Pet Insurance

Pet insurance is the best way to protect yourself against large, unexpected medical bills.

The last thing you need, on top of all the other stressors when you have a sick pet, is financial stress!

Until 2015 there were only two underwriters of insurance policies. In the last few years new companies have joined the sector and provided much needed additional options for today's pet owners. Now you can shop around and find the best deal.
This has also seen some improvement in the restrictions for many policies including;

  • Coverage for the treatment of vaccinated diseases (previously excluded)
  • After hours emergency care coverage (where previously coverage was excluded to business hours only for some policies)

 

When is it best to get insured?
The best time to get insured is while your pet is young, before they suffer any health conditions. This will ensure most companies will cover you against any illness or injury your pet may suffer.

Our team will send all clinical notes and receipts straight to your insurer within 24 hours of your pet being treated, making the claims process fuss free and easy for you.

 This doesn't mean older pets are ineligible for insurance!

 

Common exclusions:

Pre-exisiting conditions;
This means that any illness or injury your pet has suffered prior to the policy being taken out will not be covered by your insurer. This exclusion makes it difficult to cancel a policy and switch insurers down the track so be sure you have read the PDS carefully before taking out the policy to ensure you will be happy with your choice.
According to choice.com.au there are now some insurers who will cover you for recurring disease (such as gastroenteritis) as long as the previous episode has been documented, by a veterinarian, to have completely resolved.
We found more information regarding pre-existing condition clauses here https://www.choice.com.au/money/insurance/pet/buying-guides/pet-insurance

Top tips when comparing quotes:

  1. Get several quotes.
  2. Look out for exclusions, caps and co-payments.
  3. Consider the range of options. What do you need to have covered? Consider the likelihood of your pet experiencing a breed specific hereditary condition. What are the potential health risks your pet is likely to encounter?

Exam day offers:

We have partnered with PetCover Australia and Trupanion Australia so that we can provide 30 days FREE insurance for your pet.

The best policy for you is the one that best suits your unique needs and circumstances. These exam day policies are obligation free and ensure your pet is covered while you shop around. 

 

Alternatives to taking out a pet insurance policy:

Option 1: Self-insurance.
         Some breeds, French Bulldogs for example, have so many genetic conditions that pet insurance premiums can be quite expensive.   A ‘self-insurance' fund is a good alternative to pet insurance. This often takes the form of a separate bank account where money is set aside for veterinary care.

                   The disadvantage of being self-insured is there may be times where your self insurance fund has insufficient funds for the required treatment. Snake bite can cost $5000 or more. Cruciate repair, the number one orthopaedic injury in dogs, can cost upwards of $5000 per leg.
It can take quite a long time to save large sums on money. Pet insurance policies provide coverage into the thousands of dollars from your pet's very first year. No saving required.

Option 2: Payment plans.

                Payment plans are another option for funding unexpected medical expenses. We have Vetpay available for you.

                The disadvantage of payment plans are the fees. The interest, transaction fees and application fees can add up. At time of writing Vetpay charge a $49 application fee, 18.4% interest and $2.50 per transaction.
 

For more advice on selecting an insurance policy see:

https://www.choice.com.au/money/insurance/pet/articles/six-things-you-need-to-know-about-pet-insurance

https://www.comparethemarket.com.au/pet-insurance/information/what-to-look-for-in-pet-insurance/

*Non- Affiliation Disclaimer; Central Highlands Veterinary Group is not endorsed by, directly affiliated with, maintained, authorised or sponsored by any pet insurer provider.