Pet insurance exclusions
Pet insurance is cool, and keeps your best mate safe. But there’s also a bunch of rules in the fineprint that you need to be aware of. Here’s a rundown of common exclusions.
Key takeaways
- Every pet insurance policy will have its own set of exclusions you need to be aware of.
- Some of the most common exclusions include pre-existing conditions, dental care, pregnancy and elective procedures, like de-sexing.
- Other factors to consider when taking out a policy include waiting periods, benefit limits and breeds excluded from cover.
Common pet insurance exclusions in Australia
While exclusions vary across policies and insurers, here are some common ones to watch out for:
- Pre-existing conditions: Most policies exclude pre-existing conditions, such as hip or elbow dysplasia, that occurred before the policy's start date. However, chronic conditions that develop after the policy's inception may be covered.
- Preventable diseases: Insurers typically exclude diseases with known vaccines, like parvovirus or heartworm, to encourage responsible pet ownership and preventative care.
- Dental treatments: Routine dental cleanings and treatments for oral diseases are often excluded from standard policies. Some insurers offer optional routine care add-ons to cover a portion of dental expenses.
- Elective procedures: Treatments deemed non-medically necessary, such as de-sexing or cosmetic procedures, are generally excluded from illness cover.
- Breeding and pregnancy: Most pet insurance policies are designed for pet owners, not breeders, and exclude costs related to breeding, pregnancy, or obstetrics.
- Prescription diets: Special prescription foods or dietary supplements are typically not covered by pet insurance policies.
- Ambulance costs: Some policies may exclude transportation costs for sick or injured pets, even if the veterinary treatment itself is covered.
Other stuff that can come up
These are some other conditions that can stop you getting a claim approved, even if they're not technically a general exclusion.
- Waiting periods: Policies often have waiting periods of 30 days to 6 months before certain conditions or benefits can be claimed.
- Benefit limits: Policies may have annual or per-condition benefit limits, as well as sub-limits for specific treatments or therapies.
- Banned breeds: Certain dog breeds deemed dangerous or banned by local authorities may be excluded from coverage.
Tips for pet owners
If it's your first time taking out pet insurance, finding the right policy for your furry friend can be tricky. To ensure you take out the right level of cover for your pet, we're jotted down 4 handy tips below:
- Read the PDS: Thoroughly review the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to understand your policy's coverage, exclusions, and benefit limits.
- Insure early: Consider insuring your pet while they're young, as premiums tend to be lower and pre-existing conditions are less likely.
- Disclose medical history: Be honest about your pet's medical history when applying for insurance to avoid potential claim denials.
- Compare policies: Shop around and compare policies from different insurers to find the best coverage for your pet's needs and budget.
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We have had our Golden Retriever insured since he was 8 weeks of age – he is now 6. We have just received our insurance renewal and it has increased over 19.5%. The monthly premium is now causing issues to our budget, however, our pup has had both his back knees replaced (TPLO surgery) due to cruciate ligament and he has arthritis. I have not been able to find a provide who is willing to cover us for these conditions if we move our policy stating that they are pre-existing conditions – BUT we have been paying insurance since he was 8 weeks of age – these condition are not pre-existing to insurance cover – they are only pre-existing to a new company. Why won’t policy writer’s “transfer” conditions that have been covered by other providers???? We have done the right thing but are now in a position of having to stay and pay the exorbitant fee increase our current insurer has levied, or we move and lose the cover we have had for the past 6 years.
Hi Anniemac,
Thanks for reaching out.
Some of conditions that could affect your pet’s insurance premium over time would be age and premium loading. For the pre-existing condition that the new insurer is considering, you will need to discuss this with the previous/existing insurer.
In line with that, it may still be possible to obtain pet insurance with pre-existing conditions on record. Our page will discuss what the options are and how an insurer will determine a pet’s pre existing conditions.
As always, please read the fine print carefully and familiarise yourself with the product disclosure statement (PDS), as each insurer’s definition of a pre-existing condition may vary.
Cheers,
Joanne