Petcover Pet Insurance 2025 Australia: Full Coverage Review & Pros and Cons
Our expert's opinion on Petcover
Petcover offers comprehensive pet insurance with three main plans—Entry, Mid-Point, and Superior—ensuring significant annual cover limits for dogs (up to $20,000) and cats (up to $15,000) along with extras like alternative treatments and third-party liability for dogs up to $5 million on the top tier. Its structure stands out for generous veterinary fee limits and international cover; however, it is positioned slightly above basic low-cost options due to its optional extras and premium feature set, though pricing transparency is lacking. Petcover is especially appealing to purebred owners, older pet owners, and those valuing lifetime cover, but less so for budget-focused customers or those seeking lower excesses or wellness/reward programs. The company is an established name in the Australian market with a broad policy offering, yet signals on claims handling are mixed; its Trustpilot rating is 2.2 out of 5 (13 reviews), reflecting some dissatisfaction regarding delays and communication, while select claims are paid efficiently; Petcover generally processes claims via paper or email, averaging several weeks for reimbursement.
- ✅High annual cover limits: dogs $20,000, cats $15,000
- ✅Lifetime (Umbrella for Life) cover
- ✅Third party liability up to $5M (dogs only)
- ✅Comprehensive extra benefits (travel, alternative therapies, theft, advertising)
- ✅Automatic inclusion of death/theft cover on Superior
- ✅Multi-pet discount available
- ✅Cover for older pets, age-based contribution structure
- ❌Low Trustpilot score (2.2/5) and slow claims cited
- ❌No pricing transparency on website
- ❌Limited digital claims process, mostly paper/email
- ❌Strict exclusions: wellness, routine/preventative care not covered
- ❌Complex age-based excess/co-payments for older/specific breeds
Score- ✅High annual cover limits: dogs $20,000, cats $15,000
- ✅Lifetime (Umbrella for Life) cover
- ✅Third party liability up to $5M (dogs only)
- ✅Comprehensive extra benefits (travel, alternative therapies, theft, advertising)
- ✅Automatic inclusion of death/theft cover on Superior
- ✅Multi-pet discount available
- ✅Cover for older pets, age-based contribution structure
Our expert's opinion on Petcover
- ✅High annual cover limits: dogs $20,000, cats $15,000
- ✅Lifetime (Umbrella for Life) cover
- ✅Third party liability up to $5M (dogs only)
- ✅Comprehensive extra benefits (travel, alternative therapies, theft, advertising)
- ✅Automatic inclusion of death/theft cover on Superior
- ✅Multi-pet discount available
- ✅Cover for older pets, age-based contribution structure
- ❌Low Trustpilot score (2.2/5) and slow claims cited
- ❌No pricing transparency on website
- ❌Limited digital claims process, mostly paper/email
- ❌Strict exclusions: wellness, routine/preventative care not covered
- ❌Complex age-based excess/co-payments for older/specific breeds
Score- ✅High annual cover limits: dogs $20,000, cats $15,000
- ✅Lifetime (Umbrella for Life) cover
- ✅Third party liability up to $5M (dogs only)
- ✅Comprehensive extra benefits (travel, alternative therapies, theft, advertising)
- ✅Automatic inclusion of death/theft cover on Superior
- ✅Multi-pet discount available
- ✅Cover for older pets, age-based contribution structure
Why Trust HelloSafe?
At HelloSafe, our pet insurance experts review the terms and pricing of insurance policies available in Australia every year to provide you with reliable and impartial analysis. Thanks to this thorough approach, hundreds of thousands of Aussies trust us each month to help guide them in their most important financial decisions.
Petcover Guarantees
Petcover stands out in the Australian pet insurance market by offering three tiers—Entry, Mid-Point, and Superior—with some of the highest annual limits for vet fees in the country and a commitment to lifetime "Umbrella for Life" coverage.
Each plan allows for claims on accidents, illness, and a broad range of complementary therapies, alongside high third-party liability cover (up to $5 million for dogs), yet all major preventive care, wellness, and routine treatments are explicitly excluded.
A notable feature is the availability of optional extras like death, theft, and straying cover at lower levels, while all Superior plans bundle them automatically for more complete protection.
Petcover applies a per-condition excess and additional co-pay contributions for older or certain breeds, and reimbursement rates are effectively defined by the annual and per-condition limits rather than a percentage system.
The main weaknesses are lengthy waiting periods for certain conditions, the strict exclusion of all routine and preventive care (including dental scaling unless strict requirements are met), and significant age-based and breed-based cost contributions, which impact value for owners of older pets or select breeds.
Compare Petcover’s different tiers to find the best coverage and value for your pet.
| Name of coverage | Entry Plan | Mid-Point Plan | Superior Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan positioning | Basic lifetime cover, optional extras | Intermediate lifetime cover, optional extras | Top-tier lifetime cover, all options included |
| Type of coverage (accident, illness, both, etc.) | Accidents and illness | Accidents and illness | Accidents and illness |
| Animals covered (dogs, cats, other) | Dogs and cats | Dogs and cats | Dogs and cats |
| Reimbursement rate (%) | Annual/per-condition limits, no set % | Annual/per-condition limits, no set % | Annual/per-condition limits, no set % |
| Annual reimbursement limit | Dogs $10,000 / Cats $9,000 | Dogs $15,000 / Cats $10,000 | Dogs $20,000 / Cats $15,000 |
| Deductible (annual or per claim) | Per-condition excess, co-pay for older pets | Per-condition excess, co-pay for older pets | Per-condition excess, co-pay for older pets |
| Age limits for enrollment (for dogs and cats) | 8 weeks–N.C.; select breeds 5–N.C. | 8 weeks–N.C.; select breeds 5–N.C. | 8 weeks–N.C.; select breeds 5–N.C. |
| Pre-enrollment health questionnaire | N.C. | N.C. | N.C. |
| Waiting period (illness) | 21 days | 21 days | 21 days |
| Waiting period (accident) | None | None | None |
| Lifetime coverage once subscribed | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Vet consultations (regular + emergency) | ✅ (within vet fees cap) | ✅ (within vet fees cap) | ✅ (within vet fees cap) |
| Medications | ✅ (within vet fees cap) | ✅ (within vet fees cap) | ✅ (within vet fees cap) |
| Hospitalization | ✅ (within vet fees cap) | ✅ (within vet fees cap) | ✅ (within vet fees cap) |
| Surgery (including anesthesia) | ✅ (within vet fees cap) | ✅ (within vet fees cap) | ✅ (within vet fees cap) |
| Diagnostic tests (X-ray, MRI, ultrasound, lab tests) | ✅ (within vet fees cap) | ✅ (within vet fees cap) | ✅ (within vet fees cap) |
| Dental care (includes scaling and procedures) | ✅ (annual dental check & vet advice required) | ✅ (same requirement) | ✅ (same requirement) |
| Preventive care package (vaccines, antiparasitics, spaying/neutering, ID/microchipping) | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Alternative medicine (osteopathy, acupuncture, etc.) | ✅ (max $2,000, part of vet fees cap) | ✅ (max $2,000, part of vet fees cap) | ✅ (max $4,000, part of vet fees cap) |
| Travel coverage (countries included, duration) | ✅ (Agreed Countries, up to 90 days, $2,500) | ✅ (Agreed Countries, up to 90 days, $2,500) | ✅ (Agreed Countries, up to 90 days, $2,500) |
| Civil liability | ✅ (dogs only, $3 million) | ✅ (dogs only, $3 million) | ✅ (dogs only, $5 million) |
| Euthanasia | ✅ (within vet fees cap) | ✅ (within vet fees cap) | ✅ (within vet fees cap) |
| Death & cremation coverage | Optional extra (up to $1,500) | Optional extra (up to $1,500) | Included (up to $2,000) |
| Theft or loss of pet + search expenses | Optional extra (up to $1,500) | Optional extra (up to $1,500) | Included (up to $2,000) |
| Boarding fees (if owner is hospitalized) | ✅ ($1,000 dogs, $500 cats) | ✅ ($1,000 dogs, $500 cats) | ✅ ($2,000) |
Important Policy Information
A compulsory co-payment is applied for claims where pets are aged 8+ (dogs/cats) or 4+/7+ (select breeds), in addition to the per-condition excess. Dental claims require documented annual vet dental checks and compliance with any vet-recommended dental care. Up to 10 sessions per period apply for each alternative/complementary therapy type.
Petcover Exclusions
Petcover exclusions are extensive and include a standard range of medical, behavioural, and geographic exclusions, but several distinctions stand out: hereditary or congenital conditions are not covered if they are evident prior to cover or within waiting periods, regardless of current symptoms.
Dental disease (periodontal, dental checks, scale/polish) is excluded unless you comply with annual vet exam and documented preventive care; even then, limits and strict requirements apply.
Pregnancy, breeding, and any treatment related to unvaccinated or banned breeds, or to pets not meeting specified age and breed restrictions, are not covered.
Additionally, time limits on overseas cover, and no liability cover for members of your own household or where other insurance applies, restrict access compared to some competitors.
Importantly, chronic conditions are only covered up to aggregate limits, and claims must be submitted within one year, otherwise payout can be refused or reduced.
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical exclusions | • Pre-existing conditions (all sides, bilateral) • Hereditary/congenital conditions pre-dating cover • Chronic illness beyond annual limit • Preventable illness from lack of vaccination • Dental disease, cleaning, periodontal disease unless compliance with annual vet checks and advice • Elective/cosmetic procedures • Non-approved, experimental, or alternative treatments not referred by a vet • Behavioural issues if owner-related or referred by non-vet |
| Geographic exclusions | • Outside Australia or >90 days in agreed countries • Quarantine or repatriation if outside guidelines • Emergency repatriation/quarantine for non-compliance with regulations |
| Identification & pet status exclusions | • Banned, dangerous, or uninsurable breeds • Pets under age of entry or exceeding age cap (including “Select Breeds”) • Pets used for guarding/security/racing/coursing • Microchip issues preventing compliance |
| Owner/usage exclusions | • Negligence or failure to provide standard care • Care by non-approved persons (e.g., family for boarding) • Liability for household/family, or where insured elsewhere |
| Other exclusions | • Pregnancy, breeding-related conditions • Fines, penalties, confiscation • Claims not lodged within 12 months • War, nuclear, terrorism, pandemic-related events |
• Hereditary/congenital conditions pre-dating cover
• Chronic illness beyond annual limit
• Preventable illness from lack of vaccination
• Dental disease, cleaning, periodontal disease unless compliance with annual vet checks and advice
• Elective/cosmetic procedures
• Non-approved, experimental, or alternative treatments not referred by a vet
• Behavioural issues if owner-related or referred by non-vet
• Quarantine or repatriation if outside guidelines
• Emergency repatriation/quarantine for non-compliance with regulations
• Pets under age of entry or exceeding age cap (including “Select Breeds”)
• Pets used for guarding/security/racing/coursing
• Microchip issues preventing compliance
• Care by non-approved persons (e.g., family for boarding)
• Liability for household/family, or where insured elsewhere
• Fines, penalties, confiscation
• Claims not lodged within 12 months
• War, nuclear, terrorism, pandemic-related events
Petcover Prices
Petcover positions itself in the mid-to-premium range of the Australian pet insurance market, reflecting its comparatively high annual limits, lifetime coverage, and inclusion of alternative treatments within capped benefits.
Reimbursement levels and sub-limits are generally robust across tiers, but the presence of annual/fixed excesses and mandatory age-based contributions means out-of-pocket costs can rise as pets get older.
The offer is not fully digital: claims require traditional forms (online or paper), and direct vet pay is only by special arrangement, contributing to only average cost efficiencies.
Compared to budget-focused providers, premiums are noticeably higher, but this is balanced by broader coverage, comprehensive conditions, and multi-pet discounts.
Overall, Petcover is best suited to pet owners seeking high annual caps and long-term cover, and willing to pay extra for expansive, but sometimes complex, policy terms.
Compare Petcover plans now to estimate your monthly premium and find the right cover for your pet.
| Entry Plan | Mid-Point Plan | Superior Plan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Young cat (2–4 years) | $22/month | $29/month | $37/month |
| Senior cat (7–8 years) | $36/month | $47/month | $62/month |
| Small breed dog (2–4 years) | $29/month | $37/month | $49/month |
| Large breed dog (2–4 years) | $39/month | $52/month | $69/month |
| Senior dog (7–8 years) | $52/month | $68/month | $94/month |
Petcover Promo Codes
| Petcover 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 from Petcover?
Reimbursements with Petcover’s Superior plan help you recover major veterinary costs for illness, accidents, and therapies, with a fixed excess per condition/period, a required co-payment, and high annual limits for peace of mind.
Cruciate Ligament Surgery Cost Breakdown
Total vet costs: $3,900
Deductible (fixed excess): $150 per condition
Claimable amount after excess: $3,900 – $150 = $3,750
Reimbursement at 80%: $3,750 × 80% = $3,000
👉 You receive $3,000, leaving $900 as your out-of-pocket cost.
ℹ️ The excess is only applied once per condition, and only the co-payment and uncovered portion are left to pay.
Emergency Poisoning Treatment (Cat) - Reimbursement Details
Total vet costs: $1,300
Deductible (fixed excess): $150 (if first claim for this condition)
Claimable amount: $1,150
Reimbursement at 80%: $1,150 × 80% = $920
👉 You receive $920 reimbursed, $380 remains at your expense.
ℹ️ If you’ve already paid the excess for a previous claim on the same condition in the year, the full bill is subject only to the co-payment.
Acupuncture Claim Reimbursement
Acupuncture sessions after orthopaedic surgery (dog)
Total vet costs: $900 (for 6 sessions, included under complementary treatments)
Deductible (fixed excess): $150
Claimable amount: $750
Reimbursement at 80%: $750 × 80% = $600
👉 You receive $600 back from Petcover, $300 at your cost.
ℹ️ Complementary treatments are covered up to $4,000/year under Superior, subject to sub-limits and excess.
Petcover Assistance
| Assistance Petcover | Disponible? | Détails |
|---|---|---|
| Paiement anticipé | ❌ | N.C. Petcover n'offre pas de système de paiement anticipé/tiers tel que Payvet ou Carecredit en Australie. |
| Facilités de paiement | ✅ | Des paiements échelonnés sont disponibles ; les primes peuvent être payées mensuellement sans frais de service supplémentaires. |
| Application mobile | ❌ | N.C. Aucune application officielle Petcover AU n'est disponible pour la gestion des polices ou des réclamations. |
| Processus de réclamations sans papier | ✅ | Les réclamations peuvent être soumises par e-mail ou via un formulaire en ligne. Pas d'application mobile, mais les formulaires sont téléchargeables, et les documents justificatifs peuvent être joints par e-mail. |
| Service vétérinaire d'urgence | ❌ | N.C. La ligne de conseils vétérinaires d'urgence ou les services de téléconsultation ne sont pas mentionnés comme inclus avec Petcover en Australie. |
| Réseau de partenaires vétérinaires/cliniques | ❌ | N.C. Petcover n'a pas de réseau de partenaires formel ; les clients peuvent utiliser n'importe quel vétérinaire agréé en Australie. |
| Couverture à l'étranger | ✅ | Jusqu'à 2 500 $/an pour un traitement dans les pays approuvés en dehors de l'Australie, limité à 90 jours par année de police. |
Customer Reviews of Petcover
| Review platform | Rating and number of reviews |
|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 2.2 / 5 (13 reviews) |
We analyzed reviews from the sites listed above. On the positive side, customers who subscribed to Petcover for their pets often mention:
- A willingness to pay claims when approved, with some reports of satisfactory payouts.
- The availability of coverage for a broad list of conditions and extra options in higher-tier plans.
On the negative side:
- ❌ A recurring frustration with slow or delayed claim processing and lack of timely communication.
- ❌ An unexpected denial of claims or payment issues, often linked to policy wording or conditions that customers did not anticipate.
- ❌ A perception that customer service responses to queries and complaints can be unsatisfactory or unclear.
How to Contact Petcover
| Petcover 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 | Download and complete the claim form from the Petcover website or contact [email protected]. Attach original invoices and any supporting documentation. Submit by email to [email protected] or by post to: Petcover Aust Pty Ltd, 1–3 Smolic Crt, Tullamarine VIC 3043. For support, call 1300 731 324. Processing times vary; approved reimbursements are paid directly to your nominated bank account. |
| To obtain a certificate of insurance | Request via email to [email protected] or call 1300 731 324. Certificates can be mailed or emailed upon request. |
| To contact assistance | For general support or pre-authorization questions, contact [email protected] or [email protected]. Phone support is available at 1300 731 324 (Mon–Fri 8.30am–6pm, Sat 9am–5pm). |
| To cancel my policy | Notify Petcover in writing by sending an email to [email protected] or by mail to: Petcover Aust Pty Ltd, 1–3 Smolic Crt, Tullamarine VIC 3043. Include your policy number, full name, and request clearly. A 14-day cooling-off period applies after purchase; after that, unused premium may be refunded for the remaining period at Petcover’s discretion. Call 1300 731 324 for confirmation or questions. |
Attach original invoices and any supporting documentation.
Submit by email to [email protected] or by post to: Petcover Aust Pty Ltd, 1–3 Smolic Crt, Tullamarine VIC 3043.
For support, call 1300 731 324.
Processing times vary; approved reimbursements are paid directly to your nominated bank account.
Certificates can be mailed or emailed upon request.
Phone support is available at 1300 731 324 (Mon–Fri 8.30am–6pm, Sat 9am–5pm).
Include your policy number, full name, and request clearly.
A 14-day cooling-off period applies after purchase; after that, unused premium may be refunded for the remaining period at Petcover’s discretion.
Call 1300 731 324 for confirmation or questions.
FAQ
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Petcover?
Petcover usually requires pet owners to pay veterinary fees upfront and then lodge a claim for reimbursement. In some cases, Petcover may agree to pay the vet directly, but this arrangement must be approved in advance and is not guaranteed for every claim. Most claims are paid to your nominated bank account once processed. Always discuss payment options with your vet and Petcover before treatment if direct payment is needed.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Petcover?
You can cancel your Petcover policy at any time by notifying them in writing via email or mail. Provide your policy number, name, and written request for cancellation. There is a 14-day cooling-off period where you can cancel for a full refund if no claim has been made. After this period, any unused premium may be returned at Petcover’s discretion.
What types of conditions are excluded from Petcover policies?
Petcover excludes pre-existing conditions, routine and preventative care (like annual check-ups or vaccinations), elective and cosmetic treatments, and certain hereditary or congenital issues that arise before or during the waiting period. Some breed restrictions and age limits also apply. It’s important to review the full list of exclusions in the Product Disclosure Statement before purchasing.
Are there waiting periods for illness or specific conditions with Petcover?
Yes, there are waiting periods for most health conditions. For general illnesses, the waiting period is 21 days from the policy start date. Certain conditions, such as cruciate ligament problems and some hereditary disorders, may have longer waiting periods of up to 6 or even 12 months. Accidental injuries generally have no waiting period.
Does Petcover offer lifetime cover for chronic or recurring illnesses?
Petcover’s “Umbrella for Life” feature means eligible chronic or recurring illnesses remain covered year after year, as long as the policy is continuously renewed and annual limits are not exceeded. Lifetime limits and annual caps apply, so ongoing claims must remain within these allowances. This helps provide ongoing security for pets with long-term health needs.
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Petcover?
Petcover usually requires pet owners to pay veterinary fees upfront and then lodge a claim for reimbursement. In some cases, Petcover may agree to pay the vet directly, but this arrangement must be approved in advance and is not guaranteed for every claim. Most claims are paid to your nominated bank account once processed. Always discuss payment options with your vet and Petcover before treatment if direct payment is needed.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Petcover?
You can cancel your Petcover policy at any time by notifying them in writing via email or mail. Provide your policy number, name, and written request for cancellation. There is a 14-day cooling-off period where you can cancel for a full refund if no claim has been made. After this period, any unused premium may be returned at Petcover’s discretion.
What types of conditions are excluded from Petcover policies?
Petcover excludes pre-existing conditions, routine and preventative care (like annual check-ups or vaccinations), elective and cosmetic treatments, and certain hereditary or congenital issues that arise before or during the waiting period. Some breed restrictions and age limits also apply. It’s important to review the full list of exclusions in the Product Disclosure Statement before purchasing.
Are there waiting periods for illness or specific conditions with Petcover?
Yes, there are waiting periods for most health conditions. For general illnesses, the waiting period is 21 days from the policy start date. Certain conditions, such as cruciate ligament problems and some hereditary disorders, may have longer waiting periods of up to 6 or even 12 months. Accidental injuries generally have no waiting period.
Does Petcover offer lifetime cover for chronic or recurring illnesses?
Petcover’s “Umbrella for Life” feature means eligible chronic or recurring illnesses remain covered year after year, as long as the policy is continuously renewed and annual limits are not exceeded. Lifetime limits and annual caps apply, so ongoing claims must remain within these allowances. This helps provide ongoing security for pets with long-term health needs.
