Keep in mind that costs differ by dog age, breed, sex, and policy details. Some might not cover pre-existing conditions.
We centered our comparison around a 9-week-old male Cavoodle.
The Australian pet insurance market is vast and varied. With monthly premiums ranging from Bupa Ultimate’s $15.17 to Prime Sovereign Accident & Illness Cover’s $76.70, there’s an option for every budget. While Bupa and Medibank offer competitive prices, they differ in coverage percentages (80% and 70%, respectively).
Knose, priced at $26.10, stands out with its 14-day illness waiting period. Several providers, including Coles Premium, Kogan Pet Luxury, and RSPCA Ultimate Plus, hover around $26-$28, providing 80% vet bill coverage but differing in benefit limits. PetInsurance.com.au and Pet Insurance Australia both offer a premium $32.77 plan with a generous 90% coverage.
On the higher end, Trupanion Pet Insurance, at $56.10, offers a unique unlimited annual benefit. The market is brimming with options, allowing pet owners to select a plan tailored to their needs and budget.
Exercise caution with your coverage; beyond pre-existing conditions, many policies typically don’t cover routine care, pregnancy complications, elective procedures, specific dental issues, behavioural treatments, hereditary conditions, and end-of-life costs. Always scrutinise the policy details. Additionally, consider annual fees and any hidden charges, as they can significantly impact the total cost.
$15.17
80%
$200.00
$6,000.00
30 days
Bupa’s History: Founded in 1947.
Offerings: Beyond health insurance, they provide pet insurance in Australia.
Coverage Options: Basic, Standard, or Ultimate.
Member Perk: Bupa members receive a 10% discount.
Recognition: Their pet insurance has earned industry accolades.
Caution: Some concerns about claim pay-outs.
Recommendation: Review policy details thoroughly before committing.
$15.26
70%
$100.00
$4,000.00
30 days
History: Largest private health insurer in Australia.
Offerings: In addition to health insurance, they offer pet insurance.
Coverage Options: Essential Pet Care, Ultimate Pet Care.
Member Perk: Medibank members get a 10% annual discount.
Recognition: Administered by PetSure and underwritten by The Hollard Insurance Company, the top pet insurance provider in Australia.
Caution: Higher premiums compared to some competitors and mixed reviews on claim coverage.
Recommendation: Ensure you research thoroughly and understand the policy details before purchasing.
$26.10
70%
$200.00
$7,500.00
14 days
History: New player in the Australian pet insurance market.
Offerings: Exclusive pet care; customisable and vet plans.
Coverage Options: customisable with specified accident and illness coverage. Annual benefit limits of $7,500, $12,500, or $25,000. Reimbursement rates of 70%, 80%, or 90%. Excess options of $0, $100, or $200. No sub-limits.
Member Perk: 24/7 Pet Health Hotline, overseas insurance, pet care plans.
Recognition: High ratings on ProductReview.com.au, multiple 2021 awards.
Caution: Above-average premiums, no multi-pet discount, lacks GapOnly.
Recommendation: Thoroughly review the Product Disclosure Statement before deciding.
$26.27
80%
$200.00
$10,000.00
21 days
History: Coles has been a supermarket leader for over 100 years.
Offerings: Beyond groceries, Coles now provides diverse insurance options, including pet insurance.
Coverage Options: They offer three pet insurance levels: Basic, Comprehensive, and Premium, with varying coverages and benefits.
Member Perk: Policyholders earn 10x Flybuys points on pet products at Coles.
Recognition: Coles Pet Insurance has won numerous awards. It’s underwritten by the Australian-owned Guild Insurance Limited.
Caution: There’s a $200 excess per claim and specific coverage limits and exclusions.
Recommendation: Coles pet insurance offers value and trust but review exclusions before committing.
$27.44
80%
$50.00
$8,000.00
30 days
History: Kogan has expanded from an online retail site to offer travel, finance, and various insurance lines over a decade.
Offerings: Kogan provides travel services, financial products (like credit cards and super), and insurance, including pet coverage.
Coverage Options: Kogan Pet Insurance includes three levels: Pet Primary (accidental injuries), Pet Luxury (accidents and illnesses), and Indoor Cat (specified illnesses), with up to 80% back on vet bills.
Member Perk: Policyholders get a monthly $10 discount on $100+ purchases at Kogan.com.
Recognition: Kogan’s pet insurance is underwritten by Hollard Insurance and administered by industry leader PetSure.
Caution: Considerations include no GapOnly feature, no multi-pet discount, longer waiting periods, and coverage drop after a pet’s 8th birthday.
Recommendation: Kogan offers affordable and flexible pet insurance but potential users should weigh the limitations before purchasing.
$28.13
80%
$0.00
$20,000.00
30 days
History:RSPCA has championed animal welfare in Australia for over 150 years.
Offerings: RSPCA offers pet insurance for dogs and cats with four coverage levels, up to 80% off vet bills, and no excess.
Coverage Options: Four plans range from $11,000 to $20,000 annual claims.
Member Perk: Members get discounts, a 10% multi-pet benefit, no excess, and fast claims processing.
Recognition: RSPCA’s insurance is well-advertised, award-winning, and backed by PetSure and The Hollard Insurance Company.
Caution: There are pre-existing condition limits, waiting periods, exclusions, and varying reimbursement rates.
Recommendation: RSPCA offers a flexible, reputable insurance package but review terms and compare before choosing.
$28.50
80%
$0.00
$12,000.00
30 days
History: Guardian Insurance has over a decade in the insurance sector.
Offerings: Guardian offers life, funeral, and pet insurance, partnered with Hollard Insurance Company and PetSure.
Coverage Options: Three pet cover levels: Bronze, Gold, and Platinum, each with a $12,000 annual limit.
Member Perk: Features like GapOnly claims, emergency boarding, and overseas cover in New Zealand/Norfolk Island.
Recognition: Rated 3.3 out of 5 on ProductReview.com.au for professionalism and service.
Caution: No multi-pet discount, certain condition sub-limits, 30-day waiting period for some illnesses.
Recommendation: Guardian offers valued services with positive feedback, but customers should consider sub-limits and waiting periods before choosing.
$29.09
80%
$0.00
$12,000.00
30 days
History: Established in 2005, Real Insurance provides an alternative to big-brand insurance.
Offerings: Real Insurance offers life, funeral, car, home, health, and pet insurance products.
Coverage Options: Real Pet Insurance provides three coverage levels with reimbursements from 60% to 80%.
Member Perk: Members receive a 10% first-year premium refund if they stay for 12 months and benefit from no excess charges.
Recognition: They’ve won awards including Feefo’s Trusted Service Award (2021-2023) and the Reader’s Digest 2022 Gold Quality Service Award.
Caution: Real Pet Insurance has a $12,000 annual claim limit, per-condition limits, and notable exclusions.
Recommendation: Real Pet Insurance is well-regarded but potential customers should consider claim limits and exclusions.
$29.10
80%
$200.00
$5,000.00
30 days
History: Issued by The Hollard Insurance Company in Australia.
Offerings: Woolworths provides Everyday Pet Insurance.
Coverage Options: Ranges from Basic ($5,000 limit) to Comprehensive Plus ($30,000 limit) with $0 to $500 excess choice.
Member Perk: 10% discount for Everyday Rewards members on premiums and monthly Woolies shopping.
Recognition: Ranked seventh in a price survey, slightly pricier by less than a dollar monthly.
Caution: 30-day illness and 6-month cruciate ligament wait periods; some reported claim denials.
Recommendation: Thoroughly review terms before choosing.
$30.38
80%
$150.00
$10,000.00
14 days
History: Petsy is an Australian-owned pet insurance specialist.
Offerings: Petsy offers Comprehensive and Build-Your-Own pet insurance plans.
Coverage Options: Both plans cover accidents and illnesses with options for additional coverage, varying benefit limits, and claim percentages.
Member Perk: Exclusion of vet consultation costs, overseas cover in New Zealand/Norfolk Island, and emergency boarding.
Recognition: Rated 4.9 stars on ProductReview.com.au.
Caution: Higher premiums, no GapOnly, and specific waiting periods/exclusions.
Recommendation: Petsy is suitable for those seeking extensive coverage and customization, but always review policy details first.
$31.05
80%
$0.00
$10,000.00
30 days
History: Bow Wow Meow is an Australian company that started with pet ID tags in 1995 and began pet insurance in 2008.
Offerings: They offer diverse pet insurance options, including accidental, illness, and indoor cat covers.
Coverage Options: Accident Only: $10,000 limit, 80% back on vet bills. Peace of Mind: $15,000 limit, 60%-80% back. Ultimate Care: $20,000 limit, dental and therapy cover. Indoor Cat: $5,000 limit for specific conditions.
Member Perk: Free annual ID tags, pet health card, and on-the-spot GapOnly claims.
Recognition: 4.2 stars on Product Review and multiple awards from 2018-2022.
Caution: Sub-limits, waiting periods, and certain exclusions apply.
Recommendation: A top choice for varied coverage and perks, but always review policy details.
$32.77
90%
$0.00
$6,000.00
30 days
History: Established in 2008, Pet Insurance Australia is a family-owned business specializing in pet insurance.
Offerings: Three cover levels for cats and dogs with varied benefit limits and excess choices.
Coverage Options:
Pet Essentials: $6,000 annual benefit, 90% claim back on vet bills. Comprehensive: $15,000 annual benefit, 80% claim back, choice of excess. Major Medical: $15,145 annual benefit, includes Routine Care Cover.
Member Perk: GapOnly claims, pre-approval, lifelong coverage, emergency boarding, travel insurance, multi-pet discounts up to 15%.
Recognition: Highly rated on ProductReview.com.au with awards from Canstar and Mozo in 2020
Caution: Pet Essentials has significant exclusions. Comprehensive and Major Medical plans are similar. Notable waiting periods and exclusions apply.
Recommendation: Offers varied coverage options and perks but read fine print for exclusions and limitations.
$32.77
90%
$0.00
$6,000.00
30 days
History: PetInsurance.com.au is backed by PetSure and issued by The Hollard Insurance Company with over 15 years in the industry.
Offerings: They provide insurance for puppies, dogs, cats, and indoor-only cats.
Coverage Options: Up to 80% coverage on vet bills with varied benefit limits and optional routine care.
Member Perk: New members get 10% off first-year premiums and a 12-month VetChat subscription.
Recognition: PetSure is a top-ranked pet insurance provider in Australia and globally.
Caution: Cat cover has low annual caps, and indoor cat policies are limited in coverage.
Recommendation: A competitive choice for pet insurance, but consider the caps and coverage limits.
$37.76
80%
$200.00
$12,000.00
21 days
History: Product of a 25-year collaboration between Guild Insurance and the Australian Veterinary Association.
Offerings: Two covers: Pro Cover and Elite Cover for dogs and cats.
Coverage Options: Tailored options including Dental Cover and Cruciate Ligament extension; 80% or 100% vet bill reimbursement.
Member Perk: Contributions to local shelters and Vets Benevolent Fund; no claims bonus; multi-pet discount.
Recognition: Endorsed by the Australian Veterinary Association
Caution: Excess levels, waiting periods, and certain coverage exclusions apply.
Recommendation: Vet-backed, flexible coverage with perks, but be aware of exclusions.
$38.84
80%
$100.00
$12,000.00
30 days
History: Budget Direct is an award-winning insurance brand headquartered in Brisbane, part of Auto & General.
Offerings: Provides insurance for pets, cars, homes, travel, life, and more.
Coverage Options: Covers dogs and cats aged 8 weeks to 9 years with a $12,000 annual limit and includes specific orthopaedic and pre-existing conditions.
Member Perk: 15% discount on first-year premiums when signing up online.
Recognition: Named Canstar’s, Money magazine’s, and Mozo’s Insurer of the Year in various years.
Caution: Limited annual coverage, no routine care, and upfront payment required for claims.
Recommendation: Good for value seekers but consider coverage limits and exclusions.
$40.92
80%
$200.00
$12,000.00
30 days
History: HCF, formed in 1932, is one of Australia’s leading health funds.
Offerings: HCF provides health, life, travel, and pet insurance. Pet policies are issued by Hollard Insurance and managed by PetSure.
Coverage Options: HCF Pet Insurance has two plans: Pet Premium and Pet Premium Plus, both covering specified incidents with slight variations.
Member Perk: Members receive up to 15% discounts. Multi-pet households get 10% off for additional pets.
Recognition: HCF won the 2021 Mozo Experts Choice Award for pet insurance.
Caution: HCF pet insurance has a 2.1/5 rating on ProductReview.com.au, with some complaints about customer service.
Recommendation: Consider HCF for its discounts and cover options but note its limitations and mixed reviews.
$40.92
90%
$0.00
$500.00
per condition
20 days
History: Petbarn, part of Greencross Limited, has served Australia for over 35 years.
Offerings: Petbarn provides three pet insurance plans, available online or by phone, backed by PetSure and The Hollard Insurance Company.
Coverage Options: Core: 90% back, $500 condition limit. Core Plus: 90% back, cruciate ligament cover, $1,000 limit.Total: 100% back, dental and cruciate, variable limits.
Member Perk: Savings book, multi-pet discount, GapOnly claims, and Friends For Life points.
Recognition: Leading pet retailer in Australia with top insurance partners.
Caution: Higher premiums, reduced payback for older pets, condition limits, and waiting periods.
Recommendation: Comprehensive coverage with perks, but evaluate costs and limits before purchasing.
$64.52
90%
$200.00
Unlimted
30 days
History: Founded in 1999 to help pets get the best veterinary care.
Offerings: Insurance for cats and dogs covering illnesses and injuries.
Coverage Options: One plan covering 90% of veterinary costs after deductible. No payout limits.
Member Perk: Offers direct pay to veterinarians, reducing out-of-pocket costs for members.
Recognition: Known for high customer satisfaction and straightforward coverage.
Caution: Doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions. Some users report rate increases.
Recommendation: Good for comprehensive coverage. Review policy and compare with others.
$60.52
85%
$0.00
$2,000.00
30 days
History: Guide Dogs have been aiding Australians with low vision for years, with each dog’s extensive training costing over $50,000.
Offerings: Guide Dogs pet insurance covers dogs, cats, and registered Guide Dogs with three coverage levels, with a part of premiums aiding Guide Dog training.
Coverage Options: Basic Care for pets 9+ years: $15,000 limit. Comprehensive Care for pets 8 weeks to 8 years: $15,000 limit. Premium Care for the same age group: $20,000 limit.
Member Perk: 10% multi-pet discount, real-time claims with GapOnly, and overseas pet cover in specific regions.
Recognition: Rated 4.1/5 on ProductReview.com.au for its efficient service and user-friendly approach.
Caution: Specific waiting periods for certain conditions and exclusions, including pre-existing conditions and dental care.
Recommendation: Guide Dogs pet insurance offers substantial coverage while supporting a great cause but check terms closely before purchase.
$68.50
80%
$0.00
$12,000.00
30 days
History: Founded in 1998, Australian Seniors offers diverse insurance options.
Offerings: Pet insurance is one of their varied insurance products.
Coverage Options: Three tiers: Basic: 60% vet bill cover, $12,000 yearly limit for 8 weeks to under 16 years pets. Essential: 75% cover, $12,000 yearly limit for 8 weeks to under 9 years pets. Top: 80% cover, $12,000 yearly limit, optional routine care for 8 weeks to under 9 years pets.
Member Perk: 10% discount for those over 50, flexible payments, home vet visits.
Recognition: Won awards like the Reader’s Digest Quality Service Award (2023) and Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award (2022).
Caution: No accident-only cover, $80 routine care cap, sub-limits on treatments, no multi-pet discount, standard waiting periods/exclusions.
Recommendation: Highly regarded with a 4.4/5 star rating on ProductReview.com but consider individual pet needs due to limitations.
$76.70
85%
$0.00
$14,000.00
30 days
History: Backed by The Hollard Insurance Company and PetSure, both prominent in Australian pet insurance since the 1990s.
Offerings: Three plans: Regal, Imperial, and Sovereign.
Coverage Options: 65% vet bill reimbursement, $14,000 limit, covers 8 weeks to 15 years. Imperial: 80% reimbursement, $14,000 cap, no excess. Sovereign: 85% reimbursement.
Member Perk: Overseas pet coverage and emergency boarding if the owner is hospitalised over five days.
Recognition: Touts a regal level of coverage and has industry giant affiliations.
Caution: Higher monthly fees and must choose a plan to get a quote.
Recommendation: Prime offers comprehensive coverage but at potentially higher premiums. Compare based on your pet’s specifics.
When perusing the pet insurance table, note that your personal quote might differ based on breed, age, location, chosen coverage, price fluctuations, and special offers.
In Conclusion
The choice is ultimately yours – which one do you think is best?
