Expert Advice
Pet Insurance —
How Does It Work?
Pet insurance can help reduce the cost of veterinary care if your pet becomes sick or injured. While every policy is different, most pet insurance works in a similar way.
How It Works
You choose a policy for your dog or cat that suits your needs and budget. Coverage may include:
- Accidents – such as car accidents or snake bites
- Illnesses – including infections, allergies, or arthritis
- Optional extras – like dental cover or behavioural treatment
Some basic policies cover accidents only, while more comprehensive plans cover both accident and illness.
A Few Important Things to Know
Pre‑existing conditions
Conditions your pet had before the policy started (or during the waiting period) are usually not covered.
Waiting periods
Most policies include waiting periods after you sign up. These vary depending on the condition and the insurer, for example, general illnesses may have a two‑month waiting period, while specific conditions like cruciate ligament injuries may have a three‑month wait for cover to become active.
Annual limits
There is usually a yearly or per‑condition limit on how much you can claim.
What’s usually not covered
Routine or preventative care is often excluded, such as:
- Vaccinations
- Worming and flea prevention
- Nail clipping
- Desexing
- Some dental conditions
- Elective or cosmetic procedures not required for your pet’s immediate health
Excess and Contributions – What Will You Pay?
When you make a claim, you’ll contribute towards the cost. This may include:
- Excess – a fixed amount you pay once per condition
- Cover percentage – the portion of the remaining bill your insurer covers
- Exclusions – any items not covered by your policy
Example: If your bill is $1,000, with a $100 excess and 90% cover, you pay $190 and the insurer pays $810.
Our Advice
Because policies can vary greatly between insurers, we recommend:
- Reading your policy carefully
- Checking the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD)
- Contacting your insurer if you’re unsure what’s covered
If you’d like help understanding how pet insurance works for your pet, just ask one of our friendly team members.