Updated AVA Pet Insurance Guidelines to help vets navigate pet insurance conversations

The AVA has released updated Pet Insurance Guidelines to support members when discussing pet insurance options with clients, while meeting their legal obligations under the Corporations Act and Veterinary Practice regulations.

With recent AVA media releases speaking to the true costs of veterinary care, pet insurance remains one way owners can fund treatment their animals need. As veterinary care becomes more advanced, pet insurance can help make specialist referrals and complex treatments more accessible without the associated financial stress.

Dr Melanie Latter, AVA National Manager Policy and Veterinary Science, said: “While we know there are multiple ways to fund veterinary care, pet insurance can be helpful for some clients when faced with unexpected veterinary costs. Our updated AVA guidelines give veterinary teams practical, legally compliant ways to discuss pet insurance with their clients. They also help teams understand the financial services legislation related to pet insurance in an easily digestible way.”

The AVA guidelines provide practical steps for integrating insurance conversations into everyday veterinary practice, from appointing an insurance coordinator within your practice to including information on pet insurance in new puppy and kitten packs and ensuring reception areas display general resources. They also speak to how to handle claims, manage client expectations and comply with Vet Board requirements guidance.

AVA members can access the updated AVA Pet Insurance Guidelines here.