I live in Haarlem with my golden retriever Teddy. Last year, he swallowed something he shouldn't have — a typical Teddy move — and within 48 hours I was looking at an €1,800 emergency vet bill. That experience is what made me take pet insurance seriously.
After that, I spent months comparing every huisdierenverzekering available in the Netherlands: reading policy documents, calculating real payout scenarios, and tracking what Dutch pet owners actually say in online communities. This guide is the result.
Bottom line up front: PetSecur NL is my top pick for 2026. They offer up to 90% reimbursement, the lowest long-term premium I found, and no-hassle signup online. Here's the full breakdown.
Why Pet Insurance in the Netherlands Is Worth It
Dutch veterinary costs are among the highest in Europe — and they've been rising every year. What would cost €300 at a general vet can quickly become €1,500+ at a specialist or emergency clinic.
Common costs without insurance:
- Routine surgery: €800–€2,500
- MRI scan: €1,200–€2,500
- Chemotherapy (cancer): €3,000–€8,000+
- Orthopedic surgery (e.g. hip dysplasia): €2,500–€5,000
- Emergency hospitalization: €500–€2,000/night
A good huisdierenverzekering doesn't just protect your bank account — it means you can say yes to treatment without hesitation. That peace of mind is real.
My #1 Pick: PetSecur NL
PetSecur NL — Huisdierenverzekering
PetSecur is the pet insurance provider I recommend most to Dutch owners in 2026. They've built a straightforward product that actually delivers: up to 90% reimbursement, no rising premiums over the policy lifetime, and a genuinely easy claims process.
| Feature | BASIS | STANDAARD | EXTRA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max. vergoeding per jaar | Limited | Mid-range | Highest |
| Vergoedingspercentage | 70% | 80% | 90% |
| Operations & surgery | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| MRI / X-ray / diagnostics | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Medication | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specialist referrals | Partial | ✓ | ✓ |
| Aanvullende opties | Add-on | Add-on | Add-on |
- Up to 90% reimbursement (EXTRA)
- Lowest premium over full policy lifetime
- No cancellation costs during bedenktijd
- Covers dogs, cats, puppies & kittens
- 4 additional coverage options
- Regulated under Dutch law (DNB)
- Online in 3 steps — takes under 5 minutes
- Pre-existing conditions not covered (standard for all insurers)
- Waiting period applies from policy start
- Routine checkups not included in base packages
- Dental coverage limited to medically necessary cases
What PetSecur Covers (and What It Doesn't)
Before signing up for any huisdierenverzekering, you need to understand what's actually in the policy. Here's the clear version:
Covered under PetSecur
- Surgery and operations (including emergency procedures)
- Diagnostic imaging: X-rays, MRI scans, ultrasounds, CT scans
- Prescribed medication and post-operative care
- Specialist consultations and referrals (from STANDAARD up)
- Hospitalization at a veterinary clinic
- Accident-related injuries and illnesses
- Optional add-ons: you can extend coverage with 4 additional modules
Not covered (standard exclusions)
- Pre-existing conditions (anything your pet had before the policy started)
- Conditions that appear during the waiting period
- Routine vaccinations and preventive care (unless added as an option)
- Cosmetic procedures
- Elective procedures not medically necessary
- Breeding-related costs
How to Choose the Right PetSecur Package
PetSecur offers three packages, and the right one depends on your pet and risk appetite:
BASIS — Good entry-level coverage. Covers core medical and surgical costs at 70% reimbursement. Best for young, healthy pets from lower-risk breeds where you want protection against catastrophic costs but are comfortable paying more out-of-pocket for mid-range treatments.
STANDAARD — The middle option with 80% reimbursement and broader specialist coverage. This is the sweet spot for most Dutch pet owners — meaningful coverage without the highest premium.
EXTRA — Full coverage at 90% reimbursement. If you have a breed prone to health issues (French Bulldogs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Persian cats, Maine Coons), this package is worth the premium. One serious condition and it pays for years of premiums.
You can also customize any package with 4 aanvullende opties (add-on modules) to extend your coverage — for example, adding preventive care or dental treatment.
The Real Cost of Not Having Pet Insurance in the Netherlands
Here's a scenario I've seen play out with Dutch pet owners too many times:
Your 3-year-old labrador develops hip dysplasia — extremely common in larger breeds. The treatment: bilateral hip surgery. Cost at a specialist clinic in Amsterdam or Utrecht: €4,000–€6,000. Without insurance, you either pay it, take out a loan, or make an impossible choice about your dog's quality of life.
With PetSecur EXTRA at 90% coverage: you pay your eigen risico (deductible) plus 10% — typically €500–€800 of that bill. The rest is covered.
That difference is the reason I'm evangelical about getting your pet insured before something happens. Once a condition is diagnosed, it becomes pre-existing and is no longer insurable.
How Much Does PetSecur Cost?
PetSecur's premiums depend on several factors that make each quote personal:
- Species: Dog or cat (different risk profiles)
- Breed: Some breeds carry significantly higher veterinary risk
- Age: Younger pets = lower premiums
- Package: BASIS vs STANDAARD vs EXTRA
- Eigen risico: Higher voluntary deductible = lower monthly premium
Because of this, there's no single "price list" — your quote will be different from your neighbour's even for the same breed. The calculator on PetSecur's site generates a personal quote in under 2 minutes.
Get Your Personal Quote (2 min) →How to Sign Up with PetSecur in 3 Steps
One of the things I appreciate about PetSecur: the signup is genuinely fast. No phone calls required.
Go to petsecur.nl/bereken-premie. Enter your pet's details: species, breed, date of birth, and gender. This takes about 2 minutes and generates your personal quote with all three package options.
Select BASIS, STANDAARD, or EXTRA. Then choose your eigen risico (voluntary deductible) — a higher deductible lowers your monthly premium. Add any optional modules if you want expanded coverage.
Fill in your personal details and payment method. Your policy starts on the date you choose — remember there's a waiting period before first claims can be made. You'll receive your verzekeringskaart by email.
When to Sign Up (Hint: As Early As Possible)
The single biggest mistake Dutch pet owners make with insurance is waiting. Here's why it matters:
Age matters for premiums. The younger your pet when you insure them, the lower your premium. A 1-year-old dog costs significantly less to insure than a 6-year-old, and that premium differential compounds over the life of the policy.
Pre-existing conditions are permanent exclusions. If your dog develops an ear infection, a knee problem, or any diagnosed condition before you sign up — that condition is excluded from coverage forever. You can't insure health problems that already exist.
The best time is when you get a new pet. Whether puppy, kitten, adult rescue, or newly adopted — sign up within the first few weeks. PetSecur specifically offers puppy and kitten coverage for new owners.
My Verdict
After comparing every option available in the Dutch market, PetSecur stands out for three reasons: the reimbursement rates (up to 90%) are genuinely competitive, the "laagste premie over de hele looptijd" (lowest lifetime premium) promise addresses a real frustration with other insurers who raise premiums sharply after year one, and the online process is smooth and fast.
If you're looking for solid coverage for your hond or kat in the Netherlands and want to avoid the financial shock of a large vet bill — PetSecur is where I'd start.
Calculate My PetSecur Premium →PawPicks earns a commission from PetSecur through our Awin affiliate partnership. This does not affect our analysis — I only recommend products I would genuinely use for Teddy.