How to Choose the Best Insurance For Your Pet

Choosing pet insurance in Australia can feel overwhelming, especially with so many different plans, providers, and policy terms. But a bit of research goes a long way — and knowing what to look for can help you find the right cover for your pet’s health needs and your budget.

1. Understand What You Want Covered

Most Australian insurers offer three tiers of coverage:

Accident-only cover – Helps pay for emergencies like car accidents, snake bites, and fractures. Good for budget-conscious pet owners.
Accident and illness cover – Adds protection for conditions like cancer, ear infections, skin allergies, and arthritis.
Comprehensive cover – Offers the most complete protection, including dental illness, behavioural therapy, and routine care extras.

Keep in mind that pre-existing conditions are usually excluded, so it’s better to insure your pet early while they’re healthy.

2. Evaluate Claim Limits

Every policy sets annual claim limits and sub-limits for specific treatments (like dental work or tick paralysis). For example, treatment for cruciate ligament injuries can cost over $3,000 in Australia — so choosing a policy with sufficient limits is essential, especially for high-risk breeds.

3. Choose a Flexible Policy

A flexible pet insurance plan lets you customise things like:

Excess: The amount you pay upfront before claiming
Benefit percentage: The percentage of the vet bill your insurer reimburses (typically 70% to 90%)

This lets you tailor your premiums and out-of-pocket costs to match your financial situation.

4. Check Waiting Periods and Exclusions

Waiting periods vary between insurers:

Typically 30 days for illnesses
6 months for cruciate ligament or orthopaedic conditions

Routine care like vaccinations, worming, and dental cleaning isn’t usually included unless you choose it as an optional add-on.

5. Research the Insurer’s Reputation

When comparing providers, check their:

Claim processing speed
Customer reviews
Clarity of terms and exclusions
Location — an Australian-based provider is often easier to deal with

PetsOnMe Insurance ticks all these boxes — with:

3 flexible plan options: Accident, Classic, and Deluxe
Easy online sign-up and claims
Next business day processing for approved claims

Final Tip: Don’t Wait Too Long

Many Aussies delay buying pet insurance — only to be caught out by exclusions for pre-existing conditions. Insuring your pet early gives them better cover and gives you better peace of mind.