When things get a bit hairy, pet insurance can help

Much like human family members, our pets can unexpectedly fall ill or get injured, and the treatment can be expensive, not to mention stressful. This is where pet insurance may help to alleviate some of the financial burden of vet bills when things don’t go as planned.

To help navigate the ins and outs of pet insurance, we’ve addressed some of the most asked questions.

Should I get pet insurance?

Unfortunately, unexpected injuries or illnesses can occur. Pet insurance may help cover some of the costs of unexpected veterinary care, making treatment more affordable, with less financial strain on you and your family.

What does pet insurance cover?

Pet insurance is generally intended to cover serious illnesses and emergencies, which can result in significant expenses. With many insurers and policies available, it is important that you undertake your own research and read the product disclosure statements carefully so that you understand what is covered and determine which insurer and cover is best suited to you and your pet.

What’s the difference between a wellness plan and pet insurance?

Wellness plans and pet insurance can help to manage the expenses of caring for your pet, each addressing different aspects of your pet’s life.

Our Best for Pet Wellness Plan provides preventative, routine healthcare services that are designed to keep your pet healthier and happier for longer. The plan includes unlimited vet consultations, vaccinations, health screenings and discounts on veterinary services.

Pet insurance, on the other hand, generally covers accidents and illnesses.

How does pet insurance work?

Pet insurance works similarly to other types of insurance in that there is usually an excess to pay when you make a claim, waiting periods and annual limits. The typical process includes:

  1. Purchase a pet insurance policy and paying a monthly or yearly fee to maintain coverage.
  2. Visit a vet if your pet becomes sick or injured.
  3. Pay the vet’s invoice. Depending on your insurance provider and vet, this may be a full or partial payment.
  4. Follow your insurer’s claims process and depending on the type and level of your cover, you may be reimbursed all, or part of the invoice. Some vets will help process this claim on your behalf.

How much does pet insurance cost?

The cost of pet insurance can vary depending on the insurance provider, the level of cover and various factors such as pre-existing conditions, breed, age, gender and where you live.

Where can I get pet insurance?

Many pet insurance providers are in the market, and our role is to provide factual information without recommending specific companies or policy types. We encourage you to do your own research and due diligence to determine whether to take out pet insurance, and the type of policy that is best suited to you and your pet.

Below, you’ll find several pet insurance providers who we have partnered with. If you have questions about a particular policy, don’t hesitate to contact the provider.

Insurance Referral Disclaimer

The following disclaimer outlines the terms and conditions related to insurance referrals made by VetPartners or its owned or operated clinics and hospitals (‘we’ or ‘us’). By engaging in insurance referral services with us, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

We are not an insurance provider but may refer individuals to insurance companies or their authorised representatives We do not provide insurance coverage, underwriting, or policy issuance. Any insurance referrals provided by us do not constitute an endorsement or guarantee of the insurance product, authorised representative, or insurance provider. You are advised to conduct your own research and due diligence before making any insurance-related decisions. The responsibility for reviewing, understanding, and accepting the terms and conditions of any insurance policy lies solely with the policyholder. We are not responsible for any discrepancies, misunderstandings, or disputes that may arise between the policyholder and the insurance provider. We may receive payments from insurance providers or authorised representatives for facilitating referrals. However, we strive to provide impartial referrals and any payments we receive do not influence which insurance provider receives a referral. The decision to purchase an insurance product is solely at your discretion. Your personal information shared with us for the purpose of insurance referrals will be handled in accordance with our privacy policy.