Insurance assurance

Lindi Wright from Springs writes: I recently adopted a pooch from our local animal rescue organisation and I’m considering pet insurance; is it worth it?

The team at hippo.co.za replies: Pet insurance covers everything from minor illnesses such as ear infections and bee stings to major conditions such as broken bones, diabetes and cancer. But it’s not only useful for accidental injuries, it also provides cover towards preventative care such as vaccinations, spaying, flea-, tick- and worm control, sterilisation and teeth cleaning when you select the relevant cover. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions: What is not covered? As is the case with most insurance policies, there are exclusions to keep your premiums low. These include pregnancy, elective procedures, diet-related issues, grooming, behavioural problems, tick paralysis, hereditary and congenital Pet insurance defects, and pre-existing conditions that showed clinical signs before taking out Lindi Wright from Springs writes: the insurance. Is it worth taking our pet insurance? Is there an age limit? There’s no age limit

The team at hippo.co.za replies: on any of our policies; however, two of Pet insurance covers everything from them stipulate that no pet under the age minor illnesses such as ear infections of eight weeks or older than eight years and bee stings to major conditions such as may enrol. Once enrolled, cover may be broken bones, diabetes and cancer. kept for life. It also provides cover towards preventative What is an accidental injury? This is care like vaccinations and sterilisation. a visible bodily injury that occurs as What is not covered? Exclusions include a result of external violence such as pregnancy, elective procedures, dietbroken bones, snake bites or injuries related issues and congenital defects, due to fights. as well as pre-existing conditions that What is an illness? An illness is an showed clinical signs. unexpected sickness or disease, or any What is an accidental injury? A visible change to your pet’s normal healthy state, bodily injury that occurs as a result of which is not caused by injury. This could external violence such as broken bones, be anything from an upset tummy to skin snake bites or injuries due to fights. conditions or ear infections. What is an illness? An unexpected Tip Ask your vet about having your pet sickness or disease, or any change to your microchipped or tattooed – being able to pet’s normal healthy state, which is not prove your pet’s identification in an caused by injury. emergency means you can use any vet countrywide hippo. with co. the zabene fit of medical CONTACT aid cover. CONTACT hippo.co.za