Top 7 Australian Pet Insurance Companies
Navigating the World of Pet Insurance in Australia: A Comprehensive Guide
Australia is known for its love of animals, with one of the highest rates of pet ownership globally. 3 in 5 Australian households - or 6.9 million in total have a pet. That’s 69% of Australian households.
From loyal dogs to mischievous cats, furry companions play an integral role in many Australian households. As pet owners, ensuring the well-being of our four-legged friends is paramount, and one significant aspect of this care is obtaining pet insurance.
In this article, we'll delve into the ins and outs of pet insurance in Australia, exploring its importance, coverage options, and key considerations for prospective policyholders - and we review some of the best pet insurance in Australia including Woolworth's pet insurance
Costs of having a pet
A 2022 survey of pets and people in Australia revealed that we spend over A$33.2 billion on our pets.
Australian pet owners spend over A$17 billion on pet food or 51% of the total reported expenditures on pet products and services.
While most of the food budget went to pet dogs and cats, other kinds of pets such as fish, birds, small mammals, reptiles, crustaceans and farm animals also had their share of the food pie.
After pet food (51%), Australians paid for veterinary services (14%), pet products and accessories (9%) and pet healthcare products (9%).
The rest of the A$33.2 billion were used to pay for pet dogs and cats' insurance, behaviour and therapy sessions and grooming.
This is why Pet Insurance is so important.
Why Pet Insurance Matters
Pet insurance provides financial protection against unexpected veterinary expenses, offering peace of mind to pet owners facing unforeseen medical emergencies or routine care costs.
In Australia, where veterinary fees can be substantial, having insurance can alleviate the financial burden of caring for a sick or injured pet. Additionally, pet insurance can empower pet owners to make decisions based on their pet's health needs rather than financial constraints.
Understanding Coverage Options
Pet insurance policies in Australia typically offer three main types of coverage:
When selecting a policy, it's essential to carefully review the coverage details, including exclusions, limits, waiting periods, and any additional benefits offered by the insurer.
Key Considerations for Pet Owners
Before purchasing pet insurance, pet owners should consider the following factors:
Choosing the Right Insurer
With numerous insurers offering pet insurance in Australia, selecting the right provider can be overwhelming. When comparing insurers, consider the following:
Top 7 Australian Pet Insurance Companies
Which Pet Insurance is right for me?
We compare the top 7 pet insurance companies to help you decide which one suits your pet the best.
Trupanion
Trupanion pet insurance offers policyholders no annual limit, a 90% reimbursement rate, and you can choose the level of excess with any amount up to $1,000. They will even cover older pets up to 13 years of age which very few pet insurances will do.
Rated 4.5 stars on Product Review with 97 reviews shared.
- No annual limit
- Reimbursement rate - 90%
- Dental cover - Yes
- No minimum age
- Maximum age - 13 years
- Legal liability up to $25,000
What Trupanion customers say:
"The best insurance on offerI have 3 dogs and 2 cats currently insured with Trupanion. I have made several claims and have always received prompt service. The biggest point that sold me was no annual limits and no sub limits!"
"A must have for pet owners! My young cat was diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy idiopathic epilepsy. Without Trupanion I wouldn't have been able to afford the cost of diagnosis for my cat let alone the medication it requires for the rest of its life. Trupanion has TRULY been a life saver for my Hazel."
Bow Wow Meow - 2024 Product Review Pet Insurance Award Winner
The Bow Wow Meow Ultimate Care policy will cover Australian pet owners up to $20,000 annually, with a range of reimbursement rates up to 80%.
Bow Wow Meow has insured over 160,000 Aussie pets since 2008. They offer a range of flexible plans with up to 80% reimbursement for eligible vet bills and a range of other benefits, including free VetChat access and GapOnly® in clinic claiming.
They have received an average 4.3 stars from more than 2800 reviews on Product Review and have a 4.5 star rating on Google from over 800 reviews. They have been awarded Best Pet Insurance by Product Review every year from 2018-2024.
- Maximum Annual Limit - $20,000
- Reimbursement Rate - Choice of 60%, 70% or 80%
- Dental cover - Yes
- Minimum age - 8 weeks
- Maximum age – under 9 years at sign up for illness plans, any age for Accident Plus plan. Lifetime cover once insured.
Bow Wow Meow offer various pet plans for both cats and dogs including:
Accident Plus ($10,000 annual cover)
Covers your pet for specified accidental injuries and a limited range of specified illnesses.
Peace of Mind ($15,000 annual cover)
Covers your pet for Specified Accidental Injuries and Illness, with a choice of 60%, 70% or 80% benefit percentage.
Ultimate Care ($20,000 annual cover)
Covers your pet for Specified Accidental Injuries and Illness with an 80% benefit percentage, includes dental illness cover and alternative therapy option.
SPECIAL OFFER: Get your first 2 months free when you sign up for a new Bow Wow Meow policy with promo code 2MFREE. Get a quote
What Bow Wow Meow customers say:
"This was my first claim that I have made and I was honestly so impressed I use the gap only at the vet and it was so quick and easy took about 10 minutes and I’ve honestly never felt so relieved because I was already busy worrying about if my cat was going to be okay so I’m so glad honestly so happy with it!"
"Quick, friendly, highly recommend -Fast and efficient process with any claim we have submitted. Nothing is out of pocket up front as our vet claims first and we pay the difference before we have even left the office."
"Impressed with service. Highly recommend - We are very pleased with Bow Wow Meow. We have been with them now for over 3 years. Our claims are processed quickly and the benefit we receive is quite good. Claiming is also very efficient as our vet submits claims on our behalf. Impressed. Highly recommend."
Petsy Top Cover - 2023 Canstar & Finder Award Winner
Petsy covers both cats and dogs and policyholders can receive up to a 90% reimbursement on vet bills, and are provided with a higher-than-average maximum annual claims limit of $25,000.
Rated 4.8 stars with 142 reviews on Product Review.
- Maximum Annual Limit - $25,000
- Reimbursement Rate - 90%
- Dental cover - Yes
- Minimum age - 6 weeks
- Maximum age - 8 years
What Petsy customers say:
"I'm really happy with the customer service received from the Petsy team. Very empathetic and understanding. So glad I switched over."
"Outstanding customer service! One of the best customer service I’ve experienced. Incredibly helpful!"
"Very professional insuranceThe customer service staff here are very professional and really go the extra mile. Extra caring and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend the petsy team to anyone."
Fetch Pet Insurance - Highest rated Pet insurer on ProductReview 4.9 stars (As of March 2024)
Fetch is one of the newest entrants into the local pet insurance market, but so far the small number of reviews have been very positive.
With annual coverage of up to $30,000, pet owners can choose between reimbursement rates of 80%, 90% or 100%.
Fetch already has a rating of 4.9 stars on Product Review (47 reviews)
- Maximum annual limit - $30,000
- Reimbursement rate - Choice of 80%, 90% or 100%
- Dental cover - Yes
- Minimum age - 8 weeks
- Maximum age - 10 years
What Fetch customers say:
"I was looking at pet insurance products on all the major comparison sites and Fetch stood out big time. For my peace of mind and for my pup's health it was a no brainer to go with Fetch."
"Really pleased with the switch to Fetch so far. Better value cover, and you can actually understand it. Customer support was super knowledgeable (and local) when I had a query via the app. And love that they sync up with my vet so admin is all sorted ahead of time. Recommended."
"Just signed up with Fetch but "Wow" what a great set up they have with their app! I made a mistake so sent a message and it was fixed immediately! So far, I'm very impressed!!"
Knose Pet Insurance
Knose Pet Insurance is a popular choice among consumers, consisting of a $25,000 annual limit, and up tp 80% rebate.
Knose scored highly on customer review site, Product Review, averaging an impressive 4.6 from over 280 reviews.
- Maximum Annual Limit - $25,000
- Reimbursement Rate - up to 80%
- Dental cover - Yes (optional extra)
- Minimum age - 6 weeks
- Maximum age - 8 years
What Knose customers say:
"Quick & Easy ProcessQuick and easy to make a claim. I phoned and they answer all my questions. Great to deal with. Gave me a timeframe with how long it would take."
"Insurance made easy. Knowse is good to deal with. Claims process is simple and you are kept informed of the process."
"Professional Pet Insurance. When we submitted a claim, Knose distinguished itself with a website that works well with an easy claim submission process followed by clear communications and quick follow up. Well done Knose - most recommended by me."
"The only insurance company I like dealing with. Kindest staff who go above and beyond. Honest and genuinely try to help you and your fur babies. I would be stuck without this insurance and me and my angel problem fur baby thank you."
Ahm PetInsurance.Com - Platinum Pet Insurance
Sold under petinsurance.com.au, AHM’s Platinum pet insurance cover is a highly regarded policy by consumers, especially due to the inclusion of dental illness cover up to $1,000 per year.
Ahm covers up to $30,000 annually and will reimburse 80% of vet bills.
Petinsurance.com.au has received a ranking of over 4 stars on average from more than 105 reviews on Product Review.
- Maximum Annual Limit - $30,000
- Reimbursement Rate - 80%
- Dental cover - Yes
- Minimum age - 8 weeks
- Maximum age - 8 years
Pet Insurance also offer dog and cat policies including Silver and Gold which offers up to 80% reimbursement on eligible vet bills up to $20,000 each year.
What Pet Insurance customers say:
"They are good! Have had insurance with them for 3 years, and claims for routine care and illness have always been handled professionally. This is what insurance providers should be like and I think they are a role model!"
"Wouldn’t be without it. Every claim I have made has been dealt with fast and efficiently. I only have a gap payment to find which is wonderful and I am always pleasantly surprised by the amount I have to pay versus what petinsurance covers. Highly recommend it!"
"If you have a pet, this is a must. Our puppy required urgent life saving surgery. Petinsurance.com were no fuss to deal with. We managed to get pre approval done & without this insurance we would not have been able to save our dog. Can’t recommend them more highly."
Woolworths Pet Insurance Everyday - Comprehensive Plus Cover
Woolworths took on pet insurance a few years ago, offering consumers five different levels of cover. The highest level—the comprehensive plus cover–comes with $30,000 annually and an 80% reimbursement rate.
- Maximum Annual Limit - $30,000
- Reimbursement Rate - 80%
- Dental cover - NO (optional routine care)
- Minimum age - 8 weeks
- Maximum age - 8 years
Everyday pet insurance offer cat and dog policies starting with a basic cover from $5000 annual benefit.
What Woolworths Pet Insurance customers say:
"If you care about your pet this is the best option to takeWe have found this insurance perfect for our needs we know that our dog is going to receive the best care and removes any worries about not affording to get treatment for our dog as reimbursement is done very quickly."
"Really wonderful customer service. My pet insurance has been such a pleasant experience with Everyday Insurance. The cover is exactly what I need and the team are very helpful with pricing and understanding your premiums."
"Great Insurance. My cat needed major surgery and the insurance covered 80% of all the costs. I paid GAP only. They are very quick to respond and very helpful. I am pleasantly surprised."
Don’t delay!
Pet insurance plays a vital role in safeguarding the health and well-being of our beloved pets, providing financial protection against unexpected veterinary expenses.
Investing in pet insurance can offer invaluable peace of mind to pet owners facing medical emergencies or routine care costs.
By understanding the coverage options, key considerations, and choosing the right insurer, pet owners can make informed decisions to ensure comprehensive protection for their furry companions.
The raw food diet for dogs with freeze dried dog food
Did you know what we feed our dog can have a huge impact on their health - which means less trips to the vet!
So what's the solution to feed your dog a nutritious and healthy diet?
Our focus is on arming you with the knowledge to give your dog the best nutrition possible.
We are not the biggest fans of kibble as kibble is a highly processed food and you can read more about kibble and commercial dog food here
Our belief is the best way to do this is through feeding your dog a raw dog food or fresh dog food diet.
Our focus is on support, information and education and there is no judgement on your decisions - we just want to give you the information so you can make the best feeding choice for you and your dog and your situation.
You can also join our private support group here.
How to start on a raw dog feeding diet
- You can read about the benefits of a raw dog food diet here
- If you plan on hybrid feeding your dog then you can read about hybrid feeding here
- If you plan on transitioning your dog to a raw dog food diet then read all about transitioning here
Raw dog food recipes
If you are ready to start feeding raw or are looking for raw dog food recipes please see below as we have over 70 pet nutritionist created raw dog food recipes and programs that all meet AAFCO standards. You can see the full raw dog food recipe range here
- If you have a puppy and want to raw feed then click here
- If you have a dog who needs to lose weight and want to raw feed then click here
- If you have a dog who has allergies or is sensitive to foods and want to raw feed then click here
- If you have a dog who doesn't have any issues and want to raw feed then click here
- If you are looking for budget friendly raw feeding recipes click here
Freeze dried and air dried raw dog food
If you want to feed raw but with the convenience of air or freeze dried food then go here to see our selection of freeze dried complete food and treats.
You can also learn about the air dried and freeze dried dog food process here.
Combine raw feeding and freeze/air dried feeding
If you are interested in mixing and matching a raw feeding diet with a freeze/air dried diet then you can combine them both in our pet health membership which also includes additional benefits such as vet access 24/7, additional discounts and products each month.
Ready made raw dog food
If you want to feed your dog a raw dog food diet but don't want to have to prepare it yourself or feed hybrid or feed air or freeze dried then there are some great options out there pre-prepared fresh food and there are many brands that you can google to find one in your local area. Hot tip - look for all natural wholefood ingredients without synthetic vitamins and minerals.
Shop our freeze dried complete food here
Do vets support raw feeding?
If you are new to raw feeding your dog then you will probably find that some vets are not fans of raw feeding.
The main reason for this is complex and mainly related to the fact that they don't receive a huge amount of information on raw feeding at university.
It is also related to the fact that there is much mis-information about raw feeding and vets are concerned that people may feed a raw diet but that it will just a piece of steak or raw mince and this would be a huge issue as this wouldn't be a balanced meal for the dog and this is an issue for vets - as it should be.
It is for this reason why it is extremely important to only feed recipes created by pet nutritionists and that meet AAFCO standards.
You will also find lots of vets who DO support raw feeding - it is just that currently quite a few don't support it.
And you can see how Healthy Active Pet works here
You can also see our page of frequently asked questions here
