Vet bills are expensive
Veterinary services can creep into the tens of thousands for something life-threatening or ongoing.
One family was faced with an $18,000 vet bill as a result of their Weimaraner getting hit by a car and having to undergo surgery. Another family who owned a Boston Terrier faced a vet bill of $14,000 to remove a tumour. The scariest vet bill was for an owner of an Airedale Terrier who had to pay $13,000 to treat a tick bite.3
Common cruciate ligament injuries are painful, can cause lameness, and may need surgery to correct.4 One owner claims that her and her partner spent $3000 on vet care for the crucial ligament surgery, a second surgery to repair a subsequent patella injury and follow-up medications.5
How can pet insurance benefit a dog owner?
The thought of your dog in pain is heartbreaking, and explains why dog lovers are ready to pay thousands for treatments.6
In the event of an accident or sickness that is covered, you could be eligible to:
- Claim up to 85% of eligible vet bills, to a maximum $14,000 per year*
- Pay no excess
- Cover your pup from as young as 8 weeks
- Use your own vet so long as they are licensed in Australia
Types of pet insurance
Features
|
Accident Only
|
Accident & Illness
|
| Description |
Covers your dog for injury that happens from an accident in certain circumstances. This can include injuries from fights, snake bites, and broken bones. |
Cover for accidents in certain circumstances, as well as for specified covered illnesses except for pre-existing conditions. |
| Age Eligibility |
8 weeks old
No upper age limit |
8 weeks old
Younger than 9 years |
| Maximum yearly benefit |
Up to $10,000* |
Up to $14,000* |
| Maximum claim cover |
Up to 80% |
Up to 85% |
| Excess to pay? |
No |
No |
| Waiting periods? |
No
Except 6 months on cruciate ligament injuries (may be waived on application at insurer's discretion) |
No for accidents
Generally 30 days for illnesses
6 months on cruciate ligament injuries (may be waived on application at insurer's discretion) |
| Covers accidental injury? |
Yes, in certain circumstances |
Yes, in certain circumstances |
| Covers illnesses? |
No |
Yes, except for some specified illnesses |
| Limited to choice of vet? |
No, use your preferred vet licensed to practice in Australia |
No, use your preferred vet licensed to practice in Australia |
*Pre-existing Conditions and some illnesses are excluded and sub-limits may apply. Claim for reimbursement.
Please read the insurer's Product Disclosure Statement for specific details of what is covered by the policy based on your selected level of cover.
Top five most common dog breeds for claims8
|
Top five most expensive claims by dog breed8
|
| Maltese Cross |
Sarplaninac |
| Staffordshire Bull Terrier |
Black Russian Terrier |
| Labrador |
Foxhound Cross |
| Golden Retriever |
Saluki Cross |
| Cavoodle |
Swiss Shepherd Cross |
With so many products on offer, it can be overwhelming to find the best pet insurance for your cat or dog. Luckily, we do the hard work for you. Choosi’s team of Choosers can be with you every step of the way, from finding the right cover to filling in the paperwork. Request a quote or contact our team today.
*Pre-existing Conditions and certain illnesses are excluded, sub-limits may apply. Claim for reimbursement
This is general information only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider the relevant PDS available on this website prior to purchasing any product. Choosi offers insurance products from a range of brands but does not compare all products available in the market.
References
1. Animal Health Alliance 2013, Pet Ownership in Australia Report, p.42-43, http://animalmedicinesaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/AMA-Pet-Ownership-in-Australia-5-AUGUST-2013.pdf#page=43
2. Animal Health Alliance 2013, Pet Ownership in Australia Report, p.74, http://animalmedicinesaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/AMA-Pet-Ownership-in-Australia-5-AUGUST-2013.pdf#page=74
3. Donoghue, P. 2012, Pet owners hit by expensive vet bills, Sunday Mail (SA), http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/pet-owners-hit-by-expensive-vet-bills/story-e6frea6u-1226321143471
4. PetMD, Healthy Dogs: CCL Injuries in Dogs, http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/acl-injuries-in-dogs
5. Jones, K. 2013, Paws for thought on pet care cost, smh.com.au, http://www.smh.com.au/money/planning/paws-for-thought-on-pet-care-cost-20130413-2hsad.html
6. Elsworth, S. 2014, Paws for thought on pet cost, News.com.au, http://www.news.com.au/finance/money/paws-for-thought-on-pet-cost/news-story/92cb00831ae341359db33639528025b1
7. Animal Welfare League NSW, Ticks, http://www.awlnsw.com.au/ticks.html
8. RSPCA, Australian Pet Insurance Claim Statistics, 2014-2015, https://www.rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-care/health/claim-stats-2015