RACQ pet insurance

I have had pet insurance with RACQ for 3 years. I have made only 1 claim ever which was in September 2023. And on it they only paid out $175. So over the years I have paid nearly $3000 for insurance. Immediately after that 1st claim my policy renewal became due and was hit with a 30% increase in premiums. Can’t change because of the age of my dog. Completely held to ransom otherwise I would change insurers just as I did with 2 cars I had with Racq and they hiked premiums when even no claims had been made.

Insurance for dogs basically doubles when they turn 6; I believe this is standard practice amongst insurance companies that provide cover for pets. My dog’s insurance was $2002 for her last policy, and it can’t be paid monthly because she’s getting “older” and may befall severe health issues or drop dead before the next policy period.

One would think that is all the more reason for pet owners to be allowed to pay their policy monthly… just in case!

Every health issue is put in its own category; my dog has two categories of health issues.

Each health issue incurs a $200.00 excess.

That means that I have to pay $400.00 per year in excess, over and above the cost of the policy.

I also have a Tender Loving Care package that entitles me to $100.00 of preventative healthcare paid out at 100% of the cost of the treatment.

However, it seems that there are many preventative healthcare services and items that are NOT included in this package.

This means that I an extra $500.00 a year for things that insurance SHOULD cover but doesn’t; I can’t even afford health insurance for myself or my human family!

My dog is almost 8, now, and we’ve been insured by RACQ all that time, but I think I’ll be taking my business elsewhere come time to renew our policy… at least the RSPCA will let you pay the policy by direct debit every month.

Or maybe I’ll forego insurance for my beloved Dobermann and suck up the entire expenses without all the arguing to get value for money.