1300 489 873
Sub‑limits are one of those sneaky terms that can make or break a claim. As a new pet owner reading a PDS (Product Disclosure Statement) for the first time, it’s easy to gloss over them – until you find out that your policy only reimburses a fraction of your $4,000 cruciate ligament surgery.
What are sub‑limits?
A sub‑limit is essentially a spending cap on a specific treatment. Vets Choice explains that insurers set ceilings for commonly claimed conditions; once your claim exceeds that amount, you pay the difference out of pocket. For example, accident‑only policies attached to home contents insurance may have a $1,000 sub‑limit for vet costs. That might cover stitches but won’t touch a surgery bill.
Sub‑limits vary widely between insurers and usually apply to expensive procedures like cruciate ligament repair, hip surgery or dental extractions. If the sub‑limit is $4,000 and the surgery costs $6,000, you’re responsible for the extra $2,000.
How PetsOnMe handles sub‑limits
Our How Does Pet Insurance Work? guide breaks down key terms so first‑time owners can decode jargon. It describes sub‑limits as spending caps on specific treatments and explains how choosing a higher annual limit provides better protection. PetsOnMe policies have generous annual limits (up to $20,000) and straightforward sub‑limits so you know exactly what’s covered. We also offer excess options ($100, $200 or $300) and waive waiting periods if you’ve held uninterrupted cover elsewhere.
When comparing policies, look at both the overall annual limit and sub‑limits. A cheap premium with a $1,000 sub‑limit on surgery might end up costing more when the unexpected happens. For reassurance‑focused owners, paying a little more for comprehensive cover often delivers better value in the long run.
