Pet Insurance

Of course you probably own some sort of insurance whether it be for your car, health, or home. Have you ever thought about insuring your pet? Veterinary bills can be rather expensive especially if your pet has a major illness. Owning a Pet Insurance policy can help to minimize the cost associated with veterinary medicine, as these costs are currently on the rise.

Pet insurance is just like a private health insurance policy (for humans). You will pay a monthly rate and choose the plan that is right for your pet. Usually the out of pocket cost is about 20% to 30% of the bill but unlike most health insurance policies, the owner pays the bill and then is later reimbursed. The insurance will cover the treatment providing the policy owner files the paperwork, brings all information pertaining to the visit and retains all proof of payments. Most pet insurance companies allow owners to choose their own veterinarian.

The cost of pet insurance can be as little as dollar a day and most companies will provide a quote online. This could save you at least $500 to $1000 or more per vet visit for your pet depending upon the reason of the visit. Just remember that you will have to pay up front and be reimbursed later. The insurance company may have the capability of just directly depositing the reimbursement into your bank account making the turnaround quicker.

Your pet’s personalised plan can cover a myriad of things.  Most plans generally cover illness, accidents and necessary procedures.  Depending upon which one you chose, the plan can cover routine visits or just emergencies. Things that aren’t covered are pregnancy, pre-existing conditions, and elective procedures. Some insurance companies will cover existing conditions and breed specific conditions but most do not. It is better to have your dog checked for these conditions before taking an insurance policy and to keep your dog healthy.

Pets can become insured at eight weeks old and are covered for as long as you own the policy. If you have an animal that is nine years old or older, or under eight weeks you will have to seek premium coverage for an additional cost.

It is typical to pay for a policy and then not be covered for 30 days; this does not include accidental injury. Your pet will usually be covered for accidents upon purchase of the plan.
Some insurance companies like the RSPCA pet insurance give back to the animals. 5-20% of their client’s deductable and payments go back to the RSPCA to help stray pets.  Others offer discount rates and other incentives for clients and their pooches.  It is a good idea to do research through several companies before purchasing.

Interested in insurance for your pet? Check out these Aussie Pet Insurance companies.
Pet Cover- http://www.petcover.com.au/
Pet Insurance Australia – http://www.petinsuranceaustralia.com.au/
Pet Plan Australia- http://www.petplan.com.au/
RSPCA Insurance – https://www.rspcapetinsurance.org.au/index.php
Vets Own- http://www.vetsown.com.au/