Disclaimer: This article provides general guidance on pet insurance options in Malaysia as of February 2026. Policy terms, conditions, exclusions, and coverage limits vary. Always review your specific policy wording. For the full exclusions list, visit the exclusions page.
You've decided to get pet insurance for your cat. Smart move. But now you're staring at two options on Oyen's website: conventional insurance and Takaful Kucing. They both cover vet bills. They both work at any licensed clinic. So what's actually different?
This guide breaks down exactly how Oyen's conventional and takaful plans differ, so you can pick the one that fits your cat, your budget, and your values.
Here's what we'll cover:
- Conventional vs Takaful: the fundamental difference
- Side-by-side comparison of every key feature
- How deductibles work differently in each plan
- Waiting periods and coverage limits
- Real cost scenarios showing what you'd pay out of pocket
- Who each plan is best for
The Fundamental Difference
Both plans protect you from unexpected vet bills. But they're built on different financial models.
| Feature | Conventional | Takaful Kucing |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Insurance (risk transfer) | Takaful (mutual assistance, Shariah-compliant) |
| Underwriter | MSIG Malaysia | Zurich General Takaful Malaysia |
| How it works | You pay premiums. The insurer bears the risk and pays claims from pooled premiums. | You contribute to a shared fund. Participants help each other. Claims are paid from this mutual pool. |
| Shariah-compliant | No | Yes |
| Covers | Cats and dogs | Cats only |
Conventional insurance is the standard model you're probably familiar with. You pay a premium, and MSIG bears the financial risk. If your pet gets sick, the insurer pays out according to your policy terms.
Takaful works on the principle of mutual cooperation (ta'awun). Your contribution goes into a shared fund managed by Zurich General Takaful. When someone in the pool has a claim, it's paid from this fund. It's Shariah-compliant and avoids elements like gharar (uncertainty) and riba (interest).
Both plans are distributed exclusively through Oyen. You get the same claims support, WhatsApp service, and digital experience regardless of which plan you choose.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Here's how the two plans stack up on everything that matters.
Coverage and Limits
| Feature | Conventional | Takaful Kucing |
|---|---|---|
| Annual coverage limit | Up to RM10,000/year (varies by plan tier) | Up to RM8,000/year (per PDS) |
| Plan tiers | Basic, Plus, Champion | Basic, Plus, Champion |
| Reimbursement rate | 50%, 70%, or 90% (you choose) | Deductible-based (see below) |
| Vet clinic restriction | Any licensed vet in Malaysia | Any licensed vet in Malaysia |
| What's covered | 1,000+ illnesses and injuries (anything not on the exclusions list) | 1,000+ illnesses and injuries (same exclusions list applies) |
| Third-party liability | Plus and Champion plans (up to RM50,000) | Included (subject to deductible) |
| Burial benefit | Plus and Champion plans (up to RM1,000) | Included |
Waiting Periods
| Waiting Period | Conventional | Takaful Kucing |
|---|---|---|
| Illness | 30 days | 14 days |
| Accidents | Immediate (Day 1) | Immediate (Day 1) |
| Hereditary conditions | 1 year (6 conditions, pets under 6 years) | Not covered |
This is one of Takaful's biggest advantages: illness coverage kicks in after just 14 days, compared to 30 days for conventional. That's half the waiting time. For a new pet parent who just brought home a kitten, those extra 16 days of earlier coverage can matter.
One thing to remember: it's the date your pet first showed symptoms that counts, not the date of treatment. If symptoms appeared during the waiting period, the condition won't be covered even if the vet visit happens after. See waiting period details for more.
How Deductibles Work: The Biggest Difference
This is where the two plans differ the most, and it's worth understanding clearly before you choose.
| Deductible Feature | Conventional | Takaful Kucing |
|---|---|---|
| How you share cost | Co-payment: you bear 10%, 30%, or 50% of eligible amount (based on your chosen reimbursement rate) | Deductible: RM100 or 10% of eligible amount, whichever is higher |
| Applied how | Per bill | Per condition |
| Follow-up visits | Co-payment applies to each bill separately | Follow-ups within 60 days for the same condition share one deductible |
| Flexibility | You choose your rate (50/70/90%). Lower rate = lower premium. | Fixed deductible structure |
| Additional deductible | May be introduced by insurer on a case-by-case basis. Always displayed at checkout. | Standard deductible applies to all claims |
For full details on how conventional deductibles work, see the deductible explainer. For takaful deductibles, see the takaful deductible guide.
Conventional: Co-Payment Per Bill
With conventional plans, you choose your reimbursement rate when you sign up: 50%, 70%, or 90%. The percentage you don't get reimbursed is your co-payment.
If you chose 90% reimbursement and your eligible vet bill is RM1,000, you get RM900 back. The RM100 (10%) is your co-payment. This applies to every bill individually.
Choosing a lower reimbursement rate (like 50%) means lower premiums but a bigger share of each bill. It's a trade-off you control.
Takaful: Deductible Per Condition
Takaful works differently. Instead of a percentage co-payment, there's a fixed deductible: RM100 or 10% of the eligible amount, whichever is higher. After the deductible, you get the rest back.
The key advantage: this deductible is per condition, not per bill. If your cat needs three vet visits for the same kidney infection within 60 days, the deductible only applies once (on the first visit). Follow-up visits for the same condition are fully reimbursed after that.
Real Cost Scenarios
Numbers make this clearer. Let's compare what you'd pay out of pocket under each plan for common vet bills.
Scenario 1: Single Vet Visit (RM1,000 Eligible Bill)
| Plan | Your Cost | You Get Back |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional (90%) | RM100 (10% co-payment) | RM900 |
| Conventional (70%) | RM300 (30% co-payment) | RM700 |
| Takaful | RM100 (deductible: higher of RM100 or 10%) | RM900 |
At RM1,000, conventional at 90% and takaful give you the same payout. But if your conventional plan is at 70% or 50%, takaful actually reimburses more on a single visit.
Scenario 2: Condition With Follow-Up Visits (3 Visits Over 45 Days)
Your cat has a urinary tract infection. First visit costs RM800, second visit RM400, third visit RM300. All for the same condition within 60 days.
| Visit | Eligible Bill | Conventional (90%): You Pay | Takaful: You Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visit 1 | RM800 | RM80 (10%) | RM100 (deductible) |
| Visit 2 | RM400 | RM40 (10%) | RM0 (same condition, within 60 days) |
| Visit 3 | RM300 | RM30 (10%) | RM0 (same condition, within 60 days) |
| Total you pay | RM1,500 | RM150 | RM100 |
| Total reimbursed | RM1,350 | RM1,400 |
For conditions that need multiple visits, takaful's per-condition deductible can save you money compared to conventional's per-bill co-payment. The more follow-up visits, the bigger the difference.
Scenario 3: Small Bill (RM300 Eligible)
| Plan | Your Cost | You Get Back |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional (90%) | RM30 (10%) | RM270 |
| Conventional (70%) | RM90 (30%) | RM210 |
| Takaful | RM100 (minimum deductible) | RM200 |
For smaller bills, conventional at 90% gives you more back. The takaful RM100 minimum deductible takes a bigger bite from smaller claims. This is worth considering if your cat tends to have minor vet visits rather than major ones.
Pricing and Payment
| Feature | Conventional | Takaful Kucing |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Variable (based on pet type, breed, age, reimbursement rate) | Fixed contributions (as listed in the PDS) |
| Payment options | Monthly or annual | Monthly or annual |
| SST | 8% applies | 8% Service Tax applies |
| Multi-pet discount | Check at sign-up | 10% discount for additional cats in the same certificate |
| RM1,000 threshold (monthly plans) | Yes. Settle remaining premium when approved claims hit RM1,000 cumulative. | Yes. Same rule applies. |
Conventional pricing depends on your pet's age, breed (for dogs), and the reimbursement rate you choose. Choosing 50% instead of 90% reimbursement significantly reduces your premium, making it accessible for all budgets.
Takaful pricing is fixed and transparent, listed in the Product Disclosure Sheet. This makes it easy to know exactly what you'll pay before signing up. Your exact premium depends on your plan and payment frequency. The fastest way to see your price? Check your pet's eligibility for an instant quote.
No Claim Discount (NCD)
Good news: both conventional and takaful reward you for staying claim-free.
| Claim-Free Years | Discount |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 5% |
| 2 years | 10% |
| 3+ years | 15% |
This NCD applies to both conventional and takaful plans. The longer you stay insured without a claim, the less you pay. After 3 years claim-free, you save 15% on your renewal.
Eligibility and Sign-Up
| Requirement | Conventional | Takaful Kucing |
|---|---|---|
| Pet type | Cats and dogs | Cats only |
| Age at sign-up | 12 weeks to 10 years | 12 weeks to 10 years |
| Renewable up to | 13 years | 13 years |
| Microchip required | Dogs: yes (can update after signup). Cats: no. | Not required |
| Vaccination required | Recommended but not required (vaccine-preventable diseases excluded from claims) | Recommended but not required |
If you have a dog, conventional is your only option since Takaful Kucing is for cats only. But if you have a cat, you can choose either plan.
The Claims Experience
Regardless of which plan you choose, the claims experience is the same. Oyen handles everything.
| Claims Feature | Conventional | Takaful Kucing |
|---|---|---|
| Submission | Online via Oyen account | Online via Oyen account |
| Processing time | Typically 3 to 4 weeks | Typically 3 to 4 weeks |
| Vet validation | Oyen contacts your vet directly | Oyen contacts your vet directly |
| Updates | Via account dashboard and email | Via account dashboard and email |
| Support | WhatsApp, dedicated claims team | WhatsApp, dedicated claims team |
| Payout | Bank transfer | Bank transfer |
Both plans are distributed exclusively through Oyen, and you get the same level of support either way. The same claims team handles your case, follows up with your vet, and keeps you updated throughout. For a full step-by-step guide, see how to submit a claim.
Which Plan Is Right for You?
There's no universally "better" plan. The right choice depends on your priorities.
Choose Conventional If:
| You Want... | Why Conventional |
|---|---|
| Higher coverage limit | Up to RM10,000/year vs RM8,000 for takaful |
| Budget flexibility | Choose 50%, 70%, or 90% reimbursement. Lower rate = lower premium. |
| Best payout on small bills | At 90%, your co-payment is just 10% with no minimum floor. Better for minor claims. |
| Dog insurance | Takaful is cats only. Conventional covers both cats and dogs. |
| Hereditary condition coverage | 6 hereditary conditions covered (1-year waiting, pets under 6). Not available in takaful. |
Choose Takaful Kucing If:
| You Want... | Why Takaful |
|---|---|
| Shariah compliance | Takaful is fully Shariah-compliant, based on mutual cooperation. Underwritten by Zurich General Takaful. |
| Shorter waiting period | 14 days vs 30 days. You're covered sooner after signing up. |
| Better payout for ongoing conditions | Per-condition deductible means follow-up visits within 60 days share one deductible. Saves money on multi-visit conditions. |
| Transparent, fixed pricing | Contributions are listed in the PDS. You know exactly what you'll pay. |
| Multi-cat household savings | 10% discount for additional cats in the same certificate. |
Common Misconceptions
| Misconception | Reality |
|---|---|
| "Takaful is only for Muslims" | Anyone can sign up for Takaful Kucing regardless of religion. It's based on a mutual cooperation model that's open to all. |
| "Conventional covers more conditions" | Both plans use the same exclusions list. The range of covered conditions is essentially the same. |
| "Takaful claims are harder to process" | Both use the same Oyen claims team, same submission portal, same process. No difference in the claims experience. |
| "I need to choose one forever" | You can switch between conventional and takaful at renewal. Talk to Oyen's team if you're thinking about switching. |
FAQ
Can I switch from conventional to takaful (or vice versa)?
Yes. You can switch plans at renewal time. Contact Oyen's team via WhatsApp to discuss your options before your renewal date. Note that switching may reset your waiting period for the new plan.
Is takaful cheaper than conventional?
It depends on your cat's age and the plan you choose. Takaful has fixed pricing listed in the PDS, while conventional pricing varies by age, breed, and your chosen reimbursement rate. The best way to compare is to check your pet's eligibility to see quotes for both.
Does the takaful deductible apply to every vet visit?
No. The deductible applies per condition, not per visit. If your cat has follow-up appointments for the same illness within 60 days, the deductible is only charged once (on the first claim). See the takaful deductible guide for examples.
What if I have both cats and dogs?
For your dogs, you'll need conventional plans (Takaful Kucing is cats-only). For your cats, you can choose either. Some families use conventional for their dogs and takaful for their cats.
Do both plans cover accidents from Day 1?
Yes. Both conventional and takaful cover accidents immediately from the first day of your plan. There's no waiting period for accident claims.
What's the maximum I can claim per year?
Up to RM10,000/year for conventional (Champion plan) and up to RM8,000/year for Takaful Kucing (Champion plan). The exact limit depends on your plan tier (Basic, Plus, or Champion).
Are the exclusions the same for both plans?
Yes. Both plans use the same exclusions list. Dental, supplements, pre-existing conditions, vaccine-preventable diseases, and other excluded items apply equally to both.
Does No Claim Discount apply to takaful?
Yes. NCD applies to both conventional and takaful. You get 5% off after 1 claim-free year, 10% after 2, and 15% after 3 or more years without a claim.
Can I have both conventional and takaful for the same cat?
No. Each pet is covered under one plan at a time. You choose one when signing up and can switch at renewal if you want to try the other.
What happens to my NCD if I switch plans?
Speak to Oyen's team about your NCD status when switching. They'll guide you on how your claim-free history carries over.
Protecting Your Pet Starts Here
Whether you choose conventional or takaful, both plans give you access to the same Oyen ecosystem: WhatsApp support, a dedicated claims team that follows up with your vet, online submission, and coverage at any licensed clinic in Malaysia.
The best plan is the one you actually sign up for. With coverage up to RM10,000/year and reimbursement starting from your first eligible claim, your cat is better off with either plan than with no plan at all.
Check your pet's eligibility now - it takes less than 2 minutes, and you'll see quotes for both conventional and takaful.
