Budget Direct Pet Insurance Review

If you want a low-cost policy and a 15% online discount, Budget Direct Pet Insurance could be ideal for you.

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$12,000

Maximum yearly benefit

80%

Reimbursement rate

No

Routine Care

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Details

Product NameBudget Direct Pet Insurance
Accidental Injury
Routine CareNo
Lifetime Cover
Reimbursement rate
80%
Cooling Off Period21 days
Cruciate Ligament Benefit$2,600
Excess options$100
Emergency BoardingNo

Pros

  • You get 15% off your first year of premiums if you buy a policy online – this is a very competitive offer.
  • On average, Budget Direct's premiums are $29.92 cheaper than the average pet insurance policy, according to a survey by Top 9 Pet Insurance.
  • They'll waive the waiting periods when you switch from another insurer. T&Cs apply.

Cons

  • Its $12,000 annual benefit limits are not market-leading — out of 16 policies compared on Finder, 9 pet insurers offer more than this.
  • To keep costs down, it doesn't offer routine care which can include vaccinations and microchipping.

Budget Direct Pet Insurance deals

Deal

Save up to 15% when you buy Budget Direct Pet Insurance online

Verified 5 days ago
Get 15% off on your first year’s premium when you buy online. T&Cs apply.

Get a quote with Budget Direct Pet Insurance

Name Product Maximum Yearly Benefit Paralysis Tick Yearly Sub-Limit Reimbursement rate Accidental Injury Illness
Budget Direct Pet Insurance
$12,000
$1,500
80%
Yes
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.
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Why compare pet insurance with Finder?

  • 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.

    Dog Breed1yr old5yr old
    Maltese Cross$481.36$564.18
    Cavoodle$481.36$564.18
    Labrador$668.84$783.91
    Staffordshire Bull Terrier$668.84$783.91
    Border Collie$481.36$564.18

    ✅ Budget Direct Pet Insurance policy options

    Budget Direct provides 1 level of cover for dogs or cats. Here's an overview of what you get with each policy:

    Benefit
    Overall annual limit$12,000. The following sub-limits apply:
    Orthopaedic conditions: Up to $4,000
    Cruciate ligament conditions: Up to $2,600 (6 month waiting
    period)
    Tick paralysis: Up to $1,500 (30 day waiting period)
    Snake attacks: Up to $1,200
    % of eligible vet bill reimbursedUp to 80% of eligible vet expenses, less any excess and subject to limits.
    Excess (per condition)$100
    Entry age limitsYour pet must be over 8 weeks and under 9 years
    Accidental injury
    Illness
    Multi-pet discountN/A
    Consultation fees
    Prescribed medication
    Diagnostic testing
    Surgery
    Hospitalisation
    Chronic conditions
    Cancer treatments

    🏥 What does Budget Direct Pet Insurance cover?

    Here's a more detailed breakdown of what exactly Budget Direct covers for your pet.

    Ambulance vehicle with pet paw on the front

    Accidental injuries

    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.

    Vet building with pet paw on the front

    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:

  1. Pay your vets bill
  2. 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.
  3. Within 2–⁠⁠5 business days of you lodging your claim, Budget Direct will contact you if they need any more information.
  4. 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

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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

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