Help your dog or cat get the very best care

Most policies do see an increase in premium payments each year. One of the main factors that can cause this include your pets age. As your pet ages the risk of illness increases making vet visits more likely. It’s best to speak with your provider to discuss your chosen policies and the cost of your premium.

So long as your dog or cat is at least eight weeks old you can take out a pet insurance policy, allowing them to be covered for specified accidental injuries immediately.

There are, however, waiting periods to consider for other coverage. There is usually a 30-day waiting period for illness and a longer 6-month waiting period for cruciate ligament conditions. However, with RSPCA Pet Insurance this may be waived on the application, so call now on 1300 855 150 to discuss your pet’s situation.

If a condition exists or occurs during the waiting period or before the commencement date of the first policy period, it will be considered a pre-existing condition and may be excluded from cover. Whether that is the case will depend on the nature and experience of the condition, and some conditions are eligible for review after an 18-month period. For more information please refer to the relevant Policy Booklet.

If you need to make a claim, there are a few steps you need to take.

If you’re claiming online, start by logging into the pet insurance portal. To submit the claim, you will need to upload a copy of both the itemised invoice and any consultation notes from the vet appointment. If this is your first claim, you’ll also need to include all relevant vet and medical paperwork from your pet’s history.

If making a claim via post, print your pet insurance claim form and fill out all the information. Then take it into your vet so they can fill out their specific section. After both you and your vet have signed the claim, simply send it off!

When you own a pet, you have to consider a range of different costs to keep them healthy and happy. This includes everything from food and bedding to toys, collars, microchipping and more.

While these costs are predictable, vet visits aren’t always as easy to plan for. Common check-ups and annual vaccinations generally cost in the region of $90 for your dog and $80 for your cat. However, accidents and severe illnesses can be unexpected and see your pet receive more specialised vet treatments. These can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars at a time.

Because of the unknown factor, pet insurance for your cat or dog can mean you have peace of mind knowing your best bud is covered for those unexpected and expensive vet visits.

Like food, bedding expenses, and flea, tick and worming treatments, pet grooming is considered part of standard day-to-day care. Therefore, it is considered non-essential and is not a benefit in most insurers’ pet policies.

You should familiarise yourself with your provider’s cover inclusions list and any exclusions before making a claim.

Make sure you are across any pet insurance waiting periods before making a claim See: What is the waiting period for pet insurance?.

Check your Policy Documents for any waiting periods or exclusions.