Pet Insurance Guidance

GapOnly: Claim On the Spot

The Village Vet is a GapOnly clinic, meaning many pet insurance providers allow you to claim instantly at the counter.

You pay only the gap, not the full invoice, upfront.
This can make a huge difference during stressful or unexpected visits.

Not all policies include GapOnly, so it’s worth checking before you choose a provider.

Why Pet Insurance Matters

Even with the best preventive care, pets can still face unexpected health issues.
Pet insurance ensures you can make medical decisions based on what your pet needs, not what treatment costs.

Choosing the right policy is important and can make a huge difference long-term. Our team helps you understand:

• What policies actually cover

• How GapOnly works

• What “pre-existing conditions” really mean

• What to check for specific breeds

• How to compare policies fairly

• Which features matter most for your pet’s age and lifestyle

We see day-to-day how valuable good insurance can be especially in emergencies, long-term illnesses, or when specialist care is needed.

What Does Pet Insurance Cover?

Coverage varies between providers, but most policies include:

✔ Illness treatment
✔ Accidents & emergencies
✔ Surgery
✔ Hospitalisation
✔ Diagnostics (X-rays, blood tests, imaging)
✔ Medications
✔ Some hereditary or breed-related conditions (varies by policy)

Most policies do not cover:

• Routine care such as vaccinations or nail trims

• Parasite control

• Dental cleaning (unless you have a premium plan)

• Pre-existing conditions

This is why choosing the right cover early, before issues arise is essential.

Insurance Health Checks at The Village Vet

We provide insurer-approved Health Checks that:

• Confirm your pet’s current health status

• Help identify old, resolved conditions

• May waive waiting periods for selected insurers

• Ensure your pet starts insurance with an accurate baseline

This appointment is quick, thorough, and gives your pet the best chance at full coverage.

Choosing the Right Policy: What to Look For

Here are the most important questions to ask your prospective insurer:

 Breed-specific conditions

Some breeds have higher risk of hereditary issues. Ask what is included or excluded.

 Sub-limits

These are smaller caps for specific conditions (e.g. allergies, cruciate surgery).
They vary massively between providers.

 Waiting periods

Find out:

• How long they are

• Whether any can be waived

• When full cover begins

 Excess

Check if it:

• Changes with age

• Applies per condition or per year

• Increases once your pet becomes a senior

 Pre-existing conditions

Ask the insurer to explain:

• What they classify as temporary

• What they classify as permanent

• Whether you can request a veterinary review

 GapOnly

Confirm whether they allow instant claiming.