1300 489 873
For many new puppy parents, especially those in their mid‑20s to mid‑40s who have just brought a tiny furball home on the advice of a trusted breeder, money management suddenly becomes very real. Puppy classes, vaccinations, chew toys, quality food – it all adds up. The idea of paying a year’s worth of pet insurance upfront can feel like yet another big bill at a time when you’re already juggling appointments and adjusting to sleep deprivation.
That’s where fortnightly payments come in. Instead of handing over hundreds of dollars at once, you can spread the cost across the year – and in many cases still enjoy comprehensive cover and generous benefits. Here’s why flexible payment schedules make sense for Australian pet owners.
What is a fortnightly premium?
A pet insurance premium is simply the amount you pay your insurer to be covered against unexpected vet bills. Many policies allow you to choose how frequently you pay this premium. Financial counselling services note that pet insurance premiums can be paid weekly, fortnightly, monthly or yearly, depending on your preference. In practice, that means you don’t have to save up a lump sum before starting cover – you can treat your policy like a subscription that fits neatly into your cash flow.
Veterinary experts point out that most pet insurance cover is billed fortnightly, so new customers aren’t hit with a giant upfront cost. Instead of a single large payment, you make smaller, regular instalments that renew your coverage automatically. For busy first‑time pet owners, this model offers breathing room and one less thing to worry about.
Why smaller, regular payments feel more affordable
Budgeting becomes predictable. It’s much easier to plan for $20–$40 every two weeks than to suddenly pay out several hundred dollars when your policy renews. Regular instalments align with most people’s pay cycles.
Cash flow stays flexible. Young families and professionals often have other commitments such as rent or mortgages, childcare and student loans. Spreading the cost of insurance helps avoid dipping into savings or delaying enrolment until “later,” which can leave your puppy unprotected.
No lock‑in contracts. At PetsOnMe, paying fortnightly or monthly works just like a subscription. Your cover renews automatically when your payment is processed, but you’re free to cancel at any time without penalties. That’s ideal for first‑time owners who may be unsure which plan they’ll need long term.
Peace of mind from day one. Insuring your puppy early ensures conditions that develop later aren’t considered pre‑existing. Because premiums can be broken into smaller payments, there’s no reason to put off starting cover.
Fortnightly vs monthly vs annual – what’s the difference?
Fortnightly payments: Most insurers allow fortnightly billing, which prevents a large upfront cost. Because there are 26 fortnights in a year, your annual premium is simply spread across those 26 payments.
Monthly payments: Paying once a month offers slightly larger instalments but may simplify budgeting if you align payments with your salary cycle. Like fortnightly plans, these payments renew your cover automatically and can often be cancelled without penalty.
Annual payments: If you prefer to “set and forget,” an annual lump sum is still an option. PetsOnMe rewards annual payments with a 5 % discount off the base premium and offers an additional 5 % multi‑pet discount if you have two or more pets on the same policy. Paying annually can save money overall but requires a larger one‑off outlay.
Some providers caution that fortnightly premiums can appear cheaper because people assume two fortnights equal a month when, in fact, there are 2.17 fortnights in a month. However, the key benefit of fortnightly billing is the ease of spreading payments to suit your budget. At PetsOnMe, we don’t charge extra for fortnightly or monthly payment schedules; you simply pay the same annual premium in smaller increments.
How PetsOnMe keeps it flexible
Our goal at PetsOnMe is to make pet insurance accessible for new owners without sacrificing quality of cover. That’s why every plan comes with:
Flexible payment options: You can pay fortnightly, monthly or annually with no lock‑in contracts or exit fees. We understand that not everyone wants to commit to a yearly payment, especially when adjusting to life with a puppy.
Discounts for annual and multi‑pet policies: While fortnightly payments are convenient, paying annually earns you a 5 % discount, and insuring more than one pet on the same policy earns you another 5 % off. This rewards families with multiple pets and those who prefer to pay upfront.
Free months for young pets: We offer two months free for pets under one year old and one month free for pets over one when you start a new policy, so you get extra value regardless of your payment frequency. (You’ll see this highlighted across our Pet Insurance pages.)
Transparent premium calculations: Your premium is calculated based on your pet’s age, breed and location – not your individual claims history. This means you won’t be penalised for making claims, and you can budget with confidence knowing that your policy price is fair and data‑driven.
Super‑fast claims: Claims are lodged online and most are paid the next business day, so you’re not left waiting for reimbursement. This is particularly important for new pet owners who might otherwise be stressed about paying vet bills up front.
The bottom line
Pets are part of the family, but surprise vet bills can strain even a healthy household budget. Paying your pet insurance fortnightly spreads the cost into bite‑sized amounts, helping you start cover early and keep it going without stress. You can still switch to annual payments later and take advantage of discounts – the choice is yours.
If you’re ready to protect your puppy with a policy that offers flexible payments, lightning‑fast claims and real human support, explore PetsOnMe’s pet insurance plans and see why more Australian breeders are recommending us. Your wallet – and your furry best friend – will thank you.
