Article by guest blogger, Bessie Hassan from Finder.com.au
Did you know that it's possible to purchase pet insurance for older dogs? Finding the right cover for our fur-kids can be hard to find (especially if they're nine years or older), but thankfully there are options available with 'HIF Pet'. In this article, money and insurance expert, Bessie Hassan discusses the ins and outs of pet insurance for older dogs.
Just like humans, as our pups grow older, they can become prone to developing more and more health conditions. Sometimes, these health issues bring with them big vet bills. There’s an ever-growing range of medical advancements that are available at the moment, which means better treatment for your furry friend, but sometimes, these treatments come at a cost. Here’s what you need to know about pet insurance for older dogs.
What types of cover are there?
In many ways, pet insurance policies are similiar to what’s available for humans. Most cover accidents and illnesses, and some have routine care options available as well. They have an annual limit per policy, and all have exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
Typically, within the pet insurance industry there are three different tiers of cover.
- Accident only cover. This type of insurance provides cover for injuries that are caused by unforeseen events and accidents. While tick and flea bites may not be included. this cover can include other injuries such as broken bones, damage from fights with other animals, burns and even snake bites.
- Accident and illness cover. This type of cover is typically best for pet breeds that are predisposed to genetic conditions or health issues. Top and middle tier policies usually provide cover for problems like cancer, elbow and hip dysplasia, and ingestions of dangerous items.
- Comprehensive cover. This typically provides all of the benefits of accident and illness cover, but also with routine care included (you can opt-in to routine care). Routine care can include teeth cleaning, training and worming.
Is there any additional cover?
You can usually add a vast range of extra benefits to your policy in order to receive a higher level of cover. Extra benefits can include cover for emergency boarding or paralysis tick treatment. There are also other costs that you can receive cover for under a comprehensive pet insurance policy, including overseas travel insurance and euthanasia.
What factors affect cover?
Pet insurance premiums are determined based on a range of different factors, including the breed of the dog, age, and in some cases, pre-existing conditions. If your dog does have pre-existing or genetic conditions, it’s worth considering a higher level of cover, and disclosing these when taking out a policy.
Are there any exclusions?
Most insurance companies won’t provide cover if you try to take out a policy for a dog over the age of nine. However, with 'HIF's Basic Pet Insurance Cover'- you can! This policy includes cover for accidental injury, ingesting of foreign objects, poisoning, toxicity and treatment of paralysis tick and snake bites.
As with all types of insurance though, some exclusions and waiting periods do apply, so we always recommend reading the PDS for full detail. If your pet is heading towards this age or is over this age, you might want to start thinking about taking out some level of pet insurance cover now.
You’ll also find that your policy will include some exclusions, such as cover for any pre-existing conditions that your dog had before you took out your policy. Other things such as treatment for preventable diseases, elective treatments (which can include desexing), genetic testing and grooming may not be covered. Check your policy before you spend money on something that you think may be covered.
Bessie Hassan is a Money and Insurance Expert at finder.com.au, Australia’s most visited comparison website.