10 Pet Insurance Tips Australia 2026

By Jay Fan · Pet Insurance Analyst · Updated July 5, 2026 · About the author

1. Buy insurance before the first vet visit

Confirm the relevant limit, benefit, excess, waiting period, eligibility rule and exclusion in the provider's current PDS, policy schedule and personalised quote.

2. Compare at least three providers every time

Premiums and fees are not confirmed here. Request a current personalised quote for the same pet and cover settings, then compare the full annual total.

3. Read the PDS for sub-limits and hidden caps

Premiums and fees are not confirmed here. Request a current personalised quote for the same pet and cover settings, then compare the full annual total.

4. Use multi-pet discounts strategically

Confirm current limits, sub-limits, benefit calculations, excess, co-payment, waiting periods, eligibility and exclusions in the provider’s current PDS, policy schedule and personalised quote.

5. Compare annual and monthly payment totals

Ask each insurer for a current quote under both payment schedules. Compare the full annual total, including any instalment or administration fees, rather than assuming one option is cheaper. Choose the schedule that fits your cash flow after confirming the current policy and payment terms.

6. Raise your excess to lower the premium

Premiums and fees are not confirmed here. Request a current personalised quote for the same pet and cover settings, then compare the full annual total.

7. Never auto-renew without checking the market

Confirm current limits, sub-limits, benefit calculations, excess, co-payment, waiting periods, eligibility and exclusions in the provider’s current PDS, policy schedule and personalised quote.

8. Consider breed-specific pricing before choosing a dog

Premiums and fees are not confirmed here. Request a current personalised quote for the same pet and cover settings, then compare the full annual total.

9. Never let your cover lapse

Confirm the relevant limit, benefit, excess, waiting period, eligibility rule and exclusion in the provider's current PDS, policy schedule and personalised quote.

10. Read the renewal terms carefully

Confirm the relevant limit, benefit, excess, waiting period, eligibility rule and exclusion in the provider's current PDS, policy schedule and personalised quote.

11. Understand the difference between benefit percentage and actual reimbursement

Premiums and fees are not confirmed here. Request a current personalised quote for the same pet and cover settings, then compare the full annual total.

Confirm the relevant limit, benefit, excess, waiting period, eligibility rule and exclusion in the provider's current PDS, policy schedule and personalised quote.

12. Know when NOT to claim

Confirm the relevant limit, benefit, excess, waiting period, eligibility rule and exclusion in the provider's current PDS, policy schedule and personalised quote.

Premiums and fees are not confirmed here. Request a current personalised quote for the same pet and cover settings, then compare the full annual total.

Confirm the relevant limit, benefit, excess, waiting period, eligibility rule and exclusion in the provider's current PDS, policy schedule and personalised quote.

13. Keep detailed records of everything

Confirm the relevant limit, benefit, excess, waiting period, eligibility rule and exclusion in the provider's current PDS, policy schedule and personalised quote.

This page does not present that figure or legal outcome as current. Check the relevant regulator or government guidance and obtain professional advice for your circumstances.

Confirm the relevant limit, benefit, excess, waiting period, eligibility rule and exclusion in the provider's current PDS, policy schedule and personalised quote.