Which insurance is best for my pet?

Insurance provides piece of mind that in the event of an accident or serious medical condition, you have the comfort of knowing that your pet has cover. Otaki Vets is not a financial advisor but we can help you with what questions to ask and what to look for in an insurance company.

What is Pet Insurance?

Pet Insurance can be regarded as a healthcare policy for your pet, where you are reimbursed for certain of your pet’s medical expenses.

Some policies are for accidental cover only, while others include illnesses and surgeries. Some insurance companies also provide preventative cover, such as vaccinations etc.

How does Pet Insurance work?

In most cases you will be required to pay for your pet’s veterinary expenses at the time they are incurred and then the claim is submitted and the insurance company refunds you. In most circumstances you will need the invoices indicating that they are paid as well as the patient history from your veterinarian for any claim.

There will be varying excesses that have to be paid on each condition/invoice before the insurance cover kicks in. Some insurance companies offer a percentage of cost care and some companies provide an annual claim limit.

Is Pet Insurance worth the spend?

There are many factors involved with this question. Some considerations to take into account:

  •  Pet’s age – the older your pet the more expensive to insure as they will more likely develop health issues
  • Pet’s breed (some breeds are prone to certain hereditary conditions)
  • Pet’s health status
  • Pet guardian’s financial position – how much can you afford to pay for insurance each month
  • Location – urban pet insurance is generally higher than rural

Pet insurance protects you from facing large, unexpected expenses and provides you with the piece of mind that you can do the best for your furry family member.

Some considerations:

  • Many insurance companies offer free accident cover to new puppy/kitten guardians, this gives you time to do your research. Ask the friendly team at Otaki Vets for the details.
  • Insure your pet early – don’t wait until a problem occurs and then seek pet insurance. In many cases, preexisting conditions will be excluded from cover.
  • Spend time researching the various products available. The products vary – take the time to read the policy wording. Cheaper policies generally offer less cover.
  • Although everyone has a different experience with different insurance companies, word of mouth is a good way to gain additional knowledge. Also check online reviews for other opinions.
  • If upfront payments are a challenge for you, investigate if the insurance company can pay the veterinary clinic directly for veterinary services
  • Breed specific hereditary conditions/some treatments/preexisting conditions may be excluded in some policies – make sure that you understand the fine print
  • Does your insurance company insure your pet for life or is there an age limit on your policy. 
  • Deciding what you can afford to pay for pet insurance helps you to narrow down the options
  • You will need your pets age, breed, date of birth and gender to start the insurance comparison, so have that ready

Although paying pet insurance may seem like a grudge purchase, it can be a lifesaver when your pet requires some unexpected care. Please ask your team at Otaki Vets for assistance.