Australia has one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world, and while it is not mandatory in Australia, pet insurance is definitely worth it. Veterinary care is not subsidised, and the cost of medicines, diagnostic equipment like X-rays and scanners, laboratory work and surgeries can be a shock to pet owners. Emergency veterinary fees can be even higher due to the expense of keeping highly trained vets and nurses up all night to treat any unforeseen accidents and emergencies.
You can take insurance out on all sorts of aspects of your life and your possessions today; car, house, travel and health to name but a few, just in case the inevitable happens and you won’t be able to afford the costs to repair or replace. Having a pet is no different, and pet insurance will give you peace of mind should the unexpected happen, so that you are able to give your pet the best options without having to worry about the financial aspect.
Life can be unpredictable, as can your pet’s health, and having some sort of insurance policy for your pet will give you financial security and protection from high veterinary bills. You won’t have to make difficult decisions or go into debt should your pet need specialist surgeries, emergency treatments or lengthy consultations.
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?
There is no one-price-fits-all in the pet insurance world, but this is more cost-effective than it sounds as you can tailor your pet’s policy to suit their specific needs and your financial budget. Most insurance policies cover everything from accidents to illness, with others offering additional wellness plans which can include routine check-ups and preventative care.
What your pet insurance covers will depend on the level of coverage you choose and will be priced accordingly. The policy you decide upon will be customised to suit your needs and will be dependent on your pet’s age, breed and any specific health issues or related problems they have.
By having a pet insurance policy, you will eliminate the financial stresses that often accompany a pet health crisis which means you are always ready in case of an emergency or unexpected illness. Insurance policies also provide long-term planning so that you can rest assured your pet will receive consistent care throughout their life.
Invest In Your Pet’s Health
As with any policy you pay for, it is always important to check the small print. The principle of pet insurance is a relatively straightforward one – you pay a monthly or yearly subscription to keep your coverage active, and you will need to pay a deductable, or excess amount when you make a claim.
Your vets will be able to give you advice on the best companies and policies for your pet, and how to pay and make a claim should you need to.
At Vets Of Geelong we now offer GAPonly vet claims, as well as direct claims with Petcover which is a simplified process where you can log your claim directly with us at the time of your visit. Instead of having to pay the whole vet bill upfront and then claiming the reimbursement from your insurance provider, you only need to pay any excess or non-claimable fees, and we submit the claim directly on your behalf.
Most veterinary clinics offer their own payment plans to help spread the cost of routine check-ups, vaccinations and preventative medicines throughout the year, and keeping your pet in tip-top condition is the best approach to a happy and healthy life. Routine treatment is not usually covered in your policy, but what pet insurance does cover is accidents, injuries and illness, because you can’t plan for those things, and they never happen at a convenient time. Think of your pet insurance as a financial investment for the health and welfare of your pet.
