A pre-approval refers to an approval of a potential future claim that is assessed before treatment, not after.
To process to obtain a pre-approval, we need:
– An estimate of itemised costs for the procedure
– A description of the required procedure
– Clinical history related to the procedure (a brief email from a vet is not sufficient)
Pre-approvals are advisable for policyholders anticipating upcoming high-cost treatments.
The minimum requirements to process a pre-approval for a same day turnaround include:
– A completed pre-existing condition assessment
– An estimate received from your vet before 2pm AEST Monday to Friday
– The exclusion periods on a policy must have ended for the condition
Additional Considerations
To determine if a pre-approval can proceed, we also review the following:
Policy Start Date
- Confirm the treatment is not related to a pre-existing condition that existed prior to the policy start date.
- Ensure the exclusion periods for the policy have passed for the condition.
Pre-existing Condition Assessment
- If a PRECA hasn’t been completed, a pre-approval cannot be provided.
- If a PRECA has been completed, we will check:
- Whether the condition is listed as pre-existing.
- The timing of the assessment (e.g., before or after the end of exclusion periods).
Current Hospitalisation
If the pet is currently hospitalised, pre-approval may not be possible due to the rapid pace of charges. Delays in treatment while waiting for approval isn’t recommended.
Risk of Euthanasia
If the pet is at risk of euthanasia, we pause the pre-approval process and escalate the case to the head vet for urgent review.
If you would like to submit a non-urgent pre-approval and haven’t completed your pre-existing condition assessment, please contact us to provide us with a list of vets that your pet has been to so we can collect your pet’s medical history.
If you’ve completed your pre-existing condition assessment and would like to submit a pre-approval, please call us or email us at [email protected] and include Pre-approval in the subject line along with the following information from your vet:
– An estimate of itemised costs for the procedure
– A description of the required procedure
– Clinical history related to the procedure (a brief email from a vet is not sufficient)
Important Note
Pre-approvals are advisable for planned treatments with significant costs. For emergencies or urgent care, please contact our team to discuss alternative options for claim processing.
