Not only valerian: in Russia thought about full-fledged medicine for pets on compulsory medical insurance

In Russia, an analogue of the MHI policy for pets may appear. The Civic Chamber has taken the initiative to develop a mechanism that will allow owners of cats and dogs to avoid high costs for the treatment of their pets and significantly change the work of veterinary clinics. How this system of insurance for animals will work, the journalists of the portal 360.ru found out.

60% of Russians own pets, but no one has a policy on them

According to the results of the All-Russian Pet Census, conducted in 2023, there are more than 49 million cats and more than 25 million dogs in Russia. So, about 60% of residents own pets, and their popularity is only increasing. According to VTsIOM, cats live in 52% of homes, and dogs - in 36%.

Not so long ago, a story appeared on the Internet about a resident of Moscow who spent 300 thousand rubles on the treatment of his cat. To do this, he had to take out a loan, but, unfortunately, he could not save the animal. Due to the accrued penalties, the debt increased to a million rubles, and as a result, the Muscovite was forced to declare bankruptcy.

Evgeny Masharov, deputy chairman of the commission of the Public Chamber for Control and Appeals of Citizens, proposed to introduce a policy for animal owners. According to him, this will help avoid debt due to sudden illness of the pet and will make the market of veterinary services more transparent. In a conversation with journalists, the interlocutor drew attention to the fact that the financial base of the conditional analogue of the compulsory medical insurance will be the funds of Russians and co-investment of business.

“The MHI policy for pets will be funded at the expense of responsible owners. Business can also invest, primarily veterinary clinics, who are interested in obtaining a client base, said Evgeny Masharov.

The expert pointed out that 70% of veterinary clinics are private. The introduction of the MHI policy for pets will help owners to receive free assistance, reduce the need for loans and increase the responsibility of clinics for the quality of services. The policy will also provide an opportunity to monitor and monitor the condition of pets.

When there is a unified system of compulsory medical insurance, coordination and payments, it will become clear where the money goes, and the displacement of illegal immigrants from the market will begin. Believe me, you can control it, the interlocutor explained.

Basic services may be included in the animal policy, he said. Complex transactions are likely to remain paid. At the same time, to implement this initiative, it will be necessary to make significant changes to the legislation, create a register of pets and introduce mandatory chipping.