Dutch cooperative insurer and ICMIF member Univé has become the first insurer in the Netherlands to provide remote veterinary care services for pets. This new initiative, in partnership with online veterinary platform VETTS, is designed to offer quick, affordable access to non-urgent pet care advice for Univé members, while helping to reduce the pressure on veterinary practices.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant rise in pet ownership in the Netherlands, with the Dutch Food Industry for Companion Animals (NVG) reporting that by 2023, nearly 45% of Dutch households had pets. These households include 1.8 million dogs and 3 million cats, with many owners now facing financial challenges in covering the rising costs of pet healthcare. In 2022, a survey by consumer programme Kassa found that 34% of pet owners were struggling to pay for veterinary expenses, and 21% delayed treatment due to the high costs.
Marco Nanne, Director, Univé Schade (Netherlands), explained how the partnership aims to make pet care more accessible: “Online advice helps reduce pressure on veterinarians, it lowers costs for pet owners, and prevents the postponement of care.” Nanne also highlighted the fact that many pet health concerns, including dietary and behavioural issues, can be addressed remotely, avoiding the need for a costly and often stressful visit to a veterinary clinic.
Research by huisdierenverzekering.nl found that the costs of veterinary consultations rose by 9% in both 2023 and 2024, with significant regional differences. For instance, Friesland, Drenthe, and Overijssel offer the lowest average cost of consultations, under EUR 45, while costs in Amsterdam are 25% higher than the national average at over EUR 60.
Univé’s partnership with VETTS will allow pet owners to access online consultations at flexible times, including weekends, holidays, and outside of normal business hours. Members with pet insurance from Univé will receive their first online consultation free of charge, and 80% of the cost of subsequent consultations will be covered. Uninsured Univé members can also benefit from the service with a 35% discount on VETTS’ online consultations.
“Access to and affordability of pet healthcare has been a growing concern,” said Nanne. “Our partnership with VETTS ensures that our members can access expert advice quickly and efficiently, reducing the financial burden and helping to keep pets healthy without unnecessary delays.”
Ted van Rulo, Founder, VETTS (Netherlands), expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, noting that Univé’s 1.8 million members, who collectively own more than 1 million pets, now have a valuable option for affordable, convenient veterinary advice. “With our online consultations, we help pet owners receive timely advice, which can prevent the worsening of health issues due to delayed care.”
Univé says this initiative strengthens the insurer’s commitment to the well-being of its members and their pets. As a cooperative insurer, Univé says it continues to prioritise solutions that enhance the quality of life for its members, while addressing broader challenges in the pet healthcare sector.
