HCF replaced its old two-tier policies with a single flexible product, Happy Tails Cover, on 3 July 2026.
You pick your own annual limit ($10,000, $20,000 or $30,000), benefit percentage (70%, 80% or 90%) and excess ($0, $250 or $500).
Dental and routine care aren't covered as standard, you'll need the Booster Care and Routine Care add-ons.
Pros
You can choose your own annual limit, benefit percentage and excess.
There are no sub-limits on conditions like paralysis ticks.
24/7 Live Vet Support is included at no extra cost.
Cons
Dental conditions are only covered if you add Booster Care, capped at $2,000 a year.
How does HCF pet insurance compare?
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HCF's Happy Tails Cover comes with a few perks that could make it the right fit for you and your pet:
Flexible cover options. You choose your annual benefit limit, benefit percentage and excess, so you can dial your cover (and premium) up or down to suit your budget.
Health fund member discounts. If you already hold an eligible health insurance policy with HCF, you'll get 12% off your pet insurance premiums.
On-the-spot claims with GapOnly. At participating vets, you can claim at the counter and only pay the gap, the difference between the vet's invoice and your eligible claim benefit, instead of paying the full bill and waiting for reimbursement.
24/7 Live Vet Support. The policy includes round-the-clock access to registered Australian vets via video call or chat, which is handy for getting advice when your regular clinic is closed.
Multi-pet discount. You can get up to 10% off each additional pet policy. If you're an HCF member, your 12% discount is applied first, then the multi-pet discount on second or subsequent policies.
Optional add-ons. You can add Routine Care (a $150-a-year non-insurance benefit towards things like vaccinations, desexing and microchipping) and Booster Care (a $2,000 annual limit for specified dental conditions and specialised therapies like physio, hydrotherapy and behavioural treatment).
myPetPass discounts. Policyholders get access to savings on pet essentials like prescription medication, flea, tick and worm treatments, and pet food.
21-day cooling off period. If you change your mind and haven't made a claim, HCF will refund any premiums paid (less any taxes or charges it can't refund).
What isn't covered by an HCF policy?
As with any pet insurance policy, it's crucial to read the product disclosure statement (PDS) so you know exactly what is and isn't covered. General exclusions on a Happy Tails Cover policy include:
Pre-existing conditions
Dental procedures, unless you've added the optional Booster Care benefit
Routine and preventative treatments, unless you've added Routine Care (a non-insurance benefit that contributes up to $150 a year)
Elective treatments and procedures
Breeding and obstetrics-related expenses
One thing worth knowing: if your pet has a temporary condition that's been excluded as pre-existing, it can come off the exclusion list if it hasn't existed, occurred or shown noticeable signs or symptoms for 18 months. Chronic conditions and some specified conditions don't qualify, and you can apply to have a pre-existing condition reviewed using HCF's review form.
How to submit an HCF Pet Insurance claim
There are two ways to claim on your Happy Tails Cover policy:
Claim on-the-spot with GapOnly. If your vet is a participating GapOnly provider, you can claim at the counter and only pay the gap – no paperwork, no waiting for reimbursement.
Submit a claim form. If your vet doesn't offer GapOnly, download and print an HCF Pet Insurance Claim Form, have your vet complete and sign their section, and submit it. Approved payments are made to the policyholder by cheque or into a nominated account.
You can also track your benefit limits, lodge claims and manage your policy through HCF's online Pet Portal. If you want certainty before going ahead with treatment, you can request a claim pre-approval by calling 1800 630 681.
HCF pet insurance FAQs
No – only cats and dogs can be covered under an HCF pet insurance policy. Pets used for commercial purposes aren't eligible.
Your dog or cat must be younger than 9 years old when you first apply. Once you're covered, Happy Tails Cover lets you insure your pet for life, as long as HCF continues to offer the product and you hold the policy without a break, lapse or change in cover level.
Yes, provided they haven't shown any noticeable signs, symptoms or abnormalities before your policy started or during any applicable waiting period. Pre-existing conditions are excluded – check the PDS for full details.
No. You don't need to submit veterinary records when you apply, though HCF may ask you some simple questions about any past illnesses or injuries. HCF may also ask for additional veterinary records when processing a claim.
Ceyda Erem is Finder’s senior writer for insurance and has almost 10 years of experience writing about personal finance. Formerly a copywriter for several business and finance clients, Ceyda has written hundreds of articles, guides, blogs and more to ensure Australians stay in the loop about how to best manage their money. She has a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Writing from Macquarie University.
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