Cancel Pet Insurance

If you want to cancel or switch your pet insurance, you can compare a range of alternative coverage options with Savvy today.

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, updated on August 30th, 2023       

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Pet Insurance Banner

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.

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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.

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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.

You should always consult a given offer's PDS or further documentation in the process of deciding on which loan to choose, as well as seeking independent, professional advice. If you decide to apply with one of the lenders listed above via our website, you will not be dealing with Savvy; any applications or enquiries will be conducted directly with the lender offering that product.

Pet insurance is a valuable investment in safeguarding your pet’s health, but there might be scenarios where you want or need to cancel your policy. Whether it’s because your circumstances change, you’re dissatisfied with the coverage or your pet has different needs, understanding how to cancel pet insurance is essential.

If you’re looking to switch to a new pet insurance policy, you can compare plans with Savvy. Our 100% free online comparison tool can provide a range of quotes from leading insurers, allowing you to compare quotes in moments. Get started with a free, no-obligation quote today.

How do I cancel my pet insurance policy?

In Australia, you can generally cancel a pet insurance policy at any time, whatever the reason. To cancel your pet insurance:

  1. Prepare: before initiating the cancellation process, familiarise yourself with your policy documentation. Be mindful of contractual obligations, notice requirements and any potential cancellation fees. If your pet will still need coverage, you may also want to ensure an alternative plan is in place before cancelling.
  2. Contact your insurer: reach out to your insurance provider to inform them of your intent to cancel. Depending on the insurer, this can be done through their online platform, via an app, by email or over the phone.
  3. Provide details: your insurer will ask for details such as the desired end date for the coverage and the reason for cancellation.
  4. Finalise: your insurer should confirm the cancellation in writing, whether through email or postal communication. The policy will terminate on the agreed-upon date.

Most insurers offer a cooling-off period after you sign up to a policy, which is a set time frame (usually between 14 and 30 days) during which policyholders can cancel their new policy and receive a full refund of any premiums paid, provided that no claims have been made within that period. If you cancel outside this period, you may face cancellation or administration fees, which will be outlined in your policy documents.

What are the implications of cancelling my pet insurance policy?

Cancelling your pet insurance policy can have several implications, including:

  • Loss of coverage: the most immediate consequence of cancelling pet insurance is losing the coverage and financial protection it provides. Without insurance, you will be solely responsible for covering the costs of your pet’s medical treatments and emergencies.
  • No protection for pre-existing conditions: if your pet develops a health issue or condition while covered by the insurance and you cancel, that condition may be considered pre-existing if you later decide to get a new policy. This could result in the new policy excluding coverage for that condition.
  • Limited coverage for future issues: even if you switch to a new policy, it might come with waiting periods before certain conditions are covered. This means your pet won't be protected from those specific issues for a certain period after starting the new policy.
  • Missed preventative care: some pet insurance plans cover preventative care such as vaccinations, check-ups and dental cleanings. Cancelling your policy might mean missing out on services that contribute to your pet’s overall well-being.
  • Uncertainty: life is unpredictable, and pets can face health challenges at any age. Cancelling insurance leaves you without a safety net, creating uncertainty about how you'll manage unexpected medical expenses.
  • Long-term costs: while cancelling might save you money in the short term, it could result in higher long-term costs if your pet requires costly treatments, surgeries or ongoing care.
  • Limited options for senior pets: as pets age, they become more prone to health issues. Cancelling insurance for senior pets might limit your options for finding new coverage, and any new policy might come with higher premiums.

Can I switch pet insurance providers instead?

Absolutely. Switching providers is an alternative to cancelling your pet insurance coverage outright and ensures that your pet continues to be covered against unexpected incidents and more. Here’s how to switch providers:

  1. Research new providers: compare policies, coverage limits, deductibles, waiting periods and pricing. If you are looking for a new policy, you can compare quotes with Savvy today.
  2. Choose your policy: once you've identified a suitable provider, apply for a new pet insurance policy, disclosing all information about your pet and its medical history.
  3. Overlap coverage: make sure your new policy is active before your current policy ends to avoid any gaps in coverage.
  4. Cancel your current policy: contact your current insurer and follow their cancellation process, taking note of any required notice periods or fees.

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Frequently asked questions about cancelling pet insurance

Is pet insurance worth it?

While it may seem like an additional expense, pet insurance can provide financial protection for unexpected veterinary expenses, helping you manage the costs of medical treatments for your pet and providing peace of mind. The value of pet insurance depends on factors such as your pet’s breed, age, health and potential risk factors, so it’s important to assess policies and coverage to ensure they align with your pet’s needs and your financial situation.

Do I need to cancel my pet insurance if I move to a different state?

Depending on your pet insurance plan and provider, moving to a different state within Australia will not necessarily require you to cancel your pet insurance. However, it’s essential to inform your provider about the change of address. Some policy terms and conditions might change based on your new location, so it's recommended to review your policy details and discuss any adjustments with your insurer.

How can I reduce my pet insurance costs?

There are several ways to potentially lower your pet insurance costs:

  • Choose a policy with a higher excess amount.
  • Opt for a policy that covers only essential medical services and exclude coverage for routine care.
  • Look for policies that offer multi-pet discounts if you have multiple pets.
  • Consider insuring your pet when they are young and healthy, as premiums might be lower.
  • Compare policies from different providers to find the best balance of coverage and cost.

 

Remember that while lowering costs may be important, it's crucial to ensure that the policy still provides adequate coverage for your pet's needs.