Like any insurance, pet insurance is something you hope you never need, but it can make an enormous difference if your pet is injured or becomes unwell. With the rising costs of advanced veterinary care, insurance can give you peace of mind that your pet will get the treatment they need without added financial stress.

I’m also pleased to share that Dr Terri’s Home Vet Visits is now a GapOnly® provider, allowing eligible pet insurance claims to be processed instantly during your home visit so you only pay the “gap” – the portion not covered by your insurer.

Why Consider Pet Insurance?

• Peace of mind in an emergency: Make treatment decisions based on what’s best for your pet, not your budget.

• Cover for advanced care: Specialist surgery, imaging, and hospitalisation can quickly reach thousands of dollars.

• Affordable protection: A modest monthly premium is far easier to manage than a sudden $5,000+ vet bill.

How Pet Insurance Works

Pay-and-Claim (Reimbursement):

• You pay your vet upfront.

• Submit your claim via an app or online.

• Receive 70–90% of eligible costs back within 1–2 weeks, minus your chosen excess.

GapOnly® (On-the-Spot Claims):

• As a GapOnly® provider, I can submit your claim during your home visit.

• Approval is usually within 10 minutes.

• You simply pay the gap amount on the day – no large upfront payment or waiting for reimbursement.

When to Take Out Cover

It’s best to start early. Premiums increase as pets age, and any pre-existing condition (symptoms seen before your policy starts) will be permanently excluded. Most insurers offer cover from 8 weeks of age, with upper age limits around 8–9 years.

Types of Cover

• Comprehensive: Accidents, illness, and routine care such as vaccinations, dental and parasite prevention (if selected). Average cost: ~$60–100+ per month.

• Accident & Illness: The most common cover, including accidents and illnesses but excluding routine care unless added. Average cost: ~$40–70 per month.

• Accident-Only: Basic cover for injuries (e.g. car accidents or fractures) but not illnesses. Average cost: ~$20–40 per month.

Key Things to Check

• Pre-existing condition exclusions: Any illness or injury present before cover starts is excluded.

• Waiting periods: Accident cover is often immediate, while illness cover typically has a 30-day wait. Some conditions (e.g. cruciate ligament injuries) may have longer waits.

• Breed-related limits: Certain breeds may have exclusions or lower payouts for hereditary conditions.

• Annual and per-condition caps: Ensure limits are high enough for emergencies such as tick paralysis, which can cost several thousand dollars in treatment.

Compare and Get Started

• If you already have pet insurance, check if your policy is GapOnly®-ready so you can claim instantly during your home visit.

• If you’re new to insurance, the official GapOnly® comparison tool is a quick way to compare policies side-by-side based on your pet’s age, breed, and cover level.

Why GapOnly® Makes It Easier

By offering GapOnly® during home visits, I can:

• Process eligible claims instantly.

• Save you from paying the full amount upfront.

• Ensure you only pay the gap on the day.

📅 Book your home visit today and enjoy the convenience of GapOnly® with Dr Terri’s Home Vet Visits. I’m also happy to answer any insurance questions or help check your policy during your appointment.

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