Woolworths Pet Insurance 2025: Honest Review, Plans & Value for Aussies

Our expert's opinion on Woolworths

Last update: 21 June 2025

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4.5

Score

4.5

Score

Jennifer Taylor

Personal finance writer

Woolworths Pet Insurance stands out in the Australian market with four flexible plans—Basic, Standard, Comprehensive, and Comprehensive Plus—offering annual benefit limits from $5,000 up to $30,000 per year, reimbursement rates up to 80%, and customisable excess levels per claim. Its plans balance accessible pricing with high upper limits, while its pricing strategy and generous coverage position it above most supermarket-linked competitors for value and product breadth. Woolworths is particularly well-suited to families and owners of young or middle-aged cats and dogs seeking high cover, access to digital vet support, and those wanting added supermarket rewards or lower-maintenance cover for indoor cats. Backed by The Hollard Insurance Company and administered by PetSure, Woolworths insures over 300,000 pets and has paid out more than $137 million in claims, with 90% of claims processed within 1 day and nearly all within 5 days; its Trustpilot score is not disclosed, but customer feedback highlights efficient claims and user-friendly services. Key features like the 10% monthly Woolworths shop discount, flexible payment options, digital-first GapOnly® claims processing, and 24/7 vet telehealth make it a digitally advanced, reliable choice for most Australian pet owners.

Pros

• ✅High annual limits up to $30,000
• ✅80% reimbursement on eligible claims
• ✅Digital-first claims, GapOnly® at participating vets
• ✅10% Woolworths shop discount monthly
• ✅24/7 digital vet support (VetAssist)
• ✅Routine care add-on for extras coverage
• ✅Fast average claims processing (1–5 days)

Cons

• ❌Routine and dental care only via paid add-on
• ❌Significant premium increases after age 8
• ❌No multi-pet discounts
• ❌Premiums may rise after claims
• ❌Strict exclusions for pre-existing, dental, and certain hereditary conditions

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4.5

Score

4.5

Score

ProsCons

• ✅High annual limits up to $30,000
• ✅80% reimbursement on eligible claims
• ✅Digital-first claims, GapOnly® at participating vets
• ✅10% Woolworths shop discount monthly
• ✅24/7 digital vet support (VetAssist)
• ✅Routine care add-on for extras coverage
• ✅Fast average claims processing (1–5 days)

Our expert's opinion on Woolworths

Last update: 21 June 2025

Jennifer Taylor

Personal finance writer

Pros

• ✅High annual limits up to $30,000
• ✅80% reimbursement on eligible claims
• ✅Digital-first claims, GapOnly® at participating vets
• ✅10% Woolworths shop discount monthly
• ✅24/7 digital vet support (VetAssist)
• ✅Routine care add-on for extras coverage
• ✅Fast average claims processing (1–5 days)

Cons

• ❌Routine and dental care only via paid add-on
• ❌Significant premium increases after age 8
• ❌No multi-pet discounts
• ❌Premiums may rise after claims
• ❌Strict exclusions for pre-existing, dental, and certain hereditary conditions

Discover the offer

4.5

Score

4.5

Score

ProsCons

• ✅High annual limits up to $30,000
• ✅80% reimbursement on eligible claims
• ✅Digital-first claims, GapOnly® at participating vets
• ✅10% Woolworths shop discount monthly
• ✅24/7 digital vet support (VetAssist)
• ✅Routine care add-on for extras coverage
• ✅Fast average claims processing (1–5 days)

Woolworths Pet Insurance stands out in the Australian market with four flexible plans—Basic, Standard, Comprehensive, and Comprehensive Plus—offering annual benefit limits from $5,000 up to $30,000 per year, reimbursement rates up to 80%, and customisable excess levels per claim. Its plans balance accessible pricing with high upper limits, while its pricing strategy and generous coverage position it above most supermarket-linked competitors for value and product breadth. Woolworths is particularly well-suited to families and owners of young or middle-aged cats and dogs seeking high cover, access to digital vet support, and those wanting added supermarket rewards or lower-maintenance cover for indoor cats. Backed by The Hollard Insurance Company and administered by PetSure, Woolworths insures over 300,000 pets and has paid out more than $137 million in claims, with 90% of claims processed within 1 day and nearly all within 5 days; its Trustpilot score is not disclosed, but customer feedback highlights efficient claims and user-friendly services. Key features like the 10% monthly Woolworths shop discount, flexible payment options, digital-first GapOnly® claims processing, and 24/7 vet telehealth make it a digitally advanced, reliable choice for most Australian pet owners.

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Why Trust HelloSafe?

At HelloSafe, our pet insurance specialist assesses and reviews the terms and pricing of insurance policies available in Australia every year, delivering reliable and impartial analysis. Thanks to this thorough approach, hundreds of thousands of Australians trust us each month to help guide their most important financial decisions.

Woolworths Guarantees

Woolworths Pet Insurance offers four main plans—Basic, Standard, Comprehensive, and Comprehensive Plus—covering accidents and illness for cats and dogs Australia-wide, with reimbursement up to 80% and annual limits ranging from $5,000 to $30,000. Comprehensive plans (and Comprehensive Plus) allow optional Routine Care, providing limited coverage for dental, vaccination, and specific preventive treatments; all plans feature no or flexible per-claim excess and include access to 24/7 VetAssist support. Strengths include fast claims (98% within 5 days), access to GapOnly® for in-clinic claiming, flexible payment options, and exclusive loyalty discounts for Woolworths in-store shoppers. However, most preventive and dental care is excluded unless Routine Care is purchased, and there are significant premium increases for pets aged 8+, with no multi-pet discounts available. Lifetime coverage is available if enrolled before age 9 and maintained without interruption, but plans exclude pre-existing conditions, and chronic or hereditary issues diagnosed prior to enrollment remain uncovered.

Important Policy Information

Cruciate ligament conditions carry a 6-month waiting period (may be waived with vet assessment). Consultation fees are not covered under Basic Cover. Routine Care is always an optional paid add-on and reimburses only limited amounts for selected items (e.g., $50 for dental or vaccination). Annual limits, sub-limits, and percentage of reimbursement vary by policy certificate. GapOnly® claims are available only at participating clinics.

Compare Woolworths plans and optional add-ons to ensure the best value for your pet’s needs and your budget.

Woolworths Exclusions

Woolworths Pet Insurance exclusions follow industry standards, notably with strict exclusion of all pre-existing, chronic, and bilateral conditions as well as any dental care except oral tumours unless the Routine Care add-on is purchased.

Preventive and routine treatments—including vaccinations, parasite control, de-sexing and behaviour therapy—are not covered by default and require the optional Routine Care package, which caps reimbursement amounts.

Significant limitations include refusal to cover hereditary or congenital conditions manifesting before policy start, strict waiting periods (30 days for illness, 6 months for cruciate ligament claims), and exclusion of non-essential or cosmetic procedures and non-APVMA medicines.

Premium increases for older pets and no multi-pet discounts make cost management a challenge compared to some competitors.

Woolworths Prices

Woolworths Pet Insurance positions itself as a highly competitive provider in the Australian market, balancing comprehensive coverage—including up to 80% reimbursement and high annual limits—with moderate, market-aligned pricing.

Routine care benefits and certain extras are available as paid options, which helps control base costs for those seeking essential protection, while still allowing upgrades for broader needs.

Being a fully digital player, Woolworths leverages low administrative overhead, fast claims processing, and integrated in-store discounts, supporting sharper premiums than many traditional insurers.

Pricing remains accessible for young pets, but premiums rise significantly with age or after claims, and multi-pet discounts are not offered.

Overall, Woolworths is best considered a competitive mid-range choice, offering strong value for pet owners who prioritise transparent, flexible cover and digital convenience.

Compare Woolworths plans and get a personalised quote to ensure you find the right cover for your pet and budget.

Woolworths Promo Codes

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 at Woolworths?

With a Woolworths Comprehensive Plus plan, claims are reimbursed at up to 80% of eligible veterinary costs (after any applicable excess), helping you to reduce out-of-pocket expenses and manage high-cost or routine care confidently.

Gastroenteritis Treatment Cost Breakdown

Consultation and treatment for gastroenteritis
Total vet costs: $350 (consultation, blood tests, medication)
Deductible amount: $0 (no excess with selected cover)
Reimbursement: 80% × $350 = $280
Out-of-pocket cost: $70
ℹ️ Consultation fees are included in Comprehensive Plus. If another claim had a deductible applied earlier in the year, confirm your remaining out-of-pocket with your policy statement.

Cruciate Ligament Surgery Cost Breakdown

Cruciate ligament surgery (incl. hospitalisation and post-op care)
Total vet costs: $3,200
Deductible amount: $0 (if excess not opted in)
Annual sub-limit for cruciate: $3,000
80% reimbursement on sub-limit: $3,000 × 80% = $2,400
Out-of-pocket cost: $3,200 – $2,400 = $800
 ℹ️ Cruciate ligament cover is subject to a 6-month waiting period (can be waived). Reimbursement applies to the limit set by your certificate.

Annual Vaccine Reimbursement Details

Total vet costs: $110 (core canine vaccination)

Deductible amount: $0 (Routine Care has no excess)

Routine Care benefit limit: $50 per year for vaccination

Reimbursement: $50

Out-of-pocket cost: $60

ℹ️ Preventive care claims are paid up to per-item sub-limits, and only once per year when Routine Care is selected.

Woolworths Assistance

Customer Reviews of Woolworths

We analysed reviews from the sites listed above. On the positive side, customers who subscribed to Woolworths for their pets often mention:

• ✅ A fast and user-friendly claims process, especially with GapOnly®, resulting in reduced out-of-pocket expenses and quick reimbursements.
• ✅ Access to 24/7 VetAssist telehealth is frequently considered an outstanding benefit and provides peace of mind in emergencies.
• ✅ Value for money and transparent product options are highlighted, with many policyholders appreciating the in-store rewards and flexible payments.
• ✅ Good coverage for a wide range of accidents and illnesses, including higher annual limits on top-tier plans.

On the negative side:

• A significant increase in premiums as the pet ages, and after submitting claims, is commonly experienced.
• Some customers express frustration with declined claims due to exclusions or pre-existing conditions, particularly relating to dental, hereditary, or older pets' illnesses.
• Multi-pet households are disappointed by the absence of a discount for additional animals.
• Routine care and some preventive items are not included by default, requiring the paid add-on for coverage.

Contacting Woolworths: Your Guide

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Jennifer Taylor

Personal finance writer

Jennifer is an Australian personal finance writer passionate about helping people take control of their financial lives. She holds a degree in Economics from the University of Melbourne and completed a postgraduate diploma in Financial Planning at UNSW. Before joining HelloSafe, she worked in both consumer finance and digital publishing, focusing on simplifying complex financial topics for a wider audience. At HelloSafe, Jennifer creates clear and practical content about insurance, loans, savings, and budgeting—tailored to the realities of everyday Australians looking to make smart money decisions.