Types of Cover

Accident only policies are the most basic and most affordable type of pet insurance. They cover veterinary treatment resulting from accidents — injuries caused by sudden, unexpected events.

What Is Typically Covered

• Broken bones from falls or impacts
• Cuts, lacerations, and bite wounds
• Snake bites and tick paralysis treatment
• Swallowed foreign objects requiring surgery
• Burns
• Motor vehicle injuries

What Is Not Covered

• Any illness or disease (infections, cancer, diabetes, allergies)
• Routine or preventative care (vaccinations, worming, dental cleans)
• Pre-existing conditions

Accident only cover typically costs $15–$30 per month for a dog and $10–$20 per month for a cat. Premiums vary based on the pet’s breed, age, and where you live.

Accident and illness policies cover both injuries from accidents and treatment for illnesses and diseases. This is the most common type of pet insurance sold in Australia.

What Is Typically Covered (In Addition to Accidents)

• Infections and viruses
• Cancer diagnosis and treatment
• Chronic conditions (diabetes, arthritis, epilepsy)
• Skin conditions and allergies
• Gastrointestinal illnesses
• Diagnostic tests (blood work, X-rays, ultrasounds)
• Surgery and hospitalisation
• Prescribed medications

What Is Still Not Covered

• Routine or preventative care
• Pre-existing conditions
• Dental illness (some policies cover dental injury but not disease)
• Breeding and pregnancy-related costs

Premiums for accident and illness cover typically range from $40–$100+ per month for dogs and $25–$60 per month for cats, depending on breed, age, excess, and benefit percentage.

Comprehensive policies combine accident and illness cover with an allowance for routine care. They are the most expensive option, but they cover the widest range of veterinary costs.

Routine Care Benefits Typically Include

• Annual vaccinations
• Worming and flea/tick prevention
• Annual health checks
• Dental check-ups and cleans
• Desexing (sometimes, if performed within a certain age window)
• Microchipping

The routine care component usually has a fixed annual allowance — for example, $150–$300 per year — with individual sub-limits per item (e.g., $80 for vaccinations, $50 for worming).

Because routine care costs are predictable and relatively small, the value proposition of the routine care add-on depends on your situation. Some pet owners find it simpler to budget for routine care themselves and insure only for the unpredictable, expensive events.