Your furry four-legged friend is just another member of the family. Whether it’s a puppy, kitten, adult dog, or older cat, you would do anything for that creature that you would for any of your loved ones. Just like you have health insurance for yourself and your family, your pet deserves that same coverage as well. That’s why having the best pet insurance policy for your furry pal will make sure that they are accounted for in the event of illness or injury.
What Does Pet Insurance Cover?
You want to make sure that the insurance coverage you get for your pet is going to keep them well protected, but what is the best pet insurance in Australia? The truth is that the best coverage varies based on your pet’s needs and your budget, just like human health insurance. Pet insurance is designed to help pet owners cover the cost of treating an injured or sick furry family member while reimbursing out-of-pocket expenses. Just like people, there’s a variety of plans, from basic policies to comprehensive coverage for pets.
You can opt for accident-only coverage, the basic level of pet insurance that accounts for medical emergencies. You can go the next level up with accident & illness insurance, which also affords routine care from your veterinarian. The highest level of pet insurance coverage accounts for a great deal of the expenses that pet owners may have to handle, especially with particular breeds and older pets. Depending on the insurance company and level of cover you choose, your policy might include microchipping, vaccinations, and even hospitalization.
What Affects the Premium for These Policies?
Just like other insurance policies across Australia, the level of coverage you sign on for will determine your monthly premiums. However, there are several other factors that pet insurance companies bring into play to assess your furry friend as a risk. With most insurers, the cost of coverage for medical care increases as the pet gets older, as they are more susceptible to illness or injury. The cost of dog insurance or cat insurance can also be affected by the breed, especially those that have a history of health problems later in life.
The best time to get a pet insurance policy for your four-legged family member is when they’re a playful puppy or cute kitten. This will afford a lesser premium for the time being and help you in the long run regarding accident coverage or comprehensive coverage. Premiums may still increase, but with a longstanding relationship with one insurance company, you may be able to capitalize on a variety of discounts. Insurance can take care of many medical expenses and vet bills associated with proper medical care, but keep in mind that you may not be able to obtain coverage because of a pre-existing condition that your furry companion has.
Will I Have to Change Vets?
If you and your furry friends have built a great rapport with your veterinarian, you’ll want to find out from the vet’s office what insurance they accept. This can vary by company, so be sure that even if you are with a pet insurance company that your vet accepts that they also take that particular level of coverage. The last thing you and your furry little friend need is to be stuck in a tough financial situation because of sudden illness and injury.
The right pet insurance coverage will make sure you’re reimbursed for diagnostic tests and vaccinations, but it only works to your benefit if your veterinarian is on board. Be sure to consider the exam fees and policy limits that come with different pet insurance policies. Evaluating these policy terms and exclusions through free quotes will make you aware of payout limits, your pet’s deductible, and how it will affect your budget in the long run.
