Pet insurance is like health insurance for your pet. If your pet unexpectedly gets sick or injured, the insurer can help you pay for veterinarian expenses you might otherwise struggle to pay yourself. These policies typically cover unforeseen illnesses and accidental injuries — typically routine or preventative care are excluded, but always check the Product Disclosure Statement to understand what your insurer includes as a part of their cover. Pet insurance does not generally cover pre-existing conditions. Most pet insurance products in Australia are only for dogs and cats.

Pet insurance usually covers up to a percentage of the costs relating to surgery, providing the injury or illness forms a part of the insured events and no exclusions are applicable. The percentage that is covered differs between insurance companies as do the list of exclusions. It is important that you read your insurer's Product Disclosure Statement to understand what is covered and ensure that the level of coverage is right for you and your fur baby.

Most insurers in Australia only cover dogs and cats under their policy. There are certain types of dogs and cats that may be excluded from cover, such as:
-breeding animals
-certain working dogs (e.g. dogs used for racing, organised
fighting, law enforcement, guarding or pig hunting);
-assistance dogs, such as guide dogs
-banned or restricted breeds of dog declared dangerous dogs
-dogs and cats that are 9 years and older

This may not be the same for every insurer so it is important that you check the Product Disclosure Statement for your insurer to understand what is included as covered under their pet insurance policy.

Should you have to claim under your pet insurance policy, providing the right information to your insurance company can make a big difference to the speed at which your claim is processed.

In most instances the insurer will require a paid itemised invoice from your vet and a claim form from you. The form will include details of the vet you attended.

In some cases, the insurer may contact the vet and obtain any additional information they need in order to make a full assessment of the claim.   This information assists the insurance company in processing your claim and determining whether the treatment is covered and to what extent your policy provides for reimbursement of your veterinary expenses.