Pet insurance

As trusted medical professionals, veterinarians have a unique and valuable role in advocating for pet insurance.

Being a pet insurance advocate is all about raising awareness of pet insurance as a valuable option for pet owners. It involves educating companion animal owners on the existence and advantages of pet insurance so they can make informed decisions. However, it is up to each client to do their own research on insurance providers and products, and decide which one best fits their needs.

Veterinarians cannot recommend specific insurance plans or products, but they can play an important role in clients’ decisions to purchase pet insurance. Pet insurance gives clients peace of mind that their pets will be able to get the treatment they need when they need it. It can also help facilitate access to more treatment options.

We know that talking about money can be difficult, but it’s important to have these conversations with clients so they understand the costs associated with pet care and veterinary treatment. Veterinarians can help clients understand the value of pet insurance by explaining the costs of basic treatment for their pets and common accidents or illnesses their pets may experience. The conversations can be opened up by encouraging clients to think about how they might plan for unexpected expenses if they arose.

Southern Cross Pet Insurance has created a helpful guidance document for veterinarians, which you can download at the bottom of this page. We have summarised some of their tips below.

Handy tips for being a pet insurance advocate

• Nominate a pet insurance advocate or champion in your clinic – someone who can be the go-to person for any questions on the topic.
• Keep information about pet insurance handy. Even though you can’t provide recommendations for or opinions on specific plans, you can use your clinic to display posters, flyers or brochures about pet insurance products for clients to read.
• Ask new clients if they have pet insurance. Prompt the conversation.
• Ask new pet owners if they’re aware of the potential costs of treatment for accidents and illnesses, and how they can prepare for them. If a client wants to know more, refer them to the documents on display in your clinic.
• Include information about pet insurance in your new puppy or kitten packs, and at puppy training classes.
• If a client has pet insurance, record this fact on their file and remind them about it when you provide treatment. You’d be surprised how many people forget they have insurance when they’re faced with a stressful situation!
• Be wary about accepting gifts or rewards from pet insurance providers, as it could be seen as receiving commissions.