Growing call in Norway for standardized pricing of veterinary services to enhance transparency and accessibility for pet owners
There is a growing call in Norway for standardized pricing of veterinary services to enhance transparency and accessibility for pet owners. Maren Frølandshagen Mattson, who oversees pet insurance at Gjensidige, highlights the case of a family whose dog, Bella, required urgent treatment, revealing a staggering price difference of 50,000 kroner among clinics consulted.
Agria, a prominent pet insurance provider, supports the idea of uniform pricing, arguing that it could ensure predictability for pet owners needing veterinary care. However, not all insurance companies agree. Tryg and If express concerns that standard prices could diminish competition among veterinarians, which they believe ultimately benefits customers through varied pricing.
Despite the push for standardization, veterinarians and clinics such as Anicura and Evidensia are skeptical. They warn that set pricing could lead to increased costs at low-priced clinics and the potential phasing out of specialized services, adversely impacting emergency care offerings. Evidensia’s medical director, Monica Heggelund, emphasized that standardized pricing may not serve the best interests of animal welfare or pet owners.
Currently, veterinary services are priced freely, with significant variances reported. According to industry figures, over the past seven years, insured pets in Norway have nearly doubled, reflecting an overall increase in veterinary prices, which has surged more than 30% recently. Pet owners are urged to compare prices among clinics and consider different insurance providers to find more affordable options. The Norwegian Kennel Club has voiced concerns that rising costs might deter owners from seeking veterinary care or obtaining insurance, thereby jeopardizing animal welfare.