Pet health insurance is now readily available in Australia. With at least 10 companies providing comprehensive coverage, dog and cat owners are spoilt for choice!
Why should I have health and accident insurance for my pets?
In recent years the range of diagnostic tests and surgical and medical treatments for dogs and cats has expanded rapidly, but some are associated with significant costs.
For diagnosis, the use of X-rays and ultrasounds is well established. In recent years CT scans, MRI scans and the use of radioactive isotopes have become available for use in dogs and cats.
New surgical treatments have become available in recent years. For example, hip replacements have been available for dogs for many years, but now knee replacements are available for dogs with severe arthritis or knee injuries.
Other surgical procedures such as cataract surgery, which can restore vision, have been available for considerable time, but also carry considerable expense.
Having health insurance for your pets can mean that access to these diagnostic and treatment methods can be available at reasonable cost if they are needed.
Pet insurance helps you put a little money away to avoid a major payout later.
Having pet insurance will take the pain out of unexpected vet bills and allow you to provide the best possible care for your pets.
What does health insurance cover?
There is a wide range of policies available, covering combinations of routine care, accident or illness cover.
You can chose from policies with different levels of excess and with different inclusions and exclusions.
With so many choices, how do I choose the best policy for me and my pets?
Things to consider include:
•The age of your pet(s). Most policies cover dogs and cats from eight weeks of age, but some plans will not cover pets over a certain age.
•Do your pets have current medical problems? Some policies will not provide cover for pre-existing problems.
•Are there any exclusions? Some plans do not cover the treatment of certain conditions, such as skin diseases or hereditary conditions.
•What breed is your pet? Certain breeds may not be covered by some policies.
•How many pets will you insure? Some companies may offer discounts for multiple pets.
•How are claims paid? Most plans require pet owners to pay the vet bill first, then submit a claim form and receipts for reimbursement.
•Will premiums increase as your pets get older?
•How is the plan structured? Most plans have a co-payment or excess. Not surprisingly, plans with lower premiums tend to have the higher co-payment or excess.
•Is there an annual limit on claims?
•Does the policy have a no claims bonus?
•Does the plan include treatment for tick paralysis?
•Does the policy cover routine procedures such as vaccinations and heartworm treatment?
To choose between plans, click on the links below:
http://www.prosure.com.au/
http://www.petplan.com.au/
https://www.rspcapetinsurance.org.au/
http://www.vetsown.com.au/
http://www.petsecure.com.au/
http://www.petcover.com.au/
http://www.petsure.com.au/
http://www.bowwow.com.au/petinsurance/
http://www.purinacare.com/
http://www.manchesterunity.com.au/site/contentFP/index.asp?intCMSID=1809http://www.manchesterunity.com.au/site/contentFP/index.asp?intCMSID=1809
http://www.medibank.com.au/Pet-Insurance.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=pet_insurance
