What could pet insurance cover?

Welcoming a new pet to your family brings endless joy and companionship. From playful puppies to cuddly kittens, they quickly become cherished members of our lives. However, responsible pet ownership extends beyond providing daily essentials like exercise, food, and shelter. 

Unexpected illnesses and injuries can lead to significant and unforeseen veterinary expenses. This is where pet insurance can help provide a financial help net so you can give your pet the care it deserves with less worry.

Understanding the different types of pet insurance policies available for your dog or cat and what they typically cover is essential for choosing the right protection for your pet's needs and your budget.

This guide will walk you through the ins and outs of pet insurance cover in Australia.

What might your pet insurance actually cover?

The most common question for any pet owner considering pet insurance is, "Will my policy cover this?". The straightforward answer is: it depends entirely on the specific terms, conditions, and exclusions outlined in your chosen pet insurance policy.

Here are some common categories of coverage offered:


1. Accident cover for your pet.

Providing financial support for veterinary treatment needed due to sudden and unexpected physical trauma is generally included on pet insurance policies.

Some examples relevant to dogs and cats may include:

Bone fractures, traumatic ligament or tendon injury.

Lacerations or abrasion of tissue, skin or mucous membrane due to external trauma requiring veterinary attention after mishaps.

Bite wounds or fight wound abscesses.

Burns or electrocution caused by household accidents.

A reaction to a bite from an insect, spider or scorpion.

Toxicity from snake bite.

Injuries sustained in motor vehicle incidents involving your pet.

Most pet insurance policies set an annual benefit limit for accident-related claims. It's important to select a benefit limit that aligns with your potential needs and financial comfort level.

2. Illness cover for your furry companion.

If your policy covers illness, this can assist with the costs associated with diagnosing and treating various illnesses your pet might develop,1 such as:

Gastrointestinal problems.

Ingestion of a foreign object.

Skin conditions.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).

Renal Disease.

Cancer treatment.

Arthritis.

Similar to accident cover, illness coverage has an annual benefit limit, which may differ from the accident limit within the same policy.

Learn about the top 10 Everyday Pet Insurance claimed conditions for dogs.

Our furry friends are family, and just like any family member, they can experience health issues. PetSure claims data provides valuable insights into the most common ailments affecting dogs, allowing pet parents to be more informed and proactive in their care.

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dog and owner

3. Surgery and hospitalisation.

Some pet insurance policies may provide cover for the costs associated with surgical procedures (whether due to accidents or illnesses) and any necessary hospital stays for your pet may be covered up to the policy's stated benefit limits.


4. Diagnostic testing for accurate diagnosis.

Veterinarians rely on various diagnostic tests to accurately identify the cause of illnesses and injuries in pets. Some pet insurance policies may cover these essential procedures, including:

Radiology.

Laboratory tests.

Diagnostic tests.

dog with ball

Important considerations and potential exclusions in pet insurance.

While pet insurance can offer financial protection, it's crucial to be aware of what is typically not covered.

Pre-existing conditions: most pet insurance policies exclude illnesses or injuries that your pet showed signs of, were diagnosed, or treated before the policy's start date or within a specific waiting period.

Dental care: dental related procedures and diseases are generally not covered by pet insurance providers.

Routine and preventative care: without routine care, pet insurance policies generally do not cover routine check-ups, vaccinations, flea and worm prevention or grooming.

Behavioural issues: coverage for behavioural problems pet insurance might be limited or only available under specific circumstances or through the optional non-insurance routine care benefit.

Elective procedures: procedures considered cosmetic or not medically necessary, such as tail docking or ear cropping, are typically excluded.

Breeding-related costs: costs associated with pregnancy, birth, and breeding of pets are usually not covered.

Specific breed-related conditions: some pet insurance providers may have specific exclusions or limitations for health conditions that are prevalent in certain breeds.

Waiting periods: be aware that there are standard waiting periods before certain coverages become active pet insurance. This could be a few days for accidents, several weeks or months for illnesses, and potentially longer for specific conditions like cruciate ligament problems or dental issues. Check the PDS for more details.

TIP: It's important to know that pet insurance policies in Australia do not usually cover vaccinations, routine check-ups, or desexing as these are considered elective or preventative procedures, rather than unexpected accidents or illnesses. However, some pet insurance providers may offer an optional add-on that can help with the costs of these predictable expenses.

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Choosing the right pet insurance.

How to decide which pet insurance policy suits you and your pet’s needs.

Selecting the ideal pet insurance policy requires careful evaluation of several key factors:

Your budget.

Premiums for pet insurance vary significantly based on the level of coverage, annual benefit limits, and excess options. Determine a comfortable fortnightly, monthly, or annual payment that aligns with the level of cover you need for your pet.

Your pet's breed, and age.

Certain breeds may have a higher predisposition to specific health conditions, and older pets are generally more prone to health issues.

Your risk tolerance.

How comfortable are you with potentially facing substantial, unexpected veterinary bills? A more comprehensive pet insurance policy offer may offer greater financial protection but typically comes with a higher premium.

cats

The policy's annual benefit limit.

This is the maximum total amount the insurer will pay out within a single policy year. This limit and whether it may adequately cover potential high-cost treatments is one of the factors that should be considered.

The excess.

This is the amount you are required to contribute towards the cost of your claim(s) with your pet insurance provider, as outlined in your Certificate of Insurance. Typically, the excess is calculated on a ‘per condition, per policy period’ basis, meaning you pay the excess once for each unrelated condition treated within the same policy year. A higher excess may result in a lower premium for your pet insurance.

The reimbursement percentage.

Pet insurance policies often reimburse a percentage of the eligible vet bill after you've paid the excess. For example, Everyday Pet Insurance allows you to claim up to 80% back on eligible vet bills.*

Dogs

Waiting periods.

Carefully understand the waiting periods that apply to different types of claims with pet insurance to avoid unexpected limitations.

Pre-existing conditions.

Thoroughly review the pre-existing conditions information detailed in your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). Learn more about pre-existing conditions.

Policy exclusions.

Be fully aware of what your pet insurance policy explicitly does not cover. Refer to your Product Disclosure Statement for a comprehensive list of exclusions.

Optional benefits.

Evaluate whether the non-insurance optional routine care benefit aligns with your pet's preventative healthcare needs.

Making an informed decision on your pet insurance.

Pet insurance can offer financial support when your beloved pet requires medical attention. By understanding the different types of coverage available, being aware of potential exclusions specific to your pet insurance policy, and carefully considering your individual circumstances and your pet's specific needs, you can choose a policy that provides the right level of protection for both your furry friend and your financial well-being.

Always take the time to read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for complete details regarding the terms, conditions, and exclusions of any pet insurance policy you are considering.

Check out Everyday Pet Insurance coverage options.

  Basic Cover Standard Cover Comprehensive Cover Comprehensive Plus Cover
Annual benefit limit (up to 80% back on eligible Vet bills).1 $5,000 $10,000 $24,000 $30,000
Illness Cover.        
Specified Accidental Injury.        
Offer of policy renewal for your pet’s life.2        
Optional Non-Insurance Routine Care.3        

Exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply. These product features are effective for policies sold after 17 July 2023.
Above is a summary table only. Please read the Pet Insurance Product Disclosure Statement for full terms, conditions, limits and exclusions that apply.

Enjoy more with Everyday Pet Insurance.

VetAssist 24/7 online vet chat.

VetAssist connects you to licensed Australian vets via video or chat online on all your devices. All Everyday Pet Insurance customers get free† access to vet advice through VetAssist, available online 24/7 from your phone, tablet, or computer.  Access VetAssist via My Insurance Portal

Learn more about VetAssist
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Claim on the spot with GapOnly®.

GapOnly® reviews and calculates your pet insurance claim while you’re still at the vet. You can claim on the spot and only pay the 'gap', the difference between the vet's bill and your eligible insurance benefit.=

Learn more about GapOnly®
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Get 30% off pet prescription medication**

PetScripts is a leading online Pet Pharmacy for your pet's medication. They're proudly Australian owned and operated by veterinarians, with registered Australian Pharmacists. Offer is valid until 30 June 2025. T&Cs apply. **

Learn more about this offer
PetScripts

Get a quote online today with Everyday Pet Insurance and enjoy 10% off an in-store Woolworths shop every month.°

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Important information.

1 Exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply.

2 As long as we continue to provide the product, we’ll offer renewal of your policy every year for your pet’s life. Cover is subject to the terms and conditions of your renewing policy. See details in your PDS.

3 Optional Routine Care benefits are not automatically included in Comprehensive and Comprehensive Plus plans, but can be added on for an additional fee.

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* Limits, waiting periods, exclusions and excesses may apply.

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† Offer available to new Everyday Pet Insurance policyholders, and is limited to 1 membership per eligible policy. The free membership offer (valued at $199p.a) is from the date of your policy commencement, provided your Everyday Pet Insurance policy remains active. You are not eligible to redeem the free membership subscription for cash or credit. VetAssist is a separate subscription based service to the Everyday Pet Insurance product, and is provided independently by Everyday Insurance third party service provider, VetChat Services Pty Ltd (VetChat). Click here for full VetAssist Service terms and conditions. Everyday Insurance reserves the right to vary or remove this offer at any time and will provide reasonable notice of any such changes.

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= The gap is defined as the difference between the vet's invoice and the claim benefit under your policy. Policy terms and conditions apply. GapOnly® is only available at participating Vets. Please visit GapOnly® to search for GapOnly® enabled vets. GapOnly® is a trademark owned by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd (PetSure) (ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183).

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** Offer is valid until 30 June 2025 (Offer Period). This entitles you to a 30% discount off your prescription medication purchase from PetScripts Pty Ltd ABN 73 610 444 427 (PetScripts) whilst your policy remains in force during the Offer Period and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. This offer only applies to medication prescribed to the pet insured under Everyday Pet Insurance Policies. Services provided by PetScripts are separate to your pet insurance policy. The 30% discount offer is subject to PetScripts' general Terms and Conditions, including the Privacy Policy which are available online at www.petscripts.com.au. Everyday Pet Insurance may withdraw or extend this offer at any time without notice.

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° This offer is only available for policyholders who have a registered Everyday Rewards Card linked to their eligible active Everyday Insurance policy. This offer is limited to one in-store Woolworths Supermarket transaction up to $500, with a maximum saving of $50 per Everyday Rewards Card, per month, regardless of the number of Woolworths services you use. For full T&Cs click here.

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Everyday Pet Insurance policies entered into for the first time prior to 17 July 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436 (Hollard), arranged and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) and promoted and distributed by Hollard’s Authorised Representative (AR) Woolworths Group Limited ABN 88 000 014 675, AR 245476 (Woolworths). Everyday Pet Insurance policies entered into for the first time on or after 17 July 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by PetSure and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s AR, Woolworths. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure this product meets your needs before purchasing, or choosing to continue with the product. PDS and Target Market Determination available at insurance.everyday.com.au/pet-insurance.

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We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to all First Nations peoples and acknowledge Elders past and present.

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Life Insurance is issued by Swiss Re Life & Health Australia Limited ABN 74 000 218 306 AFSL No. 324908 (Swiss Re) and administered by Greenstone Financial Services Pty Ltd, ABN 53 128 692 884; AFSL No. 343079 (Greenstone). Roadside assistance is provided by Digicall Assist Pty Ltd ABN 92 152 605 340. Car, Home, and Landlords Insurance are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473 AFSL No. 241436 (Hollard).

Pet Insurance policies are issued by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183, except for those entered into before 17 July 2023 & subsequent renewals, which are issued by Hollard.

Travel Insurance policies are issued by Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd, ABN 83 169 311 193 and administered by nib Travel Services (Australia) Pty Ltd (nib), ABN 81 115 932 173, AFSL 308461. 

Woolworths Group Limited, AR 245476 acts as Hollard, PetSure, nib’s and Greenstone's Authorised Representative.

Any general advice provided does not consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Financial Services Guide (FSG) Target Market Determination (TMD) available on this website, to decide if the product is right for you.

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