included in the policy
Vaccinations, unless specifically included
Sterilisation or castration unless medically necessary and covered
Cosmetic or elective procedures
Behavioural training and consultations
Certain hereditary or congenital conditions
Pregnancy, breeding or whelping-related costs
Treatment outside the policy territory
Costs above annual or per-treatment sublimits
Administrative or non-medical costs
Routine dental cleaning (dental-after-accident is included)
The exact exclusions depend on the policy wording, so do not rely only on the summary.
Cost
How Much Does Dog Insurance Cost in Spain?
Dog insurance prices depend on the dog, insurer and policy selected. The final premium may depend on:
Dog breed
Dog age
Sex and whether neutered
Health history
Pre-existing conditions
Cover limits and reimbursement %
Location in Spain
Optional extras (where available)
Policy exclusions
Sanitas Salud Mascotas is based around an 80% reimbursement up to €2,500/year — but your exact premium should be confirmed with a personalised quote.
Quote info
Information Needed for a Dog Insurance Quote
To request a dog insurance quote, you may need:
Your name and contact details
Your address or province in Spain
Dog breed
Dog age or date of birth
Sex and whether neutered
Microchip details, if available
Vaccination history
Medical history
Whether your dog has had previous illness or accidents
Preferred start date
Any other dogs to insure
If you have recently moved to Spain with your dog, provide any available veterinary records, vaccination history and pet passport information.
Get a Sanitas Dog Insurance Quote
Tell us about your dog and we'll help you check whether Sanitas Salud Mascotas is suitable. Confirmed price, English-speaking support, fast response.
A dog insurance quote based on your dog's details
Explanation of reimbursement cover & annual limits
Guidance on free choice of vet
Claim process explanation
Cover information for Spain and EU emergencies
English-speaking support
Request Your Dog Insurance Quote
Want to Talk About Your Dog's Cover?
Free, no-obligation advice from our English-speaking team. Puppies, rescues, multiple dogs — we'll talk you through it.
Dog insurance in Spain is a policy that helps cover veterinary costs if your dog becomes ill, has an accident or needs emergency treatment. Some policies also include preventive care or an annual check-up.
Yes — Sanitas Salud Mascotas is a veterinary assistance insurance product designed for companion dogs and cats. It reimburses 80% of eligible veterinary costs up to €2,500 per year and offers free choice of vet.
Sanitas Salud Mascotas reimburses 80% of eligible veterinary costs for your dog, up to an annual limit of €2,500. Sublimits and exclusions may apply by treatment type.
Yes — Sanitas describes the policy as offering free choice of veterinarian. You can keep using your trusted local vet, or any veterinarian in Spain.
Yes, emergency care is included in the Sanitas Salud Mascotas proposition, subject to policy terms and limits.
Yes — Sanitas' corporate information confirms surgical interventions are part of the cover, subject to policy terms and limits.
Yes — hospitalisation is included in the product cover description, subject to policy terms.
Yes — diagnostic tests such as blood work and imaging are part of the veterinary assistance cover, subject to policy terms.
Pre-existing conditions are usually treated carefully by insurers and may be excluded. You should declare your dog's medical history honestly when requesting a quote.
Yes — puppies can usually be insured, and starting cover early is one of the best ways to avoid issues becoming “pre-existing” later. Eligibility may depend on the puppy's minimum age and vaccination status.
Eligibility for older dogs can depend on the dog's age, breed and health history. Request a personalised quote so this can be checked.
Yes — rescue dogs can usually be insured. You may be asked to declare known history; in some cases the rescue centre will already have shared medical and vaccination information.
Yes — some breeds are more prone to specific health issues, and this can influence premium and eligibility. The vet history of your individual dog still matters most.
Sanitas' product information refers to dental care following an accident as part of the cover. Routine dental cleaning or non-accident dental care may be treated differently — always check the policy wording.
Routine vaccinations are not usually the main purpose of pet insurance and may not be covered unless specifically included. An annual preventive consultation is included, but check the policy wording for routine care.
It is a reimbursement-style policy. You normally pay the vet first, submit the invoice and supporting documents, and Sanitas reimburses eligible costs according to the policy percentage and annual limit.
Sanitas states that cover applies throughout Spain and includes emergency cover in the EU and UK. Always check the exact policy terms before travelling with your dog.
With reimbursement-style dog insurance, you usually pay the vet, keep the invoice, submit the claim and receive reimbursement for eligible costs according to the policy terms.
Yes — you can request a quote for more than one dog. Each dog's age, breed and health history may affect the final premium and eligibility.
Yes — expats living in Spain can arrange dog insurance, subject to policy eligibility and documentation requirements such as microchipping and vaccination records.
