Do you have pet medical aid? Were you aware such a thing exists? If you’re a pet owner, injury and illness are bound to happen at some point in your animal’s life. Diagnostics and treatment are also becoming more sophisticated and therefore also more expensive.
More people are opting for pet insurance, like a medical aid for your dog, cat or horse. This helps with unexpected costs that arise, because most people don’t have that extra money lying around. It is very important to compare companies, see what they cover and what they don’t, understand conditions that may be excluded, and what the monthly premium is.
Routine medical care, such as annual check-ups; vaccinations; worm, tick, and flea control; teeth cleaning; and spaying or neutering are not usually covered unless you pay extra for “Routine Care Cover” with one of the insurers. They will then give you a set amount per year to use for what is considered “routine care.” There may be other exclusions you need to understand. Certain hereditary conditions (often breed related “deformities” or risks), elective procedures, and preventive conditions such as parvo / cat flu, would be examples of these. Pre-existing conditions that showed clinical signs before the insurance was taken out may be excluded or there may be a waiting period, usually a year.
What is covered?
Here are some things you can expect to be covered by pet medical aid:
- accidental injury (for instance broken bones, snake bite, or dog or cat fights);
- any illness from minor conditions such as upset stomach, skin conditions, and ear infection, to serious ones such as cancer, diabetes, etc. (except hereditary or congenital defects, or any pre-existing ones);
- operations (except for spaying or neutering, elective procedures, or anything caused by heredity or congenial defects, or pre-existing conditions);
- gastric torsion (that’s when an animal’s stomach twists and the animal has to undergo surgery to repair it and prevent it from happening again);
- tumour removals, such as in the case of cancer;
- hip replacements (except if hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition of the breed of animal); and
- R50 per day for kennels, catteries, or pet sitters in the case of an emergency (for instance when the owner is hospitalised for more than a certain number of days—there is, however, a maximum limit per year).
This is a generalisation, and you would need to see what the specific company you choose covers. Most insurers will expect the owner to still pay the vet and then reimburse the client after a claim is submitted. There are also discounted amounts for more than one pet.
Recommended insurers
Some companies to look into are:
We are not promoting any of these companies specifically, so please do your own research. Have a look on their website and get them to give you a call if you need further explanations. We recommend at least a hospital plan. Accidents or illness can’t be predicted; at least this way you don’t have to skimp on the best care possible.