Australian Seniors pet insurance

Every time I have made a claim it takes on average two months and many phone calls to chase up the refund. Still waiting on my latest claim that was made at the beginning of June when I have supplied all documentation.

The policy turned out to be really bad value, very little refund on a vet invoice, Easy to set up. Weeks to get any action on claims, then everything queried until I finally said I’d just let it go to the ombudsman 2.5 years

The original premium for out dog was $112/mth. The next year it went up to $136/mth. A $24 increase straight up! Now it has gone up to $145/mth. We’ve never made a claim. We’re totally disgusted.

The premiums went up so high and when I tried to call I was told they didn’t know who I was and couldn’t find any of my or my pets details despite being able to access my bank account and I had been a member for 5 years. I cancelled my policy but the payments continued to come out of my account. I contacted them again and they apologised and said they would refund me the 3 payments. That was in the middle of January and nothing has been refunded. I would definitely not recommend this pet insurance.

Great value when 1st purchased 8years ago $600+pa. Easy to set-up then, and with the added on-line ‘pet portal’ option, easy to claim & view claims. But finding it harder each year now to see the worth/value in this policy, since it has QUADRUPLED in cost of the annual premium, now $2500pa.Based on this 30-40% annual hike, next year = $3300pa. Wow! Stated in their policy – “We review our pricing to ensure we can continue to support the available treatment options”

IF YOUR PET HAS A SPECIFIC ‘CONDITION’ (arthritis,seizures) which was ‘pre-existing’ BEFORE the policy began, you will never be able to claim for it (as with any insurance company). Yes, we get approx 80% back on MOST claims (but there are strict limitations), and the ‘fine print’ in the lengthy, wordy, legal-jargon policy, means that if the Vet uses the wrong language when describing a medication etc in the vet report (ie Supplements) you will be quickly be denied any refund .

If you happen to complain about their policy premium ‘hike’, you will receive an email (i.e. typical boring, template reply), which always states that the pet’s breed, age, vet fees & medications are the reasons for this rapid annual price hike. Their email communication process has improved. especially in relation to claims. But If you actually try to phone them, you’ll go through the main switchboard, and then with much call transferring, you may get through to the correct Pet Insurance section. Very frustrating and time-consuming. They need to up their game in this area.

Based on research, we believe this practice of constant, regular, premium increases is standard throughout the industry. Is it really worth all the hassle? – Something to seriously consider before purchasing pet insurance.