Gold Coast Vet Surgery - Where Pets Are Family

Whilst we do not sell pet insurance, Gold Coast Vet Surgery thoroughly recommends the concept of pet insurance. Pet insurance is the equivalent of Private Health Insurance for ourselves, only it is even more relevant since there is no Medicare for animals, and pet insurance, unlike most private health, covers the cost of medications and all treatment, not only hospital treatment.

For you as a pet owner there are numerous benefits to having your pet insured, but most of all it boils down to a key benefit of peace of mind - knowing that whatever happens, your pet will be able to get the very best treatment available, irrespective of cost. It is a fantastic budgeting tool – with a fixed excess policy, you can know that the most you’ll ever have to pay at the vet for an accident or illness is $100 – the insurance company will pick up the rest! Now isn’t that a good idea? Well that’s exactly what Pet Insurance can do for you.

But from our perspective too, we love it when a pet is insured. It means that we can get on and do the very best that the patient needs without having to be concerned with having to try cut corners to save the owner a few dollars. We know that we can get on to do the very best job we’ve been trained to do and that makes our job more rewarding and a successful outcome more likely. Frequently it also helps us to avoid difficult decisions. Sadly far too many pets are denied life saving treatments, and are euthanased instead, because the costs are beyond what their owners can afford. With Pet insurance decisions regarding treatment are no longer complicated by financial restrictions. Your primary concern becomes the health of your pet, not the cost of their care.

While most people insure their car, home and contents, did you know that you are actually three times more likely to claim on a pet insurance policy than a car or home policy? As we are not licensed financial advisers, vets DO NOT sell pet insurance, nor receive commissions, but are very happy to help inform you of the options. Pet insurance not only covers treatment in general practice, but referral to specialists too, as well as alternative therapies such as acupuncture and chiropractors.

So what should you look for in a Pet Insurance Policy?

Many home and contents policies now have an optional extra for pet cover. While this is certainly better than nothing, the cover is often very limited. Frequently it is restricted to accident only and does not cover sickness. A specialised Pet Insurer is far better. Key points to look for are:

● Is the animal Covered for Life? Many companies will stop cover once the animal becomes elderly. Also some problems are ongoing, eg Diabetes – Does the company keep paying year after year, or do they only pay out for 12mths and then exclude that problem?

● Look for a Fixed Excess eg you pay the first $100 and the insurance company pays the rest. Most companies calculate the excess as a percentage of the total – (30% of a $5000 bill is still a lot of money!) but there are policies available with a fixed flat excess.

● A policy without breed specific, or genetic, Exclusions, is far preferable.

● Look out for Sub-limits – it’s far better to have a policy without any restrictive sub-limits.

If you don’t already have it, we would really urge you to consider getting private health insurance for your pet. For a small monthly cost it can make a huge difference to their care and your peace of mind. If you consider that every 6 seconds a pet owner is faced with a vet bill of over $1000 – can you afford not to have you pet insured?

Gold Coast Vet Surgery is happy to endorse Petplan insurance. After thoroughly reviewing the details of various policies available, and our experience with client’s claims, we believe that Petplan policies offer fantastic cover for your pets. They are a specialist pet insurer with an excellent track record with handling claims. Petplan is the largest pet insurer in the UK where Pet Insurance is automatic for most pet owners. And now Petplan have been in Australia since 2004. Some of the key points that they offer are: Covered for Life, Fixed Amount Excesses and No Sub-Limits.

Why Choose Pet Plan?

● Petplan pays 100% of the Vet bill - Less a fixed $100 excess.

(Most other insurers only pay 70% or 80% & some also apply an excess)

● They cover Congenital & Hereditary conditions.

(Most other pet insurers exclude these)

● They do not have Breed Specific exclusions

(Most other pet insurers exclude certain conditions by breed)

● Their premiums are the same for all breeds of dogs.

(Most other pet insurers charge extra for specific breeds)

● Petplan allow up to 12 months for submission of claim

(Most other pet insurers only allow 60 days to submit claims)

● They do not have Sub Limits

(Most other pet insurers have sub limits on what they pay for accident, illness, drugs, hospitalisation, x-rays etc. With Petplan, total amount claimable in any one year, or any one claim (whichever comes first), is up to $15,000 (depending on plan selected)

● Petplan cover alternative treatments and therapies

(Most other pet insurers will not cover homeapthic, chiropractic, accupunture or behaviour modification. Petplan will cover these providing it is Vet recommended).

● They cover certain Special Dietary Foods

(Most other pet insurers will not cover special foods, Petplan will cover special foods to dissolve bladder stones & crystals.)

● Petplan will cover the full range of medical or surgical problems your pet might encounter, including Paralysis Tick treatment which many other insurers exclude.

For more information you can click on the link on the right for even more detailed information and an online quote, or you can contact us at the surgery on 5538 5909. Alternatively you can reach Petplan directly on 1300 738 225.

Disclaimer: This information is of a general and informative nature only. We recommend that you discuss your personal circumstances with your financial adviser.