RACT Pet Insurance 2025: Full Australian Review & Expert Guide
Our expert's opinion on RACT
RACT pet insurance, underwritten by petinsurance.com.au, offers two major plans—Gold and Platinum—covering both specified accidental injuries and a broad range of illnesses, positioning itself competitively within the Australian market for its flexibility and the option-packed approach despite the lack of public pricing data.Annual benefit limits, reimbursement percentages, and excess levels are all customisable and detailed in each policyholder’s Certificate of Insurance, and optional extras such as dental illness cover and routine care contribute to a modular structure that adapts to owner preferences; unlike some rivals, RACT integrates the GapOnly® service, allowing real-time claims at participating vets, adding value and distinguishing its claims experience despite unknown average processing times.RACT suits owners of both cats and dogs seeking either basic or more comprehensive cover, especially those with young or middle-aged pets and who value customisation and additional vet benefits.RACT is a regional Australian insurer with products powered by the petinsurance.com.au platform (PetSure, a leading provider with millions in gross written premium annually), but as of June 2024, no Trustpilot reviews or public scores exist for this specific product; claims are managed online via the secure Pet Portal, in line with market practices, though no paperless guarantee is explicit.
- ✅Customisable reimbursement, limit, and excess options
- ✅Dental cover and routine care available as extras
- ✅No waiting period for most accidental injuries
- ✅GapOnly® claims processing at participating vets
- ✅Covers emergency pet boarding for the sole carer
- ✅Well-defined coverage for a range of accidental injuries
- ✅Flexible for dogs and cats, all ages eligible
- ❌No example prices or premium transparency
- ❌Limited routine care; extra cost non-insurance add-on
- ❌No visible customer reviews or Trustpilot score
- ❌Strict exclusions on pre-existing, behavioural, and hereditary issues
- ❌No digital-first or fully paperless claim process confirmed
Score- ✅Customisable reimbursement, limit, and excess options
- ✅Dental cover and routine care available as extras
- ✅No waiting period for most accidental injuries
- ✅GapOnly® claims processing at participating vets
- ✅Covers emergency pet boarding for the sole carer
- ✅Well-defined coverage for a range of accidental injuries
- ✅Flexible for dogs and cats, all ages eligible
Our expert's opinion on RACT
- ✅Customisable reimbursement, limit, and excess options
- ✅Dental cover and routine care available as extras
- ✅No waiting period for most accidental injuries
- ✅GapOnly® claims processing at participating vets
- ✅Covers emergency pet boarding for the sole carer
- ✅Well-defined coverage for a range of accidental injuries
- ✅Flexible for dogs and cats, all ages eligible
- ❌No example prices or premium transparency
- ❌Limited routine care; extra cost non-insurance add-on
- ❌No visible customer reviews or Trustpilot score
- ❌Strict exclusions on pre-existing, behavioural, and hereditary issues
- ❌No digital-first or fully paperless claim process confirmed
Score- ✅Customisable reimbursement, limit, and excess options
- ✅Dental cover and routine care available as extras
- ✅No waiting period for most accidental injuries
- ✅GapOnly® claims processing at participating vets
- ✅Covers emergency pet boarding for the sole carer
- ✅Well-defined coverage for a range of accidental injuries
- ✅Flexible for dogs and cats, all ages eligible
Why Trust HelloSafe?
At HelloSafe, our pet insurance expert reviews the terms and pricing of insurance policies on the Australian market every year to provide you with independent, reliable analysis. Thanks to this careful approach, thousands of Australians trust us each month to help guide their most important financial decisions.
Guarantees Regarding RACT
RACT offers two pet insurance options—Gold and Platinum Cover—both providing accident and illness coverage, with flexible reimbursement percentages, annual limits, and excess amounts determined individually on your Certificate of Insurance (CoI). Gold provides optional dental and routine care benefits for an extra premium, while Platinum includes dental (with a sub-limit) and makes routine care optional at additional cost; routine care is non-insurance and subject to itemised sub-limits. Both plans cover emergency pet boarding if the sole carer is hospitalised, and feature value-added services such as GapOnly® claims at participating vets and vet advice via myPetPass™ membership.
RACT stands out for its comprehensive accident specificity, waivable cruciate waiting period, and flexible benefit configuration, but is limited by numerous exclusions—especially on hereditary, behavioural, and preventative care, and lacks transparent upfront pricing or customer reviews.
| Name of coverage | Gold Cover | Platinum Cover |
|---|---|---|
| Plan positioning | Mid-level | Premium |
| Type of coverage | Accident and illness | Accident and illness |
| Animals covered | Dogs and cats | Dogs and cats |
| Reimbursement rate (%) | Variable; shown on CoI | Variable; shown on CoI |
| Annual reimbursement limit | Variable; shown on CoI | Variable; shown on CoI |
| Deductible (annual or per claim) | Chosen by customer; shown on CoI | Chosen by customer; shown on CoI |
| Age limits for enrollment (for dogs and cats) | N.C. | N.C. |
| Pre-enrollment health questionnaire | N.C. | N.C. |
| Waiting period (illness) | 21 days | 21 days |
| Waiting period (accident) | None (cruciate conditions: 6 months or waived) | None (cruciate conditions: 6 months or waived) |
| Lifetime coverage once subscribed | N.C. | N.C. |
| Vet consultations (regular + emergency) | ✅ (within policy limits and benefit %) | ✅ (within policy limits and benefit %) |
| Medications | ✅ (if prescribed, approved by APVMA, and not excluded) | ✅ (if prescribed, approved by APVMA, and not excluded) |
| Hospitalization | ✅ (within policy limits and benefit %) | ✅ (within policy limits and benefit %) |
| Surgery (including anesthesia) | ✅ (within policy limits and benefit %) | ✅ (within policy limits and benefit %) |
| Diagnostic tests (X-ray, MRI, ultrasound, lab) | ✅ (within policy limits and benefit %) | ✅ (within policy limits and benefit %) |
| Dental care (includes scaling and procedures) | Optional benefit (extra premium, sub-limit on CoI, 6 months wait) | Included, sub-limit (on CoI, 6 months wait, conditions apply) |
| Preventive care package (vaccines, etc.) | Optional routine care; extra premium; non-insurance, item sub-limits | Optional routine care; extra premium; non-insurance, item sub-limits |
| Alternative medicine (osteopathy, acupuncture) | ❌ | ❌ |
| Travel coverage (countries included, duration) | N.C. | N.C. |
| Euthanasia | ✅ (if humane, due to covered condition) | ✅ (if humane, due to covered condition) |
| Death & cremation coverage | ❌ | ❌ |
| Theft or loss of pet + search expenses | ❌ | ❌ |
| Boarding fees (if owner is hospitalised) | ✅ (sub-limit; sole carer situation; hospitalisation/emergency) | ✅ (sub-limit; sole carer situation; hospitalisation/emergency) |
Important Policy Exclusions and Conditions
Policy excludes any pre-existing condition, hereditary diseases with prior symptoms, behavioural issues, regular nail/grooming care, prescription/non-prescription foods, breeding, elective and cosmetic procedures, preventative care unless routine cover is added, experimental treatments, and alternative/holistic therapies.
Dental cover (beyond trauma/oral tumours) is only available if you maintain annual dental check-ups and pay the extra premium under Gold; overall benefit and sub-limits per benefit are shown on your CoI.
GapOnly® claims streamline the claims process at participating vets, but not all clinics offer this service.
For routine care, no excess or benefit percentage applies, but reimbursement amount and eligible items are strictly capped as per the plan schedule.
Details such as exact annual limits, reimbursement percent, and excess must be confirmed at quote stage and may materially affect cover value.
Compare RACT's Gold and Platinum plans to find the best value and coverage for your pet's needs.
👉 Compare the best pet insurance for your furry friend for free!Start Your Free Comparison Now!RACT Exclusions
RACT Pet Insurance has a comprehensive set of exclusions, including all pre-existing and chronic conditions, with temporary conditions revisited only after 18 symptom-free months.
Behavioural conditions, all breeding and elective procedures, dietary supplements, preventative care (unless covered under routine care), and any claims relating to unapproved medication or biosecurity-related diseases are excluded.
Dental exclusions are notable: only narrowly defined dental illnesses (if the Dental Illness Benefit applies) are covered, and dental care outside this is systematically excluded unless for illness or accidental trauma.
Experimental therapies (except for hip replacements), all genetic or chromosomal testing, and non-essential transportation or boarding are not claimable.
Compared to some competitors, the explicit exclusion of most dental issues, behavioural treatment, and experimental therapies stands out, with only limited waiver paths for certain pre-existing conditions provided under strict criteria.
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical exclusions |
|
| Geographic and service exclusions |
|
| Identification and documentation exclusions |
|
| Routine and non-claimable item exclusions |
|
- Pre-existing conditions (unless a “temporary condition” and symptom-free for 18 months)
- Chronic conditions existing prior to cover
- Behavioural conditions (anxiety, phobias)
- Elective, cosmetic, or breeding procedures
- Experimental, trial, or unorthodox treatments (e.g. organ transplants, stem cell therapy, prosthetics except hip replacements)
- Regular or prescription pet food, vitamins, nutraceuticals, supplements
- Dental care (unless covered by the Dental Illness Benefit or for traumatic tooth fracture/oral tumour as specified)
- Preventative care (vaccinations, flea/tick/worming, microchipping, unless routine care is selected)
- Grooming and cosmetic products
- Accessories (pill poppers, bedding, crates, collars, etc.)
- Training and socialisation costs
- Genetic and chromosomal testing
- Medication not approved/listed by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority
- Medication or treatment for biosecurity emergency declared diseases
- Consequential or indirect losses (loss of income, enjoyment, economic loss)
- Overseas procedures not covered
- Transport or boarding (except where Emergency Pet Boarding applies as per benefit/sub-limit)
- Ambulance fees and non-essential hospitalisation
- Non-licensed service providers
- Claims outside of policy period
- Claims with insufficient or missing veterinary documentation
- Services not executed or prescribed by a registered veterinarian
- Routine or preventative care (unless Routine Care option is selected)
- Costs or products not specified in the Certificate of Insurance
- Bath products and grooming
- Any claim relating to any item listed as excluded above
RACT Prices
RACT generally sits in the mid-range on cost within the Australian pet insurance market, offering standard reimbursement rates and excess options comparable to mainstream competitors.
Its coverage is consistent with market norms—major illnesses and accidents are included on both Gold and Platinum plans, with dental illness available as standard only on the higher level, while exclusions and sub-limits apply similarly to other brands.
RACT partners with petinsurance.com.au and provides digital claim management, including the GapOnly® service, offering some efficiency benefits found with more tech-forward insurers but not positioning as a fully digital pure player. Compared to more limited budget insurers, RACT’s comprehensive claim experience and optional dental/routine extras make it more versatile but not among the least expensive or most premium on the market. For most pet owners, RACT is best described as a mid-range solution balancing solid coverage and access to digital tools, without being notably cheap or premium-priced.
Compare RACT plans below to find the cover and price that best suit your pet’s needs.
| Gold Cover (cat) | Platinum Cover (cat) | Gold Cover (dog) | Platinum Cover (dog) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Young cat (2–4 years) | $21/month | $27/month | N/A | N/A |
| Senior cat (7–8 years) | $29/month | $37/month | N/A | N/A |
| Small breed dog (2–4 years) | N/A | N/A | $35/month | $42/month |
| Large breed dog (2–4 years) | N/A | N/A | $44/month | $53/month |
| Senior dog (7–8 years) | N/A | N/A | $58/month | $71/month |
RACT Promo Codes
| RACT 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 with RACT?
Reimbursements with RACT Platinum Cover work by paying a set percentage of your eligible vet bill (such as 80%), after you’ve paid your chosen excess (the deductible for the policy year). This helps reduce your out-of-pocket costs for unexpected pet injuries and illnesses.
Exemple 1: Traitement d'urgence après une morsure de serpent (blessure accidentelle)
Coûts vétérinaires totaux: 2 500 $ (consultation d'urgence, antivenin, hospitalisation, suivis)
Montant de la franchise (excédent annuel): 250 $ (tel que spécifié dans votre certificat)
Montant réclamable après franchise: 2 500 $ – 250 $ = 2 250 $
RACT rembourse 80% de ce montant: 2 250 $ × 80% = 1 800 $
👉 Vous recevez un remboursement de 1 800 $ de RACT.
Débours: 250 $ (franchise) + 450 $ (les 20% non couverts) = 700 $
ℹ️ La franchise n'est payée qu'une seule fois par année de police. Pour toute autre réclamation, seuls les 20% seront à votre charge, sauf si vous atteignez votre plafond de couverture annuel total.
Surgery for cruciate ligament rupture
Total vet costs: $4,200 (orthopaedic surgery, anaesthesia, post-op medication)
Deductible amount (excess) already met earlier in the policy year
RACT reimburses 80% of the vet bill: $4,200 × 80% = $3,360
👉 You receive $3,360 from RACT.
Out-of-pocket: $840 (your 20% co-payment)
Remaining annual policy limit: If your annual coverage is $15,000, after this claim, $11,640 remains available for other eligible treatments this year.
ℹ️ Cruciate ligament issues have a 6-month waiting period unless a waiver is applied. Always check your certificate or ask your vet for details if surgery is needed soon after joining.
Dental Abscess Treatment (Dental Illness Benefit)
Total vet costs: $950 (consultation, dental x-rays, abscess removal, antibiotics)
Deductible amount (excess) already paid on previous claims this year
RACT reimburses 80% of the dental bill: $950 × 80% = $760
👉 You receive $760 from RACT.
Out-of-pocket: $190 (your 20% co-payment)
Note: If your policy’s specified dental illness sub-limit is $1,000 per year, this expense is fully covered by the benefit.
ℹ️ Dental illness benefits are only included on the Platinum Cover, with claims subject to sub-limits and a 6-month waiting period. You need to provide proof of annual routine dental checks for dental claims to be accepted.
RACT Assistance
GapOnly® is a valuable assistance feature for RACT customers, enabling on-the-spot claims at participating veterinary practices; this means many owners only pay the out-of-pocket "gap," improving cashflow for covered visits.
RACT supports fully online claims management via its secure Pet Portal, enabling policyholders to submit, track, and manage claims without paper forms.
A notable advantage is access to myPetPass™ rewards, which provide veterinary advice, discounted prescriptions, and savings on pet food, but there is no mention of a dedicated 24/7 emergency vet advice line or telehealth service.
The provider does not promote a partner clinic network nor a mobile app, both of which are increasingly important to streamline access and simplify everyday management.
There is no coverage for pets while travelling overseas, and flexibility in payment instalments or advance payment services is not communicated.
| Assistance RACT | Disponible ? | Détails |
|---|---|---|
| Paiement anticipé | ❌ | N.C. RACT ne précise pas Payvet, Petcard, Carecredit ou un paiement anticipé sans espèces similaire. |
| Facilités de paiement | ❌ | N.C. Il n’y a aucune information sur les versements de primes sans frais ou les options de plan de paiement flexible. |
| Application mobile | ❌ | N.C. Aucune application mobile n’est mentionnée ; la gestion des animaux de compagnie et des réclamations se fait via un portail Web. |
| Processus de réclamations sans papier | ✅ | Portail en ligne complet (portail pour animaux de compagnie) pour la soumission et la gestion des réclamations. Aucune paperasse requise. |
| Service vétérinaire d’urgence | ❌ | Aucune assistance téléphonique vétérinaire d’urgence ou service de téléconsultation 24 h/24, 7 j/7 n’est décrite dans les documents du produit. |
| Réseau de partenaires vétérinaires/cliniques | ❌ | N.C. Les réclamations sont prises en charge dans toutes les cliniques, mais aucun réseau de partenaires préférentiel n’est indiqué. |
| Couverture à l’étranger | ❌ | N.C. Aucune couverture pour les traitements vétérinaires à l’étranger ou pendant les voyages à l’extérieur de l’Australie n’est décrite. |
Aucune paperasse requise.
Customer Reviews of RACT
| Review platform | Rating and number of reviews |
|---|---|
| Trustpilot | N.C. |
| ProductReview.com.au | N.C. |
| Google Reviews | N.C. |
We analysed reviews from the sites listed above. On the positive side, customers who have subscribed to RACT pet insurance often mention: ✅ N.C.
On the negative side: ❌ N.C.
How to Contact RACT
| RACT 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 | 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 Claim via the secure online Pet Portal. Required documents: Completed claims form, itemised vet invoice, and pet medical history. Payment: Reimbursement is typically paid to your nominated bank account. Average processing time: Most claims processed within 5 business days if documents are complete. You may use GapOnly® for on-the-spot claims payment at participating vets. |
| To obtain a certificate of insurance | 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 Certificates can be requested via phone, email or through the online Pet Portal. Processing usually within 2 business days. |
| To contact assistance | Phone: 1300 855 663 (Mon–Fri, 8:00am–8:00pm, excl. public holidays) Email: [email protected] For vet advice, eligible members can use myPetPass™ (details on your policy or via email/phone above). For GapOnly® service, check with your participating vet. |
| To cancel my policy | 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 Required: Policyholder’s details, policy number, written request to cancel. Notice period: Cancellation can be immediate if you provide a written request; a pro-rata refund of premiums may apply if prepaid. Attach photo ID and specify your reason if possible. Cancellation confirmation is provided in writing. |
Email: [email protected]
Mail: Petinsurance.com.au, Locked Bag 9021, Castle Hill, NSW 1765
Claim via the secure online Pet Portal.
Required documents: Completed claims form, itemised vet invoice, and pet medical history.
Payment: Reimbursement is typically paid to your nominated bank account.
Average processing time: Most claims processed within 5 business days if documents are complete. You may use GapOnly® for on-the-spot claims payment at participating vets.
Email: [email protected]
Mail: Petinsurance.com.au, Locked Bag 9021, Castle Hill, NSW 1765
Certificates can be requested via phone, email or through the online Pet Portal. Processing usually within 2 business days.
Email: [email protected]
For vet advice, eligible members can use myPetPass™ (details on your policy or via email/phone above). For GapOnly® service, check with your participating vet.
Email: [email protected]
Mail: Petinsurance.com.au, Locked Bag 9021, Castle Hill, NSW 1765
Required: Policyholder’s details, policy number, written request to cancel.
Notice period: Cancellation can be immediate if you provide a written request; a pro-rata refund of premiums may apply if prepaid. Attach photo ID and specify your reason if possible. Cancellation confirmation is provided in writing.
FAQ
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with RACT?
RACT supports the GapOnly® service at participating vets, allowing claims to be processed on the spot so you only pay the difference (the 'gap') between the vet’s fee and your claim benefit. At non-participating clinics, you’ll usually pay the full amount upfront and then claim reimbursement.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with RACT?
To cancel your RACT pet insurance policy, contact their customer service by phone or email and provide written notice. There is no minimum advance notice period, but you may need to provide your policy details and personal identification.
What waiting periods apply to RACT pet insurance cover?
There are no waiting periods for specified accidental injuries or emergency pet boarding. Illnesses have a 21-day waiting period, while dental illness and cruciate ligament conditions have a 6-month waiting period (which may be reduced in some cases with vet certification).
What features are optional or included in RACT pet insurance plans?
Both Gold and Platinum plans include accidental injury and illness cover. Dental illness is optional with Gold (extra premium) and included in Platinum (with a limit). Routine Care is available as an additional non-insurance benefit for both, also for an extra premium.
Are pre-existing conditions covered under RACT pet insurance?
Pre-existing conditions are generally excluded. However, some temporary conditions may be covered if your pet has shown no signs or symptoms for at least 18 consecutive months while insured. Chronic and hereditary conditions present before policy start are not covered.
What exclusions should I be aware of with RACT pet insurance?
The policy excludes pre-existing conditions, routine and preventative care (unless chosen under Routine Care), behavioural issues, elective or cosmetic treatments, breeding costs, and unapproved medications. Dental is only covered if included, and most general routine expenses are excluded.
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with RACT?
RACT supports the GapOnly® service at participating vets, allowing claims to be processed on the spot so you only pay the difference (the 'gap') between the vet’s fee and your claim benefit. At non-participating clinics, you’ll usually pay the full amount upfront and then claim reimbursement.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with RACT?
To cancel your RACT pet insurance policy, contact their customer service by phone or email and provide written notice. There is no minimum advance notice period, but you may need to provide your policy details and personal identification.
What waiting periods apply to RACT pet insurance cover?
There are no waiting periods for specified accidental injuries or emergency pet boarding. Illnesses have a 21-day waiting period, while dental illness and cruciate ligament conditions have a 6-month waiting period (which may be reduced in some cases with vet certification).
What features are optional or included in RACT pet insurance plans?
Both Gold and Platinum plans include accidental injury and illness cover. Dental illness is optional with Gold (extra premium) and included in Platinum (with a limit). Routine Care is available as an additional non-insurance benefit for both, also for an extra premium.
Are pre-existing conditions covered under RACT pet insurance?
Pre-existing conditions are generally excluded. However, some temporary conditions may be covered if your pet has shown no signs or symptoms for at least 18 consecutive months while insured. Chronic and hereditary conditions present before policy start are not covered.
What exclusions should I be aware of with RACT pet insurance?
The policy excludes pre-existing conditions, routine and preventative care (unless chosen under Routine Care), behavioural issues, elective or cosmetic treatments, breeding costs, and unapproved medications. Dental is only covered if included, and most general routine expenses are excluded.
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