Pet Life Magazine, New Zealand Pet Life Magazine Issue 3 Winter 2017 | Page 8

Pet insurance – is it essential?
There is a rapid rise in the number of
homes that have domestic pets –
specifically cats and dogs. And with this
increase there is now an array of
services that are available to protect
and care for these canine and feline
friends. Pet insurance plays a prime
role here. It provides owners with a
safety net to fall back on during
unexpected times.
Having a pet of any kind is a big commitment that comes with
big responsibilities. With rising costs, veterinary expenses are
at their peak. Owners shouldn’t have to choose between their
money and their pet’s life, that’s why we at Petplan New
Zealand pride ourselves on the range of cover we offer for
cats, dogs and horses.
Why get pet insurance?
The concept is fairly simple – pet insurance is a way of provid-
ing financial stability to pet owners. When a dog or cat falls ill
or is involved in a sudden accident, the effects can snowball so
owners can never be too prepared. It is important to have
cover before such incidents occur to avoid your savings from
plummeting. As a pet parent, you will need to consider the
potential risks that can put your pet in danger or pain. It is
important to provide them with the best possible care if
anything unexpected does occur, without having to
compensate on expenses. Pet insurance is a simple solution,
and can be tailored to individual needs and budgets. This can
be purchased at a nominal price when compared to the bills
that owners are bombarded with after treatments. Pet
insurance allows pet parents to rest easy knowing that they
are providing their pet with the best possible care.
Is it worth it?
The dilemma for most pet owners is deciding whether pet
insurance is worth it. The nature of insurance is considered
an additional expense, and some people do not always see a
return in this investment. Yet, it is a decision that owners need
to make while the pet is still young in order to avoid restric-
tions and additional costs. Like humans, animals need medical
attention throughout their life, and all animals are at risk when
it comes to health conditions. As pet owners, we need to be
prepared for unexpected problems, from common conditions to
severe medical illnesses that can affect the pet’s wellbeing.
How does it work?
The process involves reimbursement, which is administered
once payments have been made to vets. Customers can claim
for the expense by providing us, the insurance company, with
the details of the animal, conditions treated, and the records
from the treating veterinarian. This is then looked into by an
expert team that compensates the costs either partly or in full,
depending on the type of plan.
What can pet insurance cover?
With modern technology and advancements, there is so much
that can be done to assist your furry friend during difficult
times. Having your pet insured means there is no longer the
need to put them down due to associated costs or lack of
available treatments. Vets are able to provide a whole range of
treatments for pets, however the costs associated are con-
tinuously on the rise. This is where pet insurance steps in. By
paying a monthly or annual premium you can ensure your pet
is covered for the unforeseen.
At Petplan New Zealand we know that no two pets are the
same, which is why we offer several different plans to suit
every pet’s needs. Contact us today to discuss the best option
for you and your pet.