Hospitalisation is always a sensitive moment for any household, both emotionally and financially. Decisions are often made urgently, at night or over the weekend, without having the time or distance needed to fully understand where the costs come from. Yet hospitalisation quickly combines several cost items: daily or nightly fees, nursing care, examinations, medication…
Taking out pet insurance helps reduce the impact of these unexpected expenses and allows your pet to receive the best possible care with peace of mind.
Why can hospitalisation be expensive?
The first factor is duration. Each day or night of hospitalisation is charged as a fixed rate. Within 24 to 48 hours, the bill can already reach a significant amount, especially if the animal is on a drip.
Hospitalisation is not just about “a cage”: intravenous fluids, oxygen, heat lamps, monitoring equipment… All this equipment is costly to purchase, maintain and operate. As soon as an animal requires fluids and close monitoring, the cost per night increases significantly compared to a “basic” hospital stay.
The type of treatment also plays a major role. Simple post‑operative observation usually remains within a reasonable range, while hospitalisation combined with surgery, continuous IV therapy, repeated injections, blood tests and pain management involves considerable time and medical staff. In the most serious cases, with intensive care (ICU) and near‑continuous monitoring, estimates show that costs can exceed several hundred euros per day.
Why do costs vary so much?
The same condition can cost very different amounts depending on the animal and the clinic. During hospitalisation, a large dog requires more medication and anaesthetic products than a small cat. Age and overall health can further complicate treatment, increasing both time and diagnostic requirements.
Location and type of facility also matter: a general veterinary practice typically charges less than a 24/7 urban veterinary hospital equipped with CT scanners, MRI machines and advanced surgical theatres.
Good to know: CT scans and MRI – advanced but exceptional tests
These examinations remain very rare in routine veterinary medicine. They are only offered in specific situations (tumours, neurological disorders, complex joint issues) and as a last resort, after simpler tests such as X‑rays or ultrasound.
Finally, the severity of the condition and the timing also influence costs. A simple wound or mild limp may sometimes be managed with a bandage and a few days of rest. By contrast, a stomach ulcer, a broken leg or a ruptured cruciate ligament requires advanced imaging (X‑ray, ultrasound) and often hospitalisation or surgery, quickly driving costs up. If this happens at night or during the weekend, emergency consultation fees are added on top.
Veterinary hospitalisation in Luxembourg
Across Europe, veterinary costs have risen by more than 30% since 2015 (source: Rising vet costs and abandonment are putting Europe’s pets at risk | Euronews) , driven by inflation, higher‑spec equipment and the development of specialised care. In Luxembourg, veterinary services are known for their high quality, but also for higher prices. Hospitalisation involving surgery or advanced diagnostics can quickly amount to several hundred euros, and in serious cases exceed €1,000(source: Faut-il assurer son animal au Luxembourg ? Notre guide).
Example: A cat that falls from a balcony may require emergency care, X‑rays, orthopaedic surgery and several days of hospitalisation. In just a few hours, a domestic accident can turn into a major expense, in addition to the stress caused by concern for the animal’s condition.
How can you anticipate costs?
Prevention remains the best protection. Regular check‑ups, up‑to‑date vaccinations and age‑appropriate health screenings reduce the risk of sudden events that require prolonged hospitalisation. Good lifestyle habits (diet, weight, exercise) and a safe environment (windows, balconies, garden, car travel) also help prevent accidents.
Even with good prevention, zero risk does not exist. For many households, paying a €600, €800 or €1,500 bill at short notice is extremely difficult. Setting aside a small emergency fund helps, but is not always sufficient.
Protecting your budget with Foyer’s happy pet insurance
Taking out pet insurance has become a real financial safeguard. With Foyer’s happy pet solution, hospitalisation following surgery, diagnostic tests, ambulance transport for animals or even pet boarding if the owner is ill can be covered – up to €3,500 per year, with no excess and reimbursement of up to 100%.
This level of cover helps absorb high bills following accidents or illnesses requiring surgery and ensures that your pet receives the necessary care without budget constraints driving medical decisions.
Veterinary costs resulting from accidents or events requiring surgery can quickly run into hundreds or even thousands of euros. By combining prevention with pet insurance such as happy pet, it becomes easier to protect both your companion and your household budget – for genuine peace of mind.
Frequently asked questions about pet hospitalisation costs
Does a dog or cat often need a CT scan or MRI?
No, these are specialised tests reserved for specific cases (suspected tumours, neurological disorders, complex joint problems).
Does my pet need to be anaesthetised for an examination?
For a simple X‑ray, light sedation may be sufficient, especially if the animal is calm. For CT scans or MRI, general anaesthesia is almost always required to ensure complete immobility.
Is it risky for my pet?
Risks are low when the examination is clearly indicated and carried out by a trained team. The main risk is linked to the anaesthesia or sedation required to keep the animal still.
Does my pet need to be hospitalised for an X‑ray?
Most of the time, no. X‑rays are usually performed during a consultation, with brief restraint or light sedation, and the animal generally goes home the same day.
How long does an examination take?
An X‑ray usually takes only a few minutes, excluding preparation and interpretation. A CT scan or MRI takes longer: typically between 30 minutes and 1 hour, including preparation and recovery.
