Any paw parent will know that pet care doesn’t come cheap, but when it comes to those pet emergency care visits after hours, we get a knot in our stomachs thinking about the bill. Which is where pet insurance comes in. We explore these costs, the reason for them and whether or not pet insurance will cover them.
As pet owners, we will do whatever it takes to ensure the health of our furry members of the family. If something is seriously wrong with our beloved Bruno or Whiskers, then we rush him to the vet to get him the treatment and care he needs.
However, these costs can and will start to add up and what’s more, after-hours emergency vet bills are particularly expensive and can leave a big dent in our bank accounts.
Discover: Should you seek a second opinion from your vet?
Here’s what you need to know about these costs and pet insurance…
The cost of pet care
Routine care costs such as sterilisations, vaccinations, and deworming can be rather pricey. A consult at your vet can set you back R300 or more, and this doesn’t include the medication.
Not to mention the high costs of emergency care. If your pet is hit by a car, it could cost R40,000 or more to save his life! If you have pet healthcare cover, then you will know how helpful this can be for covering the costs of medical care.
But what about after hour emergencies? Why do they cost so much? And how do I know if pet insurance will cover them or not?
Here’s what you need to know about pet emergency care
Why do after-hour vet bills cost so much?
As a rule of thumb, pet emergency care is pricier than standard vet fees, just like an emergency doctor would be for humans.
Your vet needs time off to rest and recover
You have to take into account that vets are people too. They have friends, families and pets of their own. And they want time to relax, unwind and spend time with their loved ones. Vets work incredibly hard and are often faced with difficult and heart-breaking situations on a daily basis. Their downtime is critical for their mental wellbeing.
After-hours assistance
If you call your vet for an emergency consultation after hours, then he or she also needs to pay assistant staff overtime rates.
24-hour vet clinics
There are some vet clinics dedicated to staying open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. However, these clinics will also charge higher fees as their staff work nights, weekends and holidays, and will remain open whether they see 2 or 10 pets a shift.
Vet clinics want to ensure the highest quality of care is given to your precious pet, which means that their equipment, salaries and medication all need to be paid for.
Read this: Is Pet Insurance Worth It? 4 Pawsome Reasons to Get Pet Insurance
How do I know whether or not my pet is facing a medical emergency?
Some situations will speak for themselves. If your pet was hit by a car or injured badly, then this is most likely an emergency situation and you should seek immediate medical care.
The best idea is to phone your vet and ask them what you should do to stop the bleeding. Then, ask your vet if they are available to help or if they can recommend an emergency vet clinic nearby.
Phone your vet first
In other situations, your pet might just have an upset tummy or feel unwell. If it does not seem like an emergency, then phone your vet and ask them whether they think you should bring your dog into the vet based on the symptoms.
You should then monitor your pet’s symptoms and keep a close eye on your pet before taking them to the vet in the morning. Your pet’s health should always come first, so make sure you contact your vet for them to assess whether it is a medical emergency or not.
Does pet insurance cover after-hour vet bills?
This will all depend on your chosen pet insurer. If you’re insured with Oneplan Pet Insurance (the pet insurer we always recommend when asked), they cover the costs of emergency and after-hour pet care.
Here’s a quick look at their benefits (the cover will vary depending on the plan you choose)
Accident & Illness Cover: From R8,500 to R58,000 cover
Vet Visits: From R1,000 to R6,600 cover
Routine Care: From R350 to R900 cover (Pet Med Booster needs to be added for some plans)
Have a look at their pet plans and find out which one suits you, your pet, and your wallet best.
