The PDS is an important document that explains everything about your policy, but we understand it can be a lot to digest. While we encourage you to give the PDS a good read, we understand it might be a bit overwhelming.
To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 things you need to know about your new policy. This quick guide highlights the essentials so you can feel confident and informed right away. Remember, the PDS has all the detailed information, so be sure to refer back to it whenever you have questions.
Made for the unexpected
Pet insurance is designed for unexpected events. Once you start a new policy, coverage doesn’t start immediately.
When you purchase pet insurance, the policy can start covering unexpected injuries and new illnesses after the exclusion periods end. This is why it’s so important to have a policy in place long before you actually need it.
Any signs or symptoms of an illness or health issue your pet shows before the exclusion period is over are considered pre-existing conditions and won’t be covered.
Exclusion periods
Exclusion periods begin on your policy start date and when your cover is increased (for that increased portion of your cover), and exclusion periods need to be passed symptom free before your coverage starts, so that we can begin to reimburse for your unexpected vet treatment costs.
The exclusion periods are:
- 1 Day Exclusion Period for Accidental Injury (except Specified Conditions)
- 14 days Exclusion Period for Illness (except Specified Conditions)
- 14 days Exclusion Period for Dental Illness for pets under 1 year old
- 6 months Exclusion Period for Dental Illness for pets 1 year and older
- 6 months Exclusion Period for Behavioural Conditions
- 6 months Exclusion Period for Specified Conditions
Here’s what you should know about exclusion periods:
- Any claims made during the exclusion period won’t be covered.
- Injuries or illnesses that occur during the exclusion period will be classified as pre-existing conditions and won’t be eligible for coverage.
- We can cover new and unexpected injuries and illnesses that happen after the exclusion period ends.
Making changes during your cooling-off period
You have a 30-day cooling-off period to make changes to your policy if you change your mind. After that, there are some limits on when you can make changes (check your policy for details).
- Decreasing Coverage: You can lower your coverage level at any time.
- Increasing Annual Limit: Choose your Annual Limit carefully because you can’t increase it after your policy starts.
- Optional Extra Benefits: You can add or remove Optional Extra Benefits during the 30-day cooling off period and at renewal. If you add them at renewal, the exclusion periods apply from your renewal date and pre-existing exclusions may apply. You can only add Optional Extra Benefits if your pet is under 3 years old.
Importance of Pet Insurance
With pet insurance, you can rest easy knowing that expenses for costly vet treatments (and more) may be reimbursed, allowing you to focus on your pet’s well-being instead of the financial burden.
A Petsy Pet Insurance policy covers a portion (80% or 90%) of the vet treatment costs if your pet gets unexpectedly sick or injured.
Complete a PRECA for transparency and fast-track future claims
Requesting a pre-existing condition assessment is simple and straightforward. Just email us at [email protected] or call us on 1300 952 790. Let us know which veterinary clinics your pet has visited, and we’ll handle the rest.
What’s covered and what’s not?
Petsy Pet Insurance covers almost every type of accidental injury, illness or condition unless it is specifically listed as not covered. We aim to cover for thousands of possible injuries and illnesses that can occur, unless it is a pre-existing condition, or it arises (or shows symptoms) during an applicable exclusion period.
How to make a claim
You have a few easy options to submit your claim:
1. Your vet: Ask your vet to email the invoice and clinical notes directly to [email protected]. This is the quickest way to make your claim.
2. Email: Send your policy number and a copy of the paid invoice to [email protected]. We’ll contact your vet for the notes and notify you once the claim is lodged.
3. Petsy Portal: Log in to your account, select your pet’s policy, and click ‘New Claim’. You can upload a photo of your invoice and answer a few questions.
Which vet can I go to?
Petsy works with any vet, that is licensed to legally practice as a veterinarian in Australia, New Zealand or Norfolk Island.
Petsy may cover vets costs if your pet accompanies you on a trip to New Zealand or Norfolk Island on a trip of not more than sixty (60) days.
Apply to reduce your exclusion periods for specified conditions (waiver)
You can apply to reduce the 6-month exclusion period for Specified Conditions by using our Waiver Form. Simply take this form to your next vet visit and make sure to submit the completed form back to us within 14 days of the visit.
The conditions that this waiver applies to include cruciate ligament damage, intervertebral disc disease, hip dysplasia, patella luxation, elbow dysplasia, osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), cherry eye, entropion, ectropion, and lumps.
Customer care and contact details
We’re available for phone support on 1300 952 790 from Monday through to Saturday from 8am to 8pm AEST. Alternatively, you can also book a call at a time that is convenient for you.
Logging into your portal
You can login to your pet portal to update your payment details or to lodge a claim online.
If you have any questions or need further clarification, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected] or give us a call at 1300 952 790. We’re always here to help and want to make sure you feel confident about your pet’s coverage.
Petsy the Pet People