The Revolutionary GapOnly® Platform – Transforming The Pet Insurance Landscape

[Australia, October 2024] – Pet Insurance Australia, underwritten by PetSure, one of the nation’s leading pet insurance providers and innovators in the pet health tech space, is championing the benefits of pet insurance while showcasing how the GapOnly® platform is revolutionising the claims process for Australian pet owners.

With pet healthcare costs steadily rising, it’s estimated that 1 in 5 pets face lifetime health expenses upwards of $50,000, and 1 in 10 could exceed $100,000. Yet, only 8% of Australian pet parents have pet insurance*.

“Pet Insurance Australia encourages owners to think proactively about managing the inevitable financial burdens that come with pet healthcare,” Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia says. “PetSure are currently running a campaign that doesn’t just promote a single brand; it highlights the award-winning GapOnly® system, simplifying claims processing and easing the financial strain on pet owners.”

GapOnly®, which won the 2022 Canstar Innovation Excellence Award, enables pet parents to claim on the spot while at the vet, reducing out-of-pocket expenses. Already, GapOnly® is available through 65% of pet insurance brands and 70% of veterinary clinics across the country.

GapOnly®: A Game-Changer for Pet Insurance

The GapOnly® platform has garnered attention for its ability to streamline pet insurance claims, allowing pet owners to avoid the long wait times associated with reimbursement claims. The platform calculates the claim while the customer is still at the vet clinic, with the pet owner only required to pay the gap between the vet’s invoice and the claim benefit.

Addressing Cost-of-Living Pressures with GapOnly®

Jenny Williams, Chief Marketing Officer at PetSure, said: “Despite the rise in living costs, pets deserve healthcare. Pet insurance is a pragmatic way to ensure that owners can provide the necessary care when their pets need it most. With GapOnly®, we hope to ease financial stress and encourage more Australians to protect their pets’ health. Studies from countries with higher pet insurance uptake, such as the UK and Sweden, show fewer cases of economic euthanasia and improved overall pet health outcomes.”

Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia emphasised: “GapOnly® eliminates the need to wait for reimbursement. It empowers pet parents to focus on their pet’s well-being, not the cost of treatment.

“Whether you prefer pre-approval, having your claim processed before picking up your pet, or claiming on the spot, GapOnly® offers flexibility and control.”

Customer Testimonials Highlight the Impact of GapOnly®

Pet Insurance Australia customers have voiced their appreciation for the GapOnly® service, particularly during stressful times when finances are stretched.

Marie Roberts, a Pet Insurance Australia customer, shared: “The GapOnly® service was a great help to our family. Our dog required expensive treatment while I was on maternity leave. Thanks to GapOnly®, we only had to pay the gap, and the vets handled the rest. Pet Insurance Australia has been a godsend for us.”

Another customer, Glorielyn Thew, explained how GapOnly® helped her manage significant vet bills for her two Miniature Dachshunds. “Both Dash and Pablo required surgery within the same month. With GapOnly®, I didn’t have to worry about upfront vet costs. It saved me thousands and relieved the pressure during a difficult time.”

Key Benefits for Pet Parents:

1. There is no need to pay the full vet invoice upfront – only the gap is paid, reducing financial stress.
2. Claims are processed on the spot at the vet clinic, so there’s no waiting for reimbursement.
3. The average wait time for customers is just 5 minutes, simplifying and expediting the pet insurance claims experience.

Veterinarian Benefits:

1. GapOnly® reduces financial barriers to treatment, allowing more positive conversations around care.
2. Veterinary teams can focus more on patient care and less on processing payments and paperwork.
3. The streamlined process improves customer satisfaction and can enhance loyalty to the clinic.

GapOnly®: By the Numbers

• In August 2024, the largest claim processed through GapOnly® was $32,820
• On average a GapOnly® claim is processed every 20 seconds and is the preferred way to submit claims in Australia for vets and pet parents.
• On average, GapOnly® claims are processed in under 5 minutes

GapOnly® Changing the Pet Insurance Landscape

The GapOnly® network is set to expand across the country, helping pet parents manage costs while focusing on what truly matters – their pets’ health and well-being.

“It’s exciting to see GapOnly® transforming how pet insurance claims are handled,” Crighton says. “By removing the financial strain, more owners can prioritise their pets’ care without worrying about costs. This is a huge leap forward for both the industry and pet parents alike.”

*PetSure claims data 2024

*Gap means the difference between the vet’s invoice and the eligible claim benefit under your policy.

GapOnly is available at participating Vets. Please visit gaponly.com.au/find-a-gaponly-vet to search for GapOnly-enabled vets. GapOnly® is a trademark owned by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd (PetSure) (ABN 95 075 949 923, ASFL 420183).

GapOnly® is a trademark owned by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 .

Testimonials and customer experience may vary depending on individual circumstances. Claims are assessed subject to policy terms and conditions.

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.

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