Australian Seniors Pet Insurance 2025: Thorough Review, Coverage & Insights
Our expert's opinion on Australian Seniors
Australian Seniors offers pet insurance tailored primarily for older Australians but suitable for any adult pet owner, with two active plans (Essential and Top Cover) providing up to 80% reimbursement, high annual benefit limits of $12,000, and a rare $0 excess. The plans feature no per-condition limits and include an optional Routine Care benefit on Top Cover (up to $80/year) for everyday pet health items, and a notable 10% discount for policyholders aged 50 and above. Compared with leading Australian competitors, Australian Seniors stands out for its high reimbursement rate, no excess, and simple structure, though its pricing fits between budget and premium providers. Best suited for owners of young to middle-aged cats and dogs seeking strong coverage, especially those wanting high reimbursements and minimal out-of-pocket expenses without age bias at renewal. Underwritten by The Hollard Insurance Company and administered by PetSure—Australia’s largest pet insurer—Australian Seniors enjoys strong financial backing; its ProductReview.com.au score is an excellent 4.5/5 from 410 reviews, with 91% positive ratings, and most claims paid within 5–10 business days when submitted online (GapOnly at participating vets).
- ✅Up to 80% reimbursement, $12,000 annual limit
- ✅No excess on any claim
- ✅Lifelong cover if renewed, no new age exclusions
- ✅Routine Care option on Top Cover
- ✅10% Seniors discount (over 50)
- ✅Very user-friendly claims process, GapOnly available
- ✅Strong financial backing, high customer satisfaction
- ❌Accident Only plan no longer available to new customers
- ❌No coverage for pre-existing conditions
- ❌Excludes most dental unless Routine Care selected
- ❌Premiums can increase with pet age
- ❌Strict annual sub-limits for consultations, some procedures
- ✅Up to 80% reimbursement, $12,000 annual limit
- ✅No excess on any claim
- ✅Lifelong cover if renewed, no new age exclusions
- ✅Routine Care option on Top Cover
- ✅10% Seniors discount (over 50)
- ✅Very user-friendly claims process, GapOnly available
- ✅Strong financial backing, high customer satisfaction
Our expert's opinion on Australian Seniors
ScoreAustralian Seniors offers pet insurance tailored primarily for older Australians but suitable for any adult pet owner, with two active plans (Essential and Top Cover) providing up to 80% reimbursement, high annual benefit limits of $12,000, and a rare $0 excess. The plans feature no per-condition limits and include an optional Routine Care benefit on Top Cover (up to $80/year) for everyday pet health items, and a notable 10% discount for policyholders aged 50 and above. Compared with leading Australian competitors, Australian Seniors stands out for its high reimbursement rate, no excess, and simple structure, though its pricing fits between budget and premium providers. Best suited for owners of young to middle-aged cats and dogs seeking strong coverage, especially those wanting high reimbursements and minimal out-of-pocket expenses without age bias at renewal. Underwritten by The Hollard Insurance Company and administered by PetSure—Australia’s largest pet insurer—Australian Seniors enjoys strong financial backing; its ProductReview.com.au score is an excellent 4.5/5 from 410 reviews, with 91% positive ratings, and most claims paid within 5–10 business days when submitted online (GapOnly at participating vets).
- ✅Up to 80% reimbursement, $12,000 annual limit
- ✅No excess on any claim
- ✅Lifelong cover if renewed, no new age exclusions
- ✅Routine Care option on Top Cover
- ✅10% Seniors discount (over 50)
- ✅Very user-friendly claims process, GapOnly available
- ✅Strong financial backing, high customer satisfaction
- ❌Accident Only plan no longer available to new customers
- ❌No coverage for pre-existing conditions
- ❌Excludes most dental unless Routine Care selected
- ❌Premiums can increase with pet age
- ❌Strict annual sub-limits for consultations, some procedures
- ✅Up to 80% reimbursement, $12,000 annual limit
- ✅No excess on any claim
- ✅Lifelong cover if renewed, no new age exclusions
- ✅Routine Care option on Top Cover
- ✅10% Seniors discount (over 50)
- ✅Very user-friendly claims process, GapOnly available
- ✅Strong financial backing, high customer satisfaction
- Guarantees for Australian Seniors
- The Exclusions for Australian Seniors
- Prices for Australian Seniors
- Assistance for Australian Seniors
- Customer Reviews of Australian Seniors
- How to Contact Australian Seniors
- FAQ
Why Trust HelloSafe?
At HelloSafe, our team of pet insurance experts reviews the terms and pricing of policies available on the Australian market every year to offer you trustworthy and impartial insights. Thanks to this thorough process, hundreds of thousands of Australians rely on us each month to help them make their most important financial choices.
Guarantees for Australian Seniors
Australian Seniors offers three plans—Accident Only (no longer on sale), Essential, and Top Cover—designed for dogs and cats, with annual limits up to $12,000, reimbursement rates of up to 75% or 80%, and no excess on any tier.
Essential and Top Cover both include illness and major accident events, $300 consult caps, $2,600 cruciate ligament sub-limits, emergency boarding, overseas cover (NZ/Norfolk), tick paralysis ($1,000–$1,200), and lifelong renewal, while Top Cover uniquely allows an optional routine care add-on (max $80/year, strict item caps) for certain dental, wellness, alternative, and behavioural needs.
All plans provide medically necessary euthanasia, simple GapOnly claiming, and a 10% discount for over-50s, but preventive care, alternative therapies, and dental outside oral tumours are excluded except under the Top Cover add-on.
Australian Seniors excels for seniors and owners facing major vet costs but still excludes core wellness, dental, and liability benefits unless Top optional extras are selected, and routine sub-limits remain tightly capped.
Key comparative strengths lie in customer service ratings and lifetime renewal, but strict exclusions and limited standard wellness options are its main weaknesses.
| Name of coverage | Accident Only Cover | Essential Cover | Top Cover |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan positioning | Accident-only (legacy) | Core injury & illness | Premium illness & injury + routine add-on |
| Type of coverage (accident, illness, both, etc.) | Accidental injury only | Accidental injury & illness | Accidental injury & illness |
| Animals covered (dogs, cats, other) | Dogs and cats | Dogs and cats | Dogs and cats |
| Reimbursement rate (%) | Up to 80% | Up to 75% | Up to 80% |
| Annual reimbursement limit | $8,000 | $12,000 | $12,000 |
| Deductible (annual or per claim) | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Age limits for enrollment (for dogs and cats) | N.C. | 8 weeks to | 8 weeks to |
| Pre-enrollment health questionnaire | N.C. | N.C. | N.C. |
| Waiting period (illness) | N/A | 30 days | 30 days |
| Waiting period (accident) | None except cruciate | None except cruciate | None except cruciate |
| Lifetime coverage once subscribed | ✅ With continuous renewal | ✅ With continuous renewal | ✅ With continuous renewal |
| Vet consultations (regular + emergency) | $300 annual sub-limit | $300 annual sub-limit | $300 annual sub-limit |
| Medications | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Hospitalization | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Surgery (including anesthesia) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Diagnostic tests (X-ray, MRI, ultrasound, lab tests) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Dental care (includes scaling and procedures) | ❌ Except oral tumours | ❌ Except oral tumours | Optional in routine care add-on |
| Preventive care package (vaccines, antiparasitics, spaying/neutering, ID/microchipping) | ❌ | ❌ | Optional in routine care add-on |
| Alternative medicine (osteopathy, acupuncture, etc.) | ❌ | ❌ | Optional in routine care add-on |
| Travel coverage (countries included, duration) | ✅ NZ/Norfolk, up to 60 days | ✅ NZ/Norfolk, up to 60 days | ✅ NZ/Norfolk, up to 60 days |
| Civil liability | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Euthanasia | ✅ Medically required | ✅ Medically required | ✅ Medically required |
| Death & cremation coverage | ❌ | ❌ | Optional in routine care add-on |
| Theft or loss of pet + search expenses | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Boarding fees (if owner is hospitalized) | $500 annual sub-limit | $1,000 annual sub-limit | $1,000 annual sub-limit |
Important Policy Details
Six-month cruciate ligament waiting period (waivable with vet check).
Top Cover’s routine care is capped at $80/year and per-item sub-limits, with all plans allowing $300/year total for consults including house visits.
Compare Australian Seniors' Cover
Compare Australian Seniors’ sub-limits and extras with other providers before selecting a cover that meets your claims expectations and care priorities.
The Exclusions for Australian Seniors
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical exclusions | - Pre-existing conditions (including bilateral, chronic, or related) - Genetic or congenital if signs seen pre-policy/waiting period - Dental (except oral tumours; dental illness only if routine care add-on is selected) - Non-APVMA-approved medications - Conditions caused by intentional harm, neglect, or lack of reasonable care - Any illness/injury from fighting or hunting - Breeding or obstetrics (pregnancy complications, cesareans, etc.) |
| Routine, wellness & alternative exclusions | - Routine/preventive care (vaccinations, microchipping, flea/tick/worm, grooming, etc.) - Obedience, behavioural or training (unless via routine care add-on) - Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, hydrotherapy, herbal, homeopathic, physiotherapy, laser, chiropractic (except in routine care add-on where specifically listed) - Prescription diets and supplements - Cosmetic procedures (declawing, tail/ear/nail removal, etc.) |
| Non-medical/service exclusions | - Ambulance fees - Non-essential hospitalisation - Extra charges for house calls/home visits - Open heart surgery, organ transplants, prosthetics, external fixation devices, stem cell/plasma treatments - 3D printing or trial/experimental treatments - Genetic/chromosomal testing |
| Administrative and legal exclusions | - Any items/services/conditions not listed on your Certificate of Insurance - Unpaid or non-itemised invoices - Claims resulting from illegal activities by the owner - Consequential or economic loss - Procedures/services outside Australia/NZ/Norfolk Island after the allowed travel period |
| Identification/geographic exclusions | - Expenses for pets not legally owned, microchipped or registered if/when required - Treatments undertaken outside the allowed geographic coverage or time limits (usually 60 days abroad per trip) |
- Genetic or congenital if signs seen pre-policy/waiting period
- Dental (except oral tumours; dental illness only if routine care add-on is selected)
- Non-APVMA-approved medications
- Conditions caused by intentional harm, neglect, or lack of reasonable care
- Any illness/injury from fighting or hunting
- Breeding or obstetrics (pregnancy complications, cesareans, etc.)
- Obedience, behavioural or training (unless via routine care add-on)
- Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, hydrotherapy, herbal, homeopathic, physiotherapy, laser, chiropractic (except in routine care add-on where specifically listed)
- Prescription diets and supplements
- Cosmetic procedures (declawing, tail/ear/nail removal, etc.)
- Non-essential hospitalisation
- Extra charges for house calls/home visits
- Open heart surgery, organ transplants, prosthetics, external fixation devices, stem cell/plasma treatments
- 3D printing or trial/experimental treatments
- Genetic/chromosomal testing
- Unpaid or non-itemised invoices
- Claims resulting from illegal activities by the owner
- Consequential or economic loss
- Procedures/services outside Australia/NZ/Norfolk Island after the allowed travel period
- Treatments undertaken outside the allowed geographic coverage or time limits (usually 60 days abroad per trip)
Prices for Australian Seniors
Australian Seniors occupies a solidly mid-range position within the Australian pet insurance market, balancing comprehensive accident and illness coverage, high annual limits, and up to 80% reimbursement, with zero excess on all plans.
While it does not dominate on price alone, the combination of decent sub-limits (especially for chronic/complex medical cases) and a user-friendly, partially digital claims process supports good value for money for most pet owners.
Routine care coverage is only available as a paid add-on and is capped, meaning wellness-focused customers may find more inclusive but costlier alternatives elsewhere.
In comparison, Seniors’ pricing is typically neither the cheapest nor the most expensive—it targets those seeking strong baseline protection and lifetime renewal rather than premium “all-inclusive” benefits.
This makes Australian Seniors best suited for value-oriented owners who prioritise predictable reimbursement and reliability over extensive wellness cover or ultra-low monthly premiums.
Compare monthly pet insurance premiums by plan and pet profile to find your best fit.
| Accident Only Cover (legacy) | Essential Cover | Top Cover | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Young cat (2–4 years) | N.C. | $29–$32/month | $33–$36/month |
| Senior cat (7–8 years) | N.C. | $39–$44/month | $45–$51/month |
| Small breed dog | N.C. | $35–$42/month | $39–$46/month |
| Small breed dog (2–4 years) | N.C. | $33–$39/month | $37–$44/month |
| Large breed dog (2–4 years) | N.C. | $48–$57/month | $53–$63/month |
| Senior dog (7–8 years) | N.C. | $68–$80/month | $75–$90/month |
Promo Codes for Australian Seniors
| Australian Seniors Promo Codes | Details |
|---|---|
| HelloSafe Promo Code | -5% on your quote |
Note: Promo codes are subject to change. For the latest offers, check our comparison of the best pet insurance providers.
What reimbursement amount can I expect with Australian Seniors?
Australian Seniors reimburses up to 80% of eligible vet bills on the Top Cover plan, leaving you with only a small out-of-pocket cost and no annual excess, so you can easily predict your share of the bill and cover your pet with confidence.
Reimbursement Details: Vomiting and Dehydration Treatment
Consultation and treatment for vomiting and dehydration. Total vet costs: $350 (consultation, bloodwork, fluids, medications) Deductible amount to subtract: $0 (no excess on the Top Cover plan) Amount eligible for reimbursement: $350 × 80% = $280 👉 You receive a reimbursement of $280, and your out-of-pocket cost is only $70. ℹ️ You pay nothing as a deductible per claim or per year, making Top Cover simple and predictable for budgeting treatment costs.
Cruciate Ligament Surgery Cost & Reimbursement Example
Cruciate ligament surgery for a large dog. Total vet costs: $3,200 (pre-op consults, surgery, several days in hospital, post-op care). Deductible amount: $0. Reimbursement at 80% under Top Cover: $3,200 × 80% = $2,560. 👉 You are reimbursed $2,560, and your out-of-pocket share is $640. ℹ️ The annual sub-limit for cruciate ligament treatment on Top Cover is $2,600. If total eligible costs exceed this, you would pay the difference above the sub-limit.
Routine Care Reimbursement Example
Annual vaccination and health check (if Routine Care option is selected)
Total vet costs: $120 (vaccination plus routine check-up)
Routine Care benefit remaining: $80/year
Covered amount: $80 (plan maximum per year reimbursed)
👉 You receive $80 back, and pay the remaining $40 yourself.
ℹ️ Routine/preventive care is reimbursed only up to the plan’s annual Routine Care cap. Remember to check your remaining balance each year.
Assistance for Australian Seniors
| Assistance Australian Seniors | Available? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Advance payment | ❌ | N.C. – No mention of Payvet, Petcard, or Carecredit advance payment solutions in documentation or FAQs. |
| Payment facilities | ❌ | N.C. – No stated option for interest-free instalments or multi-month payments. Premiums payable monthly or annually by direct debit or card. |
| Mobile app | ❌ | N.C. – No mobile app available for policy management or claims; online portal used for digital submissions. |
| Paperless claims process | ✅ | Claims submitted via online portal or email; simple PDF upload for receipts and forms. Electronic vet submissions (GapOnly) available at select clinics. |
| Emergency vet service | ❌ | No 24/7 teleconsultation or telephone-based emergency veterinary triage service. Owners must contact vet directly in an emergency. |
| Vet/clinic partner network | ❌ | No formal partner clinic network. Any qualified, registered vet in Australia is accepted for claims (not limited to a provider network). |
| Coverage abroad | ✅ | Emergency vet bills covered in New Zealand and Norfolk Island for up to 60 days per trip; not valid for other countries or longer stays. |
Customer Reviews of Australian Seniors
| Review platform | Rating and number of reviews |
|---|---|
| ProductReview.com.au | 4.5 out of 5 (410 reviews) |
We analyzed reviews from the sites listed above. On the positive side, customers who subscribed to Australian Seniors for their pets often mention:
- ✅ A fast and simple setup and claims process, which many users find easy to navigate.
- ✅ Friendly and helpful customer service, with staff often singled out for supportiveness.
- ✅ A good online portal and the GapOnly feature, which effectively reduces out-of-pocket costs at participating vets.
- ✅ Strong overall value for money and clear policy transparency, as reported by a broad majority of customers.
On the negative side:
- ❌ A steady and sometimes steep increase in premiums as pets age, occasionally outpacing customer expectations.
- ❌ An absence of coverage for pre-existing conditions, which leads to disappointment for some policyholders.
- ❌ Some claims being delayed or complicated due to vet report requirements or claim assessment processes.
- ❌ Frustration over elected out-of-pocket costs for certain routine treatments and policy limitations on specific events or conditions.
How to Contact Australian Seniors
| Australian Seniors Customer Service | Details |
|---|---|
| To get a quote or subscribe online | You can use the HelloSafe pet insurance comparison tool, choose the plan that suits you, and click to get a quote. |
| To request and track a reimbursement | Submit your claim online at https://portal.petsure.com.au/seniors/ or by email to [email protected]. You need a paid, itemised vet invoice, completed claim form (available online), and supporting documents. GapOnly claims can be processed directly at participating vets. Claims are processed by EFT to your nominated bank account, usually within 5–7 business days of receiving all required information. |
| To obtain a certificate of insurance | Call 1300 794 915 (Mon–Fri, 8am–8pm AEST) or email [email protected] to request your insurance certificate. You may also write to: Seniors Pet Insurance, Locked Bag 9021, Castle Hill NSW 1765. |
| To contact assistance | For general and claims-related assistance, call 1300 794 915 (Mon–Fri, 8am–8pm AEST) or email [email protected]. For policy support, you may also use the postal address: Seniors Pet Insurance, Locked Bag 9021, Castle Hill NSW 1765. |
| To cancel my policy | Call 1300 794 915 (Mon–Fri, 8am–8pm AEST) or email [email protected] to request cancellation. Written confirmation of your request and policy details (name, policy number) may be required. Notice period: usually immediate, but any paid premium beyond the cancellation effective date is refunded; confirm with support if special documentation is required. You may also write to: Seniors Pet Insurance, Locked Bag 9021, Castle Hill NSW 1765. |
You need a paid, itemised vet invoice, completed claim form (available online), and supporting documents.
GapOnly claims can be processed directly at participating vets.
Claims are processed by EFT to your nominated bank account, usually within 5–7 business days of receiving all required information.
You may also write to: Seniors Pet Insurance, Locked Bag 9021, Castle Hill NSW 1765.
For policy support, you may also use the postal address: Seniors Pet Insurance, Locked Bag 9021, Castle Hill NSW 1765.
Written confirmation of your request and policy details (name, policy number) may be required.
Notice period: usually immediate, but any paid premium beyond the cancellation effective date is refunded; confirm with support if special documentation is required.
You may also write to: Seniors Pet Insurance, Locked Bag 9021, Castle Hill NSW 1765.
FAQ
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Australian Seniors?
Yes, you will generally need to pay your vet upfront at the time of treatment. Australian Seniors reimburses you for eligible expenses after you submit your paid, itemised invoice and claim forms. However, you can benefit from the GapOnly service at participating clinics, where your claim is processed on the spot and you only pay the gap not covered by insurance. Always check with your vet if they offer GapOnly before your visit.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Australian Seniors?
To cancel, contact Australian Seniors by phone or email with your policy details. There is no minimum notice period, and cancellation is effective on the date you specify. You may be asked for written confirmation and your policy number. Any unused premium will be refunded if applicable.
What waiting periods apply to cover with Australian Seniors?
For the Essential and Top Cover plans, accidents are covered immediately (except for cruciate ligament conditions, which have a 6-month waiting period). Most illnesses are covered after a 30-day waiting period. It's important to note that certain sub-limits and longer waiting periods may apply for specific conditions, as explained in the policy documents.
Does Australian Seniors cover pre-existing conditions or dental care?
Pre-existing conditions—including chronic, ongoing, or bilateral conditions with symptoms before the policy start—are not covered. Dental care is excluded except for oral tumours and dental illness if you have the Routine Care option on the Top Cover plan. All standard dental procedures (cleaning, scaling, fractured teeth) are not reimbursed on most plans.
Can I take my pet to any vet in Australia, and is there coverage abroad?
You can visit any qualified and registered vet in Australia for covered treatments. Overseas cover is included for treatment in New Zealand and Norfolk Island, up to 60 days per trip. Treatment costs incurred outside these locations or for longer stays will not be reimbursed. Always keep itemised invoices and clinical notes for your claim.
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Australian Seniors?
Yes, you will generally need to pay your vet upfront at the time of treatment. Australian Seniors reimburses you for eligible expenses after you submit your paid, itemised invoice and claim forms. However, you can benefit from the GapOnly service at participating clinics, where your claim is processed on the spot and you only pay the gap not covered by insurance. Always check with your vet if they offer GapOnly before your visit.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Australian Seniors?
To cancel, contact Australian Seniors by phone or email with your policy details. There is no minimum notice period, and cancellation is effective on the date you specify. You may be asked for written confirmation and your policy number. Any unused premium will be refunded if applicable.
What waiting periods apply to cover with Australian Seniors?
For the Essential and Top Cover plans, accidents are covered immediately (except for cruciate ligament conditions, which have a 6-month waiting period). Most illnesses are covered after a 30-day waiting period. It's important to note that certain sub-limits and longer waiting periods may apply for specific conditions, as explained in the policy documents.
Does Australian Seniors cover pre-existing conditions or dental care?
Pre-existing conditions—including chronic, ongoing, or bilateral conditions with symptoms before the policy start—are not covered. Dental care is excluded except for oral tumours and dental illness if you have the Routine Care option on the Top Cover plan. All standard dental procedures (cleaning, scaling, fractured teeth) are not reimbursed on most plans.
Can I take my pet to any vet in Australia, and is there coverage abroad?
You can visit any qualified and registered vet in Australia for covered treatments. Overseas cover is included for treatment in New Zealand and Norfolk Island, up to 60 days per trip. Treatment costs incurred outside these locations or for longer stays will not be reimbursed. Always keep itemised invoices and clinical notes for your claim.
