Pet Insurance Australia named as a finalist at the Finder 2024 Innovation Awards

Pet Insurance Australia (PIA) has been named a finalist in the Best Insurance Innovation Category in the 2024 Finder Innovation Awards.

The pet insurance provider, PIA, is being recognised for its outstanding commitment to delivering convenience to its members with its strategic partnerships and creative use of online services.

Now in its ninth year running, the Finder Innovation Awards shines a spotlight on the outstanding achievements and innovation of companies across the country’s biggest industries.

This year, Finder’s team of experts reviewed and judged over 10 entrants in the insurance innovation category. Each application was assessed on a combination of its uniqueness, commercial success, benefits to customers, and challenges it faced.

Pet Insurance Australia, through its partnership with PetScripts, impressed the judges by taking on one of the most common problems pet owners face: the cost and complexity of obtaining essential medications for their furry friends.

Bringing the savings to members

In the bustling world of pet ownership, where the cost of managing pet health can really add up, PIA worked closely with its underwriter, PetSure and PetScripts to develop an effective communication strategy to educate policyholders on the availability and benefits of this new offering.

PetScripts is renowned for offering a comprehensive range of medications for various common pet health conditions, such as skin allergies, arthritis, and thyroid issues, making it an ideal partner for this venture.

PIA policyholders have had the opportunity to receive an impressive discount on PetScripts. ⁺ PetScripts’ is an online pharmacy platform, where prices are already more affordable than traditional retail for a range of medications. This means more accessible treatments for crucial conditions like diabetes and cancer, truly making a difference for pet owners.

Since the partnership launched, PIA’s members have seen the benefits directly. 250 unique customers have taken advantage of the discount, saving an average of $130 per customer, collectively saving over $50,000 — a testament to the impact and value of the PetScripts offering.

A seamless experience for pet owners

The partnership has been commended for streamlining the process for obtaining ongoing pet prescriptions for pet owners and for being more than just a way to help ease the financial burden of pet care.

To unlock PetScripts savings, current PIA customers need to enter their policy number at checkout.⁺ With free shipping on orders over $99, PIA has made it even easier for its members to help manage their pets’ healthcare needs.
PIA’s pet portal offers a seamless process for managing the core aspects of pet insurance, from submitting claims to updating policy details. Plus, the complimentary VetChat consult membership provides expert vet advice when it’s needed the most.^%

Leaping Ahead in Pet Insurance

What places Pet Insurance Australia ahead of the pack isn’t just about offering usual pet protection.

PIA offers cover for up to 80% or 90% of eligible vet bills.* PIA Comprehensive Cover and Major Medical Cover products include the flexibility to select from per condition excess options ($0, $100, $200 or $500), allowing pet parents to select an excess that suits their needs and can lower their premium. Services like GapOnly® also assist by allowing eligible claims to be processed at participating vets.^#

Hopping over hurdles

Implementing such a groundbreaking project wasn’t without its hurdles, particularly in merging two distinct systems to accommodate the discount application provided by PetScripts seamlessly. PIA worked closely with PetSure and PetScripts to develop an effective communication strategy to educate policyholders on the availability and benefits of this new offering.

Through dedicated teamwork and strategic planning, PIA successfully introduced a coherent, uncomplicated offering through PetScripts that customers have welcomed with open arms.

Tail-Wagging Success

Following the launch, the response from members has been overwhelmingly positive, with feedback highlighting the simplified processes and practical savings from the benefits of the partnership.

PIA continues to be a beacon of innovation and compassion in pet care, striving to ensure every pet has the opportunity for a healthy, happy life alongside a supportive and well-informed owner.

We congratulate Pet Insurance Australia for its well-deserved recognition at this year’s Finder Innovation Awards.

About the Finder Innovation Awards

For almost a decade, the Finder Innovation Awards groundbreaking innovations across various industries, including insurance.

A judging panel comprising Finder’s own experts rigorously assessed entries’ submissions against category-specific criteria.

Visit the Finder Innovation Awards homepage to explore all the finalists and winners and learn about the scoring process.

About Cameron Thach
Cameron is the local insurance scholar at Finder. With a diverse background writing in personal finance, independent education, and web-3, his mission is to build helpful content that speaks to readers in language they understand.

Disclaimers:

* Depending on your level of cover. Policy T&Cs, limits, exclusions and waiting periods apply. Excess may apply.

Pet Insurance Australia’s Pet Essentials plan covers up to 90% of your eligible vet bills subject to policy T&Cs, stated benefit limits, the annual condition limit, exclusions and waiting periods. The benefit percentage for this plan will reduce from 90% to 65% for pets over the age of 8 years.

^# GapOnly® is a trademark owned by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure). GapOnly® is only available at participating vets. Please visit www.gaponly.com.au to search for GapOnly® enabled vets.

^% VetChat is a non-insurance product that is separate from the Pet Insurance Australia Pet insurance product and is separately provided by VetChat Services Pty Ltd (VetChat). VetChat is a related company of PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd. VetChat consult membership and consultations are subject to VetChat’s general Terms and Conditions, including the Privacy Policy which are available online at www.vetchat.com.au. For the full terms of this offer, visit petinsuranceaustralia.vetchat.com.au/terms-and-conditions. Pet Insurance Australia may withdraw or extend this offer at any time without notice.

+ Offer is valid until 1 July 2025 (Offer Period). This entitles you to a 30% discount off your prescription medication purchase from PetScripts Pty Ltd ABN 73 610 444 427 (PetScripts) whilst your policy remains in force during the Offer Period and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. This offer only applies to medication prescribed to the pet insured under Pet Insurance Australia Pet Insurance Policies. Services provided by PetScripts are separate to your pet insurance policy. The 30% discount offer is subject to PetScripts’ general Terms and Conditions, including the Privacy Policy which are available online at www.petscripts.com.au. Pet Insurance Australia may withdraw or extend this offer at any time without notice.

Pet Insurance Australia policies entered into for the first time prior to 8 May 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436, arranged and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s Authorised Representative (AR) Pet Insurance Australia Pty Ltd ABN 85 113 507 850, AR 326233 (PIA). Pet Insurance Australia policies entered into for the first time on or after 8 May 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by PetSure and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s AR, PIA. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure this product meets your needs before purchasing, or choosing to continue with the product. PDS and Target Market Determination available at petinsuranceaustralia.com.au.

Nadia Crighton

Nadia Crighton is a renowned and accomplished professional in the fields of Journalism, Public Relations, and Writing, with an extensive career spanning over 25 years, 20 of which have been dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of pets.

We offer award-winning* pet insurance policies to protect your furry friend’s health and wellbeing. Get a quote today and give your pets the care they deserve.