Pet Insurance benefits Explained.

We are all familiar with health insurance and most that have taken out private health cover have an understanding of how it works. Typically, an insurance company offers different levels of cover, explaining what is and isn’t covered in each. Once a premium is given, we are then typically given some options regarding the payment frequency, monthly via a direct debit or we can pay a year’s premium in advance.

Pet insurance is very similar. It’s a way to provide financial assistance to you for your cat or dog’s health and wellbeing. If taken out, you can claim back an amount of eligible expenses incurred for the treatment of your pet.
It’s a way to save on what could be very expensive veterinarian bills, should the unexpected happen.

If your cat or dog is hit by a car, injures itself while playing in a park, or contracts an illness or condition that requires a trip to the vet, or multiple vet visits, pet insurance cover can ease the burden of what could amount to tens of thousands of dollars.

As with any insurance provider that covers pets, there is an extensive list of what is covered and a list of what is not covered, so it’s an important part of owning a dog or cat to understand whether taking out a particular level of cover, or not, will allow you to afford having your pet treated by a vet in the unfortunate case of injury or sickness.

While cover will vary from pet insurance provider to provider, the following list is typical of what’s not covered, which means you will have to pay for these services should you wish your cat or dog to have them.

• Pre-existing conditions or conditions arising within the applicable waiting period
• Dental illness
• Preventative and routine items
• Certain treatments and conditions, pregnancy for example
• Certain services and procedures such as grooming costs for example
• Elective treatments and procedures
• Lack of protection for your pet due to gross negligence
• Any consequential loss
• Expenses in relation to policy exclusions
• A chronic condition that occurred or existed prior to the commencement date of the first policy period or during any applicable waiting period

These are some of the typical aspects covered by pet insurers:

• Up to 80% of eligible vet bills reimbursed
• Make multiple claims against eligible vet bills up to a maximum of $20,000 – $30,000 per year
• Emergency boarding cover from $500 – $2,000
• Use any registered vet in Australia
• Make easy fortnightly, monthly or annual payments by direct debit or credit card
• Receive a % discount off for additional pets

It’s also worth noting some insurers will have waiting periods for different services covered and some will offer you pay an excess to reduce the cost of your premium.
Some vets participate in a scheme called GapOnly, which means they accept the gap defined as the difference between the vet’s invoice and the claim benefit under a policy you have.

Only you can decide, based on your own unique circumstances whether pet insurance is worth taking out, or if you choose to, what level of cover best serves your individual needs.

Isabella (Editor In Chief)

Hi, I’m Isabella, the new Editor In Chief at PetsBook. Apart from writing some articles myself, with over 25 years pet experience, i am responsible for making sure you receive up to date information to keep your dogs and cats healthy, happy & wise.