Bringing a new puppy home is one of life’s true joys but it’s also the start of a long (and sometimes costly) journey. Pets fill our lives with love, laughter and companionship, but unlike human healthcare in Australia, there is no government subsidy like Medicare for animals.
That means every vet visit from vaccinations and routine checks to emergency care, must be paid for out of your own pocket. In other words: pets are a privilege, and caring for them costs money. That’s where pet insurance can make a real difference!
Why Pet Insurance Matters
Veterinary medicine has come a long way. Today, our vets can diagnose and treat conditions that were once untreatable, but these advances can come with significant price tags. Without any public health support for animals, even routine care can add up quickly. Pet insurance helps manage these costs by acting as a financial safety net if your pet becomes sick or injured. It allows you to make decisions based on what’s best for your pet’s health - not just what fits your budget in the moment.
Key Benefits of Pet Insurance
Pet insurance isn’t just about emergencies. Depending on your policy, it can offer:
- Peace of mind knowing you’re financially prepared for unexpected illness or injury
- Help with costly treatments, including surgery, hospitalisation, diagnostics and medications
- More treatment options, so care decisions aren’t limited by finances
- Easier long-term budgeting for your pet’s healthcare
- Support as pets age, when vet visits often become more frequent.
- Many pet owners find insurance helps remove the stress and guilt that can come with sudden veterinary bills.
Why Puppy Insurance Is Especially Worth It
Puppies are curious, active and accident-prone! Early in life, they’re also more vulnerable to illness as their immune systems develop.
Starting insurance early has some big advantages:
- Lower premiums: puppies generally cost less to insure than older dogs
- Fewer exclusions: conditions that develop later in life are less likely to be excluded
- More coverage options: including accident, illness and optional wellness add-ons
The earlier you start, the more comprehensive your coverage is likely to be long-term.
Types of Coverage to Know About
Pet insurance plans vary, but most fall into a few main categories:
| Accident-Only Coverage | Accident + Illness Policies | Wellness Add-Ons |
| Covers injuries such as | Covers both injuries and illnesses such as infections, digestive problems, skin conditions or chronic disease. Often the most valuable choice long-term | Optional extras that may contribute to routine care like vaccinations, parasite prevention, dental checks and annual health exams. These can help with budgeting rather than emergencies. |
Important Tips Before You Buy
Read the Fine Print. Policies can differ significantly. Check for:
- Excess amounts
- Reimbursement percentages
- Annual or lifetime claim limits
- Waiting periods
- Age, breed or pre-existing condition exclusions
Understand Exclusions
Most policies do not cover pre-existing conditions and may exclude certain hereditary or congenital conditions unless specific add-ons are chosen.
Budget Realistically
Premiums vary depending on your pet’s age, breed and level of cover and can increase over time.
How Claims Work (including GapOnly)
Traditionally, pet insurance requires you to pay the full vet bill upfront and then submit a claim to your insurer for reimbursement, which is still the case with some insurance companies. At Maraboon Vet Surgery, we’re proud to offer GapOnly, which can make the process much easier.
What is GapOnly?
GapOnly allows eligible clients to claim their insurance benefit at the time of payment. Instead of paying the full invoice and waiting for reimbursement, you only pay the gap - the difference between the vet bill and what your insurer covers.
How it works:
- Your pet receives treatment
- We submit the claim electronically on your behalf
- Your insurer confirms the benefit (within 10-15 minutes)
- You pay only the remaining gap at the counter
Not all insurers participate in GapOnly and coverage depends on your individual policy, but it can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs on the day. Our team is always happy to help check eligibility and guide you through the process. More information on GapOnly including partnered insurance companies can be found here: https://gaponly.com.au/
Pets Are a Privilege – Make Smart Plans
Pets are cherished members of our families, but caring for them comes with real financial responsibility. With no public healthcare system for animals in Australia, planning ahead with pet insurance, savings or a combination of both – means you’re less likely to be caught
off guard by unexpected bills. Pet insurance doesn’t remove the responsibility of pet ownership, but it can remove the stress
of wondering whether you can afford the care your pet deserves.
If you have any general questions about pet insurance or GapOnly, our team at Maraboon Vet Surgery is always happy to help, contact us on 4987 6800. For policy-specific questions, coverage details or exclusions, we recommend contacting your chosen insurance provider
directly.
