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Medicare Pet Insurance

Name: Medicare Pet Insurance
Creator: Savvy
Published: 2023-08-14T10:12:00+09:30

While animals aren't covered by a system like Medicare, pet insurance offers a practical alternative. Compare your policy options with Savvy today.

Written by , updated on April 11th, 2024

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.

Fetch Care Plan

	Annual benefits limit	Excess	% Benefits reimbursement rate	Covers illness?	Covers accidental injuries?
	$30,000	$100	80%, 90% or 100%

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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Petsy Most Popular 80% Cover $150 Excess

	Annual benefits limit	Excess	% Benefits reimbursement rate	Covers illness?	Covers accidental injuries?
	$25,000	$150	80%

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

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Feature

Benefits

Entry age

6 weeks – 9 years

Lifelong cover

Benefit percentage

80%

Overall annual benefit limit

$25,000

Excess

$150

Excess type

Annual Only

Covers accidents

Covers illnesses

Consultation fees

Up to $25,000, no sub-limit

Dental coverage

Behavioral coverage

Alternative therapies

IVDD

Up to $25,000, no sub-limit

Hip joint surgery

Up to $25,000, no sub-limit

Tick paralysis

Up to $25,000, no sub-limit

Snake bite coverage

Up to $25,000, no sub-limit

Cruciate ligament conditions

Up to $25,000, no sub-limit

Emergency boarding

Up to $25,000, no sub-limit

Waiting period accident

1 day

Waiting period illness

14 days

Waiting period specified conditions

6 months

Dental waiting period

For pets under 1-year-old: 14 days
For pets of 1-year-old and over: 6 months

Routine care

Pre-existing condition(s)

Pre Existing Review can done on Purchase, no extra charge to the policy holder

Sub limits

Customer service

Australian Call Centre

Works with a registered vet of your choice

Multipet discount

Cancellation

Cancel anytime, even if Petsy has paid out claims

Important Information

It is important to compare the levels and types of cover offered by each insurance company and product. Not all product features are shown and the exact product wording and features can vary by insurance company, so it is important that before purchasing you always read the PDS on the provider website and policy wording to ensure the product meets your needs.

Petsy Pty Ltd (ABN 54 633 343 058, AR 1277359) (‘Petsy’) distributes and promotes Petsy Pet Insurance as an authorised representative of Knose Financial Services Pty Ltd (ABN 38 620 795 735, AFSL 36651) (‘Knose’). Knose is an underwriting agency acting under a binding authority as an agent for the insurer; (a) Pacific International Insurance Pty Limited (ABN 83 169 311 193) (’Pacific) in elation to policies from 01 March 2023 or have an anniversary renewal date from 18 March 2023, and (b) the Australia branch of Allied World Assurance Company, Ltd (ABN 54 163 304 907) (‘Allied World’) in relation to policies purchased between 17 February 2022 and 28 February 2023 (inclusive) or renewed between 01 March 2023 and 17 March 2023 (inclusive).In all aspects of arranging this product, Petsy and Knose act as an agent of Pacific/Allied World (as the case may be) and not as your agent. Any advice contained on this website is general advice only and has been prepared without taking into account individual objectives, financial situation or needs and you should consider the appropriateness of any such advice, the Product Disclosure Statement (‘PDS’’) (Allied World PDS) and the Target Market Determination (‘TMD’’) (Allied World TMD) available via www.petsy.com.au or by calling 1300 952 790 before making a decision to acquire, or to continue to hold, the product.

Terms, conditions, limits and exclusions apply. Please refer to the PDS.

Fetch Premium Plan

	Annual benefits limit	Excess	% Benefits reimbursement rate	Covers illness?	Covers accidental injuries?
	$30,000	$0	80% or 90%

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

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%

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

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Petsy Value Cover 80% Cover $500 Excess

	Annual benefits limit	Excess	% Benefits reimbursement rate	Covers illness?	Covers accidental injuries?
	$10,000	$500	80%

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

More details

Feature

Benefits

Entry age

6 weeks – 9 years

Lifelong cover

Benefit percentage

80%

Overall annual benefit limit

$10,000

Excess

$500

Excess type

Annual Only

Covers accidents

Covers illnesses

Covers consultation fees

Up to $10,000, no sub-limit

Dental coverage

Behavioral coverage

Alternative therapies

IVDD

Up to $10,000, no sub-limit

Hip joint surgery

Up to $10,000, no sub-limit

Tick paralysis

Up to $10,000, no sub-limit

Snake bite coverage

Up to $10,000, no sub-limit

Cruciate ligament conditions

Up to $10,000, no sub-limit

Emergency boarding

Up to $10,000, no sub-limit

Waiting period accident

1 day

Waiting period illness

14 days

Waiting period specified conditions

6 months

Dental waiting period

For pets under 1-year-old: 14 days
For pets of 1-year-old and over: 6 months

Routine care

Pre-existing condition(s)

Pre Existing Review can done on Purchase, no extra charge to the policy holder

Sub limits

Customer service

Australian Call Centre

Works with a registered vet of your choice

Multipet discount

Cancellation

Cancel anytime, even if Petsy has paid out claims

Important Information

Terms, conditions, limits and exclusions apply. Please refer to the PDS.

Petsy Top Cover

	Annual benefits limit	Excess	% Benefits reimbursement rate	Covers illness?	Covers accidental injuries?
	$25,000	$0 / $150 / $500	90%

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

More details

Feature

Benefits

Entry age

6 weeks – 9 years

Lifelong cover

Benefit percentage

90%

Overall annual benefit limit

$25,000

Excess

$0 / $150 / $500

Excess type

Annual Only

Covers accidents

Covers illnesses

Covers consultation fees

Up to $25,000, no sub-limit

Dental coverage

Behavioral coverage

Alternative therapies

IVDD

Up to $25,000, no sub-limit

Hip joint surgery

Up to $25,000, no sub-limit

Tick paralysis

Up to $25,000, no sub-limit

Snake bite coverage

Up to $25,000, no sub-limit

Cruciate ligament conditions

Up to $25,000, no sub-limit

Emergency boarding

Up to $25,000, no sub-limit

Waiting period accident

1 day

Waiting period illness

14 days

Waiting period specified conditions

6 months

Dental waiting period

For pets under 1-year-old: 14 days
For pets of 1-year-old and over: 6 months

Routine care

Pre-existing condition(s)

Pre Existing Review can done on Purchase, no extra charge to the policy holder

Sub limits

Customer service

Australian Call Centre

Works with a registered vet of your choice

Multipet discount

Cancellation

Cancel anytime, even if Petsy has paid out claims

Important Information

Terms, conditions, limits and exclusions apply. Please refer to the PDS.

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.

Millions of Australians have a pet, sharing their homes with animals that become a part of the family. However, owning a pet also comes with responsibilities, including ensuring your furry friend is healthy and cared for. While people can rely on Medicare for their healthcare needs, many pet owners look to pet insurance to cover their pet’s medical expenses.

If you would like to take out pet insurance, Savvy can help. Our 100% free comparison tool enables you to compare plans from leading insurers in minutes, tailoring your options to your budget and pet’s needs. Get started on a free, no-obligation quote today.

Is there Medicare for pets?

As Australia’s government-funded healthcare system, Medicare provides Australians with access to free or subsidised medical services. However, while the concept of a similar, Medicare-style system for pets has been proposed by some advocates, there is currently no government-funded healthcare system for pets in Australia. Instead, pet owners must find other ways to cover their pet’s veterinary costs.

How can I ensure my pet’s healthcare needs are covered?

Whether your pet has been injured in an accident or fallen ill, the cost of treatment can leave you significantly out of pocket – but there are ways to alleviate this financial burden. While there is no Medicare for pets in Australia, you can protect your animal companions and your finances by taking out pet insurance.

In Australia, there are three main types of pet insurance:

Accident-only: this type of pet insurance focuses on providing coverage specifically for accidents and injuries sustained by your pet. Accident-only coverage is often a more budget-friendly option and is suitable for pet owners who want financial protection in case of unexpected accidents. Injuries covered typically include broken bones, burns, electrocution, insect and snake bites and car accidents.
Accident and illness: this level of insurance extends beyond accidents to include expenses related to various illnesses and medical conditions, offering broader coverage for your pet’s overall health. Illnesses and conditions covered may include cancer, skin, ear and eye conditions, gastrointestinal problems and hereditary and congenital conditions.
Comprehensive: comprehensive pet insurance provides a more extensive range of coverage, offering a well-rounded policy that addresses a wide array of potential medical needs for your pet. As well as covering accidents and illnesses, it generally offers routine care as an optional extra, which may include vaccinations, microchipping, desexing, alternative therapies and health checks.

Each type of pet insurance offers its own set of benefits and considerations. Before selecting a pet insurance policy, take the time to assess your pet’s specific needs and the potential risks they may face. Which cover is the best for you depends on factors such as your pet’s breed, age and health, and your budget.

How can I save on my pet insurance?

Pet insurance costs can add up, but there are ways to make it more affordable. When you're looking for cheaper pet insurance, keep these helpful tips in mind:

Start early: get insurance for your pet when they’re young and keep it going as they age. This can save you money as your pet gets older and needs more care, and is generally cheaper than taking out a new policy for your senior pet.
Check what’s covered: look at different insurance plans and see what they cover, taking into account your animal’s unique requirements. Some plans cover a lot but cost more. If you don't need all the coverage, you can choose more basic plans for a lower cost.
Think about costs: consider choosing a higher excess (the amount you pay before insurance kicks in) or lower benefit percentage (how much the insurance company will pay). Picking a higher excess can lower your payments, but remember that you’ll pay more if you make a claim.
Combine policies: some companies give discounts if you get more than one type of insurance from them. You might also save money if you have more than one pet and insure them together under a multi-pet plan.
Look for deals: keep an eye out for special offers. For example, some companies might give you free coverage for a short time or lower premiums for the first year.
Compare your options: look at different pet insurance choices to find the best one for your pet and your budget. With Savvy’s free online comparison service, you can compare quotes from different companies quickly to find the right pet insurance for you.

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?

100% free

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

Compare in two minutes

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

Choice of insurers

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

Benefits of pet insurance

Financial security

Pet insurance acts as a financial safety net, protecting you against unexpected veterinary costs and ensuring you can afford necessary medical care for your pet.

Choice of treatment

With pet insurance, you have a range of quality care options, allowing you to choose cover that suits your pet's medical needs and your budget.

Preventative care

Certain policies include routine check-ups and preventative care, helping you keep your pet healthy through regular vet visits and catching potential issues before they become major problems.

Peace of mind

With pet insurance, you can face unexpected health issues with confidence, providing your pet with the care they need without the financial burden.

Frequently asked questions about Medicare pet insurance

What if I can’t afford the vet’s bills?

Even with pet insurance, you may face out-of-pocket expenses when it comes to your pet’s care. If you’re faced with high vet bills and are unable to afford them, discuss the situation openly with your veterinarian. Some clinics might offer flexible payment arrangements or options to spread out the costs. Additionally, inquire about treatment alternatives and whether there are essential treatments that can be prioritised to manage expenses while addressing your pet’s immediate needs.

Can I use any vet with pet insurance?

Most pet insurance policies allow you to choose your preferred veterinarian, offering you flexibility in seeking care for your pet. However, it's essential to confirm with your insurance provider whether they have a network of preferred providers or if there are any specific guidelines for choosing a veterinarian.

Can I insure my senior cat or dog?

Yes, many pet insurance companies offer coverage for senior pets. However, keep in mind that premiums for older pets might be higher due to increased health risks associated with age, and cover options might be limited. If you buy pet insurance when your pet is younger and maintain the policy, you may have more extensive coverage as your pet ages.

Can I change pet insurance providers?

Yes – you can change pet insurance providers at any time. However, switching providers might come with considerations like waiting periods for new coverage to take effect and potential impacts on coverage for pre-existing conditions. There may also be cancellation fees and other costs. Before making the switch, thoroughly review the policy terms to ensure a smooth transition.

Medicare Pet Insurance

Compare pet insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is there Medicare for pets?

How can I ensure my pet’s healthcare needs are covered?

How can I save on my pet insurance?