Essential - Arco 360

Frequently Asked Questions

What's covered under the Essential plan?

The Essential plan covers veterinary consultations and outpatient care for both accidents and illnesses. This includes diagnostic tests, medications prescribed during consultations, outpatient treatments, and emergency care that doesn't require hospitalisation. Essentially, it covers all veterinary costs except those related to hospitalisation and inpatient care.

What if my pet needs to be hospitalised?

The Essential plan doesn't cover hospitalisation costs. If your pet requires inpatient care or surgery that requires hospital admission, these costs would not be covered under this plan. If you're concerned about potential hospitalisation costs, you may want to consider our Hospital Only plan or one of our Comprehensive plans that include hospitalisation coverage.

Why would I choose the Essential plan over other plans?

The Essential plan is ideal for pet owners who primarily want help with the cost of regular veterinary consultations and outpatient care, which are the most frequent veterinary expenses for most pets. It's our most affordable option, making it a good choice for budget-conscious pet owners, younger pets with fewer health issues, or as supplementary coverage for pets that already have some form of emergency coverage.

Does the Essential plan cover medications?

Yes, the Essential plan covers medications that are prescribed during covered consultations for the treatment of covered conditions. This includes both one-time prescriptions and ongoing medications for chronic conditions, as long as they're prescribed by your veterinarian during a covered consultation and are not related to hospitalisation.

Is the Routine Care option worth adding to the Essential plan?

The Routine Care option can be particularly valuable when added to the Essential plan. Since this plan focuses on consultations and outpatient care, adding Routine Care (which covers preventative treatments like vaccinations, dental check-ups, and parasite control) creates a comprehensive solution for everyday pet healthcare needs. At R78 per month providing up to R1,500 in annual benefits* with no excess, it can offer significant value for pets that receive regular preventative care.

*Refer to Policy Wording for full details and explanations.

Are there any age restrictions for the Essential plan?

Yes, pets must be between 8 weeks and 9 years of age when first enrolled in the plan. However, once your pet is enrolled, they can remain covered for life as long as you maintain your policy, regardless of their age.

How quickly are claims processed?

Claims are typically processed within 5 working days after submission. You'll need to submit a completed claim form along with any relevant invoices and veterinary reports. For certain situations, direct payment to your veterinarian may be arranged in advance.

Equine Insurance

Pet Insurance

Equine Insurance Claims

Pet Insurance Claims

Plan Overview

Key Benefits*

Coverage Includes

Additional Features

Coverage Details

Our Essential plan includes the following coverage:

Important Note:

Pricing

Our Essential plan offers our most affordable coverage with discounts for multiple pets:

Dogs

R95.00 pm*

Cats

R95.00 pm*

Optional Add-ons

Instant Protection

Do You Have Any Questions?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Benefit*	Coverage Details
*Overall Annual Maximum Benefit Limit**	R15,000 per pet per 12-month period of insurance
Excess	10% minimum R500 per claim
Type of Cover	Consultation Only – Covers all costs not related to in-hospital treatment
General Waiting Period	31 Days
Age of Pet	8 weeks to 9 years
Microchip Required	No
Third Party Liability	Not included
Pre-existing Conditions	No
Routine Care Option	Available (R85 per month, benefit of R1,500, no excess)
Double Up Option	Available – doubles your premium and annual limits