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Pet Insurance

Compare a range of pet insurance options with Savvy to help you find health cover for your cat or dog today.

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, updated on April 11th, 2024       

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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.

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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.

When you have a pet, their well-being will be a top priority. This includes ensuring they receive the care they need when unwell or after an accident. Much like health insurance, if your pet requires veterinary care, pet insurance can help cover the costs, providing financial protection and greater peace of mind.

With a variety of pet insurance options on the market, it can be difficult to know where to start. You can compare quotes from some of Australia’s leading pet insurance providers using Savvy’s 100% free comparison service and get a quote in minutes. Get the ball rolling on your policy today and have your pet covered in no time!

What is pet insurance and how does it work?

Pet insurance is designed to provide support for events that may impact your pet’s health and well-being. It can cover a wide range of animals, but most commonly household pets such as dogs and cats.  

When you take out pet insurance, you’ll pay your premium either in monthly or annual instalments, which can provide cover for the costs of veterinary care in the case of accidents, injuries or illnesses included in your coverage. The cost of this insurance varies based on the type of animal, the desired coverage level and your pet’s history.

Before taking out insurance, it’s important to weigh up your options to help you make an informed decision on what the best available insurance deal for your pet’s needs is. Savvy’s online comparison tool offers a convenient way to explore policy options side-by-side and help you determine which is the most suitable for you among our panel of reputable insurers.

What does pet insurance cover?

What exactly your pet insurance covers depends on the type of policy you take out. However, you may be covered for:

  • Accidental injury such as broken bones and wounds
  • Illnesses and diseases such as diabetes and joint conditions
  • Routine care such as basic dental treatments and vaccinations
  • Dental illness such as gingivitis and abscesses
Included Excluded
Accident-only
  • Accidental injury such as broken bones and wounds
  • Illness and disease such as diabetes and joint conditions
  • Routine care such as basic dental treatments and vaccinations
  • Dental illness such as gingivitis and abscesses
  • Grooming and breeding costs
Accident and illness
  • Accidental injury such as broken bones and wounds
  • Illness and disease such as diabetes and joint conditions 
  • Routine care such as basic dental treatments and vaccinations
  • Dental illness such as gingivitis and abscesses
  • Grooming and breeding costs 
Comprehensive
  • Accidental injury such as broken bones and wounds
  • Illness and disease such as diabetes and joint conditions 
  • Routine care such as basic dental treatments and vaccinations (optional extra)
  • Dental illness such as gingivitis and abscesses (optional extra on select policies)
  • Grooming and breeding costs 

Your policy may also offer the following additional benefits:

  • Emergency boarding: boarding your pet at a licensed kennel or cattery in an emergency situation.
  • Essential euthanasia: euthanising your pet if deemed essential action by your vet.
  • Advertising and reward: help to locate and recover your pet if it gets lost.
  • Overseas travel insurance: cover if you travel abroad with your pet (usually limited to New Zealand and Norfolk Island).
  • Home visits: visits by the vet to your house.

Which factors affect my pet insurance premiums?

A number of factors can affect your pet insurance premiums, including:  

  • Species: the type of animal you have, whether it's a cat, dog or something else, is a fundamental factor that determines the type of pet insurance coverage and premiums available.
  • Age: older pets are generally more expensive to insure, as they’re more prone to health issues.
  • Breed: for dogs especially, breed is an essential factor, as certain breeds may have genetic predispositions to specific health conditions which can influence coverage and premiums.
  • Gender: certain conditions or risks may be more prevalent in male or female pets, which can have an effect on your premiums.
  • Veterinary history: the pet’s medical history, including pre-existing conditions or past illnesses, can impact coverage options and the policy’s terms.
  • Location: where you live can make a difference, as veterinary fees and regional health risks can vary.
  • Annual limit: your premiums may be higher if you chose a higher annual limit, which refers to the maximum amount the insurance provider will pay for veterinary expenses in a policy year.
  • Benefit percentage: the benefit percentage is the portion of veterinary expenses covered by insurance after deducting the excess; the higher this is, the higher your premiums may be.
  • Policy excess: in many cases, if you pay a higher excess, you can lower your pet insurance premiums, and vice versa.

What optional extras are available with pet insurance?

Some pet insurance plans offer the following optional extras: 

Routine care

This may include:

  • Vaccinations
  • Dental check-ups
  • Behavioural therapy
  • Alternative therapy
  • Microchipping
  • Desexing   
  • Flea, tick and worm control
  • Cremation/burial

Dental illness cover

This may include:

  • Gingivitis
  • Abscesses
  • Tooth removal
  • Periodontal disease
  • Tooth resorption
  • Oral tumours
  • Dental trauma
  • Preventative care

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Accident-only

This is the most basic type of pet insurance, covering costs for accidental injuries such as car accidents, poisoning, burns, fractures, snake and spider bites, but not illnesses and other conditions. 

Accident and illness

This type of insurance provides cover for accidental injuries as well as illnesses like cancer, gastrointestinal problems and eye, ear and skin conditions, but not routine care for your pet.

Comprehensive

This offers the highest level of protection, covering accident and illness and potentially routine care such as vaccinations, dental care, worm and flea treatments and microchipping.

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Online fast approvals

100% free

Our comparison service is free to use, providing you with a range of pet insurance quotes at no cost.

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Compare in two minutes

You'll be able to compare offers online side by side in a matter of minutes before you buy.

A Range of Options

Choice of insurers

We’ve partnered with a range of pet insurers to give you more choice when selecting a policy.

How to buy pet insurance with Savvy

Our Process

Complete a quote form online

Fill in our simple online form with details about your pet and the type of cover you need. The form is quick and easy to complete and should take just a few minutes.

Compare offers from our insurance partners

After submitting your form, you’ll receive a range of quotes from our panel of partners, allowing you to compare plans based on premiums, inclusions, exclusions and more in minutes.

Choose and purchase your preferred policy

If you find a pet insurance policy that suits your needs, we’ll help you complete the purchase through one of our trusted partners.

Top tips to reduce your pet insurance premiums

Keep your pet healthy

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle for your pet through regular exercise, a balanced diet and preventative care may reduce the likelihood of claims and keep premiums down.

Choose a higher excess

You can reduce your pet insurance premium by raising your excess – but make sure you can afford to pay it in the event of a claim.

Insure your pet while it's young

Getting insurance for your pet when it's young and healthy can result in lower premiums compared to insuring older pets with pre-existing conditions.

Choose a lower benefit percentage

A lower benefit percentage means the insurer covers a smaller portion of the vet bill, leading to reduced premiums.

Bundle policies

If you have more than one pet, you may be able to get multi-pet discounts or you could potentially bundle pet insurance with other insurance policies.

Compare policies with Savvy

You can shop around and compare policies from different insurers with Savvy today to help you find the pet insurance cover that suits your needs.

Case study: how pet insurance can secure your pet’s health – and your finances

As well as ensuring your pet is taken care of when in need, pet insurance can also protect you financially. Take the following example:

Bruce is the owner of Daisy, a four-year-old female Labrador. To ensure Daisy’s well-being and protect his finances, Bruce opted for a comprehensive pet insurance policy with a $10,000 annual benefit limit, a benefit percentage of 80% and a $200 excess. He pays a monthly premium of $65, knowing that a significant portion of Daisy's healthcare expenses will be covered. This fixed expense simplifies tracking and managing outgoing costs related to Daisy's health.

In addition to the pet insurance premium, Bruce sets aside $50 monthly in a dedicated pet expense fund. Over the course of two-and-a-half years, Bruce accumulates $1,500 in this fund, ensuring he has a safety net for any unforeseen expenses related to Daisy's health.

In the second half of the third year, Daisy falls ill, requiring urgent medical attention. Bruce takes her to the vet, where she requires surgery, follow-up visits and medication, resulting in a total bill of $4,000.

Bruce files a claim with his pet insurance provider. As he had opted for an 80% benefit percentage and Daisy’s illness and treatment were covered by his policy, his insurer reimburses him for 80% of the total expenses after the excess has been deducted. Bruce receives a reimbursement of $3,000, providing significant financial relief. The savings in Bruce’s pet expense fund can cover the outstanding amount. This is broken down as follows:

  • Vet expenses: $4,000
  • Total amount claimable after 80% benefit percentage applied: $3,200
  • Excess payable: $200
  • Total amount paid to Bruce: $3,000
  • Out-of-pocket expenses: $1,000

Bruce's experience showcases the true value of pet insurance in securing Daisy's health and providing peace of mind for his financial management. The fixed and regular costs of the policy simplify budgeting, while his prudent savings strategy ensures readiness for unforeseen expenses. By opting for pet insurance, Bruce was well-prepared to face the unexpected, demonstrating how the right coverage can empower pet owners in preserving both their pets' well-being and their own financial stability.

Frequently asked questions about pet insurance

Can I insure all types of pets?

No – in Australia, you can only insure certain types and species of animal. Alongside cats and dogs, you may be able to insure other animals. However, this depends on the exact species, as well as where you are in Australia. For example, it is illegal to own rabbits, hamsters, gerbils and tortoises in Queensland.     

At what age can I insure my pet?

On most pet insurance policies, cats and dogs can be insured from 8 weeks old. Many policies also have a maximum age limit, requiring you to take out insurance before your cat or dog turns 9 years old.

Can I get pet insurance for older pets?

Yes – pet insurance is available for animals of all ages, although your options may be limited if you are looking for a new policy for a cat or dog aged 9 or over. This age limit may be lower for certain breeds or other pets.

Older animals are more likely to experience health issues, so the type of plans available may be less generous with restrictions on coverage. If you want comprehensive cover for your senior pet, you generally need to take out cover before your dog or cat turns 9. If you take out pet insurance for your pet when it is younger, you can simply renew your policy each year to ensure it’s covered as it ages.   

What isn’t covered by pet insurance?

Pet insurance policies can have a number of exclusions. These may include:

  • Banned breeds
  • Pre-existing conditions
  • Deliberate harm and negligence
  • Elective treatments
  • Pregnancy
  • Prosthetics
  • Accessories
  • Commercial use

 

What exactly your pet is or isn’t covered for will be outlined in your policy documents.

Is dental care covered under pet insurance?

Dental care isn’t included as standard on many pet insurance policies, but it may be available for additional cost or as a separate policy. Dental care may cover:  

  • Abscesses
  • Gingivitis
  • Tooth removal
  • Dental diseases
  • Tooth fractures

Treatments such as cosmetic procedures, orthodontics and root canals are generally not covered.

Can I insure a pet with a pre-existing condition?

A pre-existing condition is an illness or ailment existing before the policy’s start date. Most pet insurance policies don’t cover pre-existing conditions, but it may be possible to insure a pet that has a pre-existing condition, with the specific condition excluded from cover. Other insurers may assess pets on a case-by-case basis.

In other cases where the condition is considered temporary, exclusions may be lifted after a specific period if resolved or cured.

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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.

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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© Copyright 2024 Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd T/as Savvy. All Rights Reserved.

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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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