Like most Australians, the team here at ExtrasJar believes that pets are truly part of the family. We understand that in every household this may look a little different, but whether they’re enjoying dinner on the back deck or at the table, we know that their health is always a priority.
Pet insurance across the country is gaining more and more traction as Australians begin to realise the opportunity it brings to protect both your pet’s health and your wallet. Pet ownership is already an expensive undertaking, so the financial buffer insurance offers has become a reliable confidante for many.
In most cases, pet cover is split into two policy categories: accident and illness cover and pet extras. The former provides financial security for things like emergency care, hospitalisation, surgery and medication, whereas the latter covers vaccinations, routine check-ups, dental care, desexing and other preventative or complementary treatments.
Today, we’re helping you choose the pet extras that best represent the unique needs of your pet. If you value flexibility, adaptability and dependable support for some of the most important aspects of your pet’s enduring health, don’t underestimate the power of extras. Read on to find out why!
Five things to consider when choosing pet extras in Australia
Breed of your companion
Certain breeds of dog and cat are particularly prone to health problems, usually due to genetic, physical and environmental conditions. It’s worth researching the health issues that may arise in your companion so you can tailor what’s included in your extras plan.
Some common conditions synonymous with breeds include:
Dogs
- Bulldog – Respiratory problems
- Pug – Eye issues
- German Shepard – hip dysplasia
- Boxer – Cancer
- Great Dane – Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)
Cats
- Siamese – Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Bengal – Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
- Ragdoll – Bladder stones and UTIs
- Tabby – Hyperthyroidism
Routine check-ups, included in most extras policies, are the most surefire way to notice health issues before they become a problem. Plan accordingly!
Age and pre-existing conditions
The health needs of your pet will most likely change as they get older, just like us humans. To keep them in tip-top shape, preventative treatments such as vaccines and dental care can be vital, and extras cover gives you the financial means to provide them with comprehensive routine care year after year.
Predictably, pre-existing conditions throw another spanner in the works. However, you can use your pet extras cover to gain professional advice, appropriately manage symptoms and ultimately decrease the likelihood of a vet emergency.
Alternative or complementary treatments
Many pet owners swear by alternative or complementary treatment for their pets in times of ill health or fragility. This may include acupuncture, physiotherapy and herbal or botanical medicines. If you value these solutions, some pet extras policies will cover them, while others will not.
At ExtrasJar, we understand that you know what’s best for your pet. If alternative and complementary treatments are up their alley, experience unrestricted cover thanks to our pioneering approach to pet extras. We’ll ensure your investment into your companion connects you with the best treatment, even if it’s a bit left-of-field for other insurers.
How much you’re willing to spend
Many pet insurers split their extras covers into a steadfast tiered system. The more you pay, the higher the tier and the more extras cover you’ll acquire. If you’re working with a tight budget, be aware. With this system, you may find yourself in a higher tier paying significantly more to grasp only one benefit, or be relegated to a lower tier based on cost where your pet’s unique health requirements are not quite met. This is what the team here at ExtrasJar found as a problem. So, we created a solution.
ExtrasJar offers flexible and effective pet extras cover that lets your pet access the support it needs, without restrictive limits, tiers or the need to fork out for things they don’t need. Our tailored cover begins from the moment you open an ExtrasJar account and receive a digital Pet Extras Card. Just tap that at the point-of-sale instead of dipping into your savings. If you don’t tap into your fund in a given year or fully exhaust its value, it’ll not only rollover, but likely expand thanks to our pioneering investment mechanism. We’re all about freedom, personalisation and funds that don’t expire.
Whether you have to choose at all
As we touched on above, consider if you really need a policy that makes you choose what pet extras you require. It’s not always simple to discern exactly the preventative or general treatments your furry companion might need to draw on in a year, especially when they’re young, so why threaten your wallet or their health by taking a gamble? If you’re being forced into a higher tier at a higher cost because the lower tiers are too restrictive in traditional pet insurance policies, maybe it’s time to look into the ExtrasJar revolution.
With ExtrasJar, you don’t have to pick and choose. Instead, you’ll be able to use your funds the way that you want, in the way that your pet truly needs. We’re not here to dictate what you can and can’t do with your money, we’re just here to see your pet receive the highest quality care – just as they deserve.
Insure the pet care that’s specific to your companion
At ExtrasJar, we understand there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to pet extras cover, so we revolutionised the system. Whether your pet requires it all to be spent on dental, acupuncture, vaccinations or routine check-ups, or a bit of this and a bit of that, we’re here to make that a reality.
Find versatility, discover true control and be confident in the healthiest version of your furry best mate with ExtrasJar today.
