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Pet Insurance: Myths

September 3, 2012 in Cat cover, Dog cover, Pet cover, Pet insurance, Pet insurance rates by admin | 2 comments

Pet insurance is still a relatively new concept in most societies. Pet cover plans and pet insurance are yet to have complete acceptance among pet owners.

The main reason that pet owners are not completely buying into the pet insurance and pet cover plans is due to the many myths surrounding the same. However, these myths are just that, myths, and should not come in the way of you investing in a dog health insurance plan. Simply going over the various benefits that pet cover and a dog health insurance plan will provide for your beloved companion will help eliminate any doubts you may have about pet insurance.

Here are some common myths about pet insurance and pet cover plans:

Pet insurance is unnecessary: This is a common misconception held by most pet owners when it comes to cat or dog health insurance. Most pet owners feel they will never need pet insurance. However, your pet can fall ill or get hurt anytime. The veterinary bills during emergencies can soar very fast. In such a situation a cat or dog health insurance will help you manage the finances and also ensure your pet gets the care he needs.

Pet insurance is costly: Today there are numerous plans available when it comes to dog health insurance. Hence, the cost should not come in the way of you investing in a pet cover. There are also options to customise the pet insurance plan which enables you to ensure the cat or dog health insurance fits your budget. If you are still unsure, opt for the various pet insurance reviews that are available and select the one that is rated the best by both experts and pet owners.

Pet insurance is only available for healthy and young pets: This is a common misconception held by majority pet owners. However, today’s pet covers and dog health insurance schemes have various plans suited to pets of all ages, including pets with a health condition. Pet insurance reviews will help you realise that the market is flooded with a variety of pet covers for pets of all age groups.

Pet insurance does not allow you to go to a veterinarian of your choice: Today, most pet covers and cat and dog health insurance plans are flexible and do not limit you to visit a few vets only. You can visit any licensed veterinarian, including specialists and emergency care clinics. Most dog health insurance providers will not even require referrals or claim forms signed by the vets.

Pet insurance covers emergencies only: Today pet insurance and pet cover plans are not limited to emergency medical treatment only. You can also include wellness cover in your dog health insurance. Generally a wellness cover includes standard vaccines, spaying or neutering, and an annual exam as well as dental cleaning, additional vaccines, flea treatments, etc.

Complex reimbursement process: It is no longer complicated to fill out forms and claims to avail reimbursements on your vet bills. The turnaround time of most dog health insurance providers is also usually not more than two weeks.

Tags: dog health insurance, pet cover, pet insurance, pet insurance reviews

Understanding exclusions in pet insurance

January 1, 2012 in Cat cover, Dog cover, Pet cover, Pet insurance, Pet insurance exclusions, Pet insurance rates by admin | 1 comment

Like all insurance, pet insurance is there for the unexpected event.  As such things that are predictable or optional may be excluded.

For example, pregnancy, as well as elective treatments such as de-sexing, micro-chipping and cosmetic surgery are generally not covered by standard insurance, although small amounts may be recoverable when you opt for Wellness (or Routine) Care with your policy. 

Most policies will not cover pre-existing conditions, including those that develop during the waiting period (for example the waiting period for cruciate conditions is 6 months with Petsecure, but this can be waived if your vet can certify that no cruciate conditions exist when you join).  Also, pets must be fully vaccinated, and generally any condition that can be avoided through vaccination is not covered (for example Kennel Cough).

With Petsecure hereditary and congenital conditions are covered providing there is no sign of them before the cover commenced, but this may not be the case with all pet insurance policies.  With some policies tick paralysis is not covered at all.  With Petsecure there is a maximum benefit payable of $500 for tick paralysis under the Accident and Illness cover option.

With Petsecure the premiums are based on the age and breed of the pet, and you can choose whether you want to have a 75% or 85% benefit payment, with no extra excess to be paid when you claim.  Some policies may have a higher benefit payment, but then also have an excess that is paid for each claim.    

One of the biggest mistakes people make with Pet Insurance is to leave it too late.  Many of us don’t think about insurance until our pet is already sick, but as most policies won’t cover pre-existing conditions it means the pet cannot covered for this ailment.  It’s no different to any other insurance – you couldn’t get insurance to cover an incident in a car that has already happened, and it’s no different with pet insurance.

Whilst pet insurance for some may seem like a luxury it’s important to consider the bigger picture.  With premiums averaging around $600 per year you would spend around $6,000 – $8,000 over the lifetime of the pet – and vet treatment for just one injury and on-going care for an illness can easily come to that, and more. In fact, according to Hollard Insurance the highest claim received for treatment of fractures was $13,500 in 2007.   

This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of exclusions, but just gives an idea of what to look out for when choosing your pet insurance. Whichever policy you choose, you should be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement so that you fully understand the terms and conditions and the exclusions before you make your decision. 

This is not advice, and does not take account of your individual circumstances.  Please read the product disclosure statement about the product you are considering before making any decision to purchase pet insurance.

Tags: Compare pet insurance, Compare pet insurance cover, Lifetime cost of pet care, pet insurance, pet insurance cover

Keeping your pet fit!

September 23, 2011 in Cat cover, Dog cover, Pet cover, Pet insurance, Pet insurance rates by admin | No comments

Pets are pretty much like human beings too. They can also get sick and are prone to getting diseases like kidney failure, arthritis, diabetes and high blood pressure. These diseases can definitely shorten their life span and eventually lead to their demise. If exercise and good eating habit work well for humans, these good practices are perfectly true as well for your pets. But of course bear in mind that nothing is going to keep them away from the vet forever, whether it be an illness or accident.  And that’s why pet insurance is becoming popular in Australia – it’s a way to help make sure you are not landed with vet bills that you can’t manage and then end up having to make some difficult choices about your beloved pet.

The benefits of exercise

Beginning a healthy routine not only makes pets stay in good shape, it also leads to pet owners getting fit too. It’s simple, walking the dog means exercise for you and your dog.  Thirty to 60 minutes of walking is generally required for larger breed of dogs. This easily translates to covering a distance of about three 6km. For smaller dogs, 15 to 30 minutes of exercise is needed.

Cats are a bit harder to handle when it comes to exercising yet giving them chase toys will do the trick. Letting the cat go up and down your stairs if you have them in your house is another great way to let the cat take some strides. This can be done by putting food on different floors of the house. Letting the cat look for their food in different places is also another way of getting your cat off the couch!

Don’t let your pet get overweight!

Reducing calorie intake for your pets is as healthy as humans do to stay fit. Pets getting overweight is not at all an indication of good conditioning and health, and it is likely to shorten their life span. It is always good to consult your veterinarian regularly on your pet’s proper dietary requirements since their diet could change over time.

Pets have vital numbers as health indicators.

Banfield Pet Hospital came up with a body condition score to determine how healthy your pet is. This is very much alike to the body mass index test for humans. This test rates your pet from a scale of one to five. A rating of one means your pet is underweight while five means it is obese. Both BMI and BCS will indicate if both pet and owner have benefited from the exercise and nutrition program they are following.

Giving your pets a healthy environment and leading them to a healthy lifestyle are some of the tested ways to make them live longer. Getting pet insurance is a precautionary measure – so you know you will be able to manage the vet bills when the inevitable visits to the vet occur!  Even with the best care, pet’s can still get ill or injured in an accident.

Indicators that your pet is obese

When you notice a broad, flat back on your pet instead of a tapered waistline, your pet is overweight already. When you begin to see a hanging belly instead of a tucked abdomen, it tells you that your pet has unwanted fat.

At all times, the ribs of your pet should remain prominent and easy to feel.

Tags: Care for your cat, Care for your dog, Compare pet insurance, Ethics of pet ownership, pet insurance

Pet Care Essentials

September 18, 2011 in Cat cover, Dog cover, Pet cover, Pet insurance, Pet insurance rates by admin | No comments

Pets are vital members of a family –  they provide unconditional companionship, especially important for those who live alone. Pets are considered a blessing into the lives of many. However, there are responsibilities that we have when bringing a pet dog into the home. We must ensure the pet is provided with the right care and attention, and during times of illness, the pet must be cared for like any other family member.  For starters, here are 3 things to think about:

Maintain the right weight – Allow your pet dog to do daily exercise because it burns calories that can assist in weight management. You should be able to find your dog’s backbone easily underneath the coat. Then again, your dog may be under weight when its ribcage can be readily seen. Weight problems can happen all too easily with dogs and as with humans once it is piled on it can be difficult to get off! When you sense that your dog is rapidly losing weight or gaining excessive fat, it’s good to see the veterinarian for an evaluation of your pet.

Mental health is important – Your dog needs loads of fresh air, socialisation and activities.  One way to engage with your dog is to teach him or her a few tricks. Don’t forget lots of pats, massages and plenty of attention. Toys can also help with alleviating boredom with your pets. Keeping your dog busy and engaged with you will help with his or her mental well being.

Give your pet dog an appropriate diet – As tempting as it is to give them the odd treat, make sure it’s always appropriate.  Like humans, dogs also benefit from organic foodstuffs. Many dog owners these days are adopting the use of excellent wholesome foods for their pets.  Some veterinarians recommend fish oils to give a shiny coat and protect against skin diseases and other organ malfunction.

All these are good practices to follow when you want the best pet care for your dog. A healthy dog will have a life relatively free of sickness. That means you can enjoy more years with your dog.  It’s also worth considering having dog health insurance in place – to help with the vet’s bills if your pet unexpectedly falls ill, or has an accident.

Tags: Buying a new dog, Care for your cat, Care for your dog, Compare pet insurance cover, Ethics of pet ownership, insurance for pets, Lifetime cost of pet care, Taking care of pets

Pet insurance can help with the high cost of vet’s bills

September 18, 2011 in Cat cover, Dog cover, Pet cover, Pet insurance, Pet insurance rates by admin | No comments

People often only consider pet insurance when they face the vet’s huge bill for treatment. Like any member of the family, treatment costs for pet injuries and illnesses is not cheap – an unfortunately there is no medicare for pets. Think of Pet Insurance as a safety net to help you take care of the cost of unexpected vet bills, so you can take care of your pet in the manner in which he or she deserves!

Why consider insuring your pet’s health?

Over time, just as with humans, your little pal is likely at some point to face an illness or accident.  All to often this can cost thousands of dollars, and unfortunately only a few people have instant access to this sort of cash. Only yesterday, I heard about a well-known Australian personality who paid $4,000 to get his cat’s tail fixed.  As he said, that could have paid for a face lift!!  (Not for the cat)!!  Jokes aside, health care, whether it is for humans, cats or dogs is simply expensive. 

With no pet insurance in place, your expenses can blow up. Think about where the cash is going to come from – selling the car, giving up a holiday or a loan from the bank? With Pet Insurance in place which can pays a sizeable proportion (for example up to 85% with no excess) of the vet’s bills, this sort of situation can be avoided. This is one good reason why you should consider pet health insurance for your cat or dog.

 How do you compare pet insurance options on the market?

When you look at pet insurance options, you will discover that most policies in Australia accept cats and dogs from 8 weeks up to 9 years of age, for accident and illness cover.  If you leave it too late (ie if they are older than 9 years old) then you may only be able to get cover against accidents.  Many plans also include routine care for things like teeth cleaning, vaccinations, heartworm and help with tick and flea control.  A word of caution – most policies EXCLUDE  pre existing conditions. So this means anything your pet has been treated for before the cover took place, is unlikely to be covered in your policy.  So the important thing is to get the insurance sorted early, whilst your pet is young and healthy – so that the cover is there when it’s needed!

When choosing the level of cover best suited for your pet and your family, think about the level of cover you would like (ie the proportion of the vet’s bills that get paid), and your budget – look out for plans that also include an excess – they may be cheaper, but do not necessarily provide the cover you are looking for.

Tags: Compare pet insurance, Compare pet insurance cover, insurance for pets, Lifetime cost of pet care, pet insurance, pet insurance cover

Welcoming a new pet into the family

September 18, 2011 in Cat cover, Dog cover, Pet cover, Pet insurance, Pet insurance rates by admin | No comments

Anyone who has experienced the joy of cats and/or dogs as family pets will definitely tell you that they require care and grooming, and just like kids, can call for substantial attention. Learning how to take care of your family pet is essential when you decide to welcome a pet into your family. Whether you choose a pedigree or a “bitza”, to get the best out of your four legged friend, pet owners need to have an understanding of good pet care and be prepared to provide them with real attention.

Preparing for a new pet

Are you getting ready for a new puppy’s arrival? Is the kitten coming this weekend? You have to make your home dog proof and cat proof. These young ones require more care and attention at first because they can grab everything they see and reach. A useful tip is to keep these pets busy with toys such as stuffed animals and soft balls. Let them engage in play. Plus remember to start off as you intend to continue, and consistently feed them with proper quantity of food at the right time – your vet can give you guidance here.

Pet feeding

Your pet dog can get sick when you are not feeding it the right way. There are nutritious meals prepared for them, according to their age. The market has plenty of formulated meals that are easy and convenient – but a quick tip - some of the brands on the market have very high fat content which is not good for your pet.  If you have the time you can prepare homemade pet food as well.  It takes a good knowledge of what ingredients you should include in making your pet food. Some food is actually dangerous for your dog – chocolate for example! (Make sure you keep it locked away – especially if you have a labrador!)

A puppy can get introduced to adult food once it reaches 6 months. For pet cats, you have to be careful in formulating their homemade ration. Those that can be found in supermarkets are more likely to contain the right raw components that your pet cat needs. Giving them the right food helps keep them strong and healthy, and hopefully also could lengthen their life span.

Pet insurance – help with the cost of vet bills

Pet insurance can help protect you financially, and is a convenient way to help ensure you can afford unexpected vet bills if and when they crop up. Compare pet insurance cover options.

Tags: Buying a new dog, Compare pet insurance, Compare pet insurance cover, Ethics of pet ownership, insurance for pets, pet insurance, pet insurance cover, pet insurance rates

Pets enhance health and wellbeing for all age groups

June 13, 2011 in Pet insurance, Pet insurance rates by admin | No comments

All animal lovers will have experienced the ‘feel-good’ effect of having an animal around, or even occasional interaction with a friend’s pet.

Older parents will speak lovingly of their ‘grand dogs’, endowing them with the special affection and indulgence they accord to their grandchildren. Those same grandparents love minding their grand dogs or grand cats – and the pets are certainly less demanding than the grandchildren!  They eat everything you put in front of them without complaint, are rarely insolent or stubborn and don’t have to be transported to parties or sports fixtures.

That’s wonderful, but even more important is the proven effect pets have on our health. According to the Australian Companion Animal Council (ACAC)  scientific studies conducted over the past 50 years have shown that human/animal interaction can improve the quality of our health as well as our lives. For people living alone the companionship of a pet can make all the difference

 How pets help improve our health

 Sociological and psychological reports show that pets help:

  • combat loneliness and isolation, delivering a positive psychological and physical effect
  • break down social barriers, facilitating human interaction with other pet owners
  • encourage outdoor activity like walking which provides exercise
  • help children’s develop social skills and positive behaviours including playing, nurturing, kindness, unselfishness and responsibility.

Medical studies have shown that people who own a pet and have suffered a bereavement recover more quickly, while the health of those without pets tends to deteriorate after loss of a partner or family member.

 Equally, research indicates lower levels of heart disease and less visits to the doctor in pet owners, while walking a dog encourages people who have suffered a heart attack to commit to the recommended exercise regime. In fact dog walking is beneficial in providing exercise to all age groups and helps delay many of the symptoms of ageing.

 Residents in aged care and nursing homes benefit greatly from visits from pets. Many aged care facilities encourage visitors to bring small pets along. They find improvement in mood and social contact during and after the visit.

In short, our four-legged friends are truly friends in need. Like any dear friend or family member they deserve care and kindness. And when they are unwell they must receive good veterinary care. While unexpected vet visits – or even routine visits – can be a large expense, pet insurance protects you financially and ensures our loyal friends receive the attention they deserve. Check out pet insurance rates and cover.

Tags: pet insurance, pet insurance cover, pet insurance rates

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