Budget Direct Pet Insurance

Apply online for 15% off your first year. T&Cs apply
- $12,000 annual benefit
- Accidental injury and illness cover
- Your choice of vet
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Budget Direct Pet Insurance
Apply online for 15% off your first year. T&Cs apply
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Browse Pet Insurance
Think of all the medical treatment you need throughout your life: check-ups, medications, X-rays, surgery. Our pets aren't much different. And since they're not eligible for Medicare, those costs can add up quickly. Comprehensive pet insurance covers accidents and illnesses and can also help out with the little stuff like vaccines, worming and teeth cleaning.
Comprehensive policies will generally cover:
Helps cover vet fees relating to physical injuries, such as electrocution, broken bones, fractures and snake bites.
Reimburses you for vet bills up to the limits and chosen reimbursement percentage of your policy, except for certain conditions that are specifically excluded.
Usually an optional add-on, routine care provides benefits to spend on routine care expenses, such as microchipping, desexing and teeth cleaning.
Gives your pet emergency boarding cover, overseas pet cover, tick paralysis benefits and can cover the cost of essential, humane euthanasia.
One insurer's comprehensive policy might be equivalent to a mid-level policy from a different insurer. You'll need to look at a few specific factors to choose the pet policy that's right for you.
General exclusions include the following:
The exclusions are not necessarily set in stone. If you want cover for something in particular, such as a specific type of alternative therapy, then you may be able to adjust your policy in consultation with your insurer at an extra cost. Similarly, if you disagree with your vet's recommendation at some point and want to pursue a different treatment path, you may be able to clear it with your insurer and get it covered. In both cases, you'll need to get this clearly stated in writing.
Most insurers will set age limits for new policies, and you cannot typically take out a policy for animals older than nine years old. Generally, there are two different ways to get cover for pets older than this.
In Australia, the ideal way to make sure your pet has comprehensive medical and accident cover after the age of nine is to take out a policy before your dog reaches this age and maintain your cover.
Even if you get the most comprehensive policy available from an insurer, it probably won't include dental cover unless you've specifically asked for it. This may be worth doing so, as many cat and dog breeds are especially prone to certain dental conditions. Ask your vet if you think it's a good idea for your pet.
Even with a dental plan, your pet will still not be covered for all possible oral procedures. Instead, you will only be covered for the procedures or eventualities specifically listed in your policy. Typically these include the following:
Between these, you're probably covered for many of the more common dental issues that cats and dogs will encounter.
Here's an example of how much comprehensive cover for your pet could cost you from a leading insurer:
Cover Type | Breed | Age | Annual Premium |
---|---|---|---|
Premium Accident and Illness Cover | Labrador | 5 | $1095 |
However, prices will differ based on a number of factors. These include:
Your policy options also affect premiums, such as:
Gary Hunter is a writer at Finder, specialising in insurance. He’s been writing about life, health, travel, home and pet insurance for over three years, has pored over hundreds of product disclosure statements and written more than 500 insurance articles. Gary holds a Tier 1 General Insurance (General Advice) certification and is passionate about helping Aussies understand their policies so that they can get better value for their money.
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