An unexpected vet bill is usually the last thing you need, especially with the cost of living as high as it is. Which is why pet insurance has become so popular. But take a closer look at your policy and you’ll find many exceptions. So, what isn’t covered?
Our furry friends are more than just possessions, they’re valued members of the family. And when they get sick or injured, it’s a no-brainer to get them treated.
Vet bills can get expensive, and getting insurance is financially responsible. But like your own health insurance policy, there are a number of procedures and circumstances that generally aren’t covered.
For starters, there are usually age restrictions for your pet to be eligible for cover. Most insurers will not cover a young animal under six weeks old, and the upper age limits range from around eight years to up to 16 years, depending on the insurer.
What kind of animals are covered?
Data from the RSPCA shows 38 per cent of Australian households own a dog and 29 per cent have a cat. As such, standard pet insurance policies are designed with these two animals in mind.
Outside of dogs and cats, you will most likely need to look into insurance for exotic pets to cover anything else, even it’s not particularly exotic, such as birds, reptiles and fish.
This includes rabbits. Rabbits are legal to keep in all states and territories except Queensland. While they can make great pets, pet rabbits in QLD aren’t covered (as they are illegal pets) by regular pet insurance and would need to go under an exotic pet policy everywhere else.
Dental procedures
Virtually every pet insurance excludes dental procedures for your pet. This includes any preventative measures like teeth cleaning or treatment for oral diseases.
There are some insurers, however, who will let you add dental cover as an optional extra, but even then it is mostly only partial coverage, so expect to still pay out of pocket for dental even with cover.
Prosthetic limbs
If your pet requires the use of a prosthetic limb, your insurance most likely covers the procedure to actually fit the prosthetic – but the artificial limb itself most likely won’t be.
Prosthetics, even smaller ones for animals, can get very expensive, with one prosthetic limb for a small dog costing about $1500.
Pregnancy and obstetrics
This might seem like an odd exclusion, but most policies won’t cover your dog or cat for any procedure related to pregnancy or birth. The exclusion is mostly intended to prevent professional animal breeders claiming under what is meant to be a policy for pet owners.
Pre-existing conditions
Like your own health insurance, pre-existing conditions are usually not covered by your pet insurance. This includes any condition that began before the policy started.
However, some insurers will cover a pre-existing condition if your pet has been free of symptoms for at least 18 months. This requires signed certification from your vet.
Elective procedures
Elective procedures are also usually not covered, similar to your health insurance. But just like in humans, ‘elective’ doesn’t necessarily mean ‘cosmetic’ or ‘trivial’, it just means a procedure that can be delayed more than 24 hours without your pet dying.
This also usually includes many preventative health measures such as vaccinations, worming medication and desexing. Some insurers do offer reimbursement for general preventative care.
Do you have pet insurance? Do you find it be good value? Let us know in the comments section below.
Also read: What is the most you’d pay for a vet bill
