RAC Pet Insurance review

RAC was our 2022 Customer Satisfaction Award winner but there are policies with higher claim limits.

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Pet Insurance customers satisfaction

2022 Finder Customer Satisfaction Awards

Winner: RAC Pet Insurance

Finder worked with research firm Dynata to ask nearly 20,000 Australians for their opinion about nearly 200 categories for the customer satisfaction awards program.

Our Verdict

  • Online discount - Sign up online and receive $50 in your first year.
  • Access to everyday savings offers and discounts from over 100 partners. Most other policies don't offer this.
  • 80% of your vet costs are covered, but there are other providers that offer 85% or more, plus higher annual limits.

Review by our pet insurance expert Alexandra Koster

RAC pet insurance is not currently available via Finder. But don't fret! You can head to their website at www.rac.com.au for more information or compare a bunch of other pet insurance companies with Finder.
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What am I covered for?

RAC covers up to 80% of necessary vet bills resulting from your pet’s accident or illness, up to $12,000 per year, subject to some exclusions.

You can also get the following:

  • Emergency boarding benefits. You can claim up to $1,000 per year to help cover boarding costs for your pet if you are unexpectedly hospitalised for five consecutive days or more, and there is no one else who can care for your pet in the meantime.
  • Essential euthanasia. If your vet recommends euthanasia, then RAC may cover 80% of the costs. This benefit can still pay out if you have reached your annual limits.
  • Cover abroad. Your pet is still covered by this policy in New Zealand and on Norfolk Island.

Tender Loving Care (TLC) additional option

Tender Loving Care (TLC)is an optional extra similar to routine care. It includes:

  • de-sexing
  • Micro-chipping,
  • Teeth cleaning
  • Alternative therapies such as acupuncture and chiropractic treatments
  • Heartworm preventative medication
  • Food that is prescribed by your vet
  • Council registration fees
  • Health check-ups by your vet
  • Vaccinations

What are my policy obligations?

You are required to take good care of your pet. This includes:

  • Making sure they get recommended vaccinations
  • Ensuring they have a yearly dental exam, and giving them any vet-recommended oral treatments
  • Preventing fleas, heartworm, worms and other parasitic infections as far as possible
  • Regularly washing your pet
  • Giving your pet food and fresh water every day, and
  • Making sure your pet gets regular exercise.

If you haven’t met these obligations then you might not be covered for any resulting conditions. For example, you can only claim dental treatments under this policy if your pet has a yearly dental exam and you follow vet oral treatment recommendations.

What conditions are excluded?

This policy does not cover pets other than dogs or cats. In order to claim for treatment of a pet’s injury or illness, you must have met your policy obligations, and the treatment or health issue must not be one of those listed as excluded.

Pre-existing conditions are not covered under this policy. These are conditions that were present or apparent before taking out the policy, including diseases in remission, illnesses being controlled by medication at the time you take out a policy, and any skin conditions or seasonal illness.

If your pet does have any pre-existing conditions, you can ask RAC to cover them anyway by sending in a “pre-existing conditions waiver” form.

In addition, you cannot claim for injuries or illnesses that include or result from the following:

  • Patella luxations (dislocated kneecaps)
  • Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
  • Endoparasites or ectoparasites, such as worms. The exception to this rule is paralysis ticks
  • Behavioural problems, regardless of their cause

There are also some conditions that are specifically excluded, unless your pet was vaccinated against them, regardless of whether or not a vet recommended the vaccinations.

Waiting periods also apply, and your pet will not be covered immediately after you take out a policy.

  • 21 days. You cannot claim for any illnesses within 21 days of taking out a policy.

Finally, dogs or cats that are used for any commercial purposes cannot be covered by this policy.

How much does RAC pet insurance cost?

The cost of your policy is based on factors including:

  • The age of your pet
  • Whether you are insuring a dog or a cat, and its breed
  • Whether you have chosen TLC extra cover
  • Your excess amount
  • Any discounts you may be entitled to.

What discounts are available?

You can receive a discount for paying premiums annually rather than monthly. If you are an RAC member, you can enjoy member discounts, and other benefits such as discounts through other RAC partners.

Bronze, Silver, and Gold or Gold Life RAC members are entitled to 5%, 7.5% and 10% respectively off the cost of pet insurance.

To get this discount you simply need to sign up online at RAC, and enter your membership number when applying for a quote.

How do I make a claim?

To make a claim after visiting a vet, send in a completed RAC claims form online or by post, and include:

  • A full treatment history for your pet
  • The original receipts and treatment invoices

In some situations, RAC may reduce the amount paid out; for example, if your pet is also covered by another insurance policy, or if the vet fees were excessive and well above the industry average.

Who is the underwriter for RAC pet insurance policies?

RAC Pet Insurance is underwritten by RACQ Insurance Limited.

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  • We're not owned by an insurer (unlike other comparison sites).

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  • We've reviewed over 35 policies on the market, so you don't have to.

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Publisher

Alexandra Koster was Finder's publisher for car, home and pet insurance. She has a Tier 1 certification in General Insurance, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Cultural Studies from the University of Sydney. Her hobbies include reading Product Disclosure Statements and deciphering complicated insurance lingo to help people save on their insurance so that they can spend their money on better things – like dogs. See full bio

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