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.
Pet insurers typically won't cover your pet with their most comprehensive plan. This is if because older dog and cats are more prone to illnesses.
However, there might be some circumstances where you can still get cover – for instance if they are still under 9 years old. There are generally 3 levels of insurance you can choose from:
There isn't an age limit for pet insurance as long as your pet is insured and you keep paying your premium. But if you don't have pet insurance, you generally need to take a policy out before your dog or cat turns 9 or you won't be able to get comprehensive cover.
If your furry friend is over 9, don't worry. You should still be able to get a policy; you just won't be able to get comprehensive cover.
It's still possible to get pet insurance for a 9-year-old or older dog, but there are a couple of caveats:
Once your dog or cat is older than 9, you probably won't be able to get a comprehensive pet insurance policy. However, that doesn't mean you can't still get a policy that offers good value. There are a few other important terms to look out for when searching for the best pet insurance policy for seniors. These are:
This is the maximum amount you can claim for. You get total annual benefit limits (the most you can claim for in total over the course of a year) but you also often get sub-benefit limits. This is the maximum amount you can claim for on specific treatments. For instance, there might be an annual benefit limit of $20,000 but a $1,000 sub-limit for tick paralysis. They can be easy to miss so keep an eye out when you're comparing.
Sometimes known as the reimbursement rate, this is the percentage of a claim that the pet insurer will pay you. For instance, if you need to make a $1,000 claim for tick paralysis and your insurer has a 80% reimbursement rate, you'll still have to pay $200.
This is a specified length of time you need to hold your insurance policy for before they'll actually cover you. They only apply to illnesses and usually range from between 2 and 12 months.
Just like any other type of insurance, pet insurance doesn't cover everything. With an older dog or cat, this can really end up costing you a lot of money, so it pays to know what isn't usually covered. Common exclusions include:
You can find out more about specific pet insurance exclusions here
The research behind our pet insurance awards.
How do Aussies really feel about their pets? Check out the latest survey results.
Exotic pets such as reptiles, birds and small mammals get sick and injured too. Learn what's covered by exotic pet insurance.
Your guide to Kogan's Pet Insurance policies.
Known for providing low-cost, high-value car, life and travel insurance, Budget Direct also offers pet insurance.
We've rounded up the cost of surgeries for pets as well as pet insurance options to save you money if your pet needs surgery.
Complete guide to pet insurance exclusions you should know.
Receive quotes for policies from Pet Insurance Australia and apply securely online. Choose from 3 levels of cover and pay nothing for the first 2 months.
Bow Wow Meow has a higher annual limit and paralysis tick benefit than most insurers. Find out how it did in our awards, average costs and more.
Complete guide to finding the right pet insurance with a side-by-side comparison of major brands.