You pay the same price as buying directly from the pet insurer.
We're not owned by an insurer (unlike other comparison sites).
We don't ask for your phone or email.
We've reviewed over 35 policies on the market, so you don't have to.
🔎 Why choose Budget Direct Pet Insurance?
Here are some of the main reasons why it might be worth getting a policy with Budget Direct Pet Insurance.
Money off when you buy online. If you buy a new policy online, you'll get 15% off your first year's premium.
Choice of vet. You can take your pet to the vet of your choice, as long as they're qualified and registered in Australia.
💰 How much does Budget Direct Pet Insurance cost?
To give you an idea of Budget Direct pet insurance costs, we got quotes for several different dog breeds. Remember, prices will change based on your dog's breed, age, health and your address.
Accidental injuries can cover car incidents, burns, allergic reactions and more. It comes with a 2 day waiting period and can reimburse 80% of eligible vet bills (less any excess and subject to limits) related to:
Bone fractures
Snake bite toxicity
A bite wound
Lacerations
Your pet must be at least 8 weeks old to be covered.
Illnesses
If your cat or dog gets sick, Budget Direct Can reimburse 80% of eligible vet bills less any excess and subject to limits. You'll need to serve a 30 day waiting period, 6 months for cruciate ligament conditions and pay a $100 excess per condition claimed. Like most pet insurers, you also won't be covered for pre-existing conditions. It can cover you for:
Skin conditions
Eye and ear conditions
Gastrointestinal problems
What isn't covered by Budget Direct Pet Insurance?
All policies come with exclusions. With Budget Direct Pet Insurance, some of what you won't be covered for includes:
Pre-existing conditions
De-sexing
Routine or preventative care
Dental treatment (unless it's the result of an accidental injury)
Breeding
Elective treatments
Vaccinations
You also won't be covered for anything during the waiting period (30 days for illnesses, 2 days for Accidental Injuries & 6 months for cruciate ligament). To review the full list of exclusions, you should always read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).
📝 How to submit a Budget Direct Pet Insurance claim
Follow these steps to make your Budget Direct pet insurance claim as simple and straightforward as possible:
Pay your vets bill
You can then make a claim via the online claims portal or you can download the claims form from the Budget Direct website and send your completed form and your vet’s itemised invoices to claims@pet.budgetdirect.com.au or by post to Budget Direct Pet Insurance PO Box 342 Toowong QLD 4066.
Within 2–5 business days of you lodging your claim, Budget Direct will contact you if they need any more information.
On acceptance of your claim, Budget Direct will reimburse you up to 80% of your eligible vet expenses (benefit limits and an excess apply). The money will be deposited into your nominated bank account
Why you can trust Finder's pet insurance experts
We're free
You pay the same as buying directly from the pet insurer. Better still, we regularly run exclusive deals that you won't find on any other site – plus, our tables make it easy to compare policies.
We're experts
Our team of pet insurance experts have researched and rated 25+ policies as part of the Finder Awards. We've produced guides on everything from the best policies to jargon-free explainers.
We're independent
Unlike other comparison sites, we're not owned by an insurer. That means our opinions are our own and we work with lots of pet insurance brands, making it easier for you to find a good deal.
We're here to help
Since 2016, we've helped 110,000+ people find pet insurance by explaining your cover options, simply and clearly. We'll never ask for your number or email. We're here to help you make a decision.
✔️ Budget Direct Pet Insurance FAQs
You can insure up to four pets in the one transaction when you buy online. You can also speak to the call centre directly and add more pets.
Budget Direct Pet Insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions. A pre-existing condition is any illness or injury that your pet showed any signs or symptoms of:
before your policy started
during any applicable waiting period.
We do however cover pre-existing conditions that have been fully cured. Fully cured means your pet has been free of any signs or symptoms, or has gone without treatment for a condition, or both, for at least 12 months as evidenced by the pet’s medical notes or veterinary history.
Yes. You will have to wait 2 days for accidental injuries, 30 days for illnesses and tick paralysis, and 6 months for cruciate ligament conditions.
You can claim up to $12,000 per year for all eligible vet bills. Other annual sub-limits:
Orthopaedic conditions: $4,000
Cruciate ligament conditions: $2,600
Tick paralysis: $1,500
Snake attacks: $1,200
No. Budget Direct doesn't offer routine care cover. Many other insurers offer this as an add-on. It can cover you for treatments like vaccinations, microchipping and nail trimming.
Gary Ross Hunter is an editor at Finder, specialising in insurance. He’s been writing about life, travel, home, car, pet and health insurance for over 6 years and regularly appears as an insurance expert in publications including The Sydney Morning Herald, news.com.au, The Telegraph, Explore Travel and Escape. Gary holds a Kaplan Tier 1 General Insurance (General Advice) certification and a Kaplan Tier 1 Generic Knowledge certification which meets the requirements of ASIC Regulatory Guide 146 (RG146).
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