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What Does Pet Insurance Cover?

Are you wondering what pet insurance covers? Find out all about pet insurance and the cover it provides here with Savvy.   

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, updated on August 31st, 2023       

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Pet Insurance Banner

Are you thinking about taking out pet insurance to protect your furry friend, but wonder what it covers? Being a responsible pet owner means taking care of all your pet's healthcare needs. For this reason, many pet owners turn to pet insurance to help cover the cost of any medical expenses involved in keeping their pet healthy. But what exactly does pet insurance cover?  

In this Savvy guide, we take a deep look at pet insurance and explain what it covers and what you can expect from it. Understanding your pet's insurance coverage is not only essential for their well-being, but also for your household finances and peace of mind too.  

What does pet insurance typically cover?

Pet insurance covers a range of veterinary expenses, but the extent of coverage depends on the type of insurance chosen. There are three main types of pet insurance: accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. 

Accident-only insurance:  

This type of insurance is the cheapest. It primarily covers injuries to your cat or dog resulting from an accident. This could include: 

  • car accidents
  • fights with other animals
  • poisoning
  • insect, snake and spider bites
  • burns or electrocutions
  • fractures, cuts and lacerations

In the event your pet has an accident, this insurance covers essential emergency care, diagnostic procedures like X-rays, surgery, prescribed medications, and the cost of hospitalisation to treat injuries. 

However, pre-existing conditions and illnesses are not covered by this type of insurance, so it offers a limited range of cover. 

Accident and illness Insurance:  

Accident and illness insurance builds upon accident-only coverage by including protection against various illnesses. This expanded coverage encompasses treatments for conditions like cancer, gastrointestinal issues, eye, skin, and ear problems, and many other illnesses. It also includes diagnostic tests, medications, surgeries, and hospitalisation for both accidents and illnesses.  

As this insurance offers a wider range of cover than accident-only cover, it will usually be slightly more expensive than an accident-only policy. However, it will not offer cover for elective procedures, breeding and pregnancy, routine care or dental issues. 

Comprehensive Insurance:  

Comprehensive pet insurance offers the most extensive coverage, but is also the most expensive type of policy you can buy for your pet. It includes all the features of accident and illness insurance, covering accidents, injuries, and a wide range of illnesses. Additionally, comprehensive plans often include optional coverage for routine care, dental issues, behavioural therapy, alternative therapies, and more. Routine care can include immunisations, worm and flea treatments and microchipping. 

You should also be covered for other benefits like emergency boarding, advertising and rewards for lost pets, euthanasia if deemed essential, and home visits by the vet. 

Each insurance policy is different, and will have specific inclusions and exclusions. Therefore, it’s important to compare different policies and look closely at their terms and conditions so you understand what is on offer for your pet's healthcare needs. 

How do I compare pet insurance policies?

Comparing pet insurance policies is a crucial step in finding the right coverage for your furry friend. Here's what to look for and how to effectively compare pet insurance policies:  

  • Identify your pet's needs: Different pets may have varying healthcare needs and risks. For example, hip dysplasia is a very common issue with German Shepherds and Labradors, and surgery to correct it can be very expensive, costing several thousand dollars.
  • Coverage type: Determine which type of pet insurance you want – accident only, accident and illness, or comprehensive. Choose the one that aligns with your budget and your pet's needs.
  • Premiums: Compare the monthly or annual premium costs for each policy. Consider your budget while ensuring you're getting adequate coverage.
  • Excess: the excess is the amount you’ll have to pay if you have to make a claim on your policy. Choosing a higher excess amount will result in lower premiums.
  • Benefit limits: Check the annual benefit limits. Higher limits provide more financial protection, especially for pets that might need costly treatments.
  • Benefit percentage: Consider the benefit percentage offered by each policy. A higher percentage means the insurer covers a larger portion of any vet bills, reducing your out-of-pocket expenses.
  • Coverage details: Review the coverage for accidents, illnesses, and any additional benefits like routine care, dental care, alternative therapies, and behavioural treatments. Ensure the policy covers your pet's specific needs.
  • Exclusions: Understand the exclusions. These are conditions or treatments not covered by the insurance, such as pre-existing conditions or elective procedures.
  • Discounts: Check if there are any discounts available, like multi-pet discounts or lower premiums for insuring young pets.
  • Waiting periods: Be aware of waiting periods, as some policies may not provide coverage immediately after purchase.

What is usually excluded from pet insurance cover?

Pet insurance policies typically have exclusions or limitations in their coverage. While specific exclusions will vary between insurers and policies, here are some common exclusions that are often not covered: 

  • Pre-existing conditions: Any illness or injury that your pet had before the policy's start date or during the waiting period is usually excluded.
  • Routine care: Most accident and illness policies do not cover routine expenses like vaccinations, check-ups, or preventative treatments (e.g., flea control and deworming).
  • Elective procedures: Cosmetic or non-essential surgeries or treatments that are not medically necessary are typically not covered. This may include de-clawing for cats or tail docking, for example.
  • Behavioural issues: Training, therapy, or treatments related to behavioural problems or training needs are usually excluded.
  • Breeding and pregnancy: Costs associated with mating, pregnancy, birthing, or any conditions related to breeding are generally not covered.
  • Dental illnesses: Ailments or issues affecting your pet's teeth, gums, and overall oral health may not be covered.
  • Hereditary and congenital conditions: Inherited or congenital conditions that your pet was born with are often not covered.
  • Alternative therapies: Coverage for alternative therapies like acupuncture or chiropractic care might not be included unless specified in the policy.

It's important to thoroughly review the product disclosure statement and policy documents of your chosen pet insurance provider to understand any specific exclusions, as they do vary between policies and providers. 

What are the benefits of desexing my pet?

Desexing your pet offers several important benefits:

  • Population control: Desexing prevents unwanted litters of puppies or kittens from being born, helping to reduce animal suffering and the number of homeless or stray cats and dogs.
  • Behavioural improvement: Neutered males tend to be less aggressive and less likely to roam, reducing the risk of fights, accidents, and getting lost. It will usually stop male dogs and cats from ‘humping’ other pets, humans or objects. Spayed females won't go into heat, eliminating restlessness and moody behaviour.
  • Health benefits: Desexing will reduce the risk of your pet developing certain cancers and infections. For example, neutering can prevent testicular cancer in males, while spaying eliminates the risk of uterine infections and reduces the risk of mammary tumours in females.
  • Longer lifespan: Desexed pets often live longer, healthier lives due to the reduced risk of disease and injuries. On average, a desexed pet will live at least one to two years longer than one who is not sterilised.

Frequently asked questions about what pet insurance covers

Will pet insurance pay for dental treatments?

Pet insurance can cover dental treatments, but this will depend on the type of policy that you have. Generally, dental treatments necessitated by accidents or illnesses, like tooth removal due to injury, are covered. However, routine dental care, such as cleanings, may not be included unless you have a comprehensive policy which includes routine care. 

Can pet insurance help with the cost of emergency boarding?

Yes, some pet insurance policies offer coverage for emergency boarding. This can be beneficial if you're unable to care for your pet due to your own illness or injury. The insurance may help cover the expenses of boarding your pet at a licensed facility during such emergencies. 

Does pet insurance cover the cost of medications prescribed by the vet?

Pet insurance policies commonly do cover prescription medications, although this can vary depending on the reason your pet needs the medication. If your vet prescribes medications to treat your pet's accident-related injuries or illnesses, the insurance may help with these costs. However, if the medication is for a pre-existing condition, such as arthritis, then the cost of treatment may not be covered. 

What are the usual waiting periods on a pet insurance policy?

The following waiting periods often apply to new pet insurance policies: 

  • No waiting period for specified accidental injuries – your pet will be covered immediately
  • 30 days for illnesses
  • Six months for cruciate ligament conditions

However, it’s important to check the exact terms and conditions of any insurance policy you purchase, as waiting periods do vary between different policies and providers.  

Compare pet insurance

Looking into pet insurance for your beloved furry friend? Whether you have a playful pup or a curious cat, you can compare pet insurance options from a range of providers and find the perfect coverage that suits your pet's unique needs and your budget. 

site-logos Fetch Care Plan

Annual benefits limit

Excess

% Benefits reimbursement rate

Covers illness?

Covers accidental injuries?
$30,000 $100 80%, 90% or 100% pros-item-petins pros-item-petins

Pet insurance we think you’ll love. 24/7 vet support + dental, physio and behaviour cover added (see PDS) all in one app.

More details
site-logos Petsy Most Popular 80% Cover $150 Excess

Annual benefits limit

Excess

% Benefits reimbursement rate

Covers illness?

Covers accidental injuries?
$25,000 $150 80% pros-item-petins pros-item-petins

Protect your furry friend with Petsy's pet insurance policy. Get a free quote.

More details
site-logos Fetch Premium Plan

Annual benefits limit

Excess

% Benefits reimbursement rate

Covers illness?

Covers accidental injuries?
$30,000 $0 80% or 90% pros-item-petins pros-item-petins

Pet insurance we think you’ll love. 24/7 vet support + dental, physio and behaviour cover added (see PDS) all in one app.

More details
site-logos Knose Pet Insurance

Annual benefits limit

Excess

% Benefits reimbursement rate

Covers illness?

Covers accidental injuries?
$7,500, $12,500 or $25,000 $0 / $100 / $200 70%, 80% or 90% pros-item-petins pros-item-petins

Multi-award winning pet insurance designed with the help of vets.

More details
site-logos Petsy Value Cover 80% Cover $500 Excess

Annual benefits limit

Excess

% Benefits reimbursement rate

Covers illness?

Covers accidental injuries?
$10,000 $500 80% pros-item-petins pros-item-petins

Protect your furry friend with Petsy's pet insurance policy. Get a free quote.

More details
site-logos Petsy Top Cover

Annual benefits limit

Excess

% Benefits reimbursement rate

Covers illness?

Covers accidental injuries?
$25,000 $0 / $150 / $500 90% pros-item-petins pros-item-petins

Protect your furry friend with Petsy's pet insurance policy. Get a free quote.

More details

Disclaimer: Savvy is not advising or recommending any particular product to you. We provide general information on products for the purposes of comparison, but your personal situation or goals are not considered here. Although we try to make our comparisons as thorough as possible, we do not have information on all products on the market on our site.

Savvy earns a commission each time a customer buys a pet insurance policy through our website. We don’t arrange for products to be purchased from these brands directly, as all purchases are conducted via the individual pet insurance companies.

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Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd (ABN 78 660 493 194) trades as Savvy and operates as an Authorised Credit Representative 541339 of Australian Credit Licence 414426 (AFAS Group Pty Ltd, ABN 12 134 138 686). We are one of Australia’s leading financial comparison sites and have been helping Australians make savvy decisions when it comes to their money for over a decade.

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1300 974 066

Sign up to our newsletter

Disclaimer and important things you should know

Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd (ABN 78 660 493 194) trades as Savvy and operates as an Authorised Credit Representative 541339 of Australian Credit Licence 414426 (AFAS Group Pty Ltd, ABN 12 134 138 686). We are one of Australia’s leading financial comparison sites and have been helping Australians make savvy decisions when it comes to their money for over a decade.

We’re partnered with lenders, insurers and other financial institutions who compensate us for business initiated through our website. We earn a commission each time a customer chooses or buys a product advertised on our site, which you can find out more about here, as well as in our credit guide for asset finance. It’s also crucial to read the terms and conditions, Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or credit guide of our partners before signing up for your chosen product. However, the compensation we receive doesn’t impact the content written and published on our website, as our writing team exercises full editorial independence.

For more information about us and how we conduct our business, you can read our privacy policy and terms of use.

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