Best cat insurance in Australia | Ranking 2025
- Most comprehensive plan available.
- Includes dental illness cover.
- Covers hereditary conditions.
- Third-party liability included.
- Covers prescribed medications.
- Most comprehensive plan available.
- Includes dental illness cover.
- Covers hereditary conditions.
- Third-party liability included.
- Covers prescribed medications.
Pets On Me’s Deluxe Plan offers customizable reimbursement rates and per-event excesses. It provides comprehensive coverage for accidents and illnesses, including hereditary conditions with an annual sub-limit, and third-party liability. Dental illness cover is included for specific conditions like abscesses and gingivitis, contingent on annual vet dental checks. Preventive care is excluded. The plan's annual coverage limit is not specified in the provided documentation. Waiting periods include 21 days for illness and 180 days for cruciate, hereditary, and dental conditions.
Positioned as Pets On Me’s most extensive offering, the Deluxe Plan stands out for its inclusion of dental illness and hereditary condition coverage, often optional or excluded in basic plans. However, its strict exclusions for brachycephalic airway syndrome and the limitation on chronic conditions to the first year of diagnosis represent significant weaknesses compared to more inclusive market alternatives.
The insurer supports digital claims submission via its online portal. No advance payment service like Payvet is mentioned, nor is an average reimbursement processing time. Value-added services such as 24/7 vet helplines are not referenced.
This plan suits pet owners seeking broad accident and illness coverage, including specific dental and hereditary benefits, who are comfortable with defined exclusions and the necessity of regular veterinary dental examinations. It appeals to those who value the flexibility of selecting their reimbursement rate and excess.
- High $30,000 annual limit offers extensive cover.
- No sub-limits per condition, only annual cap.
- Excess applies once per condition for pet's life.
- Direct-to-vet claims possible for convenience.
- 24/7 in-app vet support for emergencies.
- High $30,000 annual limit offers extensive cover.
- No sub-limits per condition, only annual cap.
- Excess applies once per condition for pet's life.
- Direct-to-vet claims possible for convenience.
- 24/7 in-app vet support for emergencies.
Fetch Pet Insurance provides a comprehensive plan in Australia, featuring a $30,000 annual coverage limit without sub-limits on individual conditions. Policyholders customise their reimbursement rate (70%, 80%, or 90%) and excess, which applies once per condition for the pet's lifetime. The plan covers a broad spectrum of care, including accidents, illnesses, diagnostics, surgeries, hospitalisation, and prescribed medications. Dental injury and illness are covered under specific conditions, notably excluding routine cleanings and pre-existing issues. Preventive care is not included.
This plan's modularity allows precise customisation of financial contribution. Its high annual limit and absence of per-condition sub-limits position it strongly for extensive medical events in the Australian market. A key limitation is the exclusion of routine and preventive care, alongside strict dental and certain complementary therapy limitations.
Fetch operates as a fully digital, app-managed insurer. It offers 24/7 in-app vet support and facilitates digital claims submission, with pre-approvals available. Reimbursement processing is generally fast, as reported by customers, though no advance payment service is offered.
This plan suits pet owners prioritising substantial accident and illness coverage without per-condition caps. It appeals to those who value digital convenience and the flexibility to tailor their financial contribution, rather than seeking integrated routine care benefits.
- Illness cover included: Covers common pet illnesses.
- Hereditary conditions covered: Hereditary conditions covered with sub-limit.
- Third-party liability included: Protects against pet-caused damage/injury.
- Accident cover provided: Essential protection for unexpected injuries.
- Non-elective euthanasia: Covers end-of-life costs.
- Illness cover included: Covers common pet illnesses.
- Hereditary conditions covered: Hereditary conditions covered with sub-limit.
- Third-party liability included: Protects against pet-caused damage/injury.
- Accident cover provided: Essential protection for unexpected injuries.
- Non-elective euthanasia: Covers end-of-life costs.
Pets On Me's Classic Plan offers customizable reimbursement rates and per-event excesses, with the annual coverage limit not specified in the provided documentation. It comprehensively covers accidents and illnesses, including diagnostics, surgeries, hospitalizations, prescribed medications, and non-elective euthanasia. Hereditary conditions are covered, subject to an annual sub-limit and a 180-day waiting period. Third-party liability is also included. Preventive care and dental illness are explicitly excluded from this plan.
The plan's flexibility allows policyholders to select their preferred reimbursement percentage and excess structure. Positioned as a mid-tier offering, it provides robust accident and illness protection, distinguishing itself from basic accident-only plans. However, its lack of preventive care and dental illness coverage, coupled with specific exclusions for brachycephalic airway syndrome and limitations on chronic condition coverage (first occurrence/year only), represent notable weaknesses compared to competitors offering more comprehensive or integrated wellness benefits.
Pets On Me supports digital claims submission via an online portal or email. No advance payment service like Payvet is available, and average reimbursement processing times are not specified.
This plan suits pet owners prioritizing core accident and illness coverage, who appreciate policy customization for reimbursement and excess, and who manage preventive and dental care costs outside of their insurance. It is relevant for owners whose pets are not affected by brachycephalic conditions and who are comfortable with digital claim processes.
- Up to $30,000 annual claim limit.
- Pay only the gap with GapOnly™ claims.
- Most claims processed within 1 day.
- Free 24/7 VetAssist for advice.
- 10% monthly Woolworths grocery discount.
- Up to $30,000 annual claim limit.
- Pay only the gap with GapOnly™ claims.
- Most claims processed within 1 day.
- Free 24/7 VetAssist for advice.
- 10% monthly Woolworths grocery discount.
Woolworths Comprehensive Plus offers an 80% reimbursement rate with an annual coverage limit up to $30,000. Deductibles are variable, specified on the Certificate. The plan covers specified accidental injuries, including cruciate ligament conditions after a 6-month waiting period, and a broad range of illnesses such as cancer and gastrointestinal issues. Preventive care, like vaccinations and dental scaling, is available as an optional Routine Care add-on.
This plan provides lifetime cover if initiated before the pet's ninth birthday and maintained without lapse. A 21-day cooling-off period is standard. Positioned competitively, its main advantages include the substantial $30,000 annual limit, a unique 10% monthly Woolworths grocery discount, and complimentary 24/7 VetAssist access. The GapOnly® service facilitates on-the-spot claims at participating veterinary clinics. Weaknesses include the absence of multi-pet discounts and potential premium increases for older pets or after claims.
The insurer supports digital claims through its portal. Claims are processed efficiently, with 90% within one day and 98% within five days. This plan is relevant for pet owners seeking robust financial protection against significant veterinary costs, who appreciate integrated loyalty benefits, and prefer digital tools for policy management and immediate claim processing.
- Highly customizable plan options.
- High annual benefit limit up to $25,000.
- Direct payment to vet available.
- Excellent customer satisfaction and fast claims.
- No sub-limits on covered conditions.
- Highly customizable plan options.
- High annual benefit limit up to $25,000.
- Direct payment to vet available.
- Excellent customer satisfaction and fast claims.
- No sub-limits on covered conditions.
Petsy Pet Protection Plus offers a highly customizable plan for Australian pet owners, allowing selection of an annual benefit limit up to $25,000, a benefit percentage of 80% or 90%, and an annual excess from $0 upwards. Core coverage includes vet costs for injuries, illnesses, essential euthanasia, and emergency pet boarding. Preventive care is not included. Optional benefits for dental illness, behavioural conditions, and specialised therapies are available, though restricted to pets under 3 years old at policy inception.
The plan's modularity allows policyholders to tailor coverage to their budget and needs. Petsy facilitates direct vet payments for approved claims and offers a transparent pre-existing condition review process. Compared to competitors, its strength lies in extensive customisation and a strong digital claims experience. A notable limitation is the absence of integrated wellness benefits and the age restriction on optional cover for dental and behavioural issues.
Petsy operates as a digital-first insurer. Claims are submitted online, and customer reviews frequently highlight a fast, seamless process with direct vet payment capabilities. While an average processing time isn't specified, feedback indicates efficiency.
This plan suits pet owners who prioritize flexibility in coverage design, possess younger pets for optional benefit eligibility, and appreciate a streamlined digital claims experience. It is also relevant for those who prefer to manage routine and preventive care outside their insurance policy.
- Why take out pet insurance for a cat?
- What's usually covered in cat insurance?
- What’s not covered in cat insurance?
- How much does pet insurance cost for a cat?
- Tips for choosing the right insurance for a cat
- FAQ
Why take out pet insurance for a cat?
In Australia, vet costs for cats have surged by more than 20% since 2019, driven by advanced diagnostics and increased rates of chronic disease among domestic pets. Annual check-ups, vaccinations, and parasite treatments are just the beginning—serious procedures like dental extractions ($400–$1,200), emergency hospitalisation (often $1,500–$3,000+), and imaging (up to $1,500) are now common. Cats are especially prone to congenital and hereditary illnesses such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, kidney disease, and breed-related fragilities in Persians or Scottish Folds. Even routine health problems—like dental disease, affecting over 70% of cats by age three—can result in ongoing and unexpected costs.
With regular care, medication for chronic thyroid or renal conditions, and a single accident or infection potentially costing thousands, being uninsured means every dollar comes straight from your savings. For example, emergency surgery after a fall or urinary blockage can exceed $2,000 AUD in a single visit, with subsequent medication and reviews adding hundreds each year. In today’s climate of climbing veterinary bills and increasing claims—the annual cost of cat insurance now matches the reality of veterinary expenses. Pet insurance is a strategic financial safeguard for cat owners, offering protection against unpredictable and unavoidable health and accident risks.
| Treatment/Procedure | Typical Vet Cost (AUD) | Out-of-Pocket (No Insurance) | Insurance Coverage Level | Owner Pays (With Insurance) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Routine Check-up & Vax | $120 | $120 | 80% | $24 |
| Dental Cleaning | $400 | $400 | 80% | $80 |
| Dental Extraction | $1,200 | $1,200 | 80% | $240 |
| Imaging (X-ray/MRI) | $1,000 | $1,000 | 80% | $200 |
| Emergency Hospitalisation | $2,000 | $2,000 | 80% | $400 |
| Surgery (routine) | $1,000 | $1,000 | 80% | $200 |
| Annual Premium (comprehensive) | $1,200 | $0 | — | $1,200 (annual) |
What's usually covered in cat insurance?
Routine veterinary consultations, vaccinations, and annual checkups are widely reimbursed by pet insurance for cats in Australia, typically covering up to $200–$350 per year—critical for the early detection of chronic kidney disease and viral infections that are prevalent and costly in adulthood.
Dental care, such as cleanings and extractions, is covered by many premium policies with annual caps between $500 and $1,000, a major benefit since dental disease affects over 70% of cats and advanced dental work can otherwise result in surprise bills over $1,200 per procedure.
Both routine and emergency surgeries, including procedures for broken bones or intestinal blockages, are routinely reimbursed—often up to $2,000–$4,000 per year or per claim, after a short waiting period (typically 14–30 days for illness, 1–3 days for accidents), and with 70–90% of costs refunded depending on plan level. Imaging such as x-rays and MRIs, sometimes needed for injury or suspected cancer, are also covered under most plans, reimbursing between 70% and 90% and capped at $1,500 per annum.
For chronic treatments—such as diabetes management or long-term medication—many comprehensive plans offer up to $5,000–$10,000 per year in reimbursements, which is essential as older cats face increased risk of endocrine and renal diseases. Selecting coverage that aligns with your cat’s real risks ensures financial protection against the most common—and expensive—health threats in Australia.
| Name of coverage | 🟢 Essential / 🟠 Recommended | Coverage (Basic Plan) | Coverage (Premium Plan) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vet consultations | 🟢 Essential | Up to $150/year | Up to $350/year |
| Vaccinations | 🟢 Essential | Up to $100/year | Up to $200/year |
| Surgery (accident/illness) | 🟢 Essential | Up to $1,000/claim | Up to $4,000/claim |
| Emergency hospitalisation | 🟢 Essential | Up to $1,500/year | Up to $3,000/year |
| Dental care (cleaning/extraction) | 🟢 Essential | Not included / Optional add-on | Up to $1,000/year |
| Imaging (x-ray/MRI) | 🟢 Essential | Up to $500/year | Up to $1,500/year |
| Chronic disease treatment | 🟢 Essential | Up to $2,000/year | Up to $10,000/year |
| Flea/worm prevention | 🟠 Recommended | Not included | Up to $200/year |
| Prescription food | 🟠 Recommended | Not included | Up to $300/year |
| Behavioural therapy | 🟠 Recommended | Not included | Up to $500/year (with referral) |
Example of insurance coverage for major surgery
Example: A 7-year-old cat requires surgery for a urinary blockage, costing $2,200. With a premium insurance plan covering 90% reimbursement after a $200 deductible, the owner pays only the $200 deductible, and the plan covers the remaining $2,000—no further out-of-pocket expenses are needed. This structure means even major procedures can be nearly fully reimbursed after you’ve met the deductible for the policy period.
What’s not covered in cat insurance?
When it comes to pet insurance for cats in Australia, it’s important to be aware that certain exclusions will apply, and these may vary depending on the insurer.
Most commonly, pre-existing conditions—illnesses or injuries noted before starting the policy or during the waiting period—are excluded from coverage; this often affects senior cats, who are more likely to have a history of chronic conditions or previous surgeries.
Congenital or hereditary conditions (such as heart defects in certain breeds like the British Shorthair or Persian) may be partially excluded or covered only by specific providers, so read the small print if your cat’s breed is high-risk.
Routine and elective services (such as desexing, grooming, or microchipping), as well as preventive care like flea or worming treatments, are frequently not covered on basic plans, though premium plans may include some preventive measures.
Some policies may also have geographic or legal exclusions—such as treatment done outside Australia or in non-accredited clinics.
Because the details differ between insurers, always ask for a full, easy-to-read list of exclusions before you sign up, to ensure your expectations—and your cat’s needs—are fully met.
| Grouped exclusion | Description / Context | Example in AU context | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical: Pre-existing conditions | Any illness or injury before policy start/waiting period | Diabetes in a senior cat diagnosed last year | Usually not covered |
| Medical: Congenital/hereditary disorders | Illnesses cats are born with or genetically prone to | Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in British Shorthair | Sometimes covered by premium only |
| Medical: Routine/preventive care | Everyday or optional treatments | Desexing, microchipping, dental cleans | Often not covered in basic plans |
| Medical: Elective/cosmetic procedures | Non-essential intervention | Grooming, declawing, breed-specific cosmetic work | Not covered |
| Medical: Dental treatments | Complex dental care/extractions | Full mouth dental extraction for advanced disease | Sometimes excluded/limited cap |
| Legal/Geographic: Out of territory care | Care received outside Australia | Surgery during overseas travel | Rarely covered |
| Legal: Non-registered clinics | Treatment at non-accredited/unlicensed veterinarians | Home visit from uncertified “pet nurse” | Excluded by most providers |
| Behavioural: Training/therapy | Non-medical behavioural modification | Obedience school, cat behaviourist consultation | Usually an add-on or excluded |
| Vaccination/Preventive: Not in all plans | Some plans exclude or cap vaccination/flea/worming coverage | Annual F3 vaccination, flea/worm regime | Check plan specifics |
How much does pet insurance cost for a cat?
Certain criteria significantly influence the insurance premiums you’ll pay for a cat in Australia.
- Breed: Pedigree cats like Maine Coons and British Shorthairs often have higher premiums (up to +25%) due to hereditary health risks, compared to domestic short-hairs or mixed breeds.
- Age: Premiums typically increase each year as your cat ages; for example, annual costs can double past age 10 (jumping from ~$30/month at age 2 to $60–$80/month for cats over 10), reflecting increased risk of chronic illness.
- Pre-existing conditions: If your cat has a history of chronic issues such as kidney disease or diabetes, insurers may either exclude those conditions or apply an extra loading—some providers increase premiums by 15–30% after a major claim.
- Location: Living in metro areas like Sydney or Melbourne can add 10–15% to your premium, as local vet bills are measurably higher than in regional areas.
- Level of cover: Choosing a comprehensive plan (accident + illness + routine care) typically costs 2–3 times more than accident-only coverage, with many owners paying $80–$100/month for full protection vs. $25–$35/month for basics.
- Claims history: Submitting a large claim—such as for $2,000 surgery—may cause your renewal premium to rise by 20% or more the following year.
- Gender and desexing: Insurers may offer a slight discount (up to 5%) for desexed female cats, as they typically face fewer preventable health risks.
| Cat breed & age | Basic cover (monthly) | Premium cover (monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Ragdoll (2 years old) | $30 | $75 |
| Ragdoll (10 years old) | $58 | $120 |
| British Shorthair (2 years old) | $28 | $70 |
| British Shorthair (10 years old) | $54 | $115 |
| Domestic Shorthair (2 years old) | $24 | $62 |
| Domestic Shorthair (10 years old) | $46 | $99 |
Tips for choosing the right insurance for a cat
| Tips | Impact on premium |
|---|---|
| Compare offers using HelloSafe | See which insurers cover breed-related and chronic feline conditions. |
| Prioritise reimbursement for dental care | Dental disease affects over 70% of cats by age 5; plans with dental cover cost more but save on future vet bills. |
| For pedigree cats, check hereditary disease exclusions | Ragdolls and Persians are prone to genetic issues—cover for these can increase premiums by 10–25%. |
| Ask about the maximum entry age for your cat | Some providers won’t accept first-time enrollees over 9–10 years old. |
| Consider optional accident cover for outdoor cats | Trauma claims are higher for cats with outdoor access; this boosts premiums but is vital for emergencies. |
| Choose plans that allow tele-vet consults | Useful for indoor-only cats or those that get stressed at the clinic, and may lower routine care costs. |
| Check if coverage extends to prescription diets | Chronic kidney disease is common in senior cats—diet support may add to premiums but helps long-term. |
| Confirm how claims and premium increases are handled after large vet bills | In AU, submitting a $2,000 claim could lead to next-year premium rises of 20% or more. |
FAQ
What does cat insurance typically cover in Australia?
Most policies cover accidents and illnesses, including surgeries, hospital stays, diagnostics, and medications. Some premium plans also contribute towards dental treatment and chronic disease management, but routine care or pre-existing conditions are often excluded. Awaiting periods apply for illnesses (14–30 days) and shorter for accidents.
Is there an age limit for insuring my cat?
Yes, most insurers prefer to start coverage when your cat is young. Many will restrict new policies for cats over 9 or 10 years old, though existing policies can usually be renewed for life as long as you keep paying your premiums.
How does the reimbursement process work?
After a claim is submitted, the insurer reimburses a percentage (typically 70–90%) of the eligible vet bill, minus any applicable deductible. Payment is usually made directly to your bank account, and processing times in Australia are often fast, usually within a week.
Are hereditary and congenital conditions covered?
Coverage for hereditary or congenital issues varies by insurer and plan. Some providers exclude common breed-related problems, while others offer optional cover, especially in premium plans. Always read the policy wording carefully if your cat belongs to a high-risk breed.
What if my cat already has a medical issue?
Conditions that were diagnosed or showed symptoms before you took out the policy are generally considered pre-existing and not covered. However, you can still insure your cat for unrelated future accidents or illnesses, depending on the insurer’s criteria.
Are routine check-ups and vaccinations included?
Basic plans rarely cover routine care like vaccinations, check-ups, or flea and worm treatments. Some comprehensive or add-on packages may offer partial reimbursement for preventive health expenses—review benefits to see what’s included.
What does cat insurance typically cover in Australia?
Most policies cover accidents and illnesses, including surgeries, hospital stays, diagnostics, and medications. Some premium plans also contribute towards dental treatment and chronic disease management, but routine care or pre-existing conditions are often excluded. Awaiting periods apply for illnesses (14–30 days) and shorter for accidents.
Is there an age limit for insuring my cat?
Yes, most insurers prefer to start coverage when your cat is young. Many will restrict new policies for cats over 9 or 10 years old, though existing policies can usually be renewed for life as long as you keep paying your premiums.
How does the reimbursement process work?
After a claim is submitted, the insurer reimburses a percentage (typically 70–90%) of the eligible vet bill, minus any applicable deductible. Payment is usually made directly to your bank account, and processing times in Australia are often fast, usually within a week.
Are hereditary and congenital conditions covered?
Coverage for hereditary or congenital issues varies by insurer and plan. Some providers exclude common breed-related problems, while others offer optional cover, especially in premium plans. Always read the policy wording carefully if your cat belongs to a high-risk breed.
What if my cat already has a medical issue?
Conditions that were diagnosed or showed symptoms before you took out the policy are generally considered pre-existing and not covered. However, you can still insure your cat for unrelated future accidents or illnesses, depending on the insurer’s criteria.
Are routine check-ups and vaccinations included?
Basic plans rarely cover routine care like vaccinations, check-ups, or flea and worm treatments. Some comprehensive or add-on packages may offer partial reimbursement for preventive health expenses—review benefits to see what’s included.
