Pet insurance exclusions

Common pet insurance exclusions in Australia

While exclusions vary across policies and insurers, here are some common ones to watch out for:

1. 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.
2. Preventable diseases: Insurers typically exclude diseases with known vaccines, like parvovirus or heartworm, to encourage responsible pet ownership and preventative care.
3. 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.
4. Elective procedures: Treatments deemed non-medically necessary, such as de-sexing or cosmetic procedures, are generally excluded from illness cover.
5. Breeding and pregnancy: Most pet insurance policies are designed for pet owners, not breeders, and exclude costs related to breeding, pregnancy, or obstetrics.
6. Prescription diets: Special prescription foods or dietary supplements are typically not covered by pet insurance policies.
7. 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

Yup, there's more. 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

What kind of writer would I be if I didn't leave you with actionable tips? A terrible one - they'd never let me back on the morning shows again.

1. Read the PDS: Thoroughly review the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to understand your policy's coverage, exclusions, and benefit limits.
2. Insure early: Consider insuring your pet while they're young, as premiums tend to be lower and pre-existing conditions are less likely.
3. Disclose medical history: Be honest about your pet's medical history when applying for insurance to avoid potential claim denials.
4. Compare policies: Shop around and compare policies from different insurers to find the best coverage for your pet's needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is considered a pre-existing condition in pet insurance?

  A pre-existing condition is any illness or injury that your pet had before the start date of your pet insurance policy. These conditions are typically excluded from coverage, as insurers aim to avoid covering costs for issues that existed prior to the policy's inception.

• Can I claim for dental treatments under my pet insurance policy?

  Most standard pet insurance policies exclude routine dental cleanings and treatments for oral diseases. However, some insurers offer optional routine care add-ons that may cover a portion of dental expenses. It's essential to review your policy's Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to understand the specific dental coverage and any applicable limits or exclusions.

• Are there age limits for pet insurance coverage?

  Yes, many pet insurance policies have age limits for coverage. Typically, insurers will cover pets from 6-8 weeks old until they reach 8-9 years of age. Premiums may also increase as your pet gets older. It's advisable to insure your pet while they're young to avoid potential issues with pre-existing conditions and higher premiums.

Written by

Tim Bennett

Insurance expert

A seasoned journalist with over 10 years of experience in news, politics and finance reporting, Tim has previously held roles at the ABC, SBS and Fairfax Media. Tim’s expert insights have been quoted in The Australian, The Daily Telegraph, The Courier Mail and more. He regularly appears on TV and radio, and has been interviewed on 7 News, Sunrise, SBS News, ABC Local, 3AW and 5AA. Tim is passionate about simplifying complex insurance topics for Australian consumers. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Politics) from Macquarie University and a Tier 1 General Insurance (General Advice) certification, which meets the requirements of ASIC Regulatory Guide 146 (RG146). If you’re interested in a media interview with Tim, please reach out to our PR team at aupr@finder.com. See full bio

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