
21 Sep Pet Insurance Questions and Help
Considering pet insurance? Here, with Pet Insurance Australia’s help, we take a look at the important aspects to consider before signing up.
How does age affect my pet insurance?
The age of your pet may determine the type of insurance you are eligible for. Many pet insurance providers will only offer pet insurance from the age of 8weeks and 12 years.
However, most policies will cover for the lifetime of the pet if you have no gap in your insurance before the age of 12. But it’s always important to check with your provider if age is an issue and what types of things happen as your pet gets older. Age may also affect other policy features such as your benefit percentage.
What about breeds?
Some breeds have a greater risk of genetic and breed related issues. Pet Food Sherpa explains that Pugs and English Bulldogs can suffer from respiratory issues, Labradors are prone to obesity so the right diet and nutrition is paramount, Golden Retrievers often have skin issues, and Dachshunds who are prone to back injuries and spinal problems. For this reason, it’s a good idea to research your chosen breed and consider appropriate pet insurance. Most providers will cover for hereditary and congenital conditions, and this will be calculated into your premiums. But as with all insurance policies, it’s important to check.
Why do they need my pets’ history?
For your first claim, you will need a full vet history for your pet. Keeping track of this information will streamline your first claim experience. If you are considering pet insurance, you should also note that any conditions or signs or symptoms of a condition that your pet had before you sign-up or during any applicable policy waiting periods may be considered as a pre-existing condition, meaning that you will not be covered for the condition or any related diagnosis.
Some pre-existing conditions could be covered, and some providers offer a pre-existing condition review. Read the fine print and ensure you get a good understanding of what your provider covers and their rules regarding pre-existing conditions before sign-up.
How do I find the right pet insurance provider for me?
Do your homework on the pet insurance providers in the market and ensure you are 100% happy with their policies and service before signing-up. Simple research including; reading website reviews, social media interaction, and ease of contact will help you make an educated choice.
Most importantly you should read the Product Disclosure Statement, most providers will have this document easily available on their websites, if not, call and ask for a copy. It’s important to remember that when switching insurance providers, all of your current claims may be considered pre-existing conditions (so always check before switching).
Is reading the fine print important?
It’s vital you read your chosen pet insurance provider’s Product Disclosure Statement. This is a document that will outline what you are covered for and all the important jargon including what pre-existing conditions are, waiting periods, excess, annual limits, conditions that are not covered and those that are. Getting a good understanding of this document will allow you the full scope of what you are covered for.
It’s also important to understand and outline exactly what you expect from your insurance. Do you want it to only cover the big stuff? Or are you happy to make a larger contribution towards your vet bills? Do you want to choose your excess? Getting a clear picture of the cover you want can help you choose the right policy for your pet. Once you’re all signed-up it’s a good idea to let your local Veterinarian know your details and to also ask if they are signed up to any GapOnly™ service that matches your provider. Your vet may also be able to help with claims. It’s a good plan to provide your vet with your provider, policy number and any other important information about your chosen pet insurance to help with ease of claims.
What is a pre-existing condition?
Some pet insurance providers will cover for certain pre-existing conditions, and some will not. Others will offer a review of pre-existing conditions after a set amount of time. A pre-existing condition is any condition your pet has suffered before the commencement of your policy or any waiting periods that apply. Some waiting periods can also be waived on application.
Other benefits
Check what other benefits your pet insurance policy offers. Many avid pet insurance clients miss out on other annual benefits of their policies. Look if they cover any routine care and other bonus treatments that you can claim for during the year.
How can pet insurance help with the care of my pet?
The types of veterinary advancements now available to companion animals has saved countless furry family members. The costs associated with treatment can be huge, particularly for complex problems. Pet Insurance allows many families to concentrate on helping their pets recover, rather than focusing on the huge financial burden some high-end treatments can cost.
There is no denying that cats and dogs get themselves into some scary situations. Planning for the unforeseen is near impossible. When these moments in life happen, it’s good to know that pet insurance can take away some of the worry.
Many people consider a savings fund for their pets. In a perfect world, this would be the perfect scenario. But realistically in this ultra-busy, ultra-expensive world, saving for a rainy day might not be plausible.
According to Veterinary Oncologist, Dr Peter Bennett the top end cancer treatments, over a 12month period can have a total cost of over $25,000, sometimes over $30,000. Having pet insurance can help pay for a portion of these costs depending on your level of cover, caps and excess.
Pet insurance can also provide peace-of-mind that if the worst was to occur, your precious pet could receive the medical treatment needed to help during their recovery. Sickness and illness can also strike at any time, day or night. Knowing that your pet can receive all the medical treatments needed to help restore their health, with less financial stress, is important for many pet lovers.
Final thoughts
When your pet is sick or injured, worrying about how you will pay the vet bills is the last thing you should be focussing on. From eating socks that can lead to vet bills of $12,000, fighting cancer, or simply a case of an upset tummy can set you back hundreds – if not thousands of dollars. Pet insurance can help bridge the gap between the high costs of treatment by lending a helping hand at your pets time of need.