Best pet insurance in Australia October 2026

Features

Medibank Pet Max Cover with Extra Care

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GapOnly cover and 24/7 VetChat subscription available

Cheap

Finder Award

Budget Direct Essential Cover

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Cheapest pet insurer, according to Finder research

Value

CoverMy Pet High Cover

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85% back on eligible vet bills

Comprehensive

Finder Award

Fetch Pet Insurance

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2026 Finder Award Winner

What's the best pet insurance in Australia?

The best pet insurance in Australia for October 2026 depends on what you need. Our top picks are Medibank Pet Max Cover with Extra Care for features ($30,000 a year, 90% back), Budget Direct Essential Cover on price and Fetch for comprehensive cover. The average policy costs $127 a month, based on Finder's September 2026 quotes.

All the pet insurance policies below will cover your pet for accidents and illnesses. They all have an annual limit (how much you can claim back each year) and a benefit percentage (how much of the vet bill it will cover you for, e.g. 90%).

To select our top picks, we compared products from 29 providers, assessing products for 20+ features, including annual limit, benefit percentage, discounts and excess. Remember, there's no single best pet insurance policy that suits each one of our furry friends, since we all have different budgets and priorities.

• Best for features: Medibank Pet Max Cover with Extra Care
• Best for cheap: Budget Direct Essential Cover
• Best for value: CoverMy Pet High Cover
• Best for no sub limits: Petcover Superior Plan
• Best for comprehensiveness: Fetch Pet Insurance

Expert picks selected by Gary Ross Hunter – insurance expert

Best for features

8 Great Medibank Pet Max Cover with Extra Care

8 Great

$30,000

No sub-limit

90%

90%

Discount: Sign up to Medibank Pet Insurance using promo code RVG2FREE and get two months pet insurance free. Offer ends 16 December 2026. T&Cs apply.

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Why we like it We researched over 60 accident and illness pet insurance policies and selected Medibank because its top plan has one of the highest annual limits ($30,000) and reimbursement rates (90%) on the market. It also comes with GapOnly cover, VetChat, no sub-limits and covers certain dental conditions such as gingivitis and teeth removal. Pros & cons Pros $30,000 annual limit – one of the highest on the market. Covers 90% of eligible vet bills. The average is 80%. GapOnly cover lets you claim on the spot and 24/7 VetChat subscription lets you chat to a vet. Up to $2,000 towards dental conditions – most insurers don't offer this. Cons 90% back is higher than average but some can cover 100%. There's a 10% discount but it's only available to Medibank and ahm health members. Its other plans are not as comprehensive.

Best for cheap

9.1 Excellent Budget Direct Essential Cover Finder Award

9.1 Excellent

$12,000

$1,000

80%

80%

Discount: Apply online and get 15% off your first year's premium. T&Cs apply.

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Why we like it We picked Budget Direct because its Essential plan was the cheapest of the 29 we researched. It’s important to note that it was cheaper because it covers less, however, it’s drastically more affordable than other providers which can be a valuable option for budget conscious pet owners. Pros & cons Pros Budget Direct’s Essential cover was the cheapest insurer of the 29 providers we analysed. There are 3 levels of cover available so you can pick which suits you best; essential, comprehensive or plus. New customers get 15% off their first year’s premium when they buy a policy online. Cons The Essentials cover plan is so cheap because it covers less than other insurers. For example, it offers up to $12,000 worth of cover in yearly benefits while other insurers can offer up to $30,000. There is no discount available for insuring multiple pets. Other insurers like PIA offer a multi-pet discount. It has limited excess options meaning less control over your premium cost.

Best for value

9 Excellent CoverMy Pet High Cover

9 Excellent

$8,000

$3,000

85%

85%

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Why we like it We picked CoverMy Pet because it focuses its value where it counts. You’ll get 85% back on eligible vet bills at a price that starts from $11.16 a fortnight for cats and $14.66 for dogs. It's also built to stay affordable, with premium caps designed to stop your costs blowing out as your pet gets older. You’ll have your choice of an annual limit of $2,000, $4,000 or $8,000 to suit your budget and CoverMy Pet can pay your vet directly so you're not fronting the whole bill and waiting for reimbursement. Pros & cons Pros 85% back on eligible vet bills across all three plans. Premium caps help keep cover affordable throughout your pet's lifetime. Covers hereditary conditions, provided they're not pre-existing. Cons The maximum $8,000 annual benefit is lower than many competitors. No routine care add-on option, a benefit offered by many other pet insurers.

Best for no sub limits

8.1 Great Petcover Superior Plan

8.1 Great

$20,000

No sub-limit

100%

100%

Discount: Get 10% off new dog and cat policies. Use promo code FLASH10. Offer ends 31 Oct 2026. T&Cs apply.

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Why we like it We picked Petcover as the insurer offers generous cover across its range of policies, with no sublimits. Aside from the $20,000 annual limit, you’ll also have your choice of reimbursement rate (70%, 80%, 90% or 100%), plus the option to secure Lifetime Cover for your pet. Pros & cons Pros Up to $20,000 vet expenses cover Choice of 70%, 80%, 90% or 100% reimbursement rate Several policies to choose, so you can tailor your cover Cons Fixed excess for most plans, limiting your ability to lower your premium No pre-approval of claims available

Best for comprehensiveness

9.9 Excellent Fetch Pet Insurance Finder Award

9.9 Excellent

$40,000

No sub-limit

80% or 90% or 100%

80% or 90% or 100%

Multi-pet Discount: Get 5% off when you insure more than one pet. T&Cs apply.

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Why we like it We picked Fetch Pet Insurance because the insurer offers a simple single pet insurance policy with a generous claims limit of up to $40,000. Customers will also have 24/7 access to a vet for advice, handy for first-time pet owners, plus have their choice of a 80%, 90% or 100% reimbursement rate. It was the 2026 Finder Award winner for Best Comprehensive Pet Insurance. Pros & cons Pros 2026 Finder Award winner for Best Comprehensive Pet Insurance Claims are paid directly to vet to minimise out of pocket costs 24/7 advice from a vet Cons Customers may pay more for top cover, compared to basic policies from other insurers

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How much does pet insurance cost in Australia?

The average pet insurance premium in Australia is $127 a month, based on quotes Finder collected in September 2026. 9 Lives had the lowest average premium at $30 a month and Budget Direct averaged $50.35. Your price depends on your pet's age, breed and location, and on the level of cover you choose. See our full pet insurance cost breakdown.

Vet bills are also rising faster than general prices. The cost of veterinary and other services for pets rose 4.1% in the 12 months to August 2026, compared with 4.0% for overall inflation, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Is pet insurance worth it in Australia?

Pet insurance is worth it if a large, unexpected vet bill would put you under financial pressure. 1 in 4 Australian pet owners (about 1.9 million people) have delayed vet treatment for financial reasons, according to a Finder survey of 602 pet owners in July 2026. Yet only about 24% of dog owners and 14% of cat owners have pet insurance, according to Animal Medicines Australia.

ASIC's Moneysmart says pet insurance is most effective if you insure your pet while they're young and keep the cover for their whole life. Most policies also have a waiting period before you can claim.

How do I choose the best pet insurance policy?

Keep these 3 tips top of mind and it'll be much easier for you to find a good pet insurance policy:

Don't settle for a low annual limit

Pet insurance policies typically let you claim as high as $40,000 a year. This may seem like a lot but surgery can exceed $20,000 in some cases. Always check the annual benefit limit before you buy. Petsy ($25,000) offer more than average.

Look for a reimbursement rate of 80% or higher

The reimbursement rate, or benefit percentage, is the amount of the vet bill the pet insurer will cover you for. Most comprehensive pet insurance policies will pay 80% of all eligible vet bills. Some, such as Coles (100%) and Petsy (80% or 90%) offer more. A high benefit percentage is best for those who don't want to risk facing big out-of-pocket expenses.

Don't hold off on pet insurance until your pet is older

If they develop any health conditions before you've taken out pet insurance, they will be considered pre-existing conditions by the insurer and you won't usually be covered for any treatment related to that condition. Some insurers won't cover your pet at all once they are 9 or older.

Once you have narrowed down your options, get some quotes from each insurer. This will help you see who offers the best-priced pet insurance policy for you.

Which pet insurance brands do customers rate highest?

To help you figure out what pet insurance company is the best, we asked over 400 Australians for their opinion and got our insurance experts to rate some of Australia's well-known brands.

Brand	Overall satisfaction	Trustworthy / reliable
RSPCA	★★★★★ 4.39	97%
Bow Wow Meow	★★★★★ 4.34	94%
Bupa Pet Insurance	★★★★★ 4.27	97%
Petbarn	★★★★★ 4.24	94%

What's the best pet insurance for cats?

The best cat insurance covers illness as well as accidents, pays back at least 80% of eligible vet bills and doesn't cap the conditions your cat's breed is prone to with a low sub-limit. Only about 14% of Australian cat owners have pet insurance, compared with 24% of dog owners, according to Animal Medicines Australia's 2025 national pet survey.

When looking for the best pet insurance policy for your cat, it can help to know a few details about your cat’s breed and any associated genetic disorders. Here’s a few things to keep in mind.

• Pale-skinned cats. If your cat has white ears or a pink nose, it usually means they’ll need to be protected from the sun to avoid skin cancers. To ensure you’re covered for the worst, have a look at how your provider covers cancer and skin conditions.
• Congenital heart defects. These can be standard among many cat breeds but can be treated with the help of a vet. Read your PDS closely to know how you can be covered for this.
• Flat-faced breeds. If you have a flat faced breed of cat, like a Persian or Exotic Shorthair then they may be predisposed to a range of respiratory related conditions. Additionally, the shape of their skull can lead to abnormalities with their teeth, resulting in dental issues. If you’ve got a flat-faced breed, it could be wise to check if and how your policy covers these conditions.

What's the best pet insurance for dogs?

The best dog insurance has an annual limit high enough to cover surgery, pays back at least 80% of eligible vet bills and has generous sub-limits for joint and skin conditions. Dog-owning households spend an estimated $2,520 a year on their pets, according to Animal Medicines Australia.

To help find the best pet insurance for your dog, it can help to understand more about your dog’s breed and what you’re more likely to need to make a claim for. Here’s a few things to consider.

• Larger dogs and joint health. Larger dog breeds like Great Danes, Mastiffs and Saint Bernards are more likely to struggle with hip dysplasia or arthritis due to their larger bone structure. To optimise your policy for this, be sure to check these conditions are covered and what the associated sub-limit is.
• Smaller dogs and joint health. Smaller breeds like Dachshunds are known for their back issues due to their elongated spine and Shih Tzus are notorious for having knee cap issues. Be sure to understand how your policy can help in the event of these issues.
• Skin health. Just like humans, dogs can have allergies too. This can show up by way of skin irritations and balding fur. While some breeds are more prone to these issues than others, it’s a fairly common concern across the board. See how your provider covers skin conditions to ensure you’ve got the right coverage.

Frequently asked questions

• What should the best policy cover?

  If you want to give your pet the highest protection money can buy, a comprehensive plan will typically cover your pet for:

  • Accidental injuries. Your insurer will pay a percentage (usually around 80%) of the vet expenses for accidental injuries to your pet. This can include car accidents, snake bites, allergic reactions, insect bites, injuries from falls, bone fractures and ligament and tendon injuries. You'll be able to claim up to a certain amount each year – for example, $15,000.
  • Illnesses. If your pet suffers a specified illness, your policy will cover up to 80% of the veterinary costs you incur as a result. Pet insurance policies typically cover most treatments related to your pet's illnesses including imaging services and cancer treatments. There's one main exception. If your pet contracts an illness which it could have been vaccinated for or if its illness is related to a pre-existing condition, you typically won't be covered.
  • Emergency boarding. If you are your pet's sole carer and you're hospitalised for more than 5 consecutive days, a comprehensive policy usually provides cover for the cost of finding emergency boarding for your pet.
  • Essential euthanasia. Nobody wants to think about this but in cases where euthanasia is deemed to be the most humane option, your pet insurer can cover the costs.
  • Paralysis tick benefit. If your pet requires treatment for tick paralysis, all policies will cover you. However, be careful, some policies only cover up to $1,200 of the costs. In some cases, the actual treatment can cost more than $2,000.
  • Routine care. This optional benefit is typically available as an add-on to comprehensive policies. It helps pay for preventative health care procedures, such as vet check-ups, microchipping and vaccinations. However, it typically doesn't cover all of the costs.

• What is the best pet insurance at a reasonable price?

  You can still get accident and illness cover for well under the $127 monthly average. In Finder's September 2026 quotes, 9 Lives had the lowest average premium at $30 a month and Budget Direct averaged $50.35. Cheaper policies usually have lower annual limits, so check what you're giving up.

• When is the best time to take out pet insurance?

  Most pet insurance policies don't cover pre-existing medical conditions (an ailment that your pet already had before they were insured), so it's a good idea to take out pet insurance before this occurs. You can take out pet insurance as early as 6–8 weeks old. Illnesses that develop after waiting periods are generally covered, subject to your policy's limits and exclusions.

• What's the best pet insurance in QLD?

  All of the pet insurance policies we've selected cover your cat or dog in Queensland. They cover accidents and illnesses, including snake bites, tick paralysis and heat stroke.

• What's the best pet insurance in Melbourne?

  All of the pet insurance policies we've selected cover your dog or cat in Melbourne. They cover accidents and illnesses, including snake bites, tick paralysis and heat stroke.

• Is desexing included in pet insurance?

  Yes, desexing is typically included in policies with routine care cover.

• Is pet insurance regulated in Australia?

  Yes. Pet insurance is a general insurance product, and pet health cover is included in the Insurance Council of Australia's General Insurance Code of Practice. If you can't resolve a complaint with your insurer, you can take it to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) for free.

To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Jason Loewenthal as part of our fact-checking process.

Written by

Gary Ross Hunter

Journalist

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Gary Ross Hunter has over 6 years of expertise writing about insurance, including life, health, home, and car insurance. Having reviewed hundreds of product disclosure statements and published over 800 articles, he loves simplifying complex insurance topics for everyday readers. Gary has contributed to major outlets like Yahoo Finance, The Sydney Morning Herald, and news.com.au, and holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English Literature from the University of Glasgow, along with a Tier 2 General Advice certification, ensuring his work adheres to ASIC’s RG146 standards. See full bio

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Gary Ross has written 522 Finder guides across topics including:

• Health, home, life, car, pet and travel insurance
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