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 accidental 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 you and your pets needs.

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


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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. Accidental Injury cover for your pet.

Help provide 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:

motor vehicle incidents;

injuries caused by another animal including rough play;

falls from heights

cuts, lacerations and stick injuries;

grass seed embedment or entrapment;

traumatically fractured teeth;

near drowning;

burns, heatstroke or frostbite;

exposure to venomous bites such as snake bite and tick paralysis;

reactions to bites or stings from insects, or other critters (excluding infestations such as mites or fleas);

toxicity from ingesting harmful substances like chocolate, rat bait or grapes (excluding any illicit drugs);

and ingestion of foreign objects (excluding instances of gastroenteritis caused by ingestion of inappropriate food items or common environmental substances such as garbage).

 

Many 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 you choose a policy that covers illness, this can assist with the costs associated with diagnosing and treating various illnesses your pet might develop, such as#:

skin allergies;

ear infections;

gastrointestinal conditions such as gastroenteritis, intestinal parasites or pancreatitis;

masses, lumps and cancer;

eye conditions such as conjunctivitis, entropion or cataracts;

musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) or patella luxation (dislocating kneecap) no matter how the condition arises;

infectious diseases such as leptospirosis, heartworm, cat flu or kennel cough;

urinary diseases such as urinary infection, blood in urine or blocked bladder;

endocrine diseases such as diabetes, Cushing’s or hyperthyroidism;

emergency situations such as gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), seizures and anaphylactic reactions;

urogenital diseases such as pyometra, hooded vulva or enlarged prostate;

kidney diseases such as chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury or kidney stones;

and respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis or pneumonia.

 

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

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.

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Important considerations and potential exclusions in pet insurance.

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

Pre-existing conditions: most pet insurance policies exclude pre-existing conditions. These include conditions that existed or occurred prior to the commencement date of the first policy period; or within any applicable waiting period and of which you were aware of, or a reasonable person in your circumstances would have been aware, irrespective of whether the underlying or causative condition has been diagnosed.

Dental care: dental related procedures and diseases are generally not covered by pet insurance providers. Some pet insurance policies offer optional extras that may cover dental care.

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

Behavioural issues: coverage for behavioural problems with pet insurance might be limited or only available under specific circumstances or through the optional non-insurance Booster 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 within your overall pet insurance cover. 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 relevant 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 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. An annual excess means that you only pay the excess once across a policy period. Once you reach your total annual excess amount, you are no longer required to pay excess for any future claims in the policy period.

The benefit 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 70%, 80% or 90% 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 a non-insurance optional routine care benefit aligns with your pet's preventative healthcare needs, as well as booster care options for dental conditions and specialised therapies.

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 cover for both your furry friend and your situation.

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.

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Features Details
Annual benefit limit.
 Options: Up to $7,500, $12,500, $24,000, $35,000#
Benefit percentage (% of vet bill covered).
 Options: Up to 70%, 80%, or 90%#
Illness Cover.  
Accidental Injury.  
Optional Booster Carev  and Routine Care (non-Insurance benefit). Optional

These product features are effective for policies sold after 29 January 2026. 

Above is a summary table only. For futher details, visit the compare page or 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 1 July 2026. T&Cs apply. **

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PetScripts

As an Everyday Pet Insurance customer, you can get 10% off an in-store Woolworths shop every month.°

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Important information.

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|| When: This offer is available between AEST/AEDT 12:00 PM 08/10/25 and AEST/AEDT 11:59 PM 15/04/26. Where: This offer is available when you buy an eligible Everyday Pet Insurance policy online. Who: This offer is personal to you and available only to Everyday Rewards members with an active registered Everyday Rewards Card. Everyday Rewards Plus Card holders are not eligible for this offer. How it works: To enjoy your first two (2) months of free cover, you must successfully link your active registered Everyday Rewards Card when purchasing an eligible Everyday Pet Insurance policy online during the offer period. This offer entitles you to two months free in your first policy year of your policy cover, provided the policy remains in force, with all premiums paid in full, and you remain an Everyday Rewards member. If you choose to pay annually, you will have the first two months free automatically deducted from the annual premium at the time of purchase. If you choose to pay by monthly or fortnightly instalment, you will not be charged an instalment for the first two months of your first policy period. Your payments will start from the third month of your policy period. The discounted premium will be shown on your Certificate of Insurance, which is sent on acceptance of your policy.

This offer is limited to one per Everyday Rewards member. Only one (1) offer may be selected under Unlock Your Offer.

You will no longer receive this offer if your policy is cancelled, you change your level of cover and/or your policy number changes, or if your Everyday Rewards account is cancelled, terminated, or suspended.

Enjoyment of this Everyday Rewards offer is subject to the Everyday Insurance Terms and Conditions. Please consider the Everyday Pet Insurance Product Disclosure Statement, Financial Services Guide and Target Market Determination available here to determine if the products are right for you. In addition to the above terms and conditions, by participating in the Everyday Rewards program you agree to the Everyday Rewards Terms and Conditions. Woolworths reserves the right to vary, withdraw or extend this discount or an offer at any time, and will provide reasonable notice of any adverse changes.

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# Depending on your level of cover. Policy T&Cs, limits, exclusions, waiting periods and annual excess 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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v Booster Care limit, applicable benefit percentage, waiting periods and exclusions apply. Annual excess may apply. See details in your PDS.

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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 1 July 2026 (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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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. Roadside assistance is provided by Digicall Assist Pty Ltd ABN 92 152 605 340. 

Woolworths Group Limited, AR 245476 acts as Hollard, PetSure and nib’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), and Target Market Determination (TMD) available on this website, to decide if the product is right for you.

© Woolworths Group Limited 2025. All rights reserved. ABN 88 000 014 675