Knose vs Petsy — which AU pet insurer wins in 2026?
By Dogthings Editorial · Updated 2026-05-13
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Knose and Petsy are the two most modern pet insurance brands in Australia. Both run digital claims, both push for fast turnaround, and both target younger dogs. The real choice comes down to underwriter strength versus reimbursement ceiling.
Quick verdict
- Pick Knose if you want flexible excess down to $0 (or up to $500), a long-running PetSure-backed policy, and balanced terms for any age.
- Pick Petsy if your dog is under 5, you want the highest reimbursement tier (90%), and you live on your phone.
Side-by-side
| Feature | Knose | Petsy |
|---|---|---|
| Underwriter | PetSure | Pacific International (QBE) |
| Starting premium (small breed) | From ~$48/mo | From ~$44/mo (puppy) |
| Reimbursement tiers | 70% / 80% | 70% / 80% / 90% |
| Excess options | $0 / $100 / $200 / $500 | $0 / $100 / $200 |
| Annual benefit cap | $25,000 | $30,000 |
| Lifetime benefit cap | None on accident + illness | None |
| Routine care add-on | Yes, optional | Yes, optional |
| Waiting — illness | 21 days | 21 days |
| Waiting — cruciate | 6 months | 6 months |
| Typical claim turnaround | 4–7 business days | 3–5 business days |
| Claim submission | Web portal | Native iOS / Android app |
| Track record | PetSure since 1999 | Petsy since 2020 |
Where Knose wins
Two big things. First, the $500 excess option — no other insurer in our 2026 comparison lets you push the excess this high. For a young, healthy dog, this can drop the monthly premium by 25–35% while keeping the catastrophic-cost protection that's the whole point of insurance.
Second, PetSure's claims platform has 25+ years of operations behind it. The processes are mature, the vet network knows how PetSure invoices work, and complications are rare. For a policy you might hold for 12+ years, operational maturity matters more than a flashy app.
Where Petsy wins
The 90% reimbursement tier is genuinely market-leading. On a $4,000 cruciate surgery, that's $400 more in your pocket than the same claim on Knose's 80% tier — assuming you've cleared the excess.
Petsy's app is also the best in the market for fast claims. Take a photo of the vet invoice, tap submit, and most straightforward claims are paid within 3–5 business days. For owners who handle everything from their phone, this is a real lifestyle difference.
The higher annual benefit cap ($30k vs $25k) gives more headroom for major surgical events, though most owners never come close to either ceiling.
Cost over 10 years
Total premium over a 10-year policy life is broadly similar (within 10–15%) between the two — both step up with age. The real differentiator is your first 5 years:
- Years 1–5: Petsy usually cheaper if you take the 80% tier, more expensive at 90%.
- Years 6–10: Knose tends to creep slightly cheaper as Petsy adjusts for QBE underwriting maturity.
The call
For a puppy or dog under 5 where you want maximum reimbursement and fast claims, Petsy is the right pick. The 90% tier and app-first claim flow earn their slight premium.
For an older dog, a multi-dog household, or anyone who wants the option to dial excess up to $500 and minimise premium, Knose is the better balance.