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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

Cat crazy

February 4, 2012 in Cat care, Pet care, Pet insurance by admin | No comments

Dog lovers sometimes give cats a bad name. Passionate dog lovers will accuse cats of being unaffectionate and cold, while extolling the virtues of their cuddly, hand-licking canine pets.

However, talk to a passionate cat lover and they will tell you quite a different story. Marilyn, for example, has a Burmese – Lolly – who demonstrates all the qua lities of that particular breed.

 “My Burmese is extremely friendly and loving. She greets me the moment I open the front door and will climb onto me when I flop down of the sofa. My friends say she is more like a dog than a cat it makes me mad, because I find that so condescending! Lolly is fabulous pet in her own right, not by comparison with a dog or any other furry creature.”

Lolly was acquired from a breeder and shortly thereafter Marilyn rescued a little white kitten from an animal refuge. In this case it was an act of kindness that somewhat backfired, as the kitten was frail and sickly and after $2,000 worth of veterinary care, the poor little creature went to cat heaven. “Pet insurance would have helped me,” sighs Marilyn, “but I didn’t even know it existed. This incident certainly made me aware.”

Marilyn has another cat as well – a tabby called Tabitha– who also has a sweet and loving nature.” The two cats get along very well,” says Marilyn. “They are both quite inquisitive and playful if encouraged.

“Burmese in particular can be quite destructive, so I have a scratching post. But Lolly still gets into the furniture at times. I guess that’s one of the compromises you have to make in return for all the good things my cats bring to me. There’s nothing more comforting and peaceful than cuddling up and watching TV with my two pets.”

Marilyn’s cat Lolly demonstrates the typical personality of the Burmese – gregarious and well attuned to humans. They like a lot of attention and are not as independent as other breeds and while they can defend themselves against other cats, they are seldom, if ever, aggressive towards humans. They like being indoors, are good with children and get along fine with dogs.

And let’s not overlook how utterly gorgeous they are!

Tags: Burmese cat, Care for your cat, dogs and cats help economy, Ethics of pet ownership, pet insurance, Taking care of pets

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

Do you pass the responsible pet owner test?

October 9, 2011 in Cat care, Dog care, Pet care, Pet insurance by admin | No comments

As we approach the holiday season, before we rush out bring a pet into the family, it’s worth taking some time to consider “what is responsible pet ownership”.  It’s hard to believe, but the holidays are not only the time when families welcome more pets into the home, but also it’s the time when “owners” simply dump their pet rather than going to the expense of finding a kennel, or a friend to look after the pet whilst they are on holiday. 

The following has been adapted from guidelines from the Bureau of Animal Welfare, Victoria:

  1. Ensure your pet has an appropriate and adequate balanced diet.
  2. Clean, cool water should be available 24/7.
  3. Provide a comfortable, clean and dry sleeping area.
  4. Regular (ie daily) exercise is vital for socialisation and health.  Make sure you pet has plenty of contact with the family.  A lonely pet is a sad pet.
  5. Take precautionary measures – vaccinate, worm control (heartworm for dogs), and don’t let fleas and ticks get the better of your pet.
  6. Register your pet.  Make sure your pet has a tag on the collar. Microchips provide permanent id increases the chances of finding your pet if it should stray (or is stolen).
  7. Make sure your pet is confined to your property.  Cats should be kept inside overnight.  Not only is it safer for them, but also for local wildlife.
  8. Make sure your dog is trained and not a nuisance.  Barking and crying can be very distressing for neighbours, so be considerate.  If you have to leave your dog alone for long periods of time, consider “doggy day care”.
  9. If your dog or cat is not going to be used for breeding, get it de-sexed.  If your female dog is not de-sexed they need a fully enclosed pen, including a roof.  Dogs are in season for 3 weeks, generally two times a year.  Female cats that are not de-sexed should also be kept indoors when in season.  Cats can come in season every two weeks between Spring and Autumn. 
  10. If you go away on holiday, ensure your cat or dog is cared for properly.  Preferably at a reputable boarding kennel or cattery.

Not only does pet ownership require consideration of the pet and others, but it can also be costly when you factor in vaccinations and the possibility of accidents and illness that require attention at the vet.  This is where you may want to consider pet insurance that can help with the cost of the inevitable vet’s bills, and in some plans you can get assistance with routine care items such as vaccinations and flea treatments.

Do you pass the test?  My next door neighbour certainly does not.  His poor little dog is left on the balcony alone and crying day in and day out.  That’s not what I call responsible pet ownership, it’s plain cruel.

Tags: Buying a new dog, Care for your cat, Care for your dog, Ethics of pet ownership, pet insurance, Responsible pet ownership, Taking care of pets

What’s more important to you? Your family or your pet?

September 30, 2011 in Cat cover, Dog cover, Pet cover, Pet insurance by admin | No comments

OK, we know your pet is part of the family – but you know what I mean –  people family, or your animal family (your pet)!  Now this question is not as strange as it sounds.  In fact it seems that in the United Kingdom the majority of pet owners are more likely to get insurance for their mobile phone or pet insurance before they sort out  life insurance!

In fact, life insurance protection, only came 6th on the list, after car, home, pet, and mobile according to the website MyVoucherCodes.co.uk (August 2011).

In the UK 30% have a pet health cover insurance (pet insurance), whilst in Australia it’s only around 3%.  So it would seem in Australia, so far at least, people are more likely to have life insurance than pet insurance!  Having said that, it’s estimated by Ibis world that Aussies spend around $7.88 billion on pet products and services each year. With 10 million pet owners (63% of households), that amounts to a whopping $1,460 average expenditure per pet, per household each year.   How  much do you think your pet will cost you over his or her lifetime?  You can help reduce that cost with pet insurance that pays a proportion of the inevitable vet’s bills that will crop up over your furry friend’s lifetime.  Even in the unlikely event that you don’t claim for, say, 3 years – it only takes one major event to even up the score and put you in profit!  For example, if an average annual premium is around $500 for a plan that pays an 85% benefit (this example taken from a 2 year old labradoodle cross), an event such as a simple ingestion of a foreign body costing $5,000 would mean the savings on your vet bill could be as much as $3,500, and if you hadn’t claimed for 3 years then the saving would be $2,500!!

Like all insurance, pet insurance is there to help with unexpected events.  It gives a bit of peace of mind knowing that if your four legged pal got sick, or injured in an accident, you would at least have some help with the vet’s bills. 

 

Tags: Cost of vet bills, insurance for pets, Lifetime cost of pet care, pet insurance, pet insurance cover, pet insurance rates

Protect yourself from rising vet bills

September 28, 2011 in Pet insurance by admin | No comments

Money Matters report that vet bills for cats and dogs have risen by as much as 500% in the past 2 years.  Like everything else, there is normal inflation of vet costs, but on top of this, advances in technology provide many more treatment options for your four legged friends.  In days gone by, pets would die of cancer, nowadays you can give your pooch or moggie a whole range of treatment options, which as you would guess, cost money!  This means more pet lives are being saved, and pets are living longer. But I don’t need to remind you – there’s no Medicare for pets – so when you choose these treatments you pay the full amount with no subsidies, so the costs can certainly mount up.

As an example, Choice magazine revealed highest vet expenses claims of $25,700 for cancer, $16,865 for diabetes, $11,035 for a snake bite and $8,760 for an ear infection.  When you consider these costs against an annual premium for pet insurance averaging around $400 for cats and $570 for most dogs, pet insurance is surely worth the price?

Of course pet insurance may not be for everyone, but if you do not have such a plan in place think about keeping some cash aside each month to take care of an emergency.  No-one would want to have to put their beloved pet down because of financial considerations, but the reality is, without a plan, this is all too possible.

Read more – visit www.news.com.au/money/money-matters/sick-as-a-dog-as-vet-bills-soar-by-500/story-e6frfmd9-1226148801851

www.choice.com.au/reviews-and-tests/money/insurance/personal/pet-insurance-policies-review-and-compare.aspx

Tags: Care for your cat, Care for your dog, Compare pet insurance, Compare pet insurance cover, Cost of vet bills, insurance for pets, pet insurance, pet insurance premium, pet insurance rates, Taking care of pets

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 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

What dog is best for me?

August 14, 2011 in Pet insurance by admin | No comments

It seems that lifestyle and convenience work against a few breeds, in particular the Fox Terrier, Jack Russell and the fluffier Pomeranian.  These breeds are dumped and destroyed in record numbers.  They are very cute puppies and people buy them on impulse from pet shops, without understanding their temperament, needs, and the long term responsibility of pet ownership. 

Dogs are beautiful animals who give us unconditional love, but they rely upon us for their wellbeing and indeed their survival for as much as 12 years or more.

So it makes sense, doesn’t it, to consider what breed would fit best with you, your budget, your lifestyle and the home you can offer them – before you go ahead and bring a new puppy into your life. 

Here are some things to think about in advance.

  •  How much time do you have to give your dog daily exercise?

Like humans, all dogs need a leve of exercise.  An overweight dog will not be as healthy as he can be, and as a result this can affect his longevity and his happiness.  Think about how much exercise you can give your pet, but dont be unrealistic – remember you are going to need to keep it up for 12 or more years!

  • How much time do you have to devote to grooming your dog?

Often overlooked – depending on the breed, grooming could mean a daily activity for you and your pet.  It’s important to consider just how much time you have available before you choose your pet.
 

  • How much can you afford to pay for dog food each week / month?

Big dogs eat more!  A new dog is also a financial decision which needs to be planned for.   Remember to include dog food in your budget.

  •  Have you considered the cost of vet expenses?

There’s no Medicare for dogs, and vet expenses can cost a fortune.  No-one would want to have to put their pet down because they couldn’t afford treatment.  That’s why many people choose pet insurance to assist with the vet fees.  But of course it’s important to make sure you can afford the pet insurance in the first place!  The breed of dog also affects the premium you pay. Get a quote now, to see how affordable it can be for you.

  •  Will your pet be around young children or elderly people?

 The’re all different.  Some dogs are child friendly, and others prefer the quiet life!  Very activy dogs can be too boisterous for the elderly.  (Of course getting an older dog – perhaps from the pount – can also solve this problem)Some dogs love to have a run with their owners, others prefer to stroll – what would be best for your family?

  • Does anyone in your family or someone who visits you frequently suffer from allergies?

Some breeds are less liketo to cause allergies than others. It’s all about their hair!

  • Do you have an exercise area for your dog?

Some breeds love to snooze indoors for most of the day (as long as they have a couple of walks), whilst others go mad for the outdoors and love physical exercise.

  •  How much time will your dog be alone each day?

Dogs are essentially pack animals and love company..  If you are going to be leaving your pooch alone for long periods of time, consider whether getting a second dog would be a good idea – so they can keep each other company

  • Are there other pets that your new dog will need to get on with – for example cats, rabbits, birds, etc.

To keep the household on an even keel, you need to think both about how your existing pets will embrace an imposter, and how the new dog will fit into the new environment. 

  •  Are you expecting your dog to protect your property?

In some breeds, the desire to defend property is higher than others consider this if you are looking for a guard dog.

  •  What size of dog do you prefer?

Remember the puppy will grow up!  You need to bear in mind what size it will grow up to when you choose your puppy. 

  •  What sort of coat would you prefer your dog to have?  What sort of shedding would you be able to tolerate?

What would you like to feel when you run your hand along your dog’s back?   Smooth, woolly, long, short?   Are you house proud?  Would a “shedder” drive you nuts?  Consider this before you choose your pet.

  •  How active would you like your dog to be?

Do you like them active, or would a lazy pal suit you better?

Tags: Buying a new dog, dog breeding, dog rescue, Ethics of pet ownership, insurance for pets, Lifetime cost of pet care, pet insurance, pet insurance cover, pet insurance premium, pet insurance rates, puppy farm

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