Pet insurance
Pet insurance quotes from licensed Australian brokers
A cruciate repair or a dog that swallows a sock can run into thousands. Cover it before it happens, because nothing bought afterwards will help.
- Licensed Australian brokers
- Free to use
- No obligation
Veterinary medicine has advanced enormously, and the bills have followed. Surgery, imaging, oncology and specialist referrals now cost what they cost, and the decision people dread is the one made in a consulting room based on what they can afford rather than what the animal needs. Pet insurance exists to take that decision off the table. The catch is timing: pre existing conditions are excluded, so cover taken out young is worth considerably more than cover taken out later. CoverMy is free to use.
The levels of cover
Australian pet policies sort into a few tiers, and the difference between them is significant. Read the annual limit and the percentage of the bill reimbursed rather than comparing on premium alone.
- Accident only, covering injuries such as fractures, bites and snake bite
- Accident and illness, which adds sickness, infections, cancer and chronic conditions
- Comprehensive, adding routine care items such as vaccinations and dental on some policies
- An annual benefit limit, which caps what the policy pays in a policy year
- A benefit percentage, commonly around eighty percent of the eligible bill
- Sub limits on specific conditions, which can bite on long running illnesses
Pre existing conditions and why timing matters
Insurers exclude conditions that existed or showed symptoms before cover started, or during the waiting period. That includes things noted by a vet but not yet diagnosed. Because most animals accumulate history as they age, a policy taken out for a healthy puppy or kitten covers far more over the animal's life than one taken out at seven. Some insurers will review a temporary exclusion after a period without symptoms, so it is worth asking rather than assuming an exclusion is permanent.
Waiting periods and breed conditions
Policies apply waiting periods before cover starts, commonly a short period for accidents and around thirty days for illness, with longer periods for specific conditions such as cruciate ligament problems. Breed matters too. Insurers are aware which breeds are predisposed to hip dysplasia, breathing difficulties, skin conditions and heart disease, and some policies apply specific exclusions or higher excesses accordingly. Check the breed related terms if you have a pedigree animal.
What affects the premium
Species, breed and age lead, and premiums typically rise each year as the animal ages, which is worth planning for. Where you live matters, since vet costs vary between regions. The annual limit, the benefit percentage and any excess you choose all move the price. Some policies stop offering renewal or new cover beyond a certain age, so check what happens at the other end of the animal's life before committing.
How it works
- 1
Tell us about your pet
2 min form
- 2
Licensed brokers review and compete on your quote
- 3
Compare offers and choose
No obligation
Frequently asked questions
What does pet insurance cost in Australia?
It depends on the species, breed, age and where you live, along with the level of cover, the annual limit and the excess. Premiums generally rise as the animal ages. Accident only cover is considerably cheaper than accident and illness because it covers considerably less. A broker can put your details to several insurers.
Are pre existing conditions covered?
No. Conditions that existed or showed symptoms before the policy started, or during the waiting period, are excluded, including issues noted by a vet before diagnosis. This is why insuring a young and healthy animal covers so much more over its life. Some insurers will review a temporary exclusion after a symptom free period.
How long are the waiting periods?
Typically a short period for accidents and around thirty days for illness, with longer waiting periods for specific conditions such as cruciate ligament injury. The exact periods vary between insurers, so check them, particularly if you are switching policies and would restart the clock.
Does it cover vaccinations and dental?
Only on comprehensive policies or as an optional routine care benefit, usually with modest annual sub limits. Base accident and illness policies are aimed at unexpected treatment rather than routine care. Compare whether the routine care benefit actually exceeds the extra premium, since often it does not by much.
Is there an age limit?
Many insurers stop offering new accident and illness policies beyond a certain age, though existing policies can often be renewed after that point. If you are considering cover for an older animal, ask about both the entry age and what happens at renewal in later years.
Does CoverMy sell the insurance?
No. CoverMy passes your request to licensed Australian brokers who contact you directly. All advice, quotes and policies come from the broker you deal with. There is no cost and no obligation.
Get pet insurance quotes
Tell us about your pet and licensed brokers will be in touch. Or call 1800 677 761.
Other cover you might need
This page is general information only. It does not take your situation into account and it is not a recommendation to buy any policy. Cover, limits and exclusions vary between insurers, so read the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination and refer to your broker for the full details of any policy.
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This page is general information only. It does not take your situation into account and it is not a recommendation to buy any policy. Cover, limits and exclusions vary between insurers, so read the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination and refer to your broker for the full details of any policy.
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