Common Exclusions
What pet insurance policies typically do not cover and why it matters.
Pre-Existing Conditions
The most significant exclusion in pet insurance is pre-existing conditions. A pre-existing condition is any illness, injury, or symptom that existed or showed signs before the policy started or during the waiting period.
Most Australian insurers will not cover pre-existing conditions at all. Some distinguish between:
-
Permanent pre-existing conditions — conditions that are lifelong and incurable (e.g., diabetes, hip dysplasia once diagnosed). These are almost never covered.
-
Temporary pre-existing conditions — conditions that have fully resolved and shown no symptoms for a defined period (often 18–24 months). Some insurers will cover these after the symptom-free period.
This is why insuring pets when they are young and healthy is often recommended — once a condition is diagnosed, it becomes a pre-existing condition for any new policy.
Waiting Periods
Waiting periods are mandatory gaps between when your policy starts and when cover begins. They exist to prevent people from taking out insurance only after their pet is already sick or injured.
Typical Waiting Periods in Australia
- Accidents: 0–2 days (some policies have no waiting period for accidents)
- Illness: 30 days
- Cruciate ligament conditions: 6 months (this is very common)
- Tick paralysis: 0–30 days (varies by insurer and region)
- Dental illness: 6–12 months
Any condition that first appears during a waiting period is treated as a pre-existing condition and excluded from cover. This includes symptoms that are investigated but not yet diagnosed.
Breed-Specific and Other Exclusions
Breed-Specific Exclusions
Some policies exclude conditions that are known to be prevalent in certain breeds. For example:
- Brachycephalic airway syndrome in flat-faced breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs)
- Hip and elbow dysplasia in large breeds (German Shepherds, Labradors, Golden Retrievers)
- Intervertebral disc disease in long-backed breeds (Dachshunds, Corgis)
Not all insurers apply breed-specific exclusions, but it is essential to check the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for your pet’s breed.
Other Common Exclusions
- Elective and cosmetic procedures (tail docking, ear cropping, dewclaw removal)
- Breeding, pregnancy, and whelping
- Behavioural conditions (some policies now cover these; many do not)
- Alternative therapies (acupuncture, chiropractic, hydrotherapy) — some policies include these, others exclude them
- Dental illness (covered by some policies, excluded by others)
- Food and supplements
- Boarding and transport costs (occasionally included)
The Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) is the legal document that tells you exactly what is and is not covered. Marketing materials often highlight what is included — the PDS tells you what is excluded. Always read it before purchasing a policy.
Exclusions Check
Exclusions Quiz
What is the typical waiting period for illness cover on an Australian pet insurance policy?