Does pet insurance cover in-home euthanasia?

Pet Insurance & Home euthanasia

More and more pet owners across Australia are choosing to insure their pets, just as you would your own health or home. This is because rising costs of all expenses sometimes make it impossible to have a lump sum of money sitting around for emergencies. 

We can only plan so far in advance for the death of a loved fur-companion and at the end of the day, we will never be ready for it, whether emotionally or financially.

If only there was Medicare for pets! This is why Pet insurance is a really good idea- & we encourage all owners to take out a policy that is right for you & your four pawed friend. Of course, this isn’t an option after your dog or cat gets sick, injured or is nearing End of Life as most companies have a No-Claim period once you commence cover. 

Hopefully, if you are reading this, you already have insurance for your canine/ feline pal. 

The ultimate question is: Does Pet insurance cover Home Euthanasia?

 The short answer is YES.

 If this is a make or break for doing it at home, it is always worth contacting your insurance company prior to our visit to ensure this is the case. 

If your pet is unwell or elderly, it’s pretty black & white that your decision is justified from an insurance perspective. It gets a little trickier if it is for behavioural or change of circumstance. We at The Kindest Goodbye are not here to judge your reasons because everyone’s circumstances are unique, but your insurance company will wish to know, once you make the claim. 

The second question people ask is: Does Pet Insurance cover the cremation expenses? 

This is much trickier to answer- it will depend on your company and the policy you have taken out. Cremation is not a medical procedure so it may well be that you have to cover these costs yourself. If in doubt, reach out to your company. 

How to claim on Pet insurance for your Home Euthanasia appointment

You will still need to cover the upfront costs of having one of our Vets come out to your home for Euthanasia- in other words, we do not have a direct claim arrangement. Once you have received your receipt you can send this to your insurance company along with what other information they require. They will then contact us for verification if necessary. 

Each company will have its own process. 

The day you have to make the heartbreaking decision to put your fur baby to sleep, having Pet Insurance can at the very least, take the financial worry off your plate. 

Taking out a policy you can afford, on a monthly basis should be done long before you need it.  Ideally this is from puppy/ kitten age, or before any health condition has been diagnosed. 

What if I don’t have Pet Insurance? 

 If you don’t have insurance and your pet is nearing End of Life, it is a good idea to start putting some money aside now, for when the time comes. Think of it as saving up for a loved one’s funeral- a bit of future planning can ease the load a little. You want to honour your companion for the love they have shared with you, you may also wish to get something special to remember them by afterwards. 

A message from the TKG team

We all dislike talking about “money” for something so upsetting & meaningful as saying goodbye to someone we love. Most of us couldn’t put a price on doing what’s best for our pets but it can still catch us unawares. Take comfort in knowing that the people you entrust with this process are highly dedicated & experienced vets & nurses.  We have come to this sector of the Veterinary industry because of our care factor for the human-animal bond. Some of us now dedicate all of our time just to End of Life Care. From the team at The Kindest Goodbye to the team at the Crematorium, we all have a great respect for your relationship & journey & hope that you can feel in safe hands when you need us.