10 Best Pet Insurance Providers in Australia

1.Trupanion – Best Overall

Trupanion has a policy that covers injuries and illness that will reimburse you for 90% of eligible treatment costs regardless of how high your bills become because there is no benefit cap. However, there are sub-limits or payout limits. Some benefits come standard with your policy, and a few require an additional fee. Dental coverage is an included benefit, and if you visit a partner vet or hospital, your claim will be approved, and your invoice will be paid on the spot. Optional benefits include Recovery and Complementary Care, which covers a range of natural therapies, and Pet Owner Assistance Package, which protects you from expenses that are not vet-related.

2.Bow Wow Meow

Bow Wow Meow provides flexible pet insurance plan options to meet a variety of needs and budgets and has been awarded Pet Reviews Pet Insurer of the year, every year from 2018–2022. You can get up to 80% of eligible vet bills reimbursed, with the option to adjust your benefit percentage. There is no excess so that you can claim for even the smallest eligible vet expenses, and they provide additional benefits such as discounts for puppies and kittens, a 10% multi-pet discount, a pet health card, and a free ID tag each year.

Bow Wow Meow has a simple claims procedure so you can get your claim processed right away electronically. Your claim is calculated while you are still at your veterinarian’s office, so you only pay the difference. While searching through Bow Wow Meows’ lowest ranking reviews, we found that customers were having a hard time with claims and getting very little back. A few reviews also mentioned that the premiums went up exponentially. It is important to read through your claims policy thoroughly to avoid frustration.

3.Petsy

Petsy offers one comprehensive insurance policy to keep things simple. It is customizable, and you can choose the level of coverage that best suits your pet. It has an annual limit of $25,000, which is the highest limit around. You can get reimbursed up to 90% of eligible vet costs, and Petsy allows you to customize your policy, with options in annual limits, benefit percentage, and annual excess. Their claims processing is quick and can be done from any device. There are no sub-limits or hidden fees, and with an affordable premium, Petsy is great value for the money.

Petsy only covers cats and dogs; if you have any other pets, you will need to find a company that covers other species. If you choose to upgrade your policy, there is another waiting period.

4.Knose Pet Insurance

Knose has flexible options to make it simple and help you tailor your coverage, and their insurance policies include several benefits that may be suitable for you, such as emergency boarding, paralysis tick benefit, and taking your pet overseas There are no sub limits or hidden costs, and you can choose options for annual limits, excesses,  and benefit percentage. Knose allows you to add optional benefits, including coverage for dental illnesses, behavioral problems, and alternative treatments.

Knose does not offer routine care benefits as part of their insurance cover. When going through some of the reviews for Knose, we noticed that a few customers had a problem with the 25% increase in their premium.

5.Pet Insurance Australia

Pet Insurance Australia provides pet owners with a wide range of coverage options to choose from, so you can select the best pet insurance policy for your pet. It covers accidental injuries and illnesses and offers a list of preventative care under its Major Medical Cover. Routine care is included in the Major Medical Cover Plan and can be added to other policies. Pet Insurance Australia will reimburse you for up to 80% of eligible vet bills.

The company has several exclusions on its policies, and it is vital to read the fine print before you sign up.

6.Coles Pet Insurance

Coles has three levels of coverage, and you can choose the best policy to suit your pet. Routine care coverage can be added to other policies if you want to cover preventative treatments. You can get up to 100% of eligible vet bills reimbursed or choose to lower your premium and still get 80% of the cost covered. Your approved procedures will get paid directly to your vet. It also offers a 5% multi-pet discount.

Coles does not offer coverage for breeding-related issues, so if you have a pedigree pet, you may need to look elsewhere.

7.RSPCA Pet Insurance

RSPCA has four levels of coverage to choose from, and your first month is free if you sign up. They offer routine care coverage as an additional add-on and up to 80% reimbursement for eligible vet bills with no excess. You can claim up to $20,000 a year. You can also submit and track claims, update your information, and easily manage your policy online.

RSPCA has had a few reports of poor claim service, but this is not a surprising problem with pet insurance companies. It is always essential to read the fine print.

8.PetSecure

Petsecure offers customizable plans to suit your personal needs and budget. It has accident and illness coverage with the option to add on Wellness Care to help cover routine care. PetSecure will continue to pay until you reach your annual benefit limit, even for chronic conditions. They also have extra benefits such as emergency accommodation resulting from a paralysis tick.

You can get up to 85% of eligible vet bills paid, with no excess, up to $12,000 per year, and it’s renewable indefinitely. You are eligible for a 10% lifetime discount if you have an assistance dog, are a senior or pension card holder, or have a rescue pet.

If you insure more than one pet, you are entitled to a 10% lifetime discount on the second and subsequent pets’ premiums. PetSecure pays claims within 48 Hours of receiving claim documents and provides 21 days to cancel your policy after signing up if you are unsatisfied.

Its annual benefit limit of $12,000 is among the lowest compared to other pet insurers.

9.Budget Direct

Budget Direct is a low-cost insurance company that has a 15% discount for the first year’s premium when you sign up online. It provides one level of coverage with an annual limit of $12,000 and will reimburse up to 80% of eligible vet bills. Budget Direct covers all orthopedic conditions, including those other insurers do not cover, and you can send your pet to any qualified and registered vet in Australia. Budget Direct does not cover routine care and charges $100 excess per condition.

10.Medibank

If you already have a Medibank health insurance policy or own more than one pet, Medibank Pet Insurance is a good option. You can get 10% off every subsequent year you have a policy. You also get a 5% discount for each additional pet you insure. Medibank has a $15,000 annual benefit and an 80% reimbursement rate on eligible vet bills. Routine care is an optional add-on that can help cover costs.