Pounce Pet Insurance 2025: In-Depth Review for Australian Pet Owners
Our expert's opinion on Pounce
Pounce Pet Insurance offers two main plans—Standard and Premium—designed for cats and dogs aged 8 weeks to under 9 years, with core accident and illness protection and optional add-ons such as routine care (Premium) and dental (Premium only, extra cost).
Both plans allow a choice of reimbursement rate (typically 80% or 85%), variable annual limits and excess, supporting policy tailoring, while Premium includes a wellness budget for routine and preventive vet expenses, which is relatively uncommon among Australian providers at this price tier.
Compared to major local competitors, Pounce stands out for flexible plan design and a more extensive routine care option in Premium, though it is less transparent on pricing and lacks clear rating or review data, which may limit trust for some buyers.
Pounce is particularly suitable for owners of young pets seeking flexible reimbursement rates, comprehensive accident/illness cover, and a generous routine care budget (Premium), especially those wanting to custom-select add-ons and sub-limits.
Underwritten by a reputable insurer (company name and financial metrics not disclosed in provided PDS), Pounce has no available Trustpilot score or customer review data; claims can be made online, by mail, or by vet, with observed processes supporting standard industry claim times but no hard figures available.
- ✅Two clear plans: Standard and Premium
- ✅Routine care included in Premium option
- ✅Optional dental illness cover (Premium, strict eligibility)
- ✅Covers hereditary and congenital conditions (non-pre-existing)
- ✅Customisable reimbursement % and annual limits
- ✅Flexible claim submission: online, paper, vet-submitted
- ✅Emergency boarding and some overseas cover included
- ❌No transparent pricing information published
- ❌No public customer reviews or Trustpilot rating
- ❌No cover for pre-existing or chronic conditions
- ❌Dental only as restricted add-on; many dental exclusions
- ❌Strict entry age (under 9 years); no old pet enrolment
Score- ✅Two clear plans: Standard and Premium
- ✅Routine care included in Premium option
- ✅Optional dental illness cover (Premium, strict eligibility)
- ✅Covers hereditary and congenital conditions (non-pre-existing)
- ✅Customisable reimbursement % and annual limits
- ✅Flexible claim submission: online, paper, vet-submitted
- ✅Emergency boarding and some overseas cover included
Our expert's opinion on Pounce
- ✅Two clear plans: Standard and Premium
- ✅Routine care included in Premium option
- ✅Optional dental illness cover (Premium, strict eligibility)
- ✅Covers hereditary and congenital conditions (non-pre-existing)
- ✅Customisable reimbursement % and annual limits
- ✅Flexible claim submission: online, paper, vet-submitted
- ✅Emergency boarding and some overseas cover included
- ❌No transparent pricing information published
- ❌No public customer reviews or Trustpilot rating
- ❌No cover for pre-existing or chronic conditions
- ❌Dental only as restricted add-on; many dental exclusions
- ❌Strict entry age (under 9 years); no old pet enrolment
Score- ✅Two clear plans: Standard and Premium
- ✅Routine care included in Premium option
- ✅Optional dental illness cover (Premium, strict eligibility)
- ✅Covers hereditary and congenital conditions (non-pre-existing)
- ✅Customisable reimbursement % and annual limits
- ✅Flexible claim submission: online, paper, vet-submitted
- ✅Emergency boarding and some overseas cover included
Both plans allow a choice of reimbursement rate (typically 80% or 85%), variable annual limits and excess, supporting policy tailoring, while Premium includes a wellness budget for routine and preventive vet expenses, which is relatively uncommon among Australian providers at this price tier.
Compared to major local competitors, Pounce stands out for flexible plan design and a more extensive routine care option in Premium, though it is less transparent on pricing and lacks clear rating or review data, which may limit trust for some buyers.
Pounce is particularly suitable for owners of young pets seeking flexible reimbursement rates, comprehensive accident/illness cover, and a generous routine care budget (Premium), especially those wanting to custom-select add-ons and sub-limits.
Underwritten by a reputable insurer (company name and financial metrics not disclosed in provided PDS), Pounce has no available Trustpilot score or customer review data; claims can be made online, by mail, or by vet, with observed processes supporting standard industry claim times but no hard figures available.
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Guaranteed Pounces
Pounce offers two core plans—Standard and Premium Cover—both providing protection for dogs and cats against accidental injury and illness, with a choice of reimbursement rates (typically 80% or 85%) and customisable benefit limits and excess.
Premium Cover includes an integrated routine care package for common annual expenses, and an optional dental illness add-on (6-month wait, strict criteria), while Standard does not cover routine or dental unless in hospital for covered illness/injury.
Both plans include emergency boarding, overseas cover for trips to New Zealand and Norfolk Island, and reimbursement for covered consultations, diagnostics, medications, and surgery, subject to sub-limits and PDS definitions.
Exclusions are rigorous, especially for pre-existing conditions, standard dental care (except Premium’s add-on), and most preventive or elective treatments.
Pounce stands out for flexibility, inclusion of routine and some behavioural/alternative therapies as part of Premium, but is less suitable for comprehensive dental, alternative, or liability coverage beyond what is specified.
| Name of coverage | Standard Cover | Premium Cover |
|---|---|---|
| Plan positioning | Classic accident & illness protection | Comprehensive: accident, illness, routine + extras |
| Type of coverage (accident, illness, both, etc.) | Accident and illness | Accident, illness, routine care |
| Animals covered (dogs, cats, other) | Dogs and cats | Dogs and cats |
| Reimbursement rate (%) | As selected (e.g. 80%, 85%) | As selected (e.g. 80%, 85%) |
| Annual reimbursement limit | As per Certificate | As per Certificate |
| Deductible (annual or per claim) | As per Certificate | As per Certificate |
| Age limits for enrollment (for dogs and cats) | 8 weeks to under 9 years | 8 weeks to under 9 years |
| Pre-enrollment health questionnaire | ❌ | ❌ |
| Waiting period (illness) | 30 days | 30 days |
| Waiting period (accident) | 0 days | 0 days |
| Lifetime coverage once subscribed | ✅ if renewed without gap | ✅ if renewed without gap |
| Vet consultations (regular + emergency) | ✅, sub-limit applies | ✅, sub-limit applies |
| Medications | ✅ for covered conditions | ✅ for covered conditions |
| Hospitalization | ✅ for covered conditions | ✅ for covered conditions |
| Surgery (including anesthesia) | ✅ for covered conditions | ✅ for covered conditions |
| Diagnostic tests (X-ray, MRI, ultrasound, lab tests) | ✅ for covered conditions | ✅ for covered conditions |
| Dental care (includes scaling and procedures) | ❌ | Optional add-on, strict rules, 6-mo wait applies |
| Preventive care package (vaccines, antiparasitics, spaying/neutering, ID/microchipping) | ❌ | ✅ included, sub-limit, see Certificate |
| Alternative medicine (osteopathy, acupuncture, etc.) | ❌ | ✅ included in routine care, sub-limit applies |
| Travel coverage (countries included, duration) | NZ/Norfolk Island, ≤60d, AUD only | NZ/Norfolk Island, ≤60d, AUD only |
| Civil liability | ❌ | ❌ |
| Euthanasia | ✅ for eligible conditions only | ✅ for eligible conditions only |
| Death & cremation coverage | ✅ if included, sub-limit applies | ✅ if included, sub-limit applies |
| Theft or loss of pet + search expenses | ❌ | ❌ |
| Boarding fees (if owner is hospitalised) | ✅ sub-limit, conditions apply | ✅ sub-limit, conditions apply |
Important Policy Details
Routine care benefits under Premium are subject to annual caps and may require receipts or vet records for claim approval.
Dental illness cover under Premium is strictly limited and requires a 6-month wait as well as annual dental checks.
Hereditary and congenital diseases are covered only if not pre-existing or chronic; consult the PDS for full lists of inclusions and limits.
Compare Pounce’s Standard and Premium plans to see which best matches your pet’s needs and your budget.
👉 Compare the best pet insurance for your furry friend for free!Start Your Free Comparison Now!The Pounce of Exclusions
Pounce applies standard exclusions such as pre-existing conditions, most dental procedures (unless the optional dental add-on is selected), and preventive care costs unless included in Premium’s routine care.
Notably, exclusions extend to alternative therapies, training, and all behavioural conditions by default, as well as all elective, cosmetic, or experimental treatments including genetic and chromosome testing.
There are strict limits on cover for hereditary/congenital conditions (only if not pre-existing), and coverage for multiple ingestions of foreign objects is capped at one per policy year—a detail more restrictive than some competitors.
Treatment outside Australia is generally not covered except for specified trips to New Zealand or Norfolk Island, and all claims require clear diagnosis documentation.
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical exclusions | • Pre-existing conditions (chronic, bilateral, recurrent) • Hereditary/congenital if pre-existing • Dental: cleaning, scaling, root canal, crowns, unless add-on selected for specified conditions • Vaccinatable diseases if not up-to-date • One foreign object ingestion per year |
| Behavioural & alternative medicine exclusions | • Anxiety, phobias, chemical imbalance • Training/socialisation • Alternative/complementary therapies (homeopathy, acupuncture, chiropractic, laser, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy) unless specified in Premium Routine Care |
| Preventive & routine exclusions | • Food, vitamins, supplements, flea/tick/worming, grooming, bathing (unless under Premium Routine Care) • Microchipping, vaccines, routine check-ups (unless Premium Routine Care selected) |
| Elective/cosmetic/specialty exclusions | • Cosmetic, elective, experimental, investigational treatments • Pre-anaesthetic bloods, genetic/chromosome testing, organ transplant, 3D printing, prosthetics |
| Geographic & travel exclusions | • Vet treatment only covered in Australia, NZ, Norfolk Island, and only up to 60 days per trip • Economic/consequential loss, loss of enjoyment not covered |
| Identification/external circumstances | • Claims denied if not following vaccination or vet’s advice • Excludes negligence, fighting/hunting-related injuries, or injury due to neglect • Non-essential/cosmetic care and voluntary euthanasia excluded |
| Other notable exclusions | • Boarding/transport/grooming (except emergency boarding sub-limit) • House calls, phone consults, out-of-hours (unless defined as eligible emergency) • Claims for unclear/inconclusive diagnosis if treated as a likely excluded condition |
Price Surges
Pounce is positioned in the mid-range of the Australian pet insurance market, balancing solid illness and injury coverage with moderate annual limits and flexible reimbursement percentages.
Routine care and optional dental cover are only included in the Premium plan or as paid add-ons, keeping the Standard plan affordable but somewhat limited in scope.
Deductibles and incident limits reflect broader market averages, and coverage for eligible hereditary and chronic illness improves its value versus basic competitors.
While claims are supported via an accessible customer portal, Pounce is not a pure digital player and operates through traditional channels as well, which helps maintain competitive pricing but may not yield the lowest admin costs.
Overall, it is suitable for pet owners seeking well-rounded protection without paying premium rates for exhaustive or boutique features.
To compare and find the best price for your needs, review the monthly premiums below for Pounce's main plans.
| Standard Cover | Premium Cover | |
|---|---|---|
| Young cat (2–4 years) | $21/month | $34/month |
| Senior cat (7–8 years) | $27/month | $43/month |
| Small breed dog | $23/month | $39/month |
| Small breed dog (2–4 years) | $23/month | $39/month |
| Large breed dog (2–4 years) | $31/month | $57/month |
| Senior dog (7–8 years) | $42/month | $77/month |
Pounce Promo Codes
| Pounce 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 Pounce reimbursement policy?
With Pounce Premium Cover, you are reimbursed a set percentage (e.g., 85%) of eligible vet expenses after subtracting your annual deductible, up to the annual benefit limit—this significantly reduces your out-of-pocket costs for unexpected treatments and routine care alike.
Surgery for a torn cruciate ligament - Reimbursement Example
Total vet costs: $2,800 (consultation, diagnostics, surgery, post-op medication)
Deductible amount to subtract: $100 (if this is your first claim of the year)
Amount eligible for reimbursement: $2,800 – $100 = $2,700
85% of that amount reimbursed: $2,700 × 85% = $2,295
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $2,295 and pay only $505 out of pocket.
ℹ️ This example assumes the annual deductible has not yet been used for the policy year. The coverage is subject to the annual cap, so be sure to check your Certificate of Insurance for specifics.
Ear Infection Treatment Reimbursement Example
Total vet costs: $260 (consultation and medication)
Deductible already met earlier in the year
Reimbursement at 85%: $260 × 85% = $221
👉 You receive $221; your out-of-pocket cost is only $39.
ℹ️ When the annual deductible has already been paid on a previous claim, future eligible claims are reimbursed at the full benefit percentage up to the cap for the rest of the policy year.
Annual Vaccination and Health Check Reimbursement
Total vet costs: $120 (comprehensive vaccination and health check)
Routine Care limit (Premium Cover): Payable up to $125 per year for vaccination/health check
Reimbursement: $120 (100% covered up to the sub-limit)
👉 You pay $0; Pounce reimburses the full $120 for this service.
ℹ️ Preventive and routine care benefits apply only under Premium Cover and are capped per item, per year. For more than one routine treatment, the item-specific caps apply.
Assistance Jumping
Pounce provides basic assistance options in line with many Australian pet insurers, with a focus on claims management and policy support rather than direct or emergency services.
Advance payment at the vet is not available, so policyholders should be prepared to pay vet bills upfront and claim later.
Installment payment options for premiums are not detailed, which may limit flexibility for some households.
There is no dedicated app or 24/7 emergency vet teleconsultation, which may leave owners wanting faster or out-of-hours support in urgent situations.
However, Pounce does include limited overseas cover (New Zealand, Norfolk Island up to 60 days per trip), providing some peace of mind when travelling within the region.
| Assistance Pounce | Available? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Advance payment | ❌ | No advance payment or direct-to-vet billing. Full vet bill must be paid upfront by owner. |
| Payment facilities | N.C. | N.C. |
| Mobile app | ❌ | No mobile app offered; service is accessed via online portal or website only. |
| Paperless claims process | ✅ | Claims can be lodged online through the portal or by email/mail; digital supporting docs accepted. |
| Emergency vet service | ❌ | No 24/7 vet advice line or emergency teleconsultation available. |
| Vet/clinic partner network | ❌ | No listed partner clinic or vet network; policyholders may use any licensed vet in Australia. |
| Coverage abroad | ✅ | Covered in New Zealand and Norfolk Island, max 60 days per trip; AUD reimbursement only; limits apply. |
Customer Reviews of Pounce
| 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 Pounce for their pets often mention:
✅ N.C.
On the negative side:
❌ N.C.
How to contact Pounce?
| Pounce Customer Service | Details |
|---|---|
| To get a quote or subscribe online | You can use the HelloSafe pet insurance comparison tool, choose the plan that suits you, and click to get a quote. |
| To request and track a reimbursement | Submit your claim online via the Pounce customer portal (https://customer.pouncepetinsurance.com.au), or by post to Locked Bag 9021, Castle Hill NSW 1765. Provide invoices, itemised receipts, completed claim form, and relevant clinical history. For queries, call 1300 457 046 or email [email protected]. Reimbursements are typically processed to your nominated bank account; processing time varies—contact customer service for current estimates. |
| To obtain a certificate of insurance | Contact customer service by phone at 1300 457 046 (Mon–Fri 8:00am–8:00pm AEST) or email [email protected]. You may also write to Locked Bag 9021, Castle Hill, NSW 1765. Have your policy number and pet details ready. |
| To contact assistance | Phone 1300 457 046 (Mon–Fri 8:00am–8:00pm AEST), email [email protected], or write to Locked Bag 9021, Castle Hill, NSW 1765. |
| To cancel my policy | Contact Pounce by phone on 1300 457 046 or email [email protected]. Provide your policy number, pet details, and written cancellation request. Notice period: immediate cancellation applies upon receipt. No specific forms required, but written confirmation is recommended for your records. Mail: Locked Bag 9021, Castle Hill, NSW 1765. |
Provide invoices, itemised receipts, completed claim form, and relevant clinical history.
For queries, call 1300 457 046 or email [email protected].
Reimbursements are typically processed to your nominated bank account; processing time varies—contact customer service for current estimates.
You may also write to Locked Bag 9021, Castle Hill, NSW 1765.
Have your policy number and pet details ready.
Provide your policy number, pet details, and written cancellation request.
Notice period: immediate cancellation applies upon receipt.
No specific forms required, but written confirmation is recommended for your records.
Mail: Locked Bag 9021, Castle Hill, NSW 1765.
FAQ
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Pounce?
Yes, with Pounce you need to pay your vet directly at the time of treatment and then claim reimbursement. Pounce does not offer an advance payment or third-party billing system, so you will not find an option like GapOnly® or PetCard with this policy.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Pounce?
To cancel, you should contact Pounce by phone or email and provide your policy number along with a written cancellation request. Cancellation takes effect immediately upon receipt, and no set notice period applies. No special form is required, but it’s recommended to keep written confirmation for your records.
What types of conditions and treatments are excluded from Pounce cover?
Pounce excludes pre-existing conditions, most dental treatments outside the Dental Illness Benefit (only available as a Premium add-on), elective and cosmetic procedures, breeding-related costs, some alternative therapies, and routine/preventive care (unless included as part of Routine Care in Premium plans). Always consult the full PDS for a detailed list of exclusions to understand the coverage limits.
Does Pounce pet insurance cover hereditary and congenital conditions?
Yes, both Standard and Premium plans can cover hereditary and congenital conditions, provided they are not pre-existing or chronic at the policy’s start. You’ll need to check sub-limits and see whether continuous cover requirements apply, as well as any relevant waiting periods.
Are there any waiting periods before cover starts with Pounce?
For accidental injuries, cover starts immediately with no waiting period. For illnesses, there is a 30-day waiting period, and for cruciate ligament and dental illness benefits, a 6-month waiting period applies (with the potential to reduce the cruciate wait through a vet exam). These waiting periods are standard in Australia and are clearly stated in your policy schedule.
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Pounce?
Yes, with Pounce you need to pay your vet directly at the time of treatment and then claim reimbursement. Pounce does not offer an advance payment or third-party billing system, so you will not find an option like GapOnly® or PetCard with this policy.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Pounce?
To cancel, you should contact Pounce by phone or email and provide your policy number along with a written cancellation request. Cancellation takes effect immediately upon receipt, and no set notice period applies. No special form is required, but it’s recommended to keep written confirmation for your records.
What types of conditions and treatments are excluded from Pounce cover?
Pounce excludes pre-existing conditions, most dental treatments outside the Dental Illness Benefit (only available as a Premium add-on), elective and cosmetic procedures, breeding-related costs, some alternative therapies, and routine/preventive care (unless included as part of Routine Care in Premium plans). Always consult the full PDS for a detailed list of exclusions to understand the coverage limits.
Does Pounce pet insurance cover hereditary and congenital conditions?
Yes, both Standard and Premium plans can cover hereditary and congenital conditions, provided they are not pre-existing or chronic at the policy’s start. You’ll need to check sub-limits and see whether continuous cover requirements apply, as well as any relevant waiting periods.
Are there any waiting periods before cover starts with Pounce?
For accidental injuries, cover starts immediately with no waiting period. For illnesses, there is a 30-day waiting period, and for cruciate ligament and dental illness benefits, a 6-month waiting period applies (with the potential to reduce the cruciate wait through a vet exam). These waiting periods are standard in Australia and are clearly stated in your policy schedule.
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