Do you have an existing 1300 Pet Insurance that first incepted prior to 1st Dec 2022?
1300 Insurance no longer distributes new pet policies underwritten by Hollard.
For 1300 Insurance Pet Protect policies underwritten by Hollard first incepted prior to 1st December 2022 (and are continuing to renew) here is key information for you regarding your policy:
- To Submit Claims: Customer Service Portal
- PDS and TMD
- Service Enquiries including Complaints: email [email protected] or call 02 9296 8619
1300 Insurance’s Pet Protect offered by 1300 Insurance Pty Ltd (ACN 124 845 727; AR No 327609) underwritten by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd (AFSL 241436), and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd (AFSL 420183). The information on our website, our brochures and other documentation is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal financial situation, needs or objectives. Therefore before you decide to buy this product it is important that you read the Product Disclosure Statement and Financial Services Guide to make sure the product is appropriate for your needs.
What is Covered in Pet Insurance?
Selecting your insurance policy carefully can help you cover any unexpected veterinary expenses so that your pet can stay with you even when there are financial constraints.
Our pet insurance is available for the owners of companion dogs and cats. Below, we will explain different covers available under pet insurance-
- Vet costs if your pet is injured
- Vet costs if your pet suffers an illness (not dental)
- Vet costs involved in essential euthanasia
- Vet costs overseas (only available on trips of not more
- than 60 days to New Zealand or Norfolk Island)
- Emergency pet boarding
Other additional benefits that you can add to your policy are-
- Vet Costs- Dental Illness
- Vet Costs- Behavioural Conditions
- Vet Costs- Alternative Therapies
Eligibility
- The pet insurance is only available for pets residing with you in Australia.
- The policy is only available for companion dogs and cats. There are also certain breeds considered dangerous or banned in Australia. It’s not possible to get a cover for dangerous/banned breeds. Please go through the list of restricted breeds before applying for a cover.
- Your pet should be at least six weeks old, and a maximum of 8 years 364 days old to be eligible for a cover. Policy renewal has no age limits.
Benefits Percentage
Benefits Percentage is the margin that we will be paying during a claim. You get to choose margins during your application process. For instance, if you picked a plan with 70% as the benefits percentage, we will be paying $70 on every $100 of vet costs. You can add extra benefits during the application process.
Why Do You Need Pet Insurance?
Pet insurance in Australia is akin to health insurance for humans, designed to alleviate the financial burden of veterinary care, which can be unexpectedly high. The fundamental premise of pet insurance is to provide pet owners with peace of mind, knowing they can afford medical care for their pets in case of accidents, illnesses, or even routine check-ups and vaccinations in some comprehensive plans. Policies differ widely in terms of what they cover, with some focusing solely on accidents and emergencies, while others extend their coverage to include chronic illnesses, genetic conditions, and routine wellness care. The intricacies of pet insurance policies necessitate a thorough understanding of terms, including coverage limits, deductibles, reimbursement percentages, and exclusions for pre-existing conditions or specific breeds, which are crucial for pet owners to grasp before selecting a policy.
The decision-making process for selecting a pet insurance policy is influenced by several key factors that impact the policy’s usefulness and affordability. These include the annual coverage limit, which dictates the maximum amount the insurance will pay out in a year; the reimbursement rate, which determines what percentage of the vet bill is covered after the deductible is met; and the premium, which is the cost of the insurance policy itself. Additionally, pet owners must consider the policy’s exclusions and waiting periods, which can affect the immediacy and scope of the coverage. Understanding these aspects is vital for choosing a policy that best fits the needs of the pet and the financial situation of the pet owner, ensuring comprehensive coverage that offers real value and support in times of need.
Choosing the Right Pet Insurance Policy
Selecting the right pet insurance policy requires careful consideration of several key factors:
- Coverage Scope: The extent of what’s covered under a policy can greatly influence its value. Some policies offer extensive coverage, including accidents, illnesses, and even routine care, while others may limit their coverage to accidental injuries and major illnesses.
- Benefit Limits: The maximum annual benefit limit is a crucial determinant of a policy’s utility. Higher limits offer more extensive coverage but can come with higher premiums. Policies can have annual limits ranging significantly, with some extending up to $30,000 or more.
- Reimbursement Rates: This refers to the percentage of the vet bill the insurer will cover after any applicable excess. The standard is around 80%, but some policies offer as high as 90% or even 100% back on eligible vet bills.
- Exclusions and Waiting Periods: Understanding what’s not covered is as important as knowing what is. Common exclusions include pre-existing conditions, specific breeds’ hereditary conditions, and routine or preventative care. Additionally, there are usually waiting periods for certain conditions to be covered.
Market Overview
The Australian pet insurance market is characterized by a wide array of options, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of pet owners across the country. Insurers compete to offer policies that not only cover a broad spectrum of veterinary services, from emergency treatments to chronic disease management and routine wellness visits, but also include unique benefits such as multi-pet discounts, loyalty perks, and even alternative therapy coverage. This competitive landscape has led to innovations in pet insurance, with companies striving to provide policies that offer higher annual limits, lower deductibles, and more comprehensive coverage options. For pet owners, this means a greater ability to customize insurance plans to match their pets’ specific health needs and financial capabilities, making it easier than ever to find a policy that offers the right balance of coverage and cost.
As the demand for pet insurance grows, driven by the rising costs of veterinary care and the increasing recognition of pets as valuable family members, the market continues to evolve. Insurers are increasingly focusing on customer experience, offering user-friendly platforms for policy management and claims processing, as well as value-added services like 24/7 veterinary support lines. Additionally, there’s a trend towards more transparent coverage options and terms, making it simpler for pet owners to understand what they’re buying and to compare different policies. This evolution of the pet insurance market not only benefits pets, by ensuring they have access to necessary medical care, but also empowers pet owners to make informed decisions about their pets’ health care, ultimately fostering a more responsible and caring pet ownership culture.
