Pet insurance in France: 4 best dog and cat insurances compared in 2025
In France, veterinary care is of high quality but entirely private. A routine consultation costs between €30 and €50, while surgeries, imaging, or long-term treatments can exceed €1,500. There is no public reimbursement for pet care, so pet insurance is a smart way to manage risk and avoid difficult choices when emergencies arise.
In 2025, the French pet insurance market is maturing rapidly. Several tech-driven providers are now challenging traditional players by offering clearer pricing, faster reimbursements, and wellness-focused benefits. This guide reviews the top four insurers worth considering for dog and cat owners in France.
*Prices vary depending on species, breed, age, and coverage level. Quotes are based on a 2-year-old mixed breed dog in good health.
Provider
Monthly Price (from)*
Reimbursement Rate
Annual Coverage Limit
Waiting Period
Claim Process
Distinctive Feature
Lassie
€11
Up to 100%
€1,000 to €2,500
14 days
Digital via app
Rewards preventive care and digital learning
Barkibu
€9.90
80% to 100%
Up to €3,000
15 days
100% digital
Integrated vet chat with every plan
Kozoo
€12.99
70% to 100%
€1,000 to €2,500
2 to 60 days
Digital via dashboard
Includes wellness and chronic condition cover
Santévet
€14.50
70% to 100%
€1,100 to €2,500+
45 days
App and email-based
Most established provider with vet network
Kozoo
Barkibu
Santévet
Lassie
Bulle Bleue
Dalma
Fidanimo
Agria
Assur O’Poil
Animaux Santé
Achéel
Selfassurance
April
ECA Assurances
Carrefour Assurance
GMF
MACIF
Matmut
MAIF
Groupama
AXA
Pacifica (Crédit Agricole)
AG2R La Mondiale
MGEN
To insure your pet in France as a foreign resident, you’ll need to meet the same basic requirements as French citizens, with a few additional points to consider.
Minimum Requirements:
A French residential address Most French pet insurers require you to provide a valid French address (utility bill, lease contract, etc.) for registration and billing.
A French or SEPA-compatible bank account (IBAN) Insurers usually collect monthly premiums via direct debit (prélèvement automatique). A French IBAN is typically required, although some providers accept SEPA-area accounts (e.g., Revolut or N26 based in the EU).
A microchipped pet Your dog or cat must have a valid ISO-compliant microchip registered in France or the EU. Some insurers may request the registration number.
Valid vaccination records Rabies vaccination is typically required, especially for dogs. Other vaccines (distemper, parvovirus, etc.) may be required for preventive care coverage.
Pet's details You’ll need to provide:
Species (dog or cat)
Breed
Date of birth (approximate is usually acceptable)
Sex and neuter status
Date of microchipping and rabies vaccination
EU Pet Passport or veterinary health record Not legally required by insurers, but helpful in verifying your pet's history, especially if adopted abroad.
Coverage Percentage: Barkibu generally covers 80% of eligible veterinary costs for illnesses and accidents.
Pros
✓
No Fixed Deductible: No upfront fixed amount to pay before reimbursements.
Pros
✓
Lifetime Coverage: Pets remain covered for their entire life once enrolled.
Pros
✓
Accident & Illness Coverage: Comprehensive protection for unexpected incidents and various health conditions.
Pros
✓
Telemedicine/AI Vet Access: Convenient access to virtual veterinary consultations and AI-powered health advice.
Cons
✕
Variable Copay: A percentage (e.g., 20%) of the vet bill is typically paid by the owner per claim.
Cons
✕
Digital-First Support: Customer service is primarily digital (chat, app), which might not suit all users.
Barkibu France offers a comprehensive pet insurance solution that covers 80% of your veterinary costs for illnesses and accidents, up to an annual maximum of 3,000€. Their strong emphasis on digital tools and telemedicine—including an intuitive mobile app for quick reimbursements and access to veterinary consultations via chat or call—makes it highly appealing for those seeking convenient and efficient health management for their pets. The innovative direct payment card further simplifies vet visits by reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
However, a predominantly digital-first approach might not cater to everyone, particularly those who prefer more traditional, personalized customer service. While there's no fixed deductible, it's important to note that a 20% variable copay generally applies to vet bills. Additionally, standard waiting periods are in effect (e.g., 5 days for accidents, 28 days for illnesses) and there are age limits for initial subscription (2 months to 11 years).
Barkibu is a modern, tech-forward player in the French pet insurance market, known for its integrated digital services and straightforward coverage model.
No Life/Breeder Add-ons: Specific life or breeder insurance add-ons are not explicitly offered.
Pros
✓
Clear Plan Structure: Lassie offers three distinct plans (Bronze, Argent, Or), making it simple to choose the right level of coverage for your pet.
Pros
✓
Focus on Prevention: Plans include resources for preventive care and offer discounts, encouraging proactive pet health.
Pros
✓
Digital-First Approach: Manage your policy and claims easily through their digital tools, ideal for tech-savvy pet owners.
Pros
✓
English Language Support: The website and services are available in English, which can be a significant advantage for expats or English speakers in France.
Cons
✕
Customer Feedback Concerns: Some online feedback points to dissatisfaction with the transparency and coverage limitations of their most basic (Bronze) plan.
Cons
✕
Limited Customization: With only three main plan options, there might be less flexibility to highly tailor coverage compared to providers with more granular choices.
Lassie offers three clearly defined plans—Bronze, Argent (Silver), and Or (Gold)—making it straightforward to select the right level of coverage for your pet in France. Their strong focus on preventive care and innovative digital tools, like their app-based rewards, can be very appealing if you're looking for convenient and efficient insurance management.
However, a predominantly digital approach might not suit everyone, especially those who prefer more traditional, personalized customer service. Additionally, while the Bronze plan offers a basic level of cover, it's quite limited in its ceiling (€1,000). To avoid potential frustrations and ensure more comprehensive protection, we generally advise considering their Argent or Or plans, which, despite being a bit pricier, provide significantly better coverage.
Lassie is a relatively new but growing player in the French pet insurance market, known for its modern, tech-driven approach to pet health.
Reimbursement Speed: Reimbursements are processed very quickly, typically within 48 hours, without the need to send physical claim forms (feuilles de soins).
Pros
✓
No Fixed Deductible: No upfront fixed amount to pay before reimbursements.
Pros
✓
Lifetime Coverage: Pets remain covered for their entire life once enrolled.
Pros
✓
Accident & Illness Coverage: Comprehensive protection for unexpected incidents and various health conditions.
Pros
✓
Telemedicine/AI Vet Access: Convenient access to virtual veterinary consultations and AI-powered health advice.
Cons
✕
Variable Copay: A percentage (e.g., 20%) of the vet bill is typically paid by the owner per claim.
Cons
✕
Digital-First Support: Customer service is primarily digital (chat, app), which might not suit all users.
Kozoo France offers flexible coverage options, allowing you to tailor a policy that best fits your pet's needs and your budget. Their strong emphasis on convenient online management and the inclusion of preventive care options are particularly appealing. Kozoo also stands out by extending coverage to a broader range of companion animals beyond just dogs and cats.
However, a predominantly digital-first approach might not be ideal for pet owners who prefer more traditional, in-person customer service. Additionally, it's important to be aware that reimbursement rates can vary between their different formulas, and policies typically involve deductibles and waiting periods before full coverage applies.
Kozoo is recognized in the French pet insurance market for its modern, adaptable approach, providing solutions for diverse pet owners.
Veterinarian Choice: You are free to choose any licensed veterinarian in France or abroad (usually within limits for travel).
Pros
✓
Established and Reputable: Santévet is a well-known and significant player in the French pet insurance market.
Pros
✓
Diverse Plan Options: Offers a range of formulas (e.g., Light, Confort, Premium) allowing for customization of reimbursement rates and annual ceilings.
Pros
✓
Prevention Budget: Many plans include a dedicated annual budget for preventive care (vaccinations, deworming, etc.).
Pros
✓
NAC Coverage: One of the few providers to offer insurance for New Companion Animals (NACs) like rabbits and ferrets.
Pros
✓
Choice of Vet: You can choose any licensed veterinarian in France or abroad (within travel limits).
Cons
✕
Age Limit for Subscription: Pets generally must be between 2 months and 10 years old (or sometimes younger for certain breeds/plans) to subscribe.
Cons
✕
Waiting Periods: Standard waiting periods apply before coverage begins (e.g., 48 hours for accidents, 45 days for illnesses, 120 days for specific serious conditions/surgeries).
Cons
✕
Pricing: Higher-tier plans with extensive benefits and high reimbursement rates can be relatively more expensive.
Santévet provides comprehensive pet insurance with a variety of formulas (Light, Confort, Confort+, Premium, Optimal) allowing for flexible customization of coverage levels to suit different needs and budgets. They are particularly strong in offering lifetime coverage once a pet is insured, and their plans often include a dedicated prevention budget for routine care. Santévet also stands out by offering insurance for New Companion Animals (NACs) beyond just dogs and cats.
However, while they offer various reimbursement rates (from 60% to 100%), it's important to note that an annual fixed deductible typically applies, which can range from 0€ to 75€ depending on the chosen plan. There are also age limits for initial subscription (e.g., 2 months to 7 or 8 years for dogs/cats, depending on breed). Additionally, standard waiting periods apply for different types of care (e.g., 48 hours for accidents, 45 days for illnesses, and longer for specific surgeries or conditions). Pre-existing conditions are generally excluded.
Overall, Santévet is a well-established and trusted option in France, particularly for those seeking long-term coverage and a provider that supports a wider range of pets.
Origin: Sweden Availability: Now operating in France with full digital support USP: Prevention lowers premiums
Lassie positions itself as a next-generation insurer focused on pet wellbeing. Through its mobile app, owners can complete educational modules on pet health and receive discounts on premiums for preventive behavior. Plans cover accidents and illness, but do not include optional wellness packages or dental by default. Annual caps are lower than some competitors, which may be a concern for owners managing chronic conditions.
Ideal for: Tech-savvy pet owners who want to reduce risk through prevention and value digital self-service.
Watch out for: Lower reimbursement ceilings compared to Barkibu or Santévet.
Origin: Spain Availability: Fully operational in France, with strong English support USP: Telehealth + full-stack digital insurance
Barkibu is built for convenience. It offers completely paperless claims, dynamic reimbursement options, and integrated 24/7 vet consultations in all plans. It uses AI to predict and explain costs before treatment, which is rare in the French market. There is no wellness package per se, but the accident/illness cover is broad and very competitively priced.
Ideal for: Expats, remote workers, or digital natives who prefer autonomy and telemedicine.
Watch out for: No in-person vet network; relies entirely on your choice of practitioner.
Origin: France Availability: Nationwide USP: Balanced protection including wellness and chronic care
Kozoo offers comprehensive plans that combine accident, illness, and preventive care. Its reimbursement logic is straightforward, and customer support is among the best in France. Chronic diseases like diabetes or osteoarthritis are covered long-term, and its wellness coverage can include vaccines, deworming, and dental. It also negotiates directly with vets, so upfront costs can sometimes be avoided.
Ideal for: Owners who want a more holistic plan covering both treatment and prevention.
Watch out for: The waiting period varies significantly between conditions — from 48 hours for accidents to 60 days for surgeries.
Origin: France Availability: France, Belgium, and select EU countries USP: Legacy provider with customizable coverage
Santévet is the best-known brand in the French market. With over a decade of experience, it offers structured plan tiers, optional add-ons like routine care, and a broad vet network. It’s also one of the few insurers accepted directly by some clinics, reducing the need for upfront payments. The platform is less digital than competitors, and claims can still take a week or more, but the company is reliable and highly rated by vets.
Ideal for: Owners looking for a long-term partner with a reputation for stability and high coverage ceilings.
Watch out for: Price increases with age can be significant, especially for large breed dogs.
Choosing the Right Pet Insurance in France
When selecting a policy, consider the following:
Species and Breed Sensitivity: Large breeds and certain cats are prone to hereditary issues. Some insurers apply breed-specific limitations or pricing surcharges.
Reimbursement Logic: Understand whether reimbursement is a fixed percentage (e.g., 80%) or capped per condition. Barkibu and Santévet allow up to 100%, depending on the plan.
Waiting Periods: French insurers typically apply a delay before coverage starts. Kozoo has one of the shortest for accidents, while Santévet applies a blanket 45-day waiting period for most conditions.
Digital Experience: Lassie and Barkibu are entirely digital. Kozoo offers hybrid service. Santévet still relies partly on traditional forms and email.
Preventive Care: Only Kozoo and Santévet offer optional wellness packages. Lassie promotes prevention through behavior, but does not reimburse preventive expenses.
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost in France?
In France, pet insurance premiums typically range from €10 to €40 per month for dogs and €7 to €25 per month for cats. These prices are for standard plans that cover accidents, illnesses, surgeries, and diagnostics.
For example:
A basic plan for a young, mixed-breed dog (under 3 years old) may cost €10 to €18/month.
A comprehensive plan with high reimbursement (90–100%) and wellness add-ons can cost €30 to €45/month, especially for older dogs or pure breeds.
For cats, premiums are generally 20–30% cheaper than for dogs, due to lower risk and treatment costs.
Key Pricing Factors
Several variables influence the price of pet insurance in France:
Pet's Age: Older pets (typically over 6–8 years) can cost up to double the premium of younger ones.
Coverage Level: Choosing a policy with a higher annual limit (e.g., €2,500+), lower deductible, or 100% reimbursement will significantly increase your monthly cost.
Wellness Add-Ons: Plans that include preventive care such as vaccines, dental cleanings, and checkups typically cost €5–€12/month more.
Example Ranges
Pet Type
Basic Plan (Accidents + Illness)
Comprehensive Plan (High Limits + Wellness)
Dog (young)
€11–18/month
€28–45/month
Dog (senior)
€20–35/month
€40–60/month
Cat (young)
€8–15/month
€20–30/month
Cat (senior)
€15–25/month
€28–40/month
What Do You Need to Bring Your Pet to France?
If you're relocating to France with a pet (dog, cat, or ferret), there are clear EU regulations you must follow to ensure a smooth entry and avoid costly delays or quarantine.
Entry Requirements for Pets Coming to France from Outside the EU
Microchip Identification Your pet must be microchipped with a 15-digit ISO-compliant chip (AVID and other non-standard formats may require an additional reader).
Rabies Vaccination Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies after microchipping, and the vaccine must be administered at least 21 days before entry. The vaccination must be valid on the date of arrival.
Rabies Antibody Titer Test(if coming from an unlisted country) If you are arriving from a high-risk country outside the EU (such as Turkey, India, South Africa), your pet must undergo a rabies antibody blood test at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before travel.
Animal Health Certificate (AHC) Issued by an official veterinarian in your country of departure within 10 days of travel. This certificate replaces the EU pet passport for non-EU imports and must be presented at the border.
Tapeworm Treatment(dogs only, for select countries) If arriving from certain countries like the UK, dogs must be treated for Echinococcus multilocularis 1 to 5 days before entry. This treatment must be officially recorded.
Entry Through a Designated Border Post Pets must enter the EU through an approved Border Control Post (BCP) where you can present all documentation for inspection.
Additional Notes for Expats Moving to France
Register with a Local Vet: Upon arrival, schedule a visit with a local French veterinarian. They can assist with ongoing vaccinations, pet registration, and help you transition to the French veterinary system.
Pet Passport (EU-issued): Once you’re in France, your vet can issue an EU Pet Passport, which simplifies future travel within the EU.
Insurance Eligibility: You can apply for pet insurance in France once your pet is fully registered and has a French address. Some insurers require proof of rabies vaccination or microchipping at the time of enrollment.
What Happens if You Don’t Meet These Requirements?
Failure to comply with French import regulations can result in your pet being:
Denied entry at the border
Placed in mandatory quarantine at your expense
Euthanized in extreme cases where rabies status cannot be confirmed
Always verify the latest requirements with the French Ministry of Agriculture or your departure country’s veterinary authority before travel.
If You Are Traveling to France with Your Pet
Whether you're vacationing, relocating, returning from abroad, or bringing a newly adopted pet into France, it’s essential to follow French and EU animal import regulations. These rules exist to protect both public health and animal welfare, and they apply to all companion animals, regardless of age, origin, or travel purpose.
You will need:
A valid microchip (ISO 11784/11785 compliant) for pet identification
An up-to-date rabies vaccination, administered after microchipping
Either an EU Pet Passport (for pets already registered in the EU), or an official Animal Health Certificate (AHC) if traveling from outside the EU
Proof of tapeworm treatment for dogs (required if arriving from certain countries like the UK or Ireland)
Knowledge of how and where to declare your pet at the point of entry into France
FAQ about Pet insurance in France
No, but it is highly recommended, especially for dogs. Without insurance, treatment for accidents or serious illness can exceed €2,000.
Yes. All four providers allow policyholders to use any licensed veterinarian in France. Some, like Santévet, also work with partnered vets for faster reimbursements.
Yes. Most insurers won’t accept new pets over 7 to 10 years of age, although coverage can continue if started earlier. Lassie is best for younger pets (under 6).
Digital-first providers like Barkibu and Lassie typically reimburse within 3 to 7 business days. Santévet and Kozoo may take up to 14 days depending on documentation.
Yes. Kozoo and Santévet, for example, offer multi-pet discounts. Typically, you save 5% to 10% when insuring two or more pets under the same account.
About the authors
Louis
Author
Louis has worked in the comparison industry for 5 years in Sweden after founding another company in France. His industry experience, and strong communication skills have been invaluable in building the bridge between our community and our content. Louis is our ideas man and is responsible for sourcing user and specialist opinions.
Elin Viberg
Author
Elin is a passionate dog lover with roots in Sweden and a background in the service industry. With several years of experience working closely with customers, she has developed a deep understanding of what it takes to deliver outstanding service. Elin's love for animals, especially dogs, drives her to constantly seek the best information and products for pet owners. At Comparesies, she contributes her dedication and expertise by ensuring that our content reflects the care and quality our readers expect.
Thibault Helle
Editor
Thibault has an engineering background from both France and Sweden. Comparesies is his second company after successfully founding a tech scaleup. His experience is vast within insurances and customer satisfaction. Thibault is responsible for maintaining the website and sharing his knowledge through page editing.
Mason
Editor
Mason was born and raised in New Zealand before moving to US and then Sweden. Despite looking so youthful, he worked as a senior website manager for 5 years before founding Comparesies. Mason's expertise in insurance is the most valuable asset for our users. Today he is the primary author/editor on Comparesies.
