It doesn’t take long for our pets to become a treasured and much-loved part of our families, so it is only natural that we want them to have long, happy and healthy lives.
But unfortunately, life is unpredictable and sometimes our furry family members are struck down with illness or injury from an accident. Naturally, they are then taken to the vet to receive the best possible care, but these vet visits can result in sky-high bills that you may not be expecting.
That’s where pet insurance comes in. Pet insurance covers a portion of your vet bills, up to a specific amount. It is designed to help with larger, unexpected vet bills that may otherwise put you in a real financial pinch.
What is Pet Insurance?
Just like health insurance for humans, pet insurance helps cover the cost of high and unexpected veterinary bills. While it doesn’t typically cover routine pet services, such as vaccinations and check-ups, it does assist with the costs associated with accidents or serious illnesses.
There are multiple covers and policies available, so it’s important to do your research before deciding on an insurance policy.
Why is Pet Insurance Important?
If your pet contracts an illness, is injured in an accident, or bitten by a snake or tick, tests, medications, and sometimes surgeries may be involved. These all add up and can result in a substantial veterinary bill, causing significant stress.
Pet insurance will help you cover these costs so that you can focus on taking care of your pet and ensuring that they get the best care possible.
What Does Pet Insurance Cover?
Pet insurance generally covers the following:
- Injury due to accidents: Accidents or falls that cause physical injury.
- Illness: An illness or disease that is not covered by accident cover.
- Treatment: includes medical tests (such as blood tests and X-rays), examinations, hospitalisation, emergency care, surgeries, and nursing care.
- Benefit limit: The total amount that is payable under your policy.
- Condition: Any accidental injury or the manifestation of an illness.
- Specialist care: The services of a veterinary specialist (neurologist, etc.)
What Are the Different Types of Pet Insurance?
The different types of pet insurance include:
Accidental Injury Cover
The most affordable pet insurance available, but its coverage is limited. It covers the cost of veterinary bills only if your pet has been involved in a car accident, a fall, or some other type of mishap that injures them.
Accidental injury cover includes:
- A car accident
- A snake bite
- A tick bite
- A sprain or break
- A bite wound
- Lacerations
- A burn or electrocution
- An allergic reaction
Accident and Illness Cover (Basic Cover)
This policy will cover everything under the extended-accident cover, and also includes illnesses.
Accident and illness cover includes:
- Cancer treatment
- Tick paralysis
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Eye and ear conditions
- Skin conditions
- Ingestion of foreign objects
- Hereditary and congenital conditions
Comprehensive Cover
Comprehensive cover provides extensive protection for a wide range of diseases, illnesses, accidents, and treatments. Premiums will often be higher, but a lower excess or a lower benefit rate can help reduce the total cost of the claim.
Comprehensive cover includes:
- Diseases
- Illnesses (tick paralysis and snake attacks)
- Vet expenses (medical tests, medications and treatments)
- Emergency boarding costs
- Surgery
- Hospitalisation
- Euthanasia
Additional Benefits
Some insurance providers will allow you to add on optional benefits, which include:
- Vaccinations
- Microchipping
- Desexing
- Council registration fees
- Teeth cleaning
- Obedience training
- Heartworm control
- Flea, tick and worm control
- Cremation or burial
What DOESN’T Pet Insurance Cover?
Standard pet insurance policies typically don’t cover the following:
- Grooming
- Vaccinations
- Flea, worm and tick prevention
- Microchipping
- Pre-existing conditions (diseases or injuries that are known about before the policy activation)
- Dental care
- Nail clipping
- Genetic testing
- Ambulance fees
- Transport and boarding costs
- Cosmetic surgeries
If you want these additional benefits, you’ll need to look out for policies that offer routine care as an optional extra.
The Potiki Difference
Potiki pet insurance policies include:
Why Choose Potiki Pet Insurance?
The benefits of Potiki pet insurance include:
- Cover for your dog or cat: Our Gold and Platinum Cover covers dogs and cats from 8 weeks old up to 9 years old, while our Silver or Bronze covers your pets up to 15 years old.
We will renew your policy every year of your pet’s life, depending on the terms and conditions of the policy.
- Annual Benefit Limits: Choose between annual benefit limits of $20,000 to $30,000.
- Sub-limits: Various sub-limits are available for different coverage options. Our Platinum cover has no sub-limits for vet consultations, tick paralysis or hip joint therapy.
- Reimbursement: Get up to 80% back on eligible vet bills.
- Excess options available: Adjust your premium with annual excess options of $0, $250 or $500.
- Streamlined Claims Process: Use GapOnly® to lower your up-front out-of-pocket expenses on eligible claims or choose our easy-to-use pet portal.
- Exclusive Perks: Access the Potiki Perks App and MyPetPass™ for deals and pet perks, including 24/7 online vet care and discounted prescription medications.
Potiki’s Non-Insurance Routine Care
Add a little extra to help with some of your pet’s routine expenses, subject to a $150 annual limit.
MyPetPass™ and Potiki Perks
MyPetPass™ and Potiki Perks provide extra support and savings with no additional costs!
- 24/7 online access to LiveVet
- 30% off prescription medication
- Savings on pet care essentials and more!
The free Potiki Perks app gives you access to:
- Exclusive offers
- 2-for-1 deals
- Up to 20% off dining, activities, shopping, travel and more
Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Pet Insurance Policy
Some important things to consider before choosing a pet insurance policy include:
Pet’s Breed and Age
Consider your pet’s breed and age before deciding on the type of cover you need. Things to consider include:
- Is your breed more prone to specific health conditions?
- Smaller dog breeds, such as bulldogs and pugs, may be more susceptible to respiratory health-related issues.
- Larger dog breeds are more prone to joint problems, including hip dysplasia.
- Older pets are at an increased health risk and are more susceptible to chronic conditions, which can result in higher premiums.
- Some policies have age limits.
Adopted/Rescued Pets
- When you rescue or adopt a pet, it’s important to consider their medical history and whether they have already been covered by an insurance policy.
Pre-Existing Conditions
- Most insurance policies won’t cover any health conditions your pet had before your current insurance policy started.
Choose the Right Insurance Policy for Your Pet
Some policies may work better for you and your pet, which is why it’s important to do your research before deciding on an insurer.
- Compare different insurers by reading reviews and researching the policies they offer. How easy is their claims process?
- Ensure that you understand the fine print for each policy. The last thing you want is to have a nasty surprise.
- See if any insurers offer discounts for multiple pets.
At Potiki, we understand how precious your pets are. We also know that the unexpected can happen at any time, resulting in extremely high vet fees. These unforeseen circumstances are why it is best to be prepared with pet insurance. Potiki offer our customers flexible covers with excess and extras to give you and your family peace of mind. Visit our website to obtain a quick quote and explore our various coverage options.
FAQs
Is There an Age Limit for Pets to Get Insurance?
Most insurance policies offer limited coverage options for pets over 8 years old. Premiums are also generally higher.
Can I Take My Pet to Any Vet?
Yes, your pet can be taken to see any registered veterinarian in Australia.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Desexing?
In most cases, no, as desexing is considered an elective surgery. However, if desexing is required due to an illness or disease, it will be covered under illness cover.
Some policies allow for a certain amount of the desexing procedure to be covered under ‘routine care’. Make sure you double-check with your insurer first.
Is Dental Care Covered?
No. Most insurance policies don’t cover dental care. However, dental care can be chosen as an optional extra.
Dental care is only covered if dental issues result directly from an accident or disease.
Does Pet Insurance Cover My Pet’s Death?
Yes, some policies offer cover for euthanasia and burial or cremation costs. However, each policy differs, so it’s important to check with your insurer first.
What is Included in Potki Perks and MyPetPass™?
The free Potiki Perks app offers exclusive offers and deals. While MyPetPass™ provides extra support and savings on everyday pet essentials, as well as access to a 24/7 online vet, and 30% off prescription medication for your furry family member.
Can I Cancel My Policy?
Yes. We understand that circumstances change, and your policy can be cancelled at any time. Please contact our Customer Service team at 1800 973 427 to discuss your options.