PetsOnMe Pet Insurance Review (Australia)
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PetsOnMe Insurance offers a 100% benefit percentage for your claims minus the excess. This is unique since most companies offer only up to 80% or 90%. Yet, there’s still the excess you’ll need to remember whenever you make claims. We will run through this in more detail further in this article. PetsOnMe was awarded the Canstar's 2022 Outstanding – Pet Insurance Award!
You can choose from three affordable pet insurance plans, all offering cover for life and no lock-in contracts. Their pet insurance allows you to go to any Registered Vet in Australia and they have a 2 business day turnaround on claims.
1st Month Free on All New Policies
Accident & Illness Cover, up to $15,000 per year
No lock in's - upgrade, downgrade or cancel anytime
Lightning-fast claims payouts, usually within 2 business days
Pros:
Allows you to waive the waiting period when switching from another insurer (T&Cs apply)
100% benefit percentage minus the excess
Allows you to enrol your pet from as early as six weeks old
Covers third-party liability, which some other companies don’t
Multi-pet discount available
Free for the first one (for pets aged 6-52 weeks) or two months (pets aged >1)
Cons:
No overseas insurance cover
Sub-limits apply
Like its competitors, it won't cover your pet for any pre-existing conditions they have when you take out a policy.
Background
Launched in 2017, PetsOnMe makes caring for your fur baby much easier. They offer dog walking, pet sitting, and pet insurance services. PetsOnMe covers only companion dogs and cats, so our feathery and scaly friends aren’t eligible.
Why choose PetsOnMe Pet Insurance?
Pay by the month and no-lock-ins: PetsOnMe dog and cat insurance offer complete flexibility to pay monthly or annually without lock-in contracts or exit fees.
Save with two or More Pets and annual Policies: Receive a 5% discount for paying annually upfront and a further 5% off if you have two or more pets on your policy.
No Sub-Limit on Consult Fees: PetsOnMe doesn't have a sub-limit on consultation fees, meaning you won't be left out of pocket if you make multiple vet trips.
Is Your Pet Eligible for PetsOnMe Pet Insurance?
PetsOnMe pet insurance is available for companion and assistance dogs and cats only. Your pet will be eligible for the Accident (less coverage) plan if they’re between 6 weeks and 12 years old. Pets aged 6 weeks to 8 years and 11 months are eligible for the Classic or Deluxe (higher coverage) plans.
Working dogs used in law enforcement or security are not eligible for cover, and the same goes for banned breeds of dogs and cats in Australia. Pets crossed with banned breeds cannot obtain cover under PetsOnMe, either.
How Much Does PetsOnMe Pet Insurance Cost?
The price for PetsOnMe insurance depends on several aspects, including the following:
The type of plan. PetsOnMe offers three types of plans—the Accident, Classic, and Deluxe. The Accident plan covers accidental injury. The Classic plan covers both illness and injury but not dental illness. Meanwhile, the Deluxe plan covers illness, injury, and dental illness. The annual benefit limit for each plan is $5,000, $10,000, and $15,000, respectively.
The excess. The excess is the amount you must pay when making a claim. You cannot claim anything if the claim amount is within the excess. PetsOnMe permits you to pick an excess of $50, $100, and $150.
Age of pet. Older pets are more likely to encounter illness and need treatment. Hence, older pets are more expensive to insure.
Breed of pet. Some breeds of pets are more prone to specific illnesses and may be more expensive to treat. Therefore, the prices may differ from one breed to another, though not very significantly.
Inclusion of wellness benefits. You can opt for adding wellness benefits to the Classic or Deluxe plan. The wellness benefits include desexing, microchipping, vaccinations, boarding fees, cremation, and advertising and reward.
Your location. The vet costs may vary from location to location, so you may notice a contrast in fees depending on where you live.
What are waiting periods?
Waiting periods are the period(s) stated in your pet insurance policy that must pass from the policy start/inception date before your cover will begin or from the policy start/inception date that any additional pets are included during the period of insurance.
PetsOnMe waiting periods are:
Zero (0) days: Accident
21 days: Illness
21 days: Poisoning, intervertebral disc disease, ingestion of a foreign object
180 days: Third-party liability
180 days: Hereditary conditions
180 days: Cruciate ligament, patella luxation
Six months: Dental
PetsOnMe will waive our waiting periods if you have held a policy with another insurer for 12 months or longer, with no interruption in cover.
What makes PetsOnMe insurance a worthwhile choice?
For devoted pet parents, ensuring top-notch care for our beloved fur companions is paramount. Securing pet insurance is one of the most effective ways to guarantee that your pets receive the essential care and treatment they might require.
Vet expenses can accumulate significantly, with treatments like tick paralysis in Australia potentially costing up to $23,000. Similarly, addressing skin diseases or allergies may incur fees of up to $7,000 [1]. While our pets deserve the best, the financial strain can be challenging. This is precisely where PetsOnMe's insurance coverage takes center stage.
PetsOnMe stands out by offering competitive pricing. Their Classic plan is incredibly cost-effective, encompassing coverage for accidents, illnesses, pathology, third-party liability, radiology, hospital expenses, and non-elective euthanasia. A distinguishing feature is their inclusion of third-party liability, which covers costs for damages caused by your pet to other individuals or their property. Many other insurance providers do not offer this coverage.
Furthermore, when you choose PetsOnMe, your pet can enjoy lifelong coverage, provided you consistently renew the policy. This means there will be no reduction in coverage as your pet grows older.
PetsOnMe boasts one of the swiftest eligible claim reimbursement processes, ensuring you receive your claims promptly. Additionally, you can select any licensed and registered veterinarian in Australia, allowing you to pursue the best possible care for your furry companion without financial concerns looming large.
Does PetsOnMe Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?
No, PetsOnMe does not cover pre-existing conditions like other pet insurance companies.
According to PetsOnMe, a pre-existing condition is a condition, illness, or injury your pet already has before the policy start date or the waiting period has ended. Your pet may have already been diagnosed with the condition or may be showing signs during that time.
Since pet insurance generally does not cover pre-existing conditions, having your pets insured while they’re younger and healthier pays off.
Final Takeaway: Is PetsOnMe Insurance Worth It?
PetsOnMe insurance is a fantastic, budget-friendly option offering comprehensive coverage based on your chosen plan.
FAQs
How does pet insurance work?
Pet insurance functions similarly to human health insurance. It covers a portion of veterinary expenses for your pet, depending on the plan and coverage you choose.
What does an insurance policy for dogs usually cover?
Most dog insurance policies cover accidents, illnesses, and sometimes routine care. Specific coverage details vary among providers, so it's essential to review the policy before purchasing.
What is PetsonMe Pet Insurance Policy?
PetsonMe is a pet insurance provider offering various coverage options for pets, providing financial assistance for eligible vet bills and medical care.
What happens if my pet incurs a high vet bill?
If your pet experiences a significant vet bill, having pet insurance can alleviate a portion of the expenses, depending on your coverage plan.
How does Pets On Me Pet Insurance differ from other providers?
Pets On Me might offer specific coverage plans, rates, or policies that differentiate them from other pet insurance providers. Exploring their policy details can shed light on these differences. Most other providers only cover 80%.
Are there frequently asked questions I should know about pet insurance?
Frequently asked questions often cover policy terms, claim procedures, coverage limitations, and waiting periods. They provide crucial information before purchasing a policy.
