Claim on the spot with GapOnly® at Five Dock Vet

What is GapOnly®?

GapOnly® is a claims service that processes eligible pet insurance claims in real time at the vet clinic. Instead of paying the whole bill and then waiting to be reimbursed by your insurer, you only pay the "gap", which is the difference between our invoice and the amount your policy covers. It is run by PetSure, the company that underwrites many of the pet insurance policies in Australia, so it works with a range of different insurance brands.

How does GapOnly® work?

1. When you book your appointment, or when you arrive, let our reception team know you would like to use GapOnly®.
2. Once your pet's treatment is done, we lodge the claim on your behalf.
3. The claim is assessed, usually within about 5 minutes.
4. You pay the gap and take your pet home.

If a claim is going to take longer to assess, we will let you know, so you can decide whether to wait or submit your claim in the usual way instead.

Can I get pre-approval for my pet's surgery?

Yes. For planned procedures such as dental work, lump removals or surgery, we can request a pre-approval through GapOnly® before your pet's procedure. This means you will know what your policy is expected to cover, and roughly what your gap will be, before the day. Please ask our team about this when you book in.

Is my pet insurance policy eligible for GapOnly®?

GapOnly® works with participating insurers, so not every policy is eligible. The easiest way to check is to look at gaponly.com.au, or contact your insurer and ask if your policy is "GapOnly® ready". Your normal policy terms still apply, including your excess, benefit percentage, annual limits and any exclusions.

If your insurer isn't part of GapOnly®, you can still claim in the usual way. We are happy to help by providing your invoice and your pet's clinical history to your insurer.

Should I get pet insurance for my dog or cat?

Pet insurance is a personal decision, and it isn't right for everyone. What we can tell you is that our vets see how much of a difference it makes when a pet needs something unexpected, such as surgery for a swallowed object, hospitalisation for a urinary blockage, or treatment for cancer. With insurance in place, families can often focus on what is best for their pet rather than what they can afford on the day.

Some families choose to put money aside in a savings account for vet bills instead, which can work well too. The most important thing is having a plan before your pet needs it.

When is the best time to get pet insurance?

Generally, the earlier the better. Most policies won't cover conditions your pet already has or has shown signs of before the policy starts (called pre-existing conditions), and many policies have waiting periods before you can claim for illness. Taking out a policy when your puppy or kitten is young and healthy means they are less likely to have exclusions. Some insurers also have age limits for starting a new policy.

What should I look for in a pet insurance policy?

We can't recommend a particular insurer, but these are some good questions to ask when comparing policies:

• What percentage of the vet bill will be paid back, and is there an excess?
• What is the annual limit, and are there smaller limits for particular treatments such as dental or cancer care?
• How are pre-existing conditions defined?
• How long are the waiting periods for illness, injury and cruciate ligament problems?
• Are dental disease, behaviour problems or breed specific conditions covered?
• Will the premium go up as my pet gets older?
• Is the policy GapOnly® ready?

If you would like further information on pet insurance and tips from our vets please visit our blog post on this topic here.