Pet insurance in Australia — what to actually get

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Every major AU pet insurer is underwritten by one of two companies: PetSure (Knose, Petbarn, Woolworths, Bupa, RSPCA pet, most bank-branded pet policies) or Hollard (Bow Wow Meow, Pet Insurance Australia, Petsy). That means the real differences come down to pricing, excess, waiting periods, and how easy claims actually are.

The quick answer

• Best overall for most dogs: Knose — flexible excess, up to 80% reimbursement, simple app.
• Best for brachycephalic breeds (Frenchie, Pug, Cavoodle): Bow Wow Meow — clearer pre-existing exclusions.
• Best for vet direct-pay: Pet Insurance Australia — avoids the out-of-pocket wait.
• Cheapest: Accident-only policies from Woolworths or RSPCA — acceptable for 10+ year old dogs where illness cover is uneconomic.

Top three recommendations

What premiums actually cost (2026)

For a 1-year-old medium-breed dog in a metro postcode, expect $50–$110/month for comprehensive cover (accident + illness) with 80% reimbursement and a $200 excess. Small breeds come in cheaper; brachycephalic breeds (Frenchie, Pug, Bulldog) and purebred Goldens and Labs come in 20–40% higher.

Rules of thumb

• Start cover before 2 years old — anything diagnosed before you start is permanently excluded as pre-existing.
• Accident-only is a waste under 8 years old. Comprehensive is a waste over 12 years old.
• Higher excess + lower premium is usually correct if you have $2,000 of savings available.
• Read the PDS for the specific hereditary conditions excluded for your breed. This is where most claims fail.