Pet insurance can come with a lot of questions. Can you use your own vet? What happens as your pet gets older? Are pre-existing conditions covered? And do you need to microchip your pet before you can get cover?
We’ve rounded up some of the most common pet insurance FAQs to help you understand how Oneplan Pet Insurance works and what to know about your cover.
1. Pet insurance FAQs: Is there an age limit for pet insurance?
What happens when my pet gets older?
Yes, age limits can apply when you first take out Pet Insurance.
With Oneplan, new Pet Insurance policies are available for cats and small dogs before their 11th birthday, subject to the applicable policy terms and eligibility requirements.
The important distinction is that the entry age doesn’t mean your pet suddenly loses their cover when they get older.
If your pet is already insured with Oneplan and remains covered according to the terms of the policy, their cover can continue as they age.
Taking out cover while your pet is younger can also mean you’re better prepared for unexpected vet visits and health concerns that may arise later in their life.
2.Pet insurance FAQs: Can I change my Pet Insurance plan?
What if I need different cover later?
Your pet’s needs can change over time, and you may decide that a different level of cover suits you better.
If you’re considering changing your Oneplan Pet Insurance plan, chat to our team about your options and what the change could mean for your benefits, limits and waiting periods.
It’s always a good idea to understand how a change may affect your existing cover before making the switch.
Discover which pet insurance plan is right for you.
3. Pet insurance FAQs: Can I use any vet with Oneplan Pet Insurance?
Do I have to use a specific vet network?
No. Oneplan lets you visit any registered vet in South Africa.
So, if your pet already has a vet they know and trust, you don’t have to change simply because you’ve taken out Pet Insurance.
This can also give you more flexibility if you need veterinary care while you’re away from home or your usual vet isn’t available.
Just remember that your claim will still be assessed according to your chosen plan, available benefits and policy terms.
Discover 7 pet insurance truths.
4. Pet insurance FAQs: Does my pet need to be microchipped?
Do I need a microchip to qualify for Pet Insurance?
Your pet doesn’t need to be microchipped to qualify for Oneplan Pet Insurance.
Microchipping is still worth considering as a responsible pet owner. If your pet gets lost and is taken to a vet or organisation that can scan the chip, their registered information can help reunite them with you.
But when it comes to taking out Oneplan Pet Insurance, having a microchip isn’t a requirement.
5. Pet insurance FAQs: Are pre-existing conditions covered by Pet Insurance?
What happens if my pet already has a health condition?
This is an important one.
Certain pre-existing, congenital and hereditary conditions can be covered by Oneplan after a 12-month waiting period, subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of your policy.
A waiting period means you can’t claim for the applicable condition during that specified period after your cover begins.
However, having a waiting period for one condition doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t claim for other unrelated eligible events during that time.
For example, if a particular existing condition is subject to a waiting period but your pet has an unrelated accident, the accident may still be covered according to your plan and policy terms.
Always check your policy wording to understand exactly what applies to your pet.
6. Pet insurance FAQs: How do Pet Insurance waiting periods work?
Waiting periods determine how soon you can claim for certain events after your policy starts.
Different types of claims can have different waiting periods. For example, an accident may be treated differently from an illness or a pre-existing condition.
This is why it’s important to look at more than just the monthly premium when comparing Pet Insurance.
Before choosing your cover, check which waiting periods apply, what your plan covers and what benefit limits you’ll have.
That way, you’ll have a much clearer picture of what to expect when you need to claim.
Understand basic pet insurance terms.
7. Pet insurance FAQs: How do I claim with Oneplan Pet Insurance?
One of the biggest things to understand about any Pet Insurance policy is how you’ll actually use it when your pet needs veterinary care.
With Oneplan, eligible day-to-day claims can be submitted through the Oneplan App.
Once an eligible claim has been approved, the available funds can be loaded onto your Oneplan Claim Card, allowing you to pay the vet directly using the card.
Your benefits, limits and the type of claim will depend on the plan you’ve chosen, so always check your cover before heading to the vet.
Understand the claims process with Oneplan.
Still have Pet Insurance questions?
Understanding your cover shouldn’t require a dictionary.
Before taking out Pet Insurance, make sure you understand the benefits included in your chosen plan, applicable waiting periods, benefit limits, exclusions and how the claims process works.
And if you’re already a Oneplan client and something about your cover isn’t clear, chat to us before you need to claim.
The more you know about your Pet Insurance, the easier it is to know what to expect when your furry family member needs you most.
Your Pet Insurance Family,
