Confused about what GapOnly® is? 

For many pet owners, managing vet bills can feel overwhelming. GapOnly® is a service designed to make this process simpler by allowing pet owners to pay only the “gap” – the difference between the vet bill and what’s covered by their insurance – on the spot right at the vet clinic.  

Here, we’ll break down what GapOnly® is, how it works, and where it could help make your pet’s next vet visit smoother.    

What is GapOnly®? 

GapOnly® is a claims payment service that changes the way pet insurance works by letting pet owners skip the upfront payment and wait for reimbursement.  

Instead, GapOnly® processes claims in real-time at the vet clinic, so pet owners only need to pay the “gap” – the difference between the vet bill and what their pet insurance policy covers. This approach helps reduce out-of-pocket expenses, especially for unexpected pet health care costs and simplifies claims. 

Just ask your vet to use GapOnly® to make handling pet healthcare costs easier. 

How Pet Parents Benefit from GapOnly® 

GapOnly® provides a range of advantages for pet parents, with its primary goal being to simplify the pet insurance claims experience. Key benefits include: 

1. Reduced upfront costs 

With GapOnly®, pet owners only need to pay the portion of the bill that their insurance doesn’t cover. This reduces the financial strain associated with vet bills, especially during emergencies or for unexpected high-cost treatments. 

2. Streamlined claims process 

Pet insurance claims can require considerable time for submission, approval, and reimbursement. GapOnly® eliminates this waiting period, processing claims in real time, which usually takes about five minutes directly at the vet clinic, meaning less hassle for pet parents. 

3. Improved budget management 

By only paying the gap, pet parents can better manage their finances, knowing the costs are immediately reduced by the insurance claim. This predictability helps in budgeting and allows pet parents to access quality care with less stress about finances. 

4. Less stress 

This instant payment system alleviates the financial pressure, particularly during costly procedures or emergencies, allowing you to focus on your pet’s wellbeing rather than claim paperwork (GapOnly 2024b). 

How Does GapOnly® Work? 

1. Visit a GapOnly®-partnered vet 

The process begins with a visit to a participating vet clinic. You can check if your local vet offers GapOnly® here, it also lists clinics that are partnered with GapOnly®. 

2. Request a GapOnly® claim 

When the vet bill is ready, the clinic submits a GapOnly® claim on your behalf. The claim is processed in real time, which usually takes about five minutes. 

3. Approval and payment within minutes 

Once the claim is reviewed, GapOnly® assesses it on the spot, factoring in your pet insurance coverage. You then pay the remaining “gap” amount instead of the entire bill upfront. 

How GapOnly® is Improving the Claims Experience for Pet Parents 

The traditional pet insurance claims process involves multiple steps – from submitting paperwork to waiting for reimbursement, which can take days or sometimes weeks. GapOnly® simplifies this by offering instant claims processing in real time, resulting in: 

1. Greater convenience and speed 

The real-time claims processing system speeds up the entire experience. Pet parents don’t have to handle paperwork, making the process less stressful, especially during emergencies when every moment counts. 

2. Seamless integration with vet clinics 

GapOnly® is integrated directly with partnered vet clinics across Australia. This integration improves transparency between pet owners, pet insurers, and veterinarians. 

3. Increased accessibility to care 

GapOnly®’s streamlined process helps pet parents access essential treatments without delay, making it easier to manage unexpected pet healthcare costs and focus on their pet’s health. 

How to Find Out if Your Pet Insurance and Local Vet Clinic Offer GapOnly® 

GapOnly® partners with multiple pet insurance providers across Australia, including those underwritten by PetSure. If you’re unsure whether your policy includes GapOnly®, you can confirm through the following steps: 

Visit GapOnly’s Partnered Insurance List 

GapOnly® provides a list of pet insurance partners here, which is regularly updated. This list includes many popular insurance brands, making it easy to check if your policy qualifies for GapOnly® claims. 

Use the Vet Finder Tool 

To find a local vet clinic that offers GapOnly®, use the “Find a GapOnly® Vet” tool on the GapOnly® website. This tool enables pet parents to locate participating clinics nearby. 

Check with your pet insurance provider 

Visit your pet insurance provider’s website or contact their customer service to verify if GapOnly® is part of your policy benefits. 

FAQs

1. What is GapOnly®?

GapOnly® is a pet insurance claims platform that enables eligible pet parents to pay only the difference between their veterinary bill and the eligible benefit under their pet insurance policy at participating veterinary clinics.

2. How does GapOnly® work?

When your pet receives treatment at a participating clinic, the clinic can submit a GapOnly® claim on your behalf. Once the claim is assessed, you pay only the remaining gap amount rather than the full invoice upfront.

3. Do I still need pet insurance to use GapOnly®?

Yes. GapOnly® is available to eligible pet insurance policyholders whose insurer participates in the GapOnly® network. Policy terms, conditions and eligibility criteria apply.

4. How long does a GapOnly® claim take to process?

Most GapOnly® claims are processed in real time at the veterinary clinic and are typically assessed within minutes, although processing times may vary depending on the circumstances of the claim.

5. What are the benefits of using GapOnly®?

GapOnly® can help reduce upfront out-of-pocket costs, simplify the claims experience, minimise paperwork and allow pet parents to focus on their pet’s care rather than managing claim submissions.

6. Can I use GapOnly® at any veterinary clinic?

No. GapOnly® is only available at participating veterinary clinics. Pet parents can use the GapOnly® Vet Finder tool to locate participating clinics.

7. Which pet insurance providers offer GapOnly®?

GapOnly® partners with a range of pet insurance providers in Australia. Pet parents should check with their insurer or visit the GapOnly® website to confirm eligibility.

8. Does GapOnly® cover the entire vet bill?

Not necessarily. GapOnly® processes the eligible portion of the claim based on your policy coverage. You are responsible for paying any gap amount, excesses, exclusions, co-payments or costs not covered by your policy.

9. Can GapOnly® be used for emergency veterinary treatment?

Where available through a participating veterinary clinic and eligible insurance policy, GapOnly® may be used for emergency treatment claims, helping reduce the need to pay the full eligible invoice upfront.