News

Petplan provides assurance that Horses, Dogs & Cats Insured by Petplan are covered in the face of growing Hendra Virus concerns.

The First known Australian case of Hendra virus affecting a dog has now been reported, this case was confirmed on the 26 Jul 2011.

Hendra virus is commonly known to affect horses and humans, this year currently there have been ten cases reported in Queensland and four in NSW. With this the first reported case of the virus being transmitted to a dog the concerns are is the virus now taking a new direction?

Health authorities are reportedly remaining positive that the virus is not out of control but concern within the community is growing. It is not commonly known that the virus can be transmitted to dogs, cats, guinea pigs, pigs and bats. Hendra virus is transmitted from fruit bats, most commonly from horses eating faeces of the affected bats. The virus is believed to have been transmitted to the dog from an affected horse on the property.

Petplan Pet Insurance as part of the Allianz Insurance Group covers any costs related to the diagnosis and treatment of any affected horse, dog or cat insured on one of their insurance policies. Once again, proving why Petplan is market leader in pet insurance providing peace of mind even in the face of something as horrific and potentially deadly as the Hendra virus.

04/05/2011 Petplan tie with Warehouse in NZ

Petplan Australasia has just launched its licensed Petplan insurance product in New Zealand through the 98-store The Warehouse retail business.

From this week, Ford Kinter is creating the product and handling claims for The Warehouse.

In a statement from New Zealand, the big retailer said: "In recent years, The Warehouse's status as a great place to get a bargain has extended beyond big red-sheds and into the digital world, with thousands of New Zealanders logging on each week to shop at The Warehouse online

"With its latest move, The Warehouse is poised to become a player in the growing pet insurance market with the launch of a fully online, comprehensive pet insurance product."

Phil Devlin, general manager of The Warehouse's Financial Services division said he was delighted with the move.

"New Zealanders have a real affinity with their pets and often they become part of the family. The Warehouse Petplan product allows animal lovers to protect their pets in case of accident and illness and could help avoid large veterinary fees"

"We're pleased to be launching a simple and convenient solution with cover available both in store and online at www.thewarehousepetplan.co.nz"

Petplan director Doug Ford said that "Petplan is delighted to partner with the Warehouse to deliver their Pet Insurance products."

"Petplan is the world's largest pet insurers with more than 1.5 million pets insured worldwide, and has been the leading pet insurer in the UK for the past 35 years and came to New Zealand two years ago."

"Petplan is committed to providing the leading pet insurance together with the best claims service possible."

Bridie the "Miracle Puppy"

Bridie, a twenty three month old Staffordshire Bull Terrier from Doncaster, not only had a near miss with death; she also amazed all the Veterinarians and Nurses of the Animal Emergency Centre (AEC), Mount Waverley with her miraculous recovery. They have now named her the "Miracle Puppy".

Over the past 5 months, Bridie has received over $24,000 worth of veterinary treatment, and thankfully for her owners, Julian and Celine Woolfson, Bridie was covered for vet bills under her 'Covered for Life' Insurance policy by Petplan Pet Insurance.

Breeders, Stuart and Belinda Mayne, were careful to ensure that Bridie went to her new home covered with Petplan's 6 weeks FREE Pet Insurance. Julian and Celine continued to maintain Bridie's cover by converting to a full annual policy.

Bridie's troubles began when she was just 20 months old. After ingesting a fruit stone she had found in her back garden, she developed a stomach upset and became very unwell.

Following a visit to her local vet and diagnosis using x-rays, it was found that the fruit stone had become lodged in the small intestine causing a severe gastric obstruction. Bridie underwent an emergency operation at the West Doncaster Veterinary Centre and subsequently 5cm of her intestine had to be removed due to infection.

Bridie was referred to the AEC where she received intensive care and constant monitoring to prevent any further complications. Unfortunately, just 2 weeks after her initial operation, Bridie experienced another infection and was presented once again to the AEC with a gastric upset resulting in another operation and a further 80% of her intestine being removed. Many dogs and cats which undergo such severe intestinal operations have a limited chance of survival; nevertheless Bridie bounced back with vigor and determination.

Just two days later however, Bridie's owners were distressed to find that she fell ill again. Bridie's body began to break down leaving her in a grave and vulnerable situation; this was primarily due to the small amount of intestine available for sufficient nutrient absorption.

The following day, Bridie was taken to Melbourne Veterinary Referral Centre (MVRC) were it was decided she would undertake her third and final operation. The chances of survival were remote, however due to constant care and veterinary expertise, Bridie pulled through and days after the operation her owners noticed a vast improvement in her health and demeanor.

Bridie is constantly improving but she's not out of the woods just yet. Not only has she lost 5kg from her ordeal it is likely that she will have to receive a specially supplemented diet for the rest of her life.

Her owner Julian said "Thank you to all at Petplan for the quick and efficient manner that the claim was dealt with, you have relieved us of a burden at a very trying time. Rest assured I will recommend you to all the pet owners I know and back pet insurance all the way"

Since this policy began Petplan has paid out a total of $12,000.00. The Woolfson's took out Petplan's Standard Cover, which is limited to $12,000 Vet Fees in any one year. However, due to the very nature of Bridie's condition we are aware that fees relating to this condition will continue in the future.

Many pet insurance companies will stop paying a claim after 12 months. However Bridie and her owners can rest assured that if she continues to fall ill at the current rate, Petplan can expect to pay out over $25,000 throughout her lifetime.

Petplan believe that Bridie's claim is the biggest Pet Insurance claim ever paid in New Zealand. But her record will not last as Petplan's highest pet insurance plan covers up to $15,000 in any one year for Vet Fees, so it is just a matter of time before Bridie's record will topple.