Protecting Our Pets' Health

Us pet owners are a breed unto ourselves, putting what may seem like a ludicrous amount of energy into caring for our non-human companions. Fancy collars, grooming sessions, and dapper bedding: nothing is too much for our beloved fur-family, right?

Yet the expenses you see are actually just the tip of the iceberg.

Initial costs -

What can we expect to spend when bringing a new pet into our homes? If you choose to adopt from a shelter, you'll pay around R450, which covers the cost of sterilising to prevent unwanted litters. A private sterilisation, however, can cost over R1000 depending on weight and breed.

Another expense you do not want to skimp on is vaccinations. Both cats and dogs need three vaccines in their first year of life (that’s around R1000 in total), and don’t forget the costs of regular deworming, and ongoing tick and flea treatment. Added to the price of your favourite brand of pet food, you can expect to pay a pretty packet on essential care each year.

Given the surprising cost of the basics, the idea of dealing with sudden pet medical emergencies becomes a tad frightening. Unfortunately, crossing fingers and holding thumbs is not going to shield our beloved pets from illness and accidents.

What about diagnosis and treatment fees?

To list just a few examples, in addition to consultation fees upwards of R250, a blood test can cost anything between R300 and R1000, and an X-ray around R1500. Dental care, which is quite common, can go for anything between R300 and R2000 depending on complexity. Pain medication can cost up to R500 a month, a complicated feline hernia procedure can rack up to R10 000 in bills, and it could easily cost R3000 to clear a dog of the Parvo virus, or up to R15 000 if extended treatment is required!

In the case of a serious accident or illness befalling our pets, we want to be able to focus on getting the best treatment and helping them recover, without the added burden of crippling financial costs.

Even those of us already paying towards pet insurance can land in deep water should our pet’s condition not meet the criteria required for coverage. Certain veterinary practices may offer limited payment plans but spreading a hefty bill over three months is barely more affordable.

So, how can we ensure our beloved pets are covered in times of emergency?

Enter MediWallet, a credit provider within the medical field which offers access up to R40 000, covering any veterinary procedure, plus check-ups and medication. Your vet or specialist will be paid upfront while you have an opportunity to settle the fee (plus interest) over a period of 18 months, with no penalties should you pay it up sooner. There is no extra monthly cost, no sign-up fee, and your application will take a mere 15 minutes to be processed.

Unlike the kinds of savings plans that provide limited spending annually, which, if not spent is not carried over. MediWallet only comes into play once you actually need it. When times are good, you can pay for any unexpected vet fees out of pocket, and when times are tight and you are in need of a hand, you won’t be left in the lurch. You’ll be able to cover unforeseen fees, or costs that are beyond your control in that month, and pay them off over a longer period of time.

What Mediwallet gives you regardless, is that peace of mind. And with a bit of luck on your side, you won’t even need to dip in to your MediWallet!