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Cancelling Pet Insurance

You can cancel your pet insurance policy at any time – but there's only a few scenarios where you can get a refund.

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By

Gary Ross Hunter

&

Francesca Guerrera

Updated

Fact checked
Fed up with your current insurer? Switch to a better policy Compare policies

To cancel your pet insurance policy, you'll need to get in touch with your pet insurance by calling, emailing or writing to them. We've listed the details for each provider here.

Smiling face

The good news

You're free to cancel your pet insurance policy at any time. The process and cost involved depend on when you cancel, but it's fairly straightforward either way.

Crying face

The bad news

You'll be out of pocket for any illness or injuries that befall your pet once it's no longer insured, and the costs can quickly add up.

If you're not happy with the price you're paying for pet insurance, you can try 2 things. Firstly, shop around for a better policy. We have some exclusive offers only available on Finder to help you save money on your new policy. You can also speak to your current insurer about wanting to cancel. If your policy is up for renewal and you've noticed around a 20% premium increase, simply write them an email letting them know that it's expensive at this point in time with high cost of living, and that you'd like to cancel. My colleague recently did this and scored 3 months of pet insurance free! Don't hesitate to be transparent with your provider.

Francesca Guerrera

Francesca Guerrera
Finder's pet insurance publisher

How to cancel pet insurance

ProviderHow to cancelCompare quotes
Medibank
  • Call 1300 980 601
  • 21 days cooling-off period
  • Cancellation at any time
Get quote
Kogan Pet Insurance
  • Make an enquiry here or call 1300 001 738
  • 21 days cooling-off period
  • Cancellation at any time
  • $30 cancellation fee
Get quote
Budget Direct Logo
  • Call 1800 931 664
  • 21 days cooling-off period
  • Cancellation at any time
  • $40 cancellation fee
Get quote
Coles pet insurance
  • Send an email petinsurance@coles.com.au at or call 1300 333 738
  • 21 days cooling-off period
  • Cancellation at any time
Get quote
PD pet insuranceGet quote
Vets Choice pet insurance
  • Make an enquiry here or call 1800 999 738
  • 21 days cooling-off period
  • Cancellation at any time
Get quote
PetsOnMe
  • Send an email at insurance@petsonme.com.au
    or call 1300 489 873
  • 14 days cooling-off period
  • Cancellation any time
More info
Picture not described
  • Send an email at seniors@petsure.com.au
    or call 1300 050 510
  • 30 days cooling-off period
  • Cancellation at any time
Get quote
Guardian Pet Insurance LogoGet quote
RSPCA pet insuranceGet quote
Pet insurance Australia
  • Send an email at pia@petsure.com.au
    or call 1800 043 052
  • 21 days cooling-off period
  • Cancellation at any time
  • $30 cancellation fee
Get quote
Petsy pet insurance
  • Send an email at hello@petsy.com.au
    or call 1300 952 790
  • 30 days cooling-off period
  • Cancellation any time
Get quote
Get quote
Knose pet insurance
  • Send an email at info@knose.com.au
    or call 1300 356 642
  • 30 days cooling-off period
  • Cancellation at any time
Get quote
Pet secure pet insurance
  • Send an email at customercare@petsecure.com.au
    or call 1300 855 160
  • 21 days cooling-off period
  • Cancellation at any time
  • $30 cancellation fee
More info
Everyday Insurance
  • Send an email at woolworths@petsure.com.au
    or call 1300 10 1234
  • 21 days cooling-off period
  • Cancellation at any time
Get quote
  • Send an email at bowwow@petsure.com.au
    or call 1800 668 502
  • 21 days cooling-off period
  • Cancellation at any time
  • $30 cancellation fee
More info
Guide dogs logo
  • Make an enquiry here or call 13 63 002
  • 30 days cooling-off period
  • Cancellation at any time
More info

Why compare pet insurance with Finder?

  • You pay the same price as buying directly from the pet insurer.

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Fed up with your current insurer? Switch to a better policy

1 - 5 of 16
Name Product Accidental Injury Illness Paralysis Tick Yearly Sub-Limit Maximum yearly benefit Reimbursement rate Reimbursement Rate
Medibank Pet Max Cover with Extra Care
Exclusive
Medibank Pet Max Cover with Extra Care
$30,000
$30,000
90%
90%
⭐Finder Exclusive: Get your 1st month’s premium free when you choose Medibank Pet Insurance. Sign up using promo code FINDERONE. Offer ends 12 December. T&Cs apply.
Get quote
View details
Everyday Comprehensive Plus Cover
Everyday Comprehensive Plus Cover
$3,000
$30,000
80%
80%
Everyday Pet Insurance customers get 10% off their monthly Woolworths shop. T&Cs apply.
Get quote
View details
Budget Direct Pet Insurance
Budget Direct Pet Insurance
$1,500
$12,000
80%
80%
Current Offer: Apply online and get 15% off your first year's premium PLUS go in the draw for your chance to win 1 of 3 $10,000 cash prizes. T&Cs apply.
Get quote
View details
Kogan Pet Luxury Cover
Kogan Pet Luxury Cover
$2,000
$15,000
80% up to age 8 & 65% over age 8
80% up to age 8 & 65% over age 8
Sign up and get your first month FREE plus $10 ongoing monthly credit. T&Cs apply.
Get quote
View details
Coles Premium Cover
Coles Premium Cover
$2,500
$15,000
80% or 100%
80% or 100%
Earn 10x Flybuys points per $1 spent on pet food at Coles Supermarkets. T&Cs apply.
Get quote
View details
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What should I consider when cancelling my policy?

Keep the following questions in mind if you're thinking of cancelling pet insurance:

  • Are you within the cooling-off period? Most policies have a cooling-off period of 30 days. If you cancel during this time and haven't made any claims, you'll receive a full refund.
  • Are there cancellation fees? It's uncommon but some insurers charge a cancellation fee for any reason other than the death of your pet.
  • Is your pet over 9? Many insurers will only offer cover to pets that are under nine years of age when you first take out cover. Your pet will then be covered for life once you have a policy in place – but if you choose to cancel cover, you might not be able to re-insure your pet at a later date.
  • Do you insure more than one pet? Most insurers offer a multi-pet discount when you insure more than one pet. Cancelling cover for one pet could increase the cost of cover for your other pet.
  • Do you need to cancel in writing? Some pet insurance policies can only able to be cancelled in writing. If you don’t submit a cancellation request via your insurer's preferred communication channel, you might still be charged premiums.
  • Will you lose money? Depending on circumstances you may not be eligible for a refund, and you may need to keep paying premiums for the remaining period of insurance. It might be better off cancelling cover near the end of the insurance period rather than while you still have several months of cover that are already paid for.

Can I cancel my pet’s policy at any time?

Yes, there are no restrictions on when you can cancel your pet insurance policy; you are free to do so at any time. However, whether or not you are eligible for a refund will depend on your circumstances and pet insurer. Here's what generally happens:

Check icon
Full refund
This will only happen if you cancel during your policy's cooling-off period and you have not made any claims. Cooling off periods usually last between 14 and 21 days from the date you took out a policy.
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Partial refund
If you have paid your annual premium in full and have not made any claims, the portion of the premium that covers the remaining period of insurance will be returned to you.
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No refund
If you're paying in monthly instalments, or you cancel your policy having already made a claim, you'll need to continue paying premiums for the remaining period of insurance and won't receive any refunds.

Watch this before you cancel your policy

What can I do instead of cancelling my pet insurance?

Instead of cancelling pet insurance, you may want to consider the following options:

  • Choose a lower level of cover. This will ensure that you still have a certain level of protection in place to help you cover unexpected vet bills, but your premiums will be more affordable.
  • Switch insurers. If you’re not happy with the level or cost of cover provided by your current insurer, switching to a new provider may be the perfect solution. However, this may mean that you’re not eligible for any premium refund from your current insurer. Compare a range of policies to find the right cover for your dog or cat.
  • Choose a higher excess. If you’re willing to pay a higher excess, you may be able to access cheaper premiums.

Choosing one of the above alternatives could help you maintain the cover your dog or cat needs, but make sure to consider all options carefully before deciding on the best way to cover your pet.

Top rated pet insurance polices for December 2023

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2 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    RenJune 5, 2023

    I recently changed providers a month ago as I was trying to get the best deal on pet insurance. I’ve had insurance now for the past 6 years. I wanted to get the cruciate ligament time period waived so I took my dog to the vet, to which she did a quick work up on her anyway. All looked to be ok. 2 weeks later we have now noticed a lump on her chest on her right hand side. I’m curious to know as I’ve read that if it is deemed to have been there prior to the policy starting that the new insurer may not cover it, but as mentioned I’ve been insured for 6 years so if it’s deemed the new insurer won’t cover it, surely my old insurer would have to?

    Reply
      AvatarFinder
      JamesJune 6, 2023Finder

      Hi Ren,

      Thanks for your message. For illnesses, you’ll generally have to serve a waiting period of between 14 to 30 days before you can claim – and 6 months for long-term conditions. It’s best to speak directly to your insurer for help with your specific situation and to find out what you can claim for.

      Best,

      James

      Reply
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