1st For Women Pet Insurance [2025 Update]

Some of what’s not covered:

• Pre-existing conditions are excluded on all plans.

• For the first 12 months of cover on the Top to Tail Classic and Premium Paws plans: hip & elbow dysplasia, displacement of the patella (kneecap), entropion, ectropion, cherry eye, cruciate ligament rupture, brachycephalic conditions in flat-faced breeds, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) in long-bodied breeds.
• Total exclusion of congenital/hereditary conditions on the Fur Baby Basic plan.

Excesses and limitations:

• As mentioned, you’ll pay no excess for Wellness, Dignified Furwell and 3rd Party Liability claims.
• You’ll only pay a 10% excess on Minor Care and Diagnostic claims.
• Excess on Surgery & Hospitalisation: First 6 months of cover – 25% (minimum R500), whichever is greater Month 7 of cover onwards – 10% (minimum R500), whichever is greater
• Kindly note that the above excesses are applied per claim.
• The annual limit for Vet@First and Pet Taxi collectively is 4 incidents per annum up to the limit of R3 000.

Waiting periods:

• Cover for accidents is immediate (including accidental death under Dignified Furwell).
• Illness, Wellness, Minor Care, Diagnostics and 3rd Party claims have a 30-day waiting period.
• There is a 6-month waiting period for death due to natural causes (old age) under Dignified Furwell.
• Congenital/hereditary conditions carry a 12-month waiting period (on Top to Tail Classic and Premium Paws Plans).

Pet Taxi limitations:

• Areas covered: 50km radius of city centres in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban.
• Who qualifies? One domestic pet at a time, not exceeding 25kg in weight, who transported in a suitable container. The pet will have to be escorted by its owner.
• Passengers: The pet, you (or someone you send on your behalf) plus up to two additional passengers.
• Distance covered: A single round trip from pick up point (point A) to a single drop off point (point B) not exceeding 50km.
• Additional charges: If you exceed the number of covered trips or the 50km distance limit, you’re welcome to continue using the service, at your own cost.

Questions and Answers on 1st For Women Pet Insurance

How are policies underwritten?

You’ll be asked to disclose any pre-existing conditions when you take out a policy.

What is the difference between a congenital condition and a hereditary condition?

These terms can be used interchangeably but there are subtle differences in their meanings. Congenital conditions are present at birth or soon thereafter but not necessarily inherited from the pet’s parents (e.g. a physical abnormality, like a cleft lip), whereas hereditary conditions may manifest later in life but are passed down from the pet’s parents (e.g. hip dysplasia in certain dogs).

What is included in the Wellness Benefit?

Routine, preventative care which covers voluntary sterilisation, vaccinations, deworming, tick and flea control, anal gland expression and nail clipping.

How does 3rd Party Liability work?

In terms of domestic animal ownership, strict liability applies for damages caused. Our cover aims to assist you with the cost of medical bills and damages to property, where legal action hasn’t necessarily taken place. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

How do claims work for First for Women?

Claims for admission to hospital require pre-authorisation. For a planned procedure this can be done prior to your pet being admitted. Documentation needs to include a claim form and quote from the vet.

Other claim types can be reimbursed after treatment has taken place and been paid for. You just need to submit a claim form, invoice and proof of payment from the vet.

A veterinary history may be requested if further information is required. You can submit a claim via email at petclaims@firstforwomen.co.za or give us a call on 0861 20 13 13.