Pet Insurance in Australia 2025: Complete Review, Coverage & Costs
Our expert's opinion on Pet insurance
Petinsurance.com.au provides two broad pet insurance plans—Gold Cover and Platinum Cover—both available for cats and dogs, each featuring up to $30,000 in annual benefit limits and a flexible excess chosen per policy ($0, $100, $250 per condition/period). Compared with major Australian insurers, Petinsurance.com.au sits in the mid- to high-coverage segment, offering solid maximum limits and the option for dental and routine care benefits, though its reimbursement rates (up to 80%) are standard for the market. The insurer is most suited for owners seeking comprehensive cover for young to middle-aged pets with potential for optional dental and wellness add-ons, especially where broader accident and illness inclusions and higher annual caps are priorities. Petinsurance.com.au is underwritten by PetSure, Australia's largest pet insurance administrator (over $700 million in annual premiums processed across brands, strong financial reliability), but lacks published Trustpilot scores or significant public review presence as of June 2024; claims can be processed via a digital portal, with GapOnly® for instant clinic settlements and typical online reimbursement in 5–15 working days.
- ✅Annual cover up to $30,000 per pet
- ✅Optional dental and routine care inclusions
- ✅Flexible excess selection per condition/period
- ✅Comprehensive accident and illness coverage
- ✅GapOnly® claims option (instant at partner vets)
- ✅24/7 vet telehealth with VetChat
- ✅Backed by PetSure, reliable financial base
- ❌No published customer reviews or Trustpilot data
- ❌Pre-existing conditions and chronic exclusions strict
- ❌Routine care not standard, only as non-insurance add-on
- ❌Six-month waiting for cruciate and dental illness
- ❌Dental coverage sub-limits, more restricted on Gold Cover
Score- ✅Annual cover up to $30,000 per pet
- ✅Optional dental and routine care inclusions
- ✅Flexible excess selection per condition/period
- ✅Comprehensive accident and illness coverage
- ✅GapOnly® claims option (instant at partner vets)
- ✅24/7 vet telehealth with VetChat
- ✅Backed by PetSure, reliable financial base
Our expert's opinion on Pet insurance
- ✅Annual cover up to $30,000 per pet
- ✅Optional dental and routine care inclusions
- ✅Flexible excess selection per condition/period
- ✅Comprehensive accident and illness coverage
- ✅GapOnly® claims option (instant at partner vets)
- ✅24/7 vet telehealth with VetChat
- ✅Backed by PetSure, reliable financial base
- ❌No published customer reviews or Trustpilot data
- ❌Pre-existing conditions and chronic exclusions strict
- ❌Routine care not standard, only as non-insurance add-on
- ❌Six-month waiting for cruciate and dental illness
- ❌Dental coverage sub-limits, more restricted on Gold Cover
Score- ✅Annual cover up to $30,000 per pet
- ✅Optional dental and routine care inclusions
- ✅Flexible excess selection per condition/period
- ✅Comprehensive accident and illness coverage
- ✅GapOnly® claims option (instant at partner vets)
- ✅24/7 vet telehealth with VetChat
- ✅Backed by PetSure, reliable financial base
Why Trust HelloSafe?
At HelloSafe, our pet insurance experts review the terms and pricing of policies available in the market every year to give you reliable, unbiased analysis. Thanks to this thorough approach, hundreds of thousands of Australians trust us each month to guide them through their most important financial decisions.
Pet Insurance Guarantees
Petinsurance.com.au offers two comprehensive plans—Gold Cover and Platinum Cover—both providing strong accident and illness protection for cats and dogs with up to 80% reimbursement and annual limits reaching $30,000, positioning them among the most robust in the market.
A key strength is the customisable excess and the ability to add dental and routine care benefits, but only Platinum includes dental as standard, while both plans require history of annual dental checks for this benefit.
The option for GapOnly® at participating vets and the inclusion of 24/7 vet teleconsult access (VetChat) reflect an advanced digital offering, but the lack of standard preventive care or alternative therapies in base plans may limit their appeal for owners seeking broader wellness coverage.
Waiting periods are moderate, with 21 days for illness, 6 months for cruciate ligament and dental, but no waiting for accidents; ongoing cover is available if you enrol before your pet turns nine.
Major weaknesses include a long list of exclusions for pre-existing, chronic, and hereditary conditions, sub-limits for certain treatments (dental, boarding), and the need to pay extra for common wellness services on Gold Cover.
| Name of coverage | Gold Cover | Platinum Cover |
|---|---|---|
| Plan positioning | Comprehensive, flexible excess; optional dental/routine | Premium, dental included, optional routine |
| Type of coverage | Accident and illness (broad list) | Accident and illness (broad list) |
| Animals covered | Dogs and cats | Dogs and cats |
| Reimbursement rate (%) | Up to 80% (per certificate) | Up to 80% (per certificate) |
| Annual reimbursement limit | Up to $30,000 (per certificate) | Up to $30,000 (per certificate) |
| Deductible (annual or per claim) | Per claim/condition: $0, $100, or $250 (selected) | Per claim/condition: $0, $100, or $250 (selected) |
| Age limits for enrollment (for dogs/cats) | 8 weeks to under 9 years | 8 weeks to under 9 years |
| Pre-enrollment health questionnaire | N.C. | N.C. |
| Waiting period (illness) | 21 days | 21 days |
| Waiting period (accident) | None | None |
| Lifetime coverage once subscribed | ✅ | ✅ |
| Vet consultations (regular + emergency) | ✅, subject to sub-limits/annual limits | ✅, subject to sub-limits/annual limits |
| Medications | ✅, as prescribed for covered conditions | ✅, as prescribed for covered conditions |
| Hospitalization | ✅, for covered injury/illness, subject to limits | ✅, for covered injury/illness, subject to limits |
| Surgery (including anesthesia) | ✅, for covered injury/illness, subject to limits | ✅, for covered injury/illness, subject to limits |
| Diagnostic tests (X-ray, MRI, etc.) | ✅, for covered injury/illness, subject to limits | ✅, for covered injury/illness, subject to limits |
| Dental care (incl. scaling/procedures) | Optional add-on (sub-limit); history dental checks req. | Included (sub-limit); history dental checks req. |
| Preventive care package | Optional (annual sub-limit, not insurance) | Optional (annual sub-limit, not insurance) |
| Alternative medicine (osteopathy, etc.) | ❌ | ❌ |
| Travel coverage (countries, duration) | Australia only | Australia only |
| Civil liability | ❌ | ❌ |
| Euthanasia | ✅, medically necessary, for covered condition | ✅, medically necessary, for covered condition |
| Death & cremation coverage | ❌ | ❌ |
| Theft or loss of pet + search expenses | ❌ | ❌ |
| Boarding fees (if owner hospitalised) | ✅, sub-limit applies | ✅, sub-limit applies |
Compare pet insurance plans now to find a policy that fits your pet and your budget.
Important Information Regarding Dental and Health Benefits
Dental benefits (treatment/procedure expenses) require a history of annual dental check-ups; routine care is a non-insurance add-on and not automatically included.
GapOnly® is supported at participating clinics for on-the-spot claims, and VetChat (24/7 online vet access) is included at no extra cost.
Pre-existing, chronic, and hereditary conditions (present before or during the waiting period) are systematically excluded; only temporary conditions may be reviewed for removal after 18 months symptom-free.
Pet insurance exclusions
The exclusions under Petinsurance.com.au policies are rigorous: all pre-existing, chronic, and hereditary conditions with signs or symptoms before start date or that arise during any waiting period are systematically excluded, which is more strictly enforced than some direct competitors.
Specified dental treatments are only covered if explicitly listed within dental illness benefits—routine cleaning, crowns, orthodontics, and root canals are always excluded, except for oral tumours or medically necessary extractions aligned with specific policy terms.
Preventive care, behavioural, alternative, and experimental therapies are never covered, and cosmetic, elective, or non-essential procedures (including tail docking, declawing, and non-essential euthanasia) are uniformly excluded.
Ambulance, burial, and cremation expenses, as well as any incidental or consequential loss (such as economic loss) are not reimbursed.
Exclusions due to failure to nurture or deliberate harm to the pet are notable for their breadth, reinforcing policyholder responsibility and distinguishing these policies from some providers with less stringent behaviour-based exclusions.
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical exclusions | • Pre-existing conditions (including bilateral/related) • Hereditary/congenital conditions with signs before start/waiting period • Chronic/recurrent conditions, if pre-existing • Dental not specifically listed (routine cleaning, crowns, root canal, orthodontics) • Behavioural (anxiety, phobias) • Alternative/experimental treatment (acupuncture, hydrotherapy, laser, homeopathy) • Medications not prescribed by a vet • Organ transplant, certain specialist surgeries (open heart, most prosthetics, genetic testing) • Non-essential euthanasia |
| Geographic/scope exclusions | • Treatment outside Australia • Services by non-registered vets in Australia |
| Identification exclusions | • Pets not microchipped or unidentifiable in accordance with policy |
| Procedural exclusions | • Cosmetic/elective procedures (tail docking, declawing, devocalisation, debarking, ear cropping) • Obedience/training/socialisation • Routine/preventive care unless on routine care add-on • Experimental procedures/products • Shipping, transport, ambulance, boarding (except for covered emergency pet boarding) |
| Financial/external exclusions | • Burial, cremation, autopsy • Loss/theft of pet and search costs • Consequential/economic loss not directly related to covered veterinary expenses |
| Responsibility/neglect exclusions | • Failure to protect or nurture pet • Deliberate harm/negligence • Participation in dangerous/risky activities (fighting, hunting, racing) • Not following vet advice |
• Hereditary/congenital conditions with signs before start/waiting period
• Chronic/recurrent conditions, if pre-existing
• Dental not specifically listed (routine cleaning, crowns, root canal, orthodontics)
• Behavioural (anxiety, phobias)
• Alternative/experimental treatment (acupuncture, hydrotherapy, laser, homeopathy)
• Medications not prescribed by a vet
• Organ transplant, certain specialist surgeries (open heart, most prosthetics, genetic testing)
• Non-essential euthanasia
• Services by non-registered vets in Australia
• Obedience/training/socialisation
• Routine/preventive care unless on routine care add-on
• Experimental procedures/products
• Shipping, transport, ambulance, boarding (except for covered emergency pet boarding)
• Loss/theft of pet and search costs
• Consequential/economic loss not directly related to covered veterinary expenses
• Deliberate harm/negligence
• Participation in dangerous/risky activities (fighting, hunting, racing)
• Not following vet advice
Pet Insurance Prices
Petinsurance.com.au sits in a mid-to-upper price band in the Australian pet insurance market, reflecting generous annual limits, broad claim categories, and a choice of low excess options that increase policy value for pet owners.
Both Gold and Platinum plans cover accident and illness comprehensively, and the Platinum tier’s default dental inclusion and higher limits explain its premium over the market average.
While fully digital claims and free 24/7 online vet consultations (VetChat, myPetPass) add value and convenience, stricter exclusions (especially for pre-existing, hereditary, and chronic issues) mean some comparable products may offer more flexibility for pets with health histories.
Overall, the offering is competitive for healthy pets requiring high benefit limits and a streamlined digital experience, but more expensive than basic or accident-only policies.
For owners seeking top-tier annual limits, lower copayments, and broad item coverage, Petinsurance.com.au’s plans justify their cost but are not the market’s most affordable option.
Compare plans to secure the most suitable cover for your pet’s age, breed, and health needs.
| Gold Cover | Platinum Cover | |
|---|---|---|
| Young cat (2–4 years) | $28/month | $36/month |
| Senior cat (7–8 years) | $38/month | $48/month |
| Small breed dog (2–4 years) | $33/month | $49/month |
| Large breed dog (2–4 years) | $46/month | $65/month |
| Senior dog (7–8 years) | $65/month | $90/month |
Pet Insurance Promo Codes
| Pet insurance 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.
How much reimbursement can I expect from pet insurance?
With Petinsurance.com.au’s Platinum Cover, you pay your vet first and then submit your invoice, claim form, and any requested documentation for fast reimbursement of eligible expenses according to your coverage and selected excess.
Cruciate Ligament Surgery (Dog)
Information about cruciate ligament surgery in dogs.
Total vet costs: $3,800 (consultation, surgery, hospitalisation, rehab) Deductible amount to subtract: $100 (chosen per-condition excess) Amount reimbursable after deductible: $3,800 – $100 = $3,700 Reimbursement at 80%: $3,700 × 80% = $2,960 👉 You receive a reimbursement of $2,960, leaving $840 as your out-of-pocket cost. ℹ️ The $100 excess only applies once per unrelated condition per policy year. Platinum Cover’s annual limit is up to $30,000.
Dental illness - Infected tooth extraction (cat)
Dental illness—infected tooth extraction (cat)
Total vet costs: $600 (exam, X-rays, dental extraction, meds) Deductible amount to subtract: $100 (per-condition excess) Amount reimbursable after deductible: $600 – $100 = $500 Reimbursement at 80%: $500 × 80% = $400 👉 You receive a reimbursement of $400 and pay $200 out of pocket. ℹ️ Dental illness is covered under Platinum Cover after a 6-month waiting period, with annual sub-limits applied. Annual dental vet checks must be documented.
Annual vaccination and check-up
Annual vaccination and check-up (with optional Routine Care add-on)
Total vet costs: $140 (routine health check and vaccine) Routine Care annual sub-limit: $100 (optional, not insurance) Reimbursement: up to $100 reimbursed 👉 You receive a reimbursement of $100 and pay $40 out of pocket. ℹ️ Routine Care is only reimbursed if this option is selected and only for specified items each year; standard excess does not apply to this non-insurance benefit.
Assistance and Pet Insurance
| Assistance Pet insurance | Available? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Advance payment | ❌ | No advance payment or deferred payment service. Full vet costs must be paid upfront by the policyholder at the clinic before claiming. |
| Payment facilities | ❌ | No direct information about instalment options for excess or vet bills. Premiums may be paid monthly or annually. Payment facilities for treatment: N.C. |
| Mobile app | ❌ | N.C. No Petinsurance.com.au-branded mobile app documented for claims or policy management on App Store or Play Store. Online portal exists for policy management and claims. |
| Paperless claims process | ✅ | Claims are submitted digitally via secure online portal, by email, or through participating vets (GapOnly®). No paperwork required for online claims. Electronic reimbursement to nominated bank. |
| Emergency vet service | ✅ | 24/7 online vet consultations available to policyholders via VetChat and myPetPass™ platforms. No direct emergency phone triage; digital access only. |
| Vet/clinic partner network | ✅ | GapOnly® available at participating clinics: only the gap needs to be paid at the visit. No formal exclusive network restrictions; any Australian-registered vet may be used for claims. |
| Coverage abroad | ✅ | Cover applies for travel to New Zealand and Norfolk Island for up to 60 days per trip. No cover for other countries. Claims must be settled in Australian dollars. |
Customer Reviews on Pet Insurance
| Review platform | Rating and number of reviews |
|---|---|
| Trustpilot | N.C. |
| ProductReview.com.au | N.C. |
| Google Reviews | N.C. |
We analyzed reviews from the sites listed above. On the positive side, customers who subscribed to Petinsurance.com.au for their pets often mention:
- ✅ N.C.
- ✅ N.C.
- ✅ N.C.
- ✅ N.C.
- ✅ N.C.
- ✅ N.C.
On the negative side:
- ❌ N.C.
- ❌ N.C.
- ❌ N.C.
- ❌ N.C.
- ❌ N.C.
- ❌ N.C.
How to Contact Pet Insurance
| Pet insurance 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 via the online portal (https://petportal.petinsurance.com.au), by email ([email protected]), mail (Petinsurance.com.au, Locked Bag 9021, Castle Hill, NSW 1765), or direct via GapOnly® at a participating vet. Required: Paid invoices, itemised receipts, clinical notes. Bank details needed for reimbursement. Average processing time: 1–5 business days (GapOnly®: on-the-spot at clinic). |
| To obtain a certificate of insurance | Request by email: [email protected] Or by phone: 1300 855 663 (Mon–Fri 8:00am–8:00pm, excl. public holidays) Or in writing: Petinsurance.com.au, Locked Bag 9021, Castle Hill, NSW 1765 |
| To contact assistance | For general help, claims, pre-approvals, or information: Phone: 1300 855 663 (Mon–Fri 8:00am–8:00pm, excl. public holidays) Email: [email protected] Mail: Petinsurance.com.au, Locked Bag 9021, Castle Hill, NSW 1765 |
| To cancel my policy | Notify in writing (email: [email protected] or mail: Petinsurance.com.au, Locked Bag 9021, Castle Hill, NSW 1765) or by phone (1300 855 663). Notice period: Cancellation can be immediate; include policy number, pet details, and account holder’s name. All arrears must be paid before cancellation is finalised. |
Required: Paid invoices, itemised receipts, clinical notes.
Bank details needed for reimbursement.
Average processing time: 1–5 business days (GapOnly®: on-the-spot at clinic).
Or by phone: 1300 855 663 (Mon–Fri 8:00am–8:00pm, excl. public holidays)
Or in writing: Petinsurance.com.au, Locked Bag 9021, Castle Hill, NSW 1765
Phone: 1300 855 663 (Mon–Fri 8:00am–8:00pm, excl. public holidays)
Email: [email protected]
Mail: Petinsurance.com.au, Locked Bag 9021, Castle Hill, NSW 1765
Notice period: Cancellation can be immediate; include policy number, pet details, and account holder’s name.
All arrears must be paid before cancellation is finalised.
FAQ
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Pet insurance?
Petinsurance.com.au does not offer an advance payment or third-party payment system like GapOnly® as a standard feature. You generally need to pay your vet directly for services at the time of treatment. Afterwards, you can submit your claim and receive reimbursement according to your cover. In some cases, your vet may process a claim using GapOnly® if they are a participating clinic, which allows you to pay only the ‘gap’ at the time of your visit. Check with your clinic ahead of time to confirm if GapOnly® is available.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Pet insurance?
To cancel your pet insurance policy, contact Petinsurance.com.au by email, phone, or mail. There is no fixed notice period; cancellation can generally be arranged immediately upon your request. You should provide your policy number, account holder's name, and pet details, and settle any outstanding premium payments. Written confirmation is recommended for documentation. Once processed, you’ll receive a final statement confirming the cancellation.
What waiting periods apply before my pet is covered?
For accidents, there is no waiting period, so cover starts immediately. For illnesses, there is a 21-day waiting period from the start of your policy, and for specific conditions like cruciate ligament and dental illness, a 6-month waiting period applies (though waivers may be available for cruciate ligament if approved by your vet). These periods help prevent claims for conditions already developing before cover began. Always check your Certificate of Insurance for the exact waiting periods on your policy.
Is preventive or routine care covered under Pet insurance?
Routine and preventive care, such as vaccinations, desexing, microchipping, and dental cleaning, are not automatically covered. You may select an optional Routine Care benefit, which covers certain listed items up to annual limits; check your Certificate of Insurance to see if this option is included and the available limits. Claims for preventive acts are only reimbursed if you have added this optional extra. Preventive care costs are non-insurance benefits and may be subject to sub-limits.
Are pre-existing conditions or breed-specific illnesses covered?
Petinsurance.com.au excludes any illness, injury, or condition (and related, bilateral, or recurring conditions) present before your policy’s start or within the applicable waiting period. Chronic or hereditary/congenital conditions showing any sign prior to cover are also excluded. Some temporary pre-existing conditions may be reviewed and potentially covered after an 18-month symptom-free period. Always review the product disclosure statement and clarify with Petinsurance.com.au if you have any doubt about a specific medical history or breed-related risk.
How are claims submitted and how long do reimbursements take?
You can lodge your claims online through the Petinsurance.com.au portal, by email, by mail, or directly at participating vets with GapOnly®. Required documents typically include paid invoices, itemised receipts, and your pet’s clinical notes. Claims are usually assessed within 1–5 business days after receipt of all documents. If you use GapOnly®, your claim is processed at the clinic, and you pay only your portion of the bill at the time of treatment. Reimbursements are paid via direct deposit to your nominated bank account.
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Pet insurance?
Petinsurance.com.au does not offer an advance payment or third-party payment system like GapOnly® as a standard feature. You generally need to pay your vet directly for services at the time of treatment. Afterwards, you can submit your claim and receive reimbursement according to your cover. In some cases, your vet may process a claim using GapOnly® if they are a participating clinic, which allows you to pay only the ‘gap’ at the time of your visit. Check with your clinic ahead of time to confirm if GapOnly® is available.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Pet insurance?
To cancel your pet insurance policy, contact Petinsurance.com.au by email, phone, or mail. There is no fixed notice period; cancellation can generally be arranged immediately upon your request. You should provide your policy number, account holder's name, and pet details, and settle any outstanding premium payments. Written confirmation is recommended for documentation. Once processed, you’ll receive a final statement confirming the cancellation.
What waiting periods apply before my pet is covered?
For accidents, there is no waiting period, so cover starts immediately. For illnesses, there is a 21-day waiting period from the start of your policy, and for specific conditions like cruciate ligament and dental illness, a 6-month waiting period applies (though waivers may be available for cruciate ligament if approved by your vet). These periods help prevent claims for conditions already developing before cover began. Always check your Certificate of Insurance for the exact waiting periods on your policy.
Is preventive or routine care covered under Pet insurance?
Routine and preventive care, such as vaccinations, desexing, microchipping, and dental cleaning, are not automatically covered. You may select an optional Routine Care benefit, which covers certain listed items up to annual limits; check your Certificate of Insurance to see if this option is included and the available limits. Claims for preventive acts are only reimbursed if you have added this optional extra. Preventive care costs are non-insurance benefits and may be subject to sub-limits.
Are pre-existing conditions or breed-specific illnesses covered?
Petinsurance.com.au excludes any illness, injury, or condition (and related, bilateral, or recurring conditions) present before your policy’s start or within the applicable waiting period. Chronic or hereditary/congenital conditions showing any sign prior to cover are also excluded. Some temporary pre-existing conditions may be reviewed and potentially covered after an 18-month symptom-free period. Always review the product disclosure statement and clarify with Petinsurance.com.au if you have any doubt about a specific medical history or breed-related risk.
How are claims submitted and how long do reimbursements take?
You can lodge your claims online through the Petinsurance.com.au portal, by email, by mail, or directly at participating vets with GapOnly®. Required documents typically include paid invoices, itemised receipts, and your pet’s clinical notes. Claims are usually assessed within 1–5 business days after receipt of all documents. If you use GapOnly®, your claim is processed at the clinic, and you pay only your portion of the bill at the time of treatment. Reimbursements are paid via direct deposit to your nominated bank account.
