November 6, 2025

The Best Australian Pet Insurance Plans

Getting pet insurance is one thing. Choosing the right one is another. With dozens of providers in Australia, you want coverage that gives real value — not just fancy claims. Here’s our take on The Best Australian Pet Insurance Plans (with a few bonus tips to spot the ones that actually deliver).

What Makes a Top Pet Insurance Plan?

Before we list, here’s what we judged:

  • Generous annual limits and high benefit %
  • Minimal sub-limits for consultations, hereditary conditions, dental
  • Fast, reliable claims processes
  • Clear exclusions & no hidden traps
  • Flexibility in excess, switching, and vet choice

We pulled from insurer reviews, policy comparisons (e.g. Choice, Canstar) and public consumer rating sites.

Top Pet Insurance Plans in Australia

Here are some standout plans (and what makes them great). Use them as benchmarks when comparing quotes:

  1. PetsOnMe — Accident, Classic & Deluxe Plans
     Aussie-owned, transparent, and simple. Covers up to 80% of eligible vet bills, with any licensed vet Australia-wide.

    • Customisable excess
    • Breed-specific options via PetsOnMe Breed Insurance pages
    • Clear plan comparison site: Compare Cover PetsOnMe
  2. Pet Insurance Australia — Major Medical Cover
     Known for deep coverage (including some routine care) and high annual limits, appearing in rankings by Forbes Advisor.
  3. Bow Wow Meow — Nose-to-Tail Cover
     Flexible plan, popular in Australian reviews for offering dental features and fewer sub-limits.
  4. Knose Pet Insurance
     High “no sub-limits” appeal. Strong reviews and competitive benefit percentages.
  5. Medibank Pet Insurance
     From a trusted brand. Offers high limits and good extras (depending on tier). Featured in Finder’s 2025 picks.
  6. Budget Direct Pet Insurance
     Solid value option. Their owner brand has diverse insurance offerings, which includes pet coverage.

Tips to Pick the Best One for You

  • Go beyond “80% cover” — check what sub-limits and caps apply (e.g. on consults, hereditary illnesses).
  • Vet freedom matters — plans that force you into networks can be limiting.
  • Watch waiting periods — good insurers may waive them if you switch with 12+ months of prior cover (like PetsOnMe).
  • Check claims turn-around — fast payout is worth more than a high limit you wait months for.
  • Read the PDS & TMD — that’s where all the exclusions and rules are spelled out.

Why Compare with PetsOnMe

Using PetsOnMe as your benchmark helps you see gaps in other plans easily:

  • Transparent structure — no hidden fees, clear plan tiers
  • Up to 80% reimbursement — a benchmark feature
  • Breed-aware approach — some plans tweak cover based on breed risk via the By Breed pages PetsOnMe
  • Easy quotes & comparisons via Compare Cover
  • Australian-centric product — local laws, local vets, local understanding

Published by

Abbie