With rising inflation, it’s no secret that Aussie households might be feeling a bit of a financial squeeze lately. So it’s important to be prepared when it comes to taking care of your furry friends’ health.

Research from Animal Medicines Australia (AMA) shows 68% of pet owners had considered not going to the vet when needed, a decision driven by cost concerns*. In addition, research commissioned by PetSure shows 40% of pet owners would consider economic euthanasia if a veterinary treatment cost exceeded $3,000#.

Pets are unpredictable, so you never know when you might need to cover treatment costs for an accident or illness so here are our top tips for managing pet healthcare costs.

  1. Speak with a vet as soon as possible

If you’re concerned about your pet’s health, you should always speak to a vet. And in many cases, seeing a vet sooner, particularly for a minor concern could save money – if treatment is delayed, the illness or injury could progress to something more serious requiring more costly treatment.

  1. Be upfront with your vet about your financial situation

If you find yourself at the vet clinic, be upfront with your vet about costs and your ability to cover veterinary costs. This might include enquiring early about the estimated treatment costs, notifying the vet of any financial constraints you may have and disclosing whether or not you have a pet insurance policy. Discussing finances early on during your vet visit can help avoid any surprises or difficult conversations later on about treatment costs.

  1. Consider a GapOnly®-ready policy, to reduce upfront out-of-pocket costs

Available Australia-wide, GapOnly® is an innovative payment solution that allows you to claim your pet insurance on the spot, simply paying the gap**. Claiming with GapOnly® helps reduce your upfront out-of-pocket expense, which is useful from a cashflow perspective because you don’t have to pay the full invoice upfront and wait to be reimbursed later.

If you’re in the market for a pet insurance policy, consider a petinsurance.com.au policy. All petinsurance.com.au pet insurance policies are GapOnly® ready.

  1. Consider vet telehealth for non-emergencies

Online veterinary services offer access to video and live message consultations, where you can connect with qualified vets for advice and triage. Vet telehealth services, like VetChat, are useful for non-emergencies and queries like gastrointestinal issues (i.e. if your pet ate something it shouldn’t have) or for mild skin irritations or issues.

VetChat consultations are complimentary with a majority of PetSure administered policies, or are otherwise available for a small fee, which means you can save on any unnecessary in-person consultation fees. However, it’s important to note that vet telehealth is complimentary to in-person veterinary care.

If you’re in the market for a pet insurance policy, consider petinsurance.com.au which offers VetChat as part of our added benefits.

  1. Purchase pet prescription medications online for cost savings

In some cases, you could save money by buying pet prescription medications through an online pet pharmacy. Buying from an online pet pharmacy may be suitable when purchasing medications to help treat things like allergic skin conditions, arthritis pain, or thyroid conditions.

However, online pharmacies are not suitable for emergency situations where the medication needs to be administered immediately. If you are unsure where to buy from, enquire directly with your vet.

  1. Consider lowering your pet insurance premium

If you’re struggling to afford your existing pet insurance payments, there are options available to help minimise costs, such as lowering your premium by changing levels of cover or opting for higher excess options.

References:

*Animal Medicines Australia report (2022), “Pets in Australia: a national survey of pets and their people”

# PetSure research on customer’s sentiment towards vet bills (Sept – Oct 2022)

~ Based on PetSure claims data for the 2022 calendar year

**The gap means the difference between the vet’s invoice and the eligible claim benefit under your policy

 Disclaimer:

VetChat is a related company of PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd

GapOnly® is a trademark owned by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure).

FAQs

How can I prepare for unexpected veterinary expenses?

Planning ahead can help reduce financial stress when unexpected health issues arise. Many pet owners prepare through savings, pet insurance, budgeting for routine care and understanding potential healthcare costs associated with their pet’s breed and age.

Can delaying veterinary treatment make costs higher?

In some cases, delaying treatment may allow a condition to worsen, potentially resulting in more complex and costly care. Seeking veterinary advice early can help identify issues before they become more serious.

Should I talk to my vet about my budget?

Yes. Being open about your financial situation can help your veterinarian discuss treatment options, prioritise care and provide guidance that takes your circumstances into account.

What is GapOnly® and how can it help with vet bills?

GapOnly® allows eligible pet insurance claims to be processed at participating veterinary clinics, meaning pet owners only pay the gap between the vet invoice and the eligible claim benefit at the time of treatment.

Can vet telehealth help reduce pet healthcare costs?

Vet telehealth services can provide advice and triage for non-emergency concerns, helping pet owners determine whether an in-person veterinary visit is required. Telehealth should complement, not replace, hands-on veterinary care when needed.

Are online pet pharmacies cheaper than buying medication through a clinic?

Depending on the medication and provider, online pet pharmacies may offer cost savings for some prescription medications. Pet owners should always ensure medications are purchased through reputable providers and under veterinary guidance.

Can I lower the cost of my pet insurance premium?

Some pet insurance policies offer options that may affect premium costs, such as adjusting levels of cover, selecting different excess amounts or reviewing optional benefits. Policy features and pricing vary between providers.

Is pet insurance worth considering during periods of financial pressure?

Many pet owners consider pet insurance as a way to help manage eligible veterinary expenses arising from unexpected accidents or illnesses. Whether it is suitable depends on individual circumstances, budget and preferences.