More wag, less wallet stress: managing pet healthcare costs in tough times

Cost-of-living pressure has touched most Australian households lately, and pet care is no exception. Knowing how to plan ahead means you're ready if your pet ever needs unexpected treatment, without the added stress of scrambling for funds in the moment. The numbers back this up. Animal Medicines Australia's latest Pets in Australia report found 12% of pet owners needed financial assistance for veterinary care in the past year, and around one in six (18% of cat owners, 14% of dog owners) delayed check-ups, skipped vaccinations, or reduced or stopped medication to save money. Among those who cut back on vet visits, affordability was the reason for 30% of dog owners and 22% of cat owners. Pets are unpredictable by nature, so you never really know when an accident or illness might land you with a bill. Here are our top tips for staying ahead of pet healthcare costs. Speak with a vet as soon as possible If something seems off with your pet, it's always worth a call to your vet. Acting early, even for something that seems minor, can actually save money in the long run — left untreated, a small issue can progress into something bigger and more expensive to fix. Be upfront with your vet about your financial situation If you're at the clinic and cost is a concern, say so. Ask about estimated treatment costs early, mention any financial constraints, and let your vet know whether you have pet insurance. Getting the money conversation out of the way early avoids awkward surprises later in the visit. Consider a GapOnly®-ready policy to reduce upfront out-of-pocket costs GapOnly® lets you claim on eligible treatments in around five minutes at participating vets, so you only pay the gap — the difference between the invoice and your eligible benefit — rather than the full bill upfront while you wait to be reimbursed. It's a genuine cashflow difference when an unexpected bill lands. All petinsurance.com.au® policies are GapOnly®-ready, so if you're shopping for cover, that's one less thing to check for. Consider vet telehealth for non-emergencies Live Vet gives you 24/7 access to video and message consultations with qualified vets, which is genuinely useful for non-emergency concerns like mild gastrointestinal upsets (say, your pet got into something they shouldn't have) or minor skin irritations. Live Vet is complimentary with most PetSure-administered policies, or available for a small fee otherwise, so it's worth using before booking an in-person visit for something that might not need one. That said, telehealth complements in-person vet care rather than replacing it — for anything more serious, an in-clinic visit is still the right call. petinsurance.com.au® policies include Live Vet as one of our added benefits. Consider buying pet prescription medications online Buying prescription medication through an online pet pharmacy can sometimes work out cheaper than through the clinic, particularly for ongoing conditions like allergic skin conditions, arthritis pain or thyroid conditions. As a guide, 2024 PetSure data shows a common heart medication averaged $151.78 through the vet, versus $76.59 through an average online pharmacy — and myPetPass® members get a further discount on PetScripts pricing on top of that. Online pharmacies aren't the right choice for emergencies where medication is needed immediately. If you're ever unsure where to buy from, your vet can point you in the right direction. Consider adjusting your pet insurance premium If your premium's become a stretch, there are usually ways to bring the cost down — changing your level of cover or choosing a higher excess are two common options. Worth a conversation with your provider before you consider dropping cover altogether. FAQs How can I prepare for unexpected veterinary expenses? Planning ahead can help reduce financial stress when unexpected health issues arise. Many pet owners prepare through savings, pet insurance, budgeting for routine care and understanding potential healthcare costs associated with their pet’s breed and age. Can delaying veterinary treatment make costs higher? In some cases, delaying treatment may allow a condition to worsen, potentially resulting in more complex and costly care. Seeking veterinary advice early can help identify issues before they become more serious. Should I talk to my vet about my budget? Yes. Being open about your financial situation can help your veterinarian discuss treatment options, prioritise care and provide guidance that takes your circumstances into account. What is GapOnly® and how can it help with vet bills? GapOnly® allows eligible pet insurance claims to be processed at participating veterinary clinics, meaning pet owners only pay the gap between the vet invoice and the eligible claim benefit at the time of treatment. Can vet telehealth help reduce pet healthcare costs? Vet telehealth services can provide advice and triage for non-emergency concerns, helping pet owners determine whether an in-person veterinary visit is required. Telehealth should complement, not replace, hands-on veterinary care when needed. Are online pet pharmacies cheaper than buying medication through a clinic? Depending on the medication and provider, online pet pharmacies may offer cost savings for some prescription medications. Pet owners should always ensure medications are purchased through reputable providers and under veterinary guidance. Can I lower the cost of my pet insurance premium? Some pet insurance policies offer options that may affect premium costs, such as adjusting levels of cover, selecting different excess amounts or reviewing optional benefits. Policy features and pricing vary between providers. Is pet insurance worth considering during periods of financial pressure? Many pet owners consider pet insurance as a way to help manage eligible veterinary expenses arising from unexpected accidents or illnesses. Whether it is suitable depends on individual circumstances, budget and preferences.

More wag, less wallet stress: managing pet healthcare costs in tough times

Related articles

When the weather turns wild: how to keep your pet safe during extreme weather

Unlocking Insights: 2024 Petsure Pet Health Monitor

PetSure launches 2025 Pet Health Monitor report