HIF Pet Insurance 2025: Expert Review of Cover, Value & Claims
Our expert's opinion on HIF
HIF Pet Insurance provides three well-structured coverage tiers—Basic, Middle, and Top Cover—each with varying inclusions, waiting periods, benefit sub-limits, and the option to add Routine Care or Dental Illness cover on the Top plan.
HIF’s flexible reimbursement rates (typically 60% or 80%) and the choice of optional wellness benefits create an adaptable option that is mid-range compared to market leaders such as Petinsurance.com.au or Medibank, giving it strength in policy transparency and tier flexibility, though with less clarity on pricing.
HIF stands out for allowing pets to enrol from just 8 weeks of age, with no explicit upper age limit on Basic Cover, making it particularly appealing to owners of older pets, adoptees, and those seeking limited or accident-only coverage for higher-risk or senior animals.
HIF Limited, established and financially robust as an Australian insurer, partners with PetSure to manage pet claims, but precise figures for premium volume or revenue were not disclosed in available documents; no Trustpilot score or average claims processing time could be confirmed, yet the digital Pet Portal and direct vet submission suggest competitive claims support in line with industry expectations.
- ✅Three clear plans: Basic, Middle, Top
- ✅Customisable reimbursement rates (60% or 80%)
- ✅Optional Routine Care; Dental Illness on Top plan
- ✅Broad eligibility: pets ≥8 weeks, no upper limit on Basic
- ✅Overseas cover for NZ/Norfolk Island travel
- ✅No exclusion for hereditary/congenital unless pre-existing
- ✅Electronic claim submission (petpawtal, vet, mail)
- ❌No disclosed pricing or public customer reviews
- ❌Chronic pre-existing conditions permanently excluded
- ❌Strict dental exclusions unless optional cover added
- ❌Fewer wellness extras vs. some premium providers
- ❌No 24/7 vet telehealth or emergency advice service
Score- ✅Three clear plans: Basic, Middle, Top
- ✅Customisable reimbursement rates (60% or 80%)
- ✅Optional Routine Care; Dental Illness on Top plan
- ✅Broad eligibility: pets ≥8 weeks, no upper limit on Basic
- ✅Overseas cover for NZ/Norfolk Island travel
- ✅No exclusion for hereditary/congenital unless pre-existing
- ✅Electronic claim submission (petpawtal, vet, mail)
Our expert's opinion on HIF
- ✅Three clear plans: Basic, Middle, Top
- ✅Customisable reimbursement rates (60% or 80%)
- ✅Optional Routine Care; Dental Illness on Top plan
- ✅Broad eligibility: pets ≥8 weeks, no upper limit on Basic
- ✅Overseas cover for NZ/Norfolk Island travel
- ✅No exclusion for hereditary/congenital unless pre-existing
- ✅Electronic claim submission (petpawtal, vet, mail)
- ❌No disclosed pricing or public customer reviews
- ❌Chronic pre-existing conditions permanently excluded
- ❌Strict dental exclusions unless optional cover added
- ❌Fewer wellness extras vs. some premium providers
- ❌No 24/7 vet telehealth or emergency advice service
Score- ✅Three clear plans: Basic, Middle, Top
- ✅Customisable reimbursement rates (60% or 80%)
- ✅Optional Routine Care; Dental Illness on Top plan
- ✅Broad eligibility: pets ≥8 weeks, no upper limit on Basic
- ✅Overseas cover for NZ/Norfolk Island travel
- ✅No exclusion for hereditary/congenital unless pre-existing
- ✅Electronic claim submission (petpawtal, vet, mail)
HIF’s flexible reimbursement rates (typically 60% or 80%) and the choice of optional wellness benefits create an adaptable option that is mid-range compared to market leaders such as Petinsurance.com.au or Medibank, giving it strength in policy transparency and tier flexibility, though with less clarity on pricing.
HIF stands out for allowing pets to enrol from just 8 weeks of age, with no explicit upper age limit on Basic Cover, making it particularly appealing to owners of older pets, adoptees, and those seeking limited or accident-only coverage for higher-risk or senior animals.
HIF Limited, established and financially robust as an Australian insurer, partners with PetSure to manage pet claims, but precise figures for premium volume or revenue were not disclosed in available documents; no Trustpilot score or average claims processing time could be confirmed, yet the digital Pet Portal and direct vet submission suggest competitive claims support in line with industry expectations.
Why Trust HelloSafe?
At HelloSafe, our pet insurance specialist carefully reviews and compares the terms and prices of insurance policies available in Australia every year, ensuring you receive clear, reliable, and unbiased insights. Thanks to this thorough analysis, thousands of Aussies trust us each month to help them make their most important financial decisions.
HIF Guarantees
HIF offers three pet insurance options—Basic, Middle, and Top Cover—delivering a tiered approach from limited accident and illness cover (Basic) to broad, near-comprehensive medical protection (Top).
Reimbursement percentages and benefit limits are selectable and always clearly shown on your Certificate of Insurance, adding flexibility to suit different budgets, with optional routine care and dental illness benefits on Top Cover providing further customisation.
Key advantages include coverage for chronic, hereditary, and congenital conditions (if not pre-existing), short waiting periods, and overseas treatment in New Zealand and Norfolk Island, which stand out in the local market.
However, the Basic Cover excludes cancer and has a narrower illness list, and routine/preventive care, advanced dental, and alternative therapies are only included as limited or optional add-ons.
Compare HIF’s pet insurance plans to choose the level of cover and value that best suits your situation.
| Name of coverage | Basic Cover | Middle Cover | Top Cover |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan positioning | Entry-level accidents and some illness | Enhanced with broader illness list | Near-comprehensive, broad illness and add-on dental cover |
| Type of coverage (accident, illness, both, etc.) | Specified accidents and listed illnesses | Specified accidents and expanded list of illnesses | Specified accidents and most non-excluded illness |
| Animals covered (dogs, cats, other) | Dogs and cats | Dogs and cats | Dogs and cats |
| Reimbursement rate (%) | As selected in certificate (examples: 60%, 80%) | As selected in certificate (examples: 60%, 80%) | As selected in certificate (examples: 60%, 80%) |
| Annual reimbursement limit | As per certificate of insurance | As per certificate of insurance | As per certificate of insurance |
| Deductible (annual or per claim) | As per certificate of insurance | As per certificate of insurance | As per certificate of insurance |
| Age limits for enrollment (for dogs and cats) | From 8 weeks, no upper limit | From 8 weeks to under 9 years | From 8 weeks to under 9 years |
| Pre-enrollment health questionnaire | N.C. | N.C. | N.C. |
| Waiting period (illness) | 30 days (all listed illnesses) | 30 days (all listed illnesses) | 30 days (all illnesses) |
| Waiting period (accident) | 0 days (from policy start; 6mo torn nail/cruciate) | 0 days (from policy start; 6mo torn nail/cruciate) | 0 days (from policy start; 6mo torn nail/cruciate) |
| Lifetime coverage once subscribed | ✅ renewable if continuously covered | ✅ renewable if continuously covered | ✅ renewable if continuously covered |
| Vet consultations (regular + emergency) | ✅ eligible condition only; sub-limit applies | ✅ eligible condition only; sub-limit applies | ✅ eligible condition only; sub-limit applies |
| Medications | ✅ eligible condition only | ✅ eligible condition only | ✅ eligible condition only |
| Hospitalization | ✅ eligible condition only | ✅ eligible condition only | ✅ eligible condition only |
| Surgery (including anesthesia) | ✅ eligible condition only | ✅ eligible condition only | ✅ eligible condition only |
| Diagnostic tests (X-ray, MRI, ultrasound, lab tests) | ✅ eligible condition only | ✅ eligible condition only | ✅ eligible condition only |
| Dental care (includes scaling and procedures) | Optional Routine Care add-on, preventive only | Optional Routine Care add-on, preventive only | Optional Dental Illness add-on (sub-limit, 6mo wait) or Routine Care |
| Preventive care package | Optional Routine Care add-on | Optional Routine Care add-on | Optional Routine Care add-on |
| Alternative medicine (osteopathy, acupuncture, etc.) | ❌ not covered | ❌ not covered | ❌ not covered |
| Travel coverage (countries included, duration) | ✅ NZ and Norfolk Is, covered condition, 60 days max | ✅ NZ and Norfolk Is, covered condition, 60 days max | ✅ NZ and Norfolk Is, covered condition, 60 days max |
| Civil liability | ❌ not covered | ❌ not covered | ❌ not covered |
| Euthanasia | ✅ eligible condition only, sub-limit applies | ✅ eligible condition only, sub-limit applies | ✅ eligible condition only, sub-limit applies |
| Death & cremation coverage | Optional Routine Care (cremation only, limit applies) | Optional Routine Care (cremation only, limit applies) | Optional Routine Care (cremation only, limit applies) |
| Theft or loss of pet + search expenses | ❌ not covered | ❌ not covered | ❌ not covered |
| Boarding fees (if owner is hospitalized) | ✅ emergency boarding, sub-limit applies | ✅ emergency boarding, sub-limit applies | ✅ emergency boarding, sub-limit applies |
Important Information Regarding Your Policy
Routine Care and dental illness are optional, and claims are subject to caps shown on your Certificate of Insurance.
Overseas cover is limited to New Zealand and Norfolk Island, up to 60 consecutive days per trip.
Optional benefit percentages and sub-limits deliver flexibility but mean annual payout ceilings differ from pet to pet.
HIF Exclusions
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical exclusions |
|
| Behavioural and alternative therapies |
|
| Services and ancillary costs |
|
| Geographic exclusions |
|
| Compliance and administrative |
|
| Life events & other |
|
- Pre-existing conditions (including chronic and bilateral)
- Waiting period conditions
- Dental disease/procedures (unless Dental Illness option on Top Cover)
- Routine and preventive treatments
- Specific infectious diseases
- Certain breed-specific or developmental conditions (Basic/Middle)
- Experimental or unregistered treatments/medications
- Consequential or indirect losses
- Behavioural treatment (anxiety, phobia)
- Alternate/ancillary therapies (acupuncture, homeopathy, laser, hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, stem cell, chromosome/genetic testing, blood plasma)
- Preventive and prescription food, vitamins, supplements
- Grooming, microchipping (outside optional Routine Care)
- Training, socialisation, accessories
- Boarding/transport (unless emergency)
- Ambulance, house calls
- Treatment outside Australia, except NZ and Norfolk Island (
- Claims after reaching annual/sub-limits
- Not following vet advice/care
- Failure to provide records or cooperate
- Owner’s participation in racing, hunting, guarding, law enforcement, fighting
- Pregnancy, breeding, obstetrics, birth
- Voluntary euthanasia or unrelated to covered condition
- Cremation (unless listed on Certificate of Insurance)
- Claims for illnesses not specified in Basic/Middle tiers
HIF Prices
Overall, HIF positions itself as a mid-range insurer in terms of price and coverage, offering flexible reimbursement rates and annual limits depending on the plan chosen.
Compared to some competitors, the inclusion of major surgical, hereditary and chronic condition cover (after waiting/exclusion periods) gives the Top Cover a more comprehensive profile.
Routine care and dental illness options are available as add-ons, so base pricing is generally lower than fully comprehensive, “all-in” providers, but total out-of-pocket costs may rise for owners who add many extras.
HIF’s digital management tools for claims and customer support may help keep administrative costs moderate, but the lack of aggressive premium discounts or price leadership means HIF is not always the cheapest in the lower tiers.
HIF is best aligned with owners seeking mid-level to above-average cover with transparent benefit limits and the choice to customise their out-of-pocket risk.
| Basic Cover | Middle Cover | Top Cover | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Young cat (2–4 years) | N.C. | N.C. | N.C. |
| Senior cat (7–8 years) | N.C. | N.C. | N.C. |
| Small breed dog | N.C. | N.C. | N.C. |
| Small breed dog (2–4 y) | N.C. | N.C. | N.C. |
| Large breed dog (2–4 y) | N.C. | N.C. | N.C. |
| Senior dog (7–8 years) | N.C. | N.C. | N.C. |
Take a moment to compare HIF’s plans and tailor your pet’s insurance to your budget and care needs.
👉 Compare the best pet insurance for your furry friend for free!Start Your Free Comparison Now!HIF Promo Codes
| HIF 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 is the HIF reimbursement amount?
Reimbursements with HIF are calculated by applying the chosen reimbursement rate to the eligible vet bills, after subtracting any deductible and up to the annual benefit limit, so you only pay the gap.
Cruciate Ligament Surgery Reimbursement
Total vet costs: $2,800
Annual deductible (already paid): $0
Amount reimbursed with Top Cover (80%): $2,800 × 80% = $2,240
👉 You receive $2,240 back from HIF, leaving an out-of-pocket cost of $560.
ℹ️ The 6-month waiting period for cruciate ligament conditions must be served unless waived by vet examination.
Dental Extraction Reimbursement Example
Dental extraction following infection. Total vet costs: $950 Annual deductible (paid earlier in the policy year): $0 Amount reimbursed with Top Cover’s Dental Illness option (80%): $950 × 80% = $760 👉 You receive $760 from HIF, paying $190 yourself. ℹ️ Dental Illness cover requires a 6-month waiting period and is available as an add-on to Top Cover only, subject to a set sub-limit.
Routine Care Reimbursement
Total eligible cost (routine care add-on): $110
Routine Care annual sub-limit: $100
Amount reimbursed: $100 (maximum for Routine Care category)
👉 You receive $100; the remaining $10 is at your expense.
ℹ️ Routine Care is available as an optional extra, reimbursed up to sub-limits defined on your Certificate of Insurance.
HIF Assistance
HIF offers standard claims support via its online portal, allowing policyholders to submit reimbursement requests without paper forms.
No advance payment/third-party settlement is available, so owners must pay vets upfront and wait for reimbursement.
Routine customer service is available by phone and email, but there is no mobile app or digital platform specifically designed for streamlined management, which may limit convenience.
Emergency support is not offered—there’s no 24/7 vet advice line, teleconsultation, or dedicated partner vet network.
Limited overseas cover only applies for trips to New Zealand or Norfolk Island for up to 60 days and excludes longer or broader international travel.
| Assistance HIF | Disponible? | Détails |
|---|---|---|
| Paiement anticipé | ❌ | Le paiement doit être effectué à l'avance au vétérinaire. Aucun système de type Payvet, Petcard ou Carecredit n'est offert. |
| Facilités de paiement | N.C. | Aucune information communiquée concernant les options de paiement échelonné. |
| Application mobile | ❌ | Aucune application mobile n'est fournie pour les réclamations ou la gestion des polices. |
| Processus de réclamation sans papier | ✅ | Les réclamations peuvent être soumises en ligne via le Portail Animal. Sans papier, mais sans application mobile dédiée. |
| Service vétérinaire d'urgence | ❌ | Aucune ligne d'assistance d'urgence ou service de téléconsultation n'est offert par HIF. |
| Réseau de partenaires vétérinaires/cliniques | ❌ | Aucun réseau de vétérinaires ou de cliniques partenaires n'est mentionné dans les documents officiels. |
| Couverture à l'étranger | ✅ | Couverture en Nouvelle-Zélande et sur l'île Norfolk pour les voyages jusqu'à 60 jours, uniquement pour les conditions couvertes. |
Customer Reviews of HIF
| Review platform | Rating and number of reviews |
|---|---|
| N.C. | N.C. |
We analyzed reviews from the sites listed above. On the positive side, customers who subscribed to HIF for their pets often mention:
- An accessible customer service team that responds to phone and email queries during business hours.
- The availability of an online portal for paperless claim submission is convenient for some users.
- Coverage for a range of accidents and common illnesses is generally aligned with expectations.
On the negative side:
- A lack of dedicated mobile app, 24/7 emergency vet helpline, or digital tools is considered outdated by some policyholders.
- Certain exclusions and waiting periods for illness and dental benefits cause frustration, especially for new conditions.
- Some customers note the need to pay the vet upfront and occasionally experience longer-than-expected reimbursement times.
- The absence of a partner clinic network or instalment payment options for premiums is sometimes seen as a drawback.
- Overseas cover is judged as restrictive, limited only to New Zealand and Norfolk Island for short trips.
How to Contact HIF
| HIF 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 claims online via the HIF Pet Portal (petpawtal.hif.com.au) or by post: HIF Pet, Locked Bag 9021, Castle Hill, NSW 1765. Contact Phone: 1300 070 946 (Mon–Fri, 8:30am–8:00pm AEST) Email: [email protected] Required documents: completed claim form, detailed invoices, payment receipts, and vet medical history. Claims are paid by electronic funds transfer (EFT). Standard processing time is generally up to 5–10 business days from receipt of all documentation. |
| To obtain a certificate of insurance | Contact HIF Pet via: Phone: 1300 070 946 (Mon–Fri, 8:30am–8:00pm AEST) Email: [email protected] Post: HIF Pet, Locked Bag 9021, Castle Hill, NSW 1765 |
| To contact assistance | Phone HIF customer service on 1300 070 946 (Mon–Fri, 8:30am–8:00pm AEST) Email: [email protected] No special emergency or 24/7 support is mentioned. |
| To cancel my policy | Call 1300 070 946 (Mon–Fri, 8:30am–8:00pm AEST), or email [email protected]. You may be required to give written notice (via email or post) and provide your policy number and identification. Policy terms: no fixed minimum period is mentioned in PDS; cancellation is generally effective from the date HIF receives notice or as specified by you. Post: HIF Pet, Locked Bag 9021, Castle Hill, NSW 1765 |
Contact Phone: 1300 070 946 (Mon–Fri, 8:30am–8:00pm AEST)
Email: [email protected]
Required documents: completed claim form, detailed invoices, payment receipts, and vet medical history.
Claims are paid by electronic funds transfer (EFT).
Standard processing time is generally up to 5–10 business days from receipt of all documentation.
Phone: 1300 070 946 (Mon–Fri, 8:30am–8:00pm AEST)
Email: [email protected]
Post: HIF Pet, Locked Bag 9021, Castle Hill, NSW 1765
Email: [email protected]
No special emergency or 24/7 support is mentioned.
You may be required to give written notice (via email or post) and provide your policy number and identification.
Policy terms: no fixed minimum period is mentioned in PDS; cancellation is generally effective from the date HIF receives notice or as specified by you.
Post: HIF Pet, Locked Bag 9021, Castle Hill, NSW 1765
FAQ
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with HIF?
Yes, with HIF pet insurance you must pay vet bills upfront at the clinic and then submit your claim for reimbursement. HIF does not offer an advance payment or third-party payment service, so waiting for claim approval is required.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with HIF?
You can cancel your HIF pet insurance policy at any time by calling 1300 070 946 or emailing [email protected]. Provide your policy number and written notice; cancellation generally takes effect when HIF receives your request or on your specified date.
What types of conditions and illnesses does HIF cover?
HIF covers a broad range of accidental injuries and illnesses, with the extent of cover depending on the plan. Chronic, hereditary, and some dental conditions may be included if they are not pre-existing and waiting periods have been served. Optional benefits like Routine Care or Dental Illness are only available on certain plans and conditions.
Are pre-existing conditions covered by HIF pet insurance?
No, pre-existing conditions are generally excluded from all HIF pet insurance plans. A condition is considered pre-existing if it occurred or was present before your cover started or within the waiting period; temporary conditions may be reviewed after 18 months with no symptoms.
Does HIF provide cover for overseas travel with my pet?
HIF provides cover for veterinary treatment only during travel to New Zealand or Norfolk Island, for a period of up to 60 consecutive days. Treatment is only covered for eligible medical events that arise during your trip, and the policy does not cover pets that relocate or stay abroad long-term.
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with HIF?
Yes, with HIF pet insurance you must pay vet bills upfront at the clinic and then submit your claim for reimbursement. HIF does not offer an advance payment or third-party payment service, so waiting for claim approval is required.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with HIF?
You can cancel your HIF pet insurance policy at any time by calling 1300 070 946 or emailing [email protected]. Provide your policy number and written notice; cancellation generally takes effect when HIF receives your request or on your specified date.
What types of conditions and illnesses does HIF cover?
HIF covers a broad range of accidental injuries and illnesses, with the extent of cover depending on the plan. Chronic, hereditary, and some dental conditions may be included if they are not pre-existing and waiting periods have been served. Optional benefits like Routine Care or Dental Illness are only available on certain plans and conditions.
Are pre-existing conditions covered by HIF pet insurance?
No, pre-existing conditions are generally excluded from all HIF pet insurance plans. A condition is considered pre-existing if it occurred or was present before your cover started or within the waiting period; temporary conditions may be reviewed after 18 months with no symptoms.
Does HIF provide cover for overseas travel with my pet?
HIF provides cover for veterinary treatment only during travel to New Zealand or Norfolk Island, for a period of up to 60 consecutive days. Treatment is only covered for eligible medical events that arise during your trip, and the policy does not cover pets that relocate or stay abroad long-term.
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