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What should Australian dog owners look for in mid-cover pet insurance? Start with the essentials: cover for both accidents and illnesses, a sensible annual limit, a clear reimbursement rate, and a choice of excess that suits your budget. Then check the details that trip people up, like waiting periods, hereditary conditions and cruciate ligament cover.
What mid-cover pet insurance means
Mid-cover sits between accident-only protection and top-level plans. It usually covers accidents and illnesses, with a yearly benefit limit that handles most common vet bills without the higher premium of the top tier.
Illnesses such as ear infections, skin conditions and gastro upsets are common reasons dogs see a vet, and accident-only plans do not cover them.
Annual limits and reimbursement rates
The annual limit is the most you can claim in a plan year. Vet bills for surgery, imaging and overnight care can run into the thousands, so a low limit can leave you paying the rest at a stressful time.
The reimbursement rate tells you how much of each eligible bill comes back to you. A plan that pays back 80% after your excess is easy to understand. Watch for per-condition limits hidden deeper in the document.
Excess options and your premium
Your excess is the amount you contribute before a claim is paid. A higher excess usually lowers your premium, while a lower excess means smaller out-of-pocket amounts when you claim.
- A $100 excess can suit dogs that visit the vet often.
- A $200 excess is a middle ground for many households.
- A $300 excess can keep premiums lower if you mainly want protection against bigger bills.
Waiting periods, hereditary and cruciate cover
Every plan has waiting periods before some types of cover begin. Conditions like hereditary problems and cruciate ligament injuries often have longer waiting periods than general illness, so check each one in the Product Disclosure Statement.
Hereditary cover matters for breeds prone to hip, joint, eye or skin conditions. Cruciate ligament injuries are a common reason for knee surgery in active and larger dogs. If either is missing from a mid-cover plan, you may be exposed to some of the biggest vet bills your dog could face.
Switching insurers? PetsOnMe waives waiting periods if you have held similar cover with another insurer for 12 months or more with no break in cover.
What mid-cover usually leaves out
Knowing the exclusions up front prevents surprises. With PetsOnMe, these are not covered:
- Pre-existing and congenital conditions
- Routine and preventative care, such as vaccinations and check-ups
- Elective procedures
- Breeding and pregnancy
- Behavioural problems
- Dental illness (select dental illness cover is available on the Deluxe Plan)
If dental illness is a concern for your breed, compare the Classic Plan with the Deluxe Plan, which adds select dental illness cover and a higher limit of up to $20,000 a year.
How the PetsOnMe Classic Plan fits the checklist
The Classic Plan is PetsOnMe’s mid-level cover. It includes accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, cruciate ligament injuries, third party liability, prescribed medication, tick paralysis, tests, surgery and hospitalisation for eligible conditions, all subject to the terms in the Product Disclosure Statement.
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. Claims are lodged online in a few minutes, and most eligible claims are reimbursed as soon as the next business day.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between mid cover and accident-only cover?
Accident-only cover pays for eligible accidental injuries. Mid cover adds illnesses, and often hereditary conditions and cruciate ligament injuries, subject to waiting periods and limits.
Is mid-cover pet insurance enough for a young dog?
For many young dogs it is a strong fit, as it covers common illnesses and injuries. Starting early also helps, because conditions that appear before cover begins are treated as pre-existing.
Does mid cover include routine care?
No. Vaccinations, check-ups and other preventative care are not covered on PetsOnMe plans.
Can I change my level of cover later?
Yes. PetsOnMe has no lock-in contracts or exit fees. Upgrades are subject to age limits, and waiting periods start again when you upgrade.
Ready to get covered?
Work through the checklist, then compare PetsOnMe plans side by side to find the right fit for your dog. Prefer to talk it through? Call our team on 1300 489 873.
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.
