12/13/2013
PETPLAN
PET INSURANCE & PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS IN NEW ZEALAND
© 2013 Petplan.net.nz. All rights reserved.
Pet Insurance & Pre-Existing Conditions in New Zealand
Perhaps the biggest issue in the Pet Insurance industry in New Zealand is ‘pre-existing’ conditions. In New Zealand it is common for people who have an animal who has a ‘preexisting’ condition to think that there is no point in getting Pet Insurance - as it is in the rest of the world. So today we will be discussing what a ‘pre-existing’ condition is and how it effects Pet Insurance in New Zealand.
What is a ‘pre-existing’ condition? A ‘pre-existing’ condition is an illness or injury that has occurred in the past. The reason that this relates to pet insurance (New Zealand) is that ‘pre-existing’ condition’s effect the way that insurance is applied and arranged. Insurance is designed to protect the policy holder against unexpected events or illnesses, which mean that Pet Insurance is designed to protect your pet from an unexpected illness or an accident – not something you know will happen. A ‘pre-existing’ condition can mean that you are susceptible to various health problems or ongoing issues, these issues are something you can be prepared for. Whereas your New Zealand Pet Insurance is for protecting your pet from the unexpected.
Can you still get Pet insurance in New Zealand, if your pet has a ‘pre-existing’ condition?
© 2013 Petplan.net.nz. All rights reserved.
Pet Insurance & Pre-Existing Conditions in New Zealand
Because insurance is based on risk, there are some circumstances when you will not be able to get Pet insurance in New Zealand, if your pet has a ‘pre-existing’ condition. However the in the vast major of cases the answer will be yes. If your pet has a ‘pre-existing’ condition, you New Zealand Pet insurance company will need to know about it, and then will access the risk of the ‘pre-existing’ condition, as well of any other risks. There may be some exclusions placed on the policy (which may be time limited) but in most cases, the policy is still approved.
If my pet has a ‘pre-existing’ condition - how will it affect my New Zealand Pet Insurance Policy? If you New Zealand Pet Insurer thinks that their policy will not cover many unexpected situations, because of your pets susceptibility to complications from their ‘pre-existing’ condition/s, they will tell you and possible refuse your policy. However this is much better than getting a policy only to find out that your claims are rejected. More than likely your New Zealand Pet Insurance company will ask for your veterinary records and will activate a policy for your pet, excluding a few illnesses; they could exclude these illnesses for a few months or a few years. This is because the effect of a ‘pre-existing’ condition is not necessarily a risk for the insurer for very long. © 2013 Petplan.net.nz. All rights reserved.
Pet Insurance & Pre-Existing Conditions in New Zealand
If your pet has a ‘pre-existing’ condition and you live in New Zealand, you will find that the being honest with your pet insurance company is the best route. In most circumstances a ‘pre-existing’ condition will not mean that your pet cannot get insurance, often it will mean that you can cover them without a problem.
© 2013 Petplan.net.nz. All rights reserved.