Vets Choice pet insurance is endorsed by the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) and was created with direct input from members of the AVA and the veterinary profession. This helps to shape Vets Choice’s policies to help both pets and vets, which means veterinarians consider the most common injuries and health issues they treat. It’s also 100% Australian, with benefits and features tailored to Australian pets and their pet parents.

The takeaway with Vets Pets is that each policy sold contributes directly to the Vets Benevolent Fund and local animal shelters. It’s also born from a 33-year partnership with AVA and Guild Insurance. It also offers a free 28-day Rookie puppy and kitten policy, giving you time to try it out without commitment after 28 days.

Veterinary technology is becoming more advanced, and with that comes an increase in veterinary costs. Veterinarians recommend pet insurance because it can offset some or most of the cost of diagnostic testing, treating, and managing your pet’s injuries or illnesses. 

There’s no right formula for choosing pet insurance for your cat or dog, but discussing policies with your veterinarian before selecting an insurance plan is best. Prices for cat and dog insurance will vary—the higher the price, the more conditions are covered, and the higher the limits the insurer offers. Here’s the takeaway:

Who is Vets Choice Pet Insurance?

Veterinarians have built Vets Choice Pet Insurance, and its cat and dog insurance plans allow you to customize policies to meet every pet’s individual health needs. They offer excess options and several optional benefits so that you can tailor your policy to suit your needs.

Vets Choice Pet Insurance offers two plans: Vets Choice Pro and Vets Choice Elite. With either of these policies, you can add dental or dental benefits, which cover dental illnesses and injuries for cats and dogs. Vets Choice Pet Insurer is the only insurer endorsed by the Australian Veterinary Association. (AVA) 

Vets Choice Pro

Vets Choice Pro covers accidents and specific illnesses with an annual limit benefit of up to $12,000.This is important as some procedures can cost well over $10,000, and the yearly limit covers multiple claims within the period, not the limit of each claim.

The Pro Cover does not cover the investigation, diagnosis, or treatment of chronic illnesses. You get the optional add-on of dental accident and illness coverage, routine dental care, and optional cruciate ligament coverage. Vets Choice pet insurance insures cats and dogs exclusively and does not cover horses, birds, or reptiles. Additional perks to Vets Choice pet insurance include:

• 80% of claims covered
• $12,000 annual limit
• Standard age coverage from 8 weeks to 9 years
• Optional add-ons for dental accident/ illness and cruciate ligament cover
• Choice of excess options of $200, $350, and $500

Vets Choice Elite

The Elite plan includes coverage for investigation, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic illness. You can add dental accident and illness coverage, routine dental care, and optional cruciate ligament cover. This type of policy caps the amount you spend annually.

• 80% of claims covered
• $15,000 annual limit
• Standard age coverage from 8 weeks to 9 years
• Optional add-ons for dental accident/ illness and cruciate ligament cover
• Choice of excess options of $200, $350, and $500

What to Consider

As with all pet veterinary insurance in Australia, it’s essential to consider your pet’s breed, age, and health issues. You should also consider annual benefits, excess limits, waiting periods, and the sub-limits offered. Vets Choice offers a shorter-than-average wait period of 21 days and a standard waiting period of 6 months for cruciate ligament treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Vets Choice Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?

Vets Choice covers conditions that have been successfully treated if they reoccur. A pre-existing condition occurs before the pet insurance policy starts.” For example, a broken bone would usually be considered a temporary pre-existing condition,” explains Vets Choice. Whereas a permanent pre-existing condition would include ongoing and pre-existing lifelong illnesses such as diabetes.

2. Can I Insure My Pet if He Has a Pre-Existing Condition?

” Yes, it is possible to be insured with Vets Choice if your pet has pre-existing conditions,” explains Vets Choice. Your vet must advise that these conditions are now fully cured and no longer relevant to the pet’s ongoing health.

3. What Conditions are Not Covered Under the Vets Choice Policy?

These incurable and non-treatable conditions and illnesses occurred before you joined Vets Choice. Some of these include:

• Chronic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, epilepsy, gastrointestinal conditions, heart conditions, skin and ear conditions.
• Current health conditions for which your cat or dog is currently receiving treatment.

Degenerative conditions, which include joint or ligament deterioration, again if known/diagnosed before signing up for Vets Choice.