Does pet insurance cover heat stroke?
Important information on terms, conditions and sub-limitsSummer heat is on its way in Australia, and this year promises to be an El Niño scorcher. But while most of us know to keep ourselves cool, keeping our pets cool too can sometimes slip our minds – and burn a serious hole in our wallet if the worst happens.
So before summer strikes, let’s get into the symptoms of heat stroke in your dog or cat and whether pet insurance can help cover the costs of treatment.
What is heat stroke?
Heat stroke occurs when our bodies can no longer regulate their temperature. The body temperature rises too high, too fast, and sweating is no longer enough to cool us down.
The threshold for heat stroke is a body temperature above 40 degrees Celsius. Dogs, cats, and humans can all get heat stroke.
Heat stroke can be a life-threatening emergency, so receiving treatment as soon as possible is crucial. It’s also essential to pay attention to warning signs since heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke.
Veterinary treatment for heat stroke can cost thousands of dollars, whether it’s receiving intravenous fluids or treating more serious complications due to injuries like burns.
Symptoms of heat stroke in dogs and cats
The signs of heat stroke are similar for dogs and cats, although cats may present more subtly. Some of the key warning signs of heat stroke in your pet to watch out for include:
- Panting.
- Head tilting.
- Restlessness.
- Seeking shade and water.
- Drooling.
- Weakness.
- Increased heart rate.
- Vomiting and diarrhoea.
- Red gums or tongue.
- Drooling.
- Collapse or fainting.
- Seizures.
If you think your pet is experiencing heat stroke, apply cool-down first aid and call your veterinarian immediately. Remember: cool first, transport second.
Some things you can do to cool down your pet include:
- Moving them to a cool and shady area.
- Offering them small sips of water.
- Gently hosing them down with water and fanning them.
- If your dog is young and healthy, immerse them in cool water like a bath or pool.
Don’t use ice-cold water, as this can slow blood flow to the skin, causing them to shiver and produce more heat. Your vet will tell you what to do next, including whether to bring them in for a check-up or emergency medical attention.
Does pet insurance cover heat stroke?
Luckily, most accident & illness pet insurance policies cover heat stroke. You will need to check the terms and conditions of your coverage in the policy product disclosure statement (PDS) so you’re aware of any sub-limits or exclusions that apply.
To make a claim on your pet insurance, go to your provider’s website and follow the claims portal for the next steps. You may need to provide receipts, medical reports, or veterinarian assessments to substantiate your claim. Some pet insurance providers let the vet lodge the claim for you.
How to prevent heat stroke for your pet
As warmer weather lies ahead, it’s important to have a play to keep your pet cool this summer. This can include doing things like having plenty of cool water available, keeping them in the shade, and avoiding walking them during the hottest parts of the day.
It’s also essential to pay attention to other dangers in the summer heat, too, such as hot footpaths. Use yourself as a good measure: if it’s too hot for your skin, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws.
Animals can get sunburnt, too, so consider buying pet sunscreen for their sensitive areas like noses.
Compare pet insurance policies in the table below.
Compare pet insurance policies
Important information on terms, conditions and sub-limits.
-
Pet Protection Plus
Petsy has zero sublimits and an annual limit up to $25k. Get a pre-existing conditions assessment in your cooling-off period - free of charge for members only. Dedicated all Australian customer service team. Cancel your policy and receive a full refund of your premium in the first 30 days (T&Cs apply).
annual benefit limit
$5,000, $10,000 or $25,000benefit percentage
80% or 90%choice of excess
$0, $150, $200, $300, $500choice of vet
Yesavailable discounts
- 5% discount for second pet covered with Petsy applied for lifetime of the policy
CompareComparePet Protection Plus
Petsy has zero sublimits and an annual limit up to $25k. Get a pre-existing conditions assessment in your cooling-off period - free of charge for members only. Dedicated all Australian customer service team. Cancel your policy and receive a full refund of your premium in the first 30 days (T&Cs apply).
- annual benefit limit
- $5,000, $10,000 or $25,000
- benefit percentage
- 80% or 90%
- choice of excess
- $0, $150, $200, $300, $500
- choice of vet
- Yes
- available discounts
- 5% discount for second pet covered with Petsy applied for lifetime of the policy
- accident only cover
- no
- accident and illness cover
- yes
- routine care
- No
- routine care limit
- N/A
- dog
- yes
- cat
- yes
- ct and mris
- Yes
- cruciate ligament condition limits
- Yes
- hip joint surgery
- Yes
- total hip replacement
- Yes
- tick paralysis
- Yes
- dental cover
- Optional
- emergency boarding
- Yes
- theft or straying
- No
- death from illness
- Yes
- legal liability
- No
- overseas pet travel insurance
- Yes, only while in New Zealand
- essential euthanasia
- Yes
- maximum age in years
- 9
- minimum age in weeks
- 6
- waiting period
- 1 day for Non-specified accidental injury, 14 days for Non-specified illness, and dental illness, 6 months for specified conditions and behavioural problems
- special offers
- Use code "BREAST" and Petsy will donate $50 to National Breast Cancer Foundation
- pre approval process
- Online, phone and written approval. Customer can also request for us to pay the vet directly.
- claims service
- Electronically by your vet, online claims
- other benefits
- -
- other restrictions
- -
Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.
Read reviews and learn more about Petsy pet insurance
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Comprehensive
Get a Comprehensive Coles Pet Insurance policy and collect 10 Flybuys points for every $1 you spend in the pet aisle at Coles (max cap applies). All accidents and injuries, plus 19 specified illnesses covered. Up to 100% back on eligible vet bills. Cured pre-existing conditions covered. You can also get Optional Extras with Routine Care Lite and Routine Care Plus. Exclusions, excess, limits, and T&Cs apply. Underwritten by Guild Insurance Limited.
annual benefit limit
$12,000benefit percentage
80%, 100%choice of excess
$200choice of vet
Yesavailable discounts
- Save 5% when you insure two or more pets on one policy
CompareCompareComprehensive
Get a Comprehensive Coles Pet Insurance policy and collect 10 Flybuys points for every $1 you spend in the pet aisle at Coles (max cap applies). All accidents and injuries, plus 19 specified illnesses covered. Up to 100% back on eligible vet bills. Cured pre-existing conditions covered. You can also get Optional Extras with Routine Care Lite and Routine Care Plus. Exclusions, excess, limits, and T&Cs apply. Underwritten by Guild Insurance Limited.
- annual benefit limit
- $12,000
- benefit percentage
- 80%, 100%
- choice of excess
- $200
- choice of vet
- Yes
- available discounts
- Save 5% when you insure two or more pets on one policy
- accident only cover
- no
- accident and illness cover
- yes
- routine care
- Optional
- routine care limit
- Optional Extra, Up to $250
- dog
- yes
- cat
- yes
- ct and mris
- Yes
- cruciate ligament condition limits
- Yes, up to $3,000
- hip joint surgery
- Yes
- total hip replacement
- Yes - for covered conditions
- tick paralysis
- Yes, up to $2,500
- dental cover
- Optional extra, Routine Care Plus for dental check-up only
- emergency boarding
- No
- theft or straying
- No
- death from illness
- No
- legal liability
- No
- overseas pet travel insurance
- No
- essential euthanasia
- Yes, up to $500
- maximum age in years
- 8
- minimum age in weeks
- 8
- waiting period
- 21 days for accidents and specified illnesses, waiting period waived for specified accidents, 6 months for cruciate ligament conditions
- special offers
- -
- pre approval process
- Written approval
- claims service
- Online claims
- other benefits
- -
- other restrictions
- -
Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.
Read reviews and learn more about Coles pet insurance
-
Value Cover
Get great value coverage with Knose Value Cover. Award-winning pet insurance designed with the help of vets. No sub-limits or hidden costs. Customise your plan to help fit your budget. Australian-based customer care.
annual benefit limit
$7,500, $12,5000, or $25,000benefit percentage
70%, 80% or 90%choice of excess
$0, $100, $200 Annual Excesschoice of vet
Yesavailable discounts
- Get 10% off your first-year premium using the promo code "MOZO10"
CompareCompareValue Cover
Get great value coverage with Knose Value Cover. Award-winning pet insurance designed with the help of vets. No sub-limits or hidden costs. Customise your plan to help fit your budget. Australian-based customer care.
- annual benefit limit
- $7,500, $12,5000, or $25,000
- benefit percentage
- 70%, 80% or 90%
- choice of excess
- $0, $100, $200 Annual Excess
- choice of vet
- Yes
- available discounts
- Get 10% off your first-year premium using the promo code "MOZO10"
- accident only cover
- no
- accident and illness cover
- yes
- routine care
- No
- routine care limit
- N/A
- dog
- yes
- cat
- yes
- ct and mris
- Yes
- cruciate ligament condition limits
- Yes
- hip joint surgery
- Yes
- total hip replacement
- Yes
- tick paralysis
- Yes
- dental cover
- Optional
- emergency boarding
- Yes, up to 30 days
- theft or straying
- No
- death from illness
- No
- legal liability
- No
- overseas pet travel insurance
- Yes, only while in New Zealand on a trip of not more than 60 days
- essential euthanasia
- Yes
- maximum age in years
- 8
- minimum age in weeks
- 6
- waiting period
- 1 day for illness, 14 days of illness, and 6 months for specified conditions
- special offers
- Get 10% off your first-year premium using the promo code "MOZO10"
- pre approval process
- -
- claims service
- Online by you or your vet
- other benefits
- Optional excess is charged once per annual policy period. Complimentary access to the Knose Pet Health Hotline.
- other restrictions
- -
Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.
Read reviews and learn more about Knose pet insurance
-
Basic
Get a Basic Pet Insurance policy from Coles Insurance and collect 10 Flybuys points for every $1 you spend in the pet aisle at Coles (max cap applies). All accidents and injuries covered, plus 4 specified illnesses covered. Up to 100% back on eligible vet bills. Cured pre-existing conditions covered. Exclusions, excess, limits, and T&Cs apply. Underwritten by Guild Insurance Limited.
annual benefit limit
$10,000benefit percentage
80%, 100%choice of excess
$200choice of vet
Yesavailable discounts
- Save 5% when you insure two or more pets on one policy
CompareCompareBasic
Get a Basic Pet Insurance policy from Coles Insurance and collect 10 Flybuys points for every $1 you spend in the pet aisle at Coles (max cap applies). All accidents and injuries covered, plus 4 specified illnesses covered. Up to 100% back on eligible vet bills. Cured pre-existing conditions covered. Exclusions, excess, limits, and T&Cs apply. Underwritten by Guild Insurance Limited.
- annual benefit limit
- $10,000
- benefit percentage
- 80%, 100%
- choice of excess
- $200
- choice of vet
- Yes
- available discounts
- Save 5% when you insure two or more pets on one policy
- accident only cover
- no
- accident and illness cover
- yes
- routine care
- No
- routine care limit
- N/A
- dog
- yes
- cat
- yes
- ct and mris
- Yes
- cruciate ligament condition limits
- Yes, up to $3,000
- hip joint surgery
- Yes
- total hip replacement
- Yes - for covered conditions
- tick paralysis
- Yes, up to $2,500
- dental cover
- No
- emergency boarding
- No
- theft or straying
- No
- death from illness
- No
- legal liability
- No
- overseas pet travel insurance
- No
- essential euthanasia
- Yes, up to $500
- maximum age in years
- 8
- minimum age in weeks
- 8
- waiting period
- 21 days for accidents and specified illnesses, waiting period waived for specified accidents, 6 months for cruciate ligament conditions
- special offers
- -
- pre approval process
- Written approval
- claims service
- Online claims
- other benefits
- -
- other restrictions
- -
Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.
Read reviews and learn more about Coles pet insurance
-
Dog Plan
Get dental, physio and behaviour cover included as standard with Fetch 30k cover with no sub-limits. Your plan includes free 24/7 vet support and an all Aussie vet nurse team to manage claims. Claims are paid directly to your vet.
annual benefit limit
$30,000benefit percentage
80%, 90% or 100%choice of excess
$0 - $200choice of vet
Yesavailable discounts
- Get an extra 5% off your entire plan when two or more pets are covered under the same plan.
CompareCompareDog Plan
Get dental, physio and behaviour cover included as standard with Fetch 30k cover with no sub-limits. Your plan includes free 24/7 vet support and an all Aussie vet nurse team to manage claims. Claims are paid directly to your vet.
- annual benefit limit
- $30,000
- benefit percentage
- 80%, 90% or 100%
- choice of excess
- $0 - $200
- choice of vet
- Yes
- available discounts
- Get an extra 5% off your entire plan when two or more pets are covered under the same plan.
- accident only cover
- no
- accident and illness cover
- yes
- routine care
- No
- routine care limit
- n/a
- dog
- yes
- cat
- no
- ct and mris
- Yes
- cruciate ligament condition limits
- Yes
- hip joint surgery
- Yes
- total hip replacement
- Yes
- tick paralysis
- Yes
- dental cover
- Yes
- emergency boarding
- Up to 14 days
- theft or straying
- No - optional support with a social media campaign targeting up to 5,000 people in your postcode
- death from illness
- No
- legal liability
- No
- overseas pet travel insurance
- No
- essential euthanasia
- Yes
- maximum age in years
- 9
- minimum age in weeks
- 8
- waiting period
- 2 days for injury, 30 days illness, Cruciate rupture, Patellar Luxation, Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome) and Cherry Eye, has a 90-day waiting period.. Option to submit a video to have waiting period waived.
- special offers
- -
- pre approval process
- Ask your vet to submit a pre-approval and get the outcome in-app.
- claims service
- Claim in-app or your vet submits online.
- other benefits
- Free 24/7 vet support in-app. Physio, Behavior cover included. See PDS for more.
- other restrictions
- -
Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.
Read reviews and learn more about Fetch pet insurance
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* Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.
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