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To compare mid-level pet insurance plans for dogs, line them up on six things: the annual limit, the share of vet bills paid back, your excess, what is covered, the waiting periods and exclusions, and how flexible the plan is to live with. Check each point against the plan’s Product Disclosure Statement and the right fit for your dog becomes clear.
Mid-level cover sits between accident-only and top-tier plans. For many dog owners it is the sweet spot: accident and illness protection without extras they may never use.
Step 1: Check the annual benefit limit
The annual limit is the most a plan will pay back in a 12-month period. Vet bills for surgery, specialist tests or hospital stays can run into the thousands, so the limit matters.
Ask yourself a simple question. If my dog had a serious illness and an accident in the same year, would this limit hold up? At PetsOnMe, the Classic Plan is our mid-level option, with up to $10,000 a year in cover. The Accidental Plan offers up to $5,000 a year for accidents only, and the Deluxe Plan offers up to $20,000 a year.
Step 2: Compare the reimbursement rate and excess
The reimbursement rate is the share of each eligible vet bill the plan pays back. The excess is the amount you pay before the plan contributes.
- A higher reimbursement rate means less out of your pocket on each claim.
- A higher excess usually lowers your regular investment, but you pay more when you claim.
- Check how and when the excess applies. The Product Disclosure Statement spells this out.
All PetsOnMe plans pay back 80% of eligible vet bills, less your excess. You choose an excess of $100, $200 or $300.
Step 3: Read what is actually covered
Two mid-level plans can look alike on the surface and cover very different things. Look for these in the list of benefits:
- Accidents and illnesses
- Hereditary conditions, plus any sub-limits or age rules
- Cruciate ligament injuries, which are common in active and larger dogs
- Diagnostic tests such as radiology and pathology
- Surgery, operating theatre and hospitalisation
- Prescribed medication and tick paralysis
- Third party liability
The PetsOnMe Classic Plan includes each of these for eligible conditions. A yearly sub-limit and age rules apply to hereditary conditions.
Step 4: Understand waiting periods and exclusions
Most plans have waiting periods before some types of cover start. Some conditions, like hereditary and cruciate conditions, have longer waiting periods than others. Compare these carefully if you want protection in place early.
Exclusions matter as much as inclusions. PetsOnMe plans do not cover pre-existing conditions, congenital conditions, routine and preventative care such as vaccinations and check-ups, elective procedures, breeding and pregnancy, behavioural problems, or dental illness (the Deluxe Plan adds select dental illness cover). You can read the full detail in the PetsOnMe Product Disclosure Statement.
If you are switching, ask about waiting periods too. PetsOnMe waives waiting periods if you have been with your current insurer for 12 months or more with no break in cover, on a similar level of cover.
Step 5: Check age limits and eligibility
Age rules affect when your dog can join and which plans are open to them. PetsOnMe covers pets from 6 weeks old. Age limits apply to some plans, and older dogs may only qualify for the Accidental Plan. If your dog is getting on, check eligibility before you settle on a plan.
Step 6: Weigh up flexibility and claims
A plan is a long relationship, so check how easy it is to live with. Look for no lock-in contracts, a choice of payment frequency, discounts, freedom to choose your vet and fast claims.
PetsOnMe has no lock-in contracts or exit fees. You can pay fortnightly, monthly or annually, with 5% off for paying annually and a further 5% off when you cover two or more pets. You can visit any registered vet in Australia, lodge claims online in a few minutes, and most eligible claims are reimbursed as soon as the next business day.
Your mid-level comparison checklist
Use this table to compare any mid-level plan against the PetsOnMe Classic Plan.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as mid-level dog insurance?
Mid-level cover usually includes both accidents and illnesses with a moderate annual limit. It sits between accident-only plans and top-tier plans with higher limits and extras.
Is mid-level cover enough for a young, healthy dog?
For many owners, yes. It covers accidents and illnesses, and getting covered while your dog is young means fewer pre-existing conditions to worry about later.
Does a lower excess make a plan better?
Not always. A lower excess means you pay less at claim time, while a higher excess usually lowers your regular investment. Choose the balance that suits your budget.
Can I upgrade from mid-level cover later?
With PetsOnMe you can change your plan. Upgrades are subject to age limits, and waiting periods start again on the upgraded cover.
Ready to get covered?
Take a few minutes to compare PetsOnMe plans side by side, or call our friendly team on 1300 489 873 to talk through the right fit for your dog.
This article is general information only and doesn’t take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. PetsOnMe pet insurance is issued by Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd (ABN 83 169 311 193, AFSL 523921) and distributed by Pets On Me Insurance Pty Limited (ABN 42 650 975 554, AR 1288975), an Authorised Representative of POMI Financial Services Pty Ltd (AFSL 700171). Limits, sub-limits, exclusions and waiting periods apply. Read the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination at petsonme.com.au before deciding.
