It seems that Australians love their pets! According to the winter edition of the fit&well magazine, more than 63 percent of Australia homes have a pet and there are an estimated 33 million pets living in Australian households at the moment! The Australia Companion Animal Council breaks this down to around 3.41 million dogs, 2.35 million cats, 18.4 million fish, 8.1 million birds and over one million other pets - which includes horses, rabbits and guinea pigs.
Accordingly, each year families spend around $1 billion on health care and medical needs for their pets. And for this reason the number of pets being insured for their health is drastically on the rise. Between 2009 and 2010 the number of pets insured in Australia almost doubled from 100,000 to 190,000.
Like any other type of insurance, Pet Healthcare Insurance provides peace of mind that in a time of need (and often emotional stress), the funds required to provide the treatment and care for your family pet will be available. The key is choosing the RIGHT insurance for your circumstance... policies range from accident only to fully comprehensive packages that will cover illness, accidents and even routine vet bills for general well being. For some owners, the access to their Pet Insurance is the difference between having a loved one euthanised or being able to provide them with a second chance at life.
Our top tips for choosing the right Pet Healthcare Insurance for your pet:
1. READ THE FINE PRINT - so you know what is and is not covered... its best to understand this BEFORE something happens and you are faced with a stressful situation.
2. EXCESS - FIND THE RIGHT LEVEL - the higher the excess on claims the lower your premium however, ensure you can cover the excess should you need to make a claim.
3. CHOOSE THE MOST LIKELY SERVICES - for your pet today... you can always upgrade the policy for your pet in the future as they move through their lifespan and thus susceptibility to various illnesses. Consult your vet for guidance as to what to expect in your pets lifespan.
Common Costs**
For cats & dogs, some of the most common medical procedures are:
- cancer treatment: $2,500-$3,000
- Diabetes: $2,836
- Gastroenteritis: $2,504
- Caesarean operation: $660-$1,500
- Dermatitis: $1,428
- Ear infection: $876
**costs curtesy of HCF fit&well magazine