Comparing Pet Insurance Providers (Meritz, DB, Samsung, Hanwha)

ImmunityComparisonsMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

We help you compare the coverage structures, renewal methods, and deductible differences of Korea’s four major pet insurance providers (Meritz, DB, Samsung, and Hanwha) at a glance, so you can choose the insurer that best suits your pet.

Why Is Comparing Pet Insurance Providers Important?

Pet insurance comparison documents placed next to a dog and a cat

Comparing pet insurance providers involves examining the coverage structures and renewal terms of Korea’s four major property & casualty insurers—Meritz, DB, Samsung, and Hanwha—side by side. Coverage limits and deductibles vary significantly among companies. Even with identical monthly premiums, surgical coverage limits can differ by more than double, so choosing based on price alone may lead to disappointment when filing a claim. The best insurer for your pet depends on their age, breed, and any pre-existing conditions.

4 Key Factors to Check Before Comparing Providers

There are four key factors you must check before choosing an insurance provider. Coverage scope: Confirm exactly which services are included, such as outpatient care, hospitalization, surgery, patellar conditions, dermatology, and dentistry. Deductible ratio: This typically ranges from 10% to 30%, varying by company. A lower deductible percentage generally results in higher monthly premiums. Renewal method: While most policies are annual, the premium increase rate at renewal and whether a new underwriting review is required differ among providers. Eligible age: New policies are usually available for pets aged 0 to 8 years, while existing policyholders are generally guaranteed lifetime renewability.

At-a-Glance Comparison of the 4 Major Pet Insurance Providers

Item	Meritz	DB Insurance	Samsung Fire & Marine	Hanwha General Insurance
Flagship product	Petpermint	periPet	Wipung Daengdaeng	Pet Together
Enrollment age	0–8 years	0–10 years	0–8 years	0–8 years
Coverage period	Up to 20 years	Lifetime renewal	Up to 20 years	Up to 20 years
Deductible	Choice of 10/20/30%	Choice of 20/30%	Choice of 0/30%	Choice of 20/30%
Surgery cost limit	$11,000/year	$11,000/year	$11,000/year	$4,000/year
Outpatient/Inpatient	150K/day, 600K/day	150K/day, 600K/day	150K/day, 600K/day	150K/day, 600K/day
Strength	Long-term 5-year renewal	New enrollment for older pets	Patellar (kneecap) rider	Affordable basic plan

Summary of disclosed data as of April 2026. Confirm actual coverage and premiums via an individual quote.

Features of Meritz Pet Permit

Meritz Pet Permit is well known as the industry’s first long-term insurance product. It allows renewal cycles to be bundled in up to five-year terms, so even if a pre-existing condition develops during that period, the same coverage terms remain in effect for the full five years. Strengths: Long-term renewals in three- or five-year increments, and generous surgery cost limits. Weaknesses: Initial premiums are somewhat higher than those of other insurers, and certain genetic conditions are subject to strict exclusions. It is a popular choice among owners of medium- and large-breed dogs, who face a higher risk of developing pre-existing conditions.

A pet owner and their dog looking at a tablet while comparing insurance plans

Features of DB periPet

DB Insurance’s periPet offers a relatively wide age range for enrollment. New policies can be issued up to age 10, making it a favorable option for guardians seeking coverage for older pets.

Strengths: Eligibility for new enrollment at advanced ages, lifetime renewal guarantee, and a broad selection of optional riders, including coverage for abandonment and theft.

Weaknesses: Premium increases at renewal may be substantial, depending on the loss ratio.

If you are looking for the first insurance policy for a senior pet aged 7 or older, this is definitely worth considering as a candidate.

Features of Samsung Wifung Dangdang

Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance’s Wifung Dangdang is the only pet insurance plan that offers a 0% co-payment option. While it covers 100% of veterinary treatment costs, its monthly premium is among the highest in the market.

Strengths: Optional 0% co-payment plan; specialized riders for patellar and hip conditions are finely categorized.

Weaknesses: Relatively high premiums; enrollment underwriting is strict for certain breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Persians).

This plan is particularly popular among owners of small breeds prone to patellar issues, such as Pomeranians and Maltese, due to its specialized coverage options.

A small puppy receiving treatment and the veterinarian

Features of Hanwha Pet Together

Hanwha Life Insurance’s Pet Together plan offers relatively affordable basic premiums, making it an accessible entry point for first-time pet insurance buyers.

Strengths: Reasonable monthly premiums, a simple enrollment process, and discounts for households with multiple dogs or cats.

Weaknesses: Its annual surgery coverage limit is the lowest among the four major insurers ($4,000 per year), so high-cost procedures can quickly exceed this cap.

While it’s a solid choice for covering routine medical expenses for healthy, young pets, you’ll need to add optional riders if you want protection against expensive surgeries.

What to Check Before Enrolling

Before signing up for pet insurance, be sure to check these four key points. Waiting Period: Coverage typically does not begin for 30 to 60 days after enrollment. Any conditions diagnosed during this waiting period will be excluded from coverage for the lifetime of the policy. Duty of Disclosure: Failing to disclose pre-existing conditions or missed vaccinations may result in the denial of a claim. Reasons for Non-Renewal: Some policies may refuse renewal or increase premiums by more than double if the loss ratio becomes too high. No Duplicate Coverage: Since these are indemnity-based plans, you cannot receive more than the actual cost of treatment, even if you have multiple insurance policies.

How to Choose the Right Provider for Your Pet

Recommendations vary depending on your pet’s situation. Puppies and kittens (ages 0–3): Hanwha PetTogether or DB periPet Basic Plan. Start with an affordable option and adjust coverage as needed upon renewal. Small breeds at risk for patellar or joint issues: Samsung Fire & Marine WiPung DangDang + Patellar Special Rider. Seniors already aged 7 or older: DB periPet (the only option allowing new enrollment up to age 10). Medium to large breeds with concerns about pre-existing conditions: Meritz PetPermint 5-Year Long-Term Plan (helps prevent sharp premium increases at renewal). For the most accurate comparison, obtain quotes from three to four different companies and compare them under identical coverage conditions.

A pet owner’s hand comparing insurance quotes

Don’t Decide Based on Premiums Alone

Even if two plans cost the same $20 per month, their actual value can differ significantly depending on the details. For example, a plan with a 30% co-pay and a $4,000 surgery limit is quite different from one with a 10% co-pay and a $11,000 limit. Since surgeries often cost between $1,000 to $4,000, you need to calculate both the coverage limit and the co-pay percentage together to see the true level of protection.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can pets that already have a medical condition join?

Most insurance companies will permanently exclude coverage for any pre-existing conditions. While other illnesses may still be covered, failing to disclose your pet’s medical history can result in the entire policy being canceled, so it’s important to be completely honest.

How much will the premium increase when I renew the policy?

Premiums often increase by 10% to 30% each year, depending on the loss ratio and the pet’s age. The Meritz 5-Year Long-Term Plan keeps premiums fixed for five years, while other plans typically require annual reassessment.

Can cats be enrolled under the same conditions?

All four major insurance companies offer pet insurance plans for cats. However, there are fewer cat-specific plans available, and the coverage limits for surgical procedures are often lower than those for dogs, so it’s important to carefully review the policy details.

Which is better, direct enrollment or enrollment through an insurance agent?

Direct plans offer premiums that are 5–15% lower, but you must choose them on your own without any consultation. If you’re enrolling for the first time, it’s a good idea to have an agent explain the policy terms to you, and then consider switching to a direct plan when it’s time to renew.

Are vaccination and spay/neuter costs also covered?

Most of these services are not covered. Pet insurance primarily focuses on "disease and injury treatment costs," so preventive vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and routine health check-ups are generally excluded by default. In some cases, limited coverage for these services may be available only through optional riders.