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Yes, pet insurance can cover surgery, but what is covered depends on your plan. Accident-only plans generally cover surgery after an accident, while accident and illness plans can also cover surgery for eligible illnesses. If you are looking for best-value pet insurance for dogs needing surgery and accidents, check the plan’s annual limit, waiting periods and exclusions before you commit.
Does pet insurance cover surgery for accidents?
Most plans that cover accidents include related vet treatment, which can include surgery. Common examples are broken bones, wounds that need stitching, swallowed objects and injuries from car accidents or dog fights.
The PetsOnMe Accidental Plan covers accidents and related vet treatment, up to $5,000 a year. It also covers prescribed medication, tick paralysis and third party liability.
Does pet insurance cover surgery for illness?
Only accident and illness plans cover surgery for illness. That could include removing a lump, treating a blocked bladder or surgery for a gut problem. The PetsOnMe Classic Plan (up to $10,000 a year) and Deluxe Plan (up to $20,000 a year) include surgery, operating theatre fees and hospitalisation for eligible conditions.
Surgery cover at a glance
What surgery is usually not covered?
Every plan has exclusions. PetsOnMe plans do not cover:
- Pre-existing conditions, meaning signs or symptoms that showed before cover started or during a waiting period
- Congenital conditions
- Elective procedures such as desexing or cosmetic surgery
- Breeding and pregnancy, including caesareans
- Routine and preventative care
- Dental illness, except for select dental cover on the Deluxe Plan
The full list is in the Product Disclosure Statement.
How waiting periods affect surgery cover
Waiting periods apply before some types of cover start. Some conditions, such as hereditary conditions and cruciate ligament injuries, have longer waiting periods than others. If your dog shows signs of a problem during a waiting period, that condition may be treated as pre-existing.
The simple lesson is to get covered early, ideally while your dog is young and healthy. Pets can join PetsOnMe from 6 weeks old.
Questions to ask your vet before surgery
Surgery can feel overwhelming, so a few clear questions help. Ask your vet what the procedure involves, what tests are needed beforehand, how long your dog may stay in hospital and what aftercare looks like at home. Ask for a written estimate too. This helps you plan and makes lodging your claim simpler later. If you are unsure whether a treatment is covered, check your plan and the PDS, or call our team before the procedure where time allows.
How to claim for surgery
- Take your dog to any registered vet in Australia.
- Pay the vet bill and ask for an itemised invoice and clinical notes.
- Lodge your claim online. It takes a few minutes.
- Most eligible claims are reimbursed as soon as the next business day. PetsOnMe pays back 80% of eligible vet bills, less your excess.
Your excess is $100, $200 or $300, depending on what you chose when you took out your plan.
Frequently asked questions
Does pet insurance cover emergency surgery?
Emergency surgery for an eligible accident or illness can be covered, depending on your plan and subject to the terms in the PDS. Waiting periods and exclusions still apply.
Is desexing covered by pet insurance?
No. Desexing is an elective procedure and is not covered by PetsOnMe plans.
How much of a surgery bill will I get back?
PetsOnMe pays back 80% of eligible vet bills, less your excess, up to your plan’s annual limit.
Can I upgrade my plan before my dog needs surgery?
You can change your plan, as there are no lock-in contracts. Upgrades are subject to age limits, and waiting periods start again on upgrade, so any condition that has already shown signs will not be covered.
Ready to get covered?
You can compare PetsOnMe plans online in a few minutes, or call our team on 1300 489 873 for a chat about the right level of protection for your dog.
This article is general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from your vet. If you’re worried about your pet’s health, contact your vet or an emergency animal hospital straight away.
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.
