Best Pet Insurance for Cats
The vet bills for cats can be as expensive as those for dogs. Pet insurance premiums can seem pricey, but a single emergency with your cat can easily be more than a year’s worth of premiums. There are many routine and non-routine (emergency) situations where your cat will need to go to the vet.
Don’t be caught unaware when this happens. Our article reveals the best pet insurers and cat owners in Australia. Here’s what you can read about:
- ✅ Is Pet Insurance for Cats in Australia Worth It in 2025?
- ✅ Best Pet Insurance for Cats in Australia
- ✅ Final Considerations
- ✅ Pet Insurance for Cats – Key Questions Answered
and much, MUCH more!
Is Pet Insurance for Cats in Australia Worth It in 2025?
Yes, it is. Many people assume that cat vet bills are cheaper because cats are smaller than most dogs, but this is a common misconception. Like dogs, cats require routine care, surgery, medications, and more.
A routine check-up for a cat costs around $80, with flea and worm treatments adding another $100 to $150. Annual food expenses average $370, and grooming can start at $50, depending on the cat. That’s already around $600 a year, not including emergencies.
Emergency costs can add up fast. For example, treating a broken leg can cost around $3,805, tick paralysis treatment averages $1,859, and a snake bite can set you back about $2,200. Even dental work can cost $815.
Emergencies are common and often happen when you least expect them, and they can be expensive.
Currently, only about 3.8% of cat owners in Australia have pet insurance. Many opt to pay out of pocket, either because they believe insurance isn’t worth it or because they think vet fees for cats won’t be high.
However, when you consider the costs, pet insurance is a smart way to avoid large vet bills. It may not seem necessary until your cat needs treatment, so it’s a good idea to consider it now as a safety net for the future.
Best Pet Insurance for Cats in Australia
If you’re looking for solid coverage for your cat, several insurance providers in Australia offer comprehensive plans.
Bupa
Bupa is known for its flexible coverage, which is backed by an established name in Australian healthcare. Policies are administered by PetSure and underwritten by either Hollard or PetSure.
You can choose between the Standard and Ultimate plans. Both plans offer accident and illness coverage.
Bupa stands out because of its on-the-spot claims processing through GapOnly®. VetChat offers cat owners 24/7 online vet consultations, up to four monthly consultations.
What Coverage Does Bupa Offer to Cats?
You receive accident and illness coverage across Standard and Ultimate plans. Bupa covers accidental injuries from fractures, burns, snake bites, and tick paralysis. Your cat is covered immediately once the policy is activated.
Illness cover covers your cat for cancer, kidney disease, skin disorders, and gastrointestinal issues, with a 30-day waiting period.
Excess and Deductible Structures
Bupa lets you customise your excess to help lower premiums. Here’s what you can expect:
| 🔎 Excess Amount | 🅰️ Impact on Premiums | 🅱️ Claim Deductions |
| 💶 $0 | Higher premiums | No out-of-pocket per claim |
| 💵 $100 | Moderate premiums | $100 deducted per claim |
| 💷 $200 | Lower premiums | $200 deducted per claim |
Waiting Periods and Exclusions
Waiting Periods
| 🔎 Condition | ⏰ Waiting Period |
| 🤕 Accidental injuries | Immediate coverage |
| 🌡️ Illnesses | 30 days |
| 📌 Cruciate ligament conditions | 6 months |
| 🦷 Major dental (if added) | 6 months |
Exclusions
- Preventive care (unless routine care add-on is selected).
- Pre-existing conditions (arthritis, diabetes, hip dysplasia).
- Breeding and pregnancy-related expenses.
- Routine dental care (unless the major dental add-on is selected).
- Elective procedures (ear cropping, tail docking).
Benefit Limits and Reimbursement Rates
Bupa reimburses claims up to 80%, with an annual limit of $12,000 for the Standard and $20,000 for the Ultimate plan. The reimbursement rate is applied once you’ve paid the excess.
Apart from the annual benefits, some sub-limits apply to tick paralysis and emergency boarding.
The Ultimate plan has higher limits and optional add-ons than the Standard plan.
Claims Process and Customer Support
Claims
- Claims are submitted to the Pet Portal or through GapOnly® at participating vets.
- For first-time claims, you must provide itemised invoices, vet consultation notes, and medical history.
- Claims are processed within five business days, except for GapOnly® claims, which are processed at the vet clinic.
Customer Support
| 🔎 Support Type | 📌 Contact Details |
| 📉 General Inquiries | 1800 802 386 |
| 📈 Email Support | [email protected] |
| 📊 Complaints | 134 135 (Weekdays, 8 AM–8 PM AEST) |
| 💹 Pre-April 2024 Policies | Managed by Hollard (02) 9253 6600 |
Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| Option to add routine care, dental, and alternative therapies | Premiums increase as pets age |
| 24/7 VetChat with four consultations per month | Some hereditary conditions are excluded |
| 10% discount for Bupa Health Insurance members | Pre-existing conditions not covered |
| GapOnly® allows on-the-spot claims | Travel cover is limited to New Zealand |
Bow Wow Meow
Bow Wow Meow launched in 1995 but only started offering pet insurance in 2008. More than 170,000 pet owners are currently insured. Bow Wow Meow is well-known as a pet-focused insurer and has won several awards.
Bow Wow Meow has no sub-limits; the full annual benefit can cover your cat’s treatment. The insurer has fast, streamlined claims processing, and 88% of claims are processed within one day.
GapOnly® service ensures you only pay the gap when your cat is treated at a participating vet. You also benefit from a 10% multi-et discount when you insure more than one pet.
What Coverage Does Bow Wow Meow Offer to Cats?
Bow Wow Meow only offers one plan, Nose-to-Tail Cover, which protects cats in case of injury and illness. Bow Wow Meow’s policy covers emergency treatments, surgeries, hospitalisation, and diagnostic testing.
Nose-to-Tail covers illnesses like kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid disorders, cancer treatments, and skin conditions. Furthermore, accidents that result from fractures, burns, and snake bites are also covered.
You can add Booster Care to cover dental treatments, behavioural therapy, and physiotherapy if you need additional care. There’s also the Routine Care add-on for check-ups and vaccinations.
Excess and Deductible Structures
You can customise the excess you pay, and here are the available options:
| 🔎 Excess Amount | 🅰️ Impact on Premiums | 🅱️ Claim Deductions |
| 💶 $0 | Higher premiums | No out-of-pocket per claim |
| 💵 $250 | Lower premiums | $250 deducted per claim |
Waiting Periods and Exclusions
Waiting Periods
| 🔎 Condition | 📌 Waiting Period |
| 🤕 Accidental injuries | 2 days |
| 🤢 Illnesses | 21 days |
| 🦴 Cruciate ligament conditions | 6 months (can be waived with vet assessment) |
Exclusions
- Pre-existing conditions (any illness or injury before policy activation).
- Routine dental care (unless Booster Care is added).
- Elective procedures (cosmetic surgeries, declawing).
- Breeding and pregnancy-related expenses.
- Preventive care (unless Routine Care is selected).
- Orthodontic treatments (such as braces).
Benefit Limits and Reimbursement Rates
Bow Wow Meow has annual limits ranging from $10,000 to $30,000, and the reimbursement rate is 70%, 80%, or 90% (you can choose either). You don’t have any sub-limits for treatment and the full annual benefit can be used for any covered treatment.
You can only claim for reimbursement once you’ve paid the excess. Bow Wow Meow processes claims within one business day.
Claims Process and Customer Support
Claims Process
- Submit your claims online using the Pet Portal, through GapOnly®, or by mail.
- Remember to attach/upload itemized invoices and vet consultation notes when claiming.
- In most cases, claims are processed within 24 hours if all documents are attached, and no additional information/documents are required.
Customer Support
| 🔎 Support Type | 📌 Contact Details |
| 📉 General Inquiries | 1800 668 502 |
| 📈 Email Support | [email protected] |
| 📊 Complaints | Escalated to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) |
Bow Wow Meow Cat Pet Insurance Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| 10% multi-pet discount for additional insured pets | Premiums may increase as your cat ages |
| 88% of claims are processed within one business day | Limited dental cover unless Booster Care is added |
| GapOnly® allows instant claims at participating vets | Routine care is only covered with an add-on |
| No sub-limits on claims | Pre-existing conditions are not covered |
| 24/7 Live Vet online consultations | Waiting periods apply |
AAMI
AAMI is a popular insurer in Australia backed by the reputable PetSure and The Hollard Insurance Company. AAMI offers policies that cover routine care, diagnostic testing, and hospitalisation. AAMI’s reimbursement rate goes up to 80%.
Unlike other pet insurers, AAMI offers cat owners flexible excess options and an emergency boarding benefit.
What Coverage Does AAMI Offer to Cats?
Cats can be covered under one of three flexible policy options: Bronze, Gold, and Platinum. AAMI’s Bronze plan is perfect for basic coverage, covering some illness benefits. The Gold and Platinum plans cover vet consultations, tick paralysis treatment, and surgeries.
The Platinum plan goes beyond this to include coverage for dental illness and has the highest annual benefit limit.
Excess and Deductible Structures
| 🔎 Excess Option | 🅰️ Impact on Premiums | 🅱️ Claim Deduction |
| 💶 $0 | Higher premium | No upfront cost per claim |
| 💵 $250 | Standard premium | Deducted per claim |
| 💷 $500 | Lower premium | Higher out-of-pocket cost per claim |
Waiting Periods
| 🔎 Coverage Type | 📌 Waiting Period |
| 🤕 Accidental Injuries | None |
| 🤒 Illness | 21 days |
| 🦴 Cruciate Ligament Conditions | 6 months |
| 🦷 Dental Illness | 6 months |
Exclusions
- Routine care (unless added as an optional benefit).
- Behavioural treatments and elective procedures.
- Pre-existing conditions.
- Breeding, pregnancy, or childbirth-related costs.
Benefit Limits and Reimbursement Rates
The benefit limit for AAMI’s Bronze and Gold plans is $20,000, while the Platinum plan is $30,000. AAMI has set reimbursement rates of 80% regardless of the plan, which leaves you to cover 20% of vet bills.
However, some sub-limits apply, like $3,000 for tick paralysis under Gold and up to the annual limit for Platinum.
Claims Process and Customer Support
Claims Process
- Claims Submission: Online via the AAMI Customer Portal or through the vet using the GapOnly® system.
- Processing Time: Standard claim turnaround varies based on case complexity.
- Support Channels: Phone, online messaging, and customer portal access.
Customer Support
| 🔎 Support Type | 📌 Contact Details |
| ☎️ Phone Support | 13 22 44 (general inquiries), 1300 855 633 (claims) |
| 💌 Online Messaging | Available via the AAMI app |
| 🥰 Customer Portal | Policy management and claims submission |
AAMI Cat Pet Insurance Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| Multi-pet discounts available | Pre-existing conditions not covered |
| Flexible excess options | Dental illness coverage is only included in the Platinum plan |
| No waiting period for accidental injuries | 21-day waiting period for illness |
| Covers up to $30,000 in annual benefits | Routine care requires an add-on |
Everyday Pet Insurance
Everyday Pet Insurance started as Woolworths Pet Insurance before rebranding in 2023. While the trading name changed, Everyday is still part of the Woolworths Group, a reputable backing.
Everyday Pet Insurance offers a 10% discount on one grocery shop monthly through Everyday Rewards. In addition, Everyday uses GapOnly® claims processing, which reduces out-of-pocket vet expenses.
If you sign up for the first time, you can access 24/7 online vet consultations through VetAssist.
What Coverage Does Everyday Pet Insurance Offer to Cats?
Cat owners get accident and illness coverage with Everyday, with flexible benefit limits. Everyday covers diagnostic testing, hospitalisation, medication, and chronic care support, subject to policy terms.
Comprehensive and Comprehensive Plus plans offer routine care add-ons for vaccinations, flea prevention, and wellness check-ups.
All plans cover accidental injuries immediately upon policy activation, but there’s a 30-day waiting period if your cat falls ill.
Excess and Deductible Structures
| 🔎 Excess Options | 🅰️ Impact on Premiums | 🅱️ Deductible Structure |
| 💶 $0, $100, $200 | Lower excess results in higher premiums, while a higher excess reduces premiums | Deductibles apply per claim, with amounts varying by plan |
Waiting Periods
| 🔎 Condition | 📌 Waiting Period |
| 🤕 Accidental Injuries | Immediate coverage |
| 🤒 Illnesses | 30 days |
| 🦴 Cruciate Ligament Conditions | 6 months (can be waived with vet assessment) |
| 🦷 Dental Illness (if applicable) | 6 months |
Exclusions
- Pre-existing conditions (unless symptom-free for 18 months).
- Cosmetic procedures like declawing and tail docking.
- Routine nail clipping, grooming, and medicated baths.
- Breeding, pregnancy, and related medical costs.
- Non-emergency pet transport and house call vet fees.
- Alternative therapies such as acupuncture and hydrotherapy.
Benefit Limits and Reimbursement Rates
Everyday Pet Insurance has a fixed 80% reimbursement rate, and the benefit limits depend on your plan:
- Basic Plan: $5,000 annual limit.
- Standard Plan: $10,000 annual limit.
- Comprehensive Plan: $24,000 annual limit.
- Comprehensive Plus Plan: $30,000 annual limit.
Claims Process and Customer Support
Claims Process
- Submit claims online via the Pet Portal, by mail, or through a participating vet using GapOnly®.
- Provide itemised invoices and vet records for processing.
- Claims are assessed within five days, with reimbursement paid via direct deposit.
Customer Support
| 🔎 Support Type | 📌 Contact Details |
| ☎️ Phone | Mon-Fri: 8 AM - 8 PM (AEST) |
| 🥰 Live Chat | Mon-Fri: 8:30 AM - 7:30 PM, Sat-Sun: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| [email protected] |
Everyday Pet Insurance Cat Pet Insurance Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| GapOnly® claims processing for reduced upfront vet costs | Some treatments, like acupuncture, are excluded |
| Routine care add-ons available for higher-tier plans | Limited coverage for dental conditions |
| Covers accidental injuries immediately | 6-month waiting period for cruciate ligament conditions |
| 24/7 online vet consultations through VetAssist | Pre-existing conditions not covered |
HCF
HCF is underwritten by Hollard and administered by PetSure. HCF offers cat owners annual benefit limits of up to $12,000 and a fixed 80% reimbursement rate. Like many other insurers, HCF uses the GapOnly® service for quick, effortless claims when your cat receives treatment.
You can also add Routine Care coverage for vaccinations, flea treatments, and dental check-ups. If you already have other insurance products with HCF, like health insurance, you qualify for exclusive discounts.
What Coverage Does HCF Offer to Cats?
Cats are covered for accidents and illnesses, including diagnostic testing, hospitalization, and surgeries. Covered illnesses include diabetes, kidney disease, and skin conditions. Your cat is also covered for fractures, snake bites, and poisonings.
While HCF covers vaccinations and dental cleanings for cats, it’s only covered as part of an optional add-on to a policy.
Excess and Deductible Structures
| 🔎 Excess Amount | 🅰️ Impact on Premiums | 🅱️ Claim Deductions |
| 💶 $0 | Higher premiums | No out-of-pocket per claim |
| 💵 $100 | Moderate premiums | $100 deducted per claim |
| 💷 $200 | Lower premiums | $200 deducted per claim |
Waiting Periods
| 🔎 Condition | 📌 Waiting Period |
| 🤕 Accidental injuries | Immediate coverage |
| 🤒 Illnesses | 30 days |
| 🦴 Cruciate ligament conditions | 6 months (waivable with vet assessment) |
| 🦷 Dental illness (if covered) | 6 months |
Exclusions
- Alternative treatments such as acupuncture.
- Cosmetic procedures (declawing, tail docking).
- Routine dental procedures unless Routine Care is added.
- Breeding, pregnancy, and related costs.
- Non-emergency vet house calls.
- Pre-existing conditions (unless symptom-free for 18 months).
Benefit Limits and Reimbursement Rates
There’s a fixed reimbursement rate of 80% with HCF. Here are the benefit limits for claims:
- Accident Only Cover: $8,000 annual limit.
- Accident & Illness Cover: $12,000 annual limit.
Claims Process and Customer Support
Claims Process
- Submit claims via the HCF Pet Portal, email, or GapOnly®.
- Provide vet invoices and medical notes.
- Claims are typically processed within five business days.
Customer Support
| 🔎 Support Type | 📌 Contact Details |
| ☎️ Phone | 1300 615 463 |
| [email protected] | |
| 🥰 Live Chat | Available via the HCF website |
HCF Cat Pet Insurance Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| Exclusive discounts for HCF members | Waiting periods apply for illnesses and cruciate ligament conditions |
| GapOnly® reduces upfront vet costs | Limited dental cover unless Routine Care is added |
| Claims processed within five business days | Pre-existing conditions are not covered |
Budget Direct
Budget Direct offers cat accident and illness coverage, with an annual limit of up to $12,0000. Budget Direct’s reimbursement rates are flexible and range between 70% to 80%, depending on the plan.
Budget Direct, like most other insurers, has age limits when you enrol but offers lifetime cover for chronic conditions if there’s no lapse in your policy. While many insurers exclude routine care, Budget Direct offers it as an optional add-on.
What Coverage Does Budget Direct Offer to Cats?
Budget Direct’s coverage includes diagnostic tests, hospitalisation, surgeries, and medications. Diabetes, arthritis, and kidney disease are also included.
Apart from illnesses, Budget Direct also covers accidental injuries like broken bones, snake bites, and poisonings. If you add Routine Care, your cat is also covered for dental illnesses.
Excess and Deductible Structures
| 🔎 Excess Amount | 🅰️ Impact on Premiums | 🅱️ Claim Deductions |
| 💶 $0 | Higher premiums | No out-of-pocket per claim |
| 💵 $100 | Moderate premiums | $100 deducted per claim |
| 💷 $200 | Lower premiums | $200 deducted per claim |
Waiting Periods
| 🔎 Condition | 📌 Waiting Period |
| 🤕 Accidental injuries | Immediate coverage |
| 🤒 Illnesses | 30 days |
| 🦴 Cruciate ligament conditions | 6 months (waivable with vet assessment) |
| 🦷 Dental illness (if covered) | 6 months |
Exclusions
- Alternative therapies such as acupuncture.
- Cosmetic procedures (declawing, tail docking).
- Routine dental procedures unless Routine Care is added.
- Breeding, pregnancy, and related costs.
- Non-emergency vet house calls.
- Pre-existing conditions (unless symptom-free for 18 months).
Benefit Limits and Reimbursement Rates
Budget Direct offers two reimbursement options, 70% or 80%, and imposes these limits:
- Accident Only Cover: $8,000 annual limit.
- Accident & Illness Cover: $12,000 annual limit.
Claims Process and Customer Support
Claims Process
- Submit claims via the online portal, email, or GapOnly® at participating vets.
- Provide vet invoices and consultation notes.
- Claims are typically processed within five business days.
Customer Support
| 🔎 Support Type | 📌 Contact Details |
| ☎️ Phone | 1300 306 560 |
| [email protected] | |
| 🥰 Live Chat | Available via the Budget Direct website |
Budget Direct Cat Pet Insurance Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| GapOnly® reduces upfront vet costs | Pre-existing conditions are not covered |
| Lifetime coverage for chronic conditions | Limited dental cover unless Routine Care is added |
| Choose between 70% or 80% reimbursement rates | Waiting periods apply |
Medibank
Medibank offers cat owners a choice between three flexible plans—Pet Protect, Pet Plus, and Pet Max. While Pet Protect is for basic accident and illness coverage, Pet Plus and Pet Max offer more comprehensive coverage and higher annual benefit limits.
Medibank goes beyond basic coverage and includes acupuncture and dental procedures, depending on your plan. PetSure administers all Medibank policies, and you can access GapOnly® for claims when you take your cat to a participating vet.
What Coverage Does Medibank Offer to Cats?
Medibank cat insurance covers accidents, illnesses, and diagnostic treatments under all three options. Pet Max is the most comprehensive plan, providing the most coverage and the highest annual limits.
Medibank lets you add routine care and dental coverage to your policy (for a higher premium). While Pet Protect has sub-limits, both Pet Plus and Pet Max are limitless to some extent.
Excess and Deductible Structures
| 🔎 Excess Amount Options | 🅰️ Impact on Premiums | 🅱️ Claim Deductions |
| 💶 $0, $100, or $250 | Higher excess lowers premiums | Per condition per policy period |
Waiting Periods
| 🔎 Condition | 📌 Waiting Period |
| 🤕 Accidental injuries | Immediate |
| 🤢 Illnesses | 30 days |
| 🦴 Cruciate ligament and dental conditions | 6 months |
Exclusions
- Medications not approved by APVMA.
- Breeding or pregnancy-related treatments.
- Pre-existing conditions (unless symptom-free for 18 months).
- Cosmetic procedures (tail docking, teeth whitening).
- Behavioural treatments.
Benefit Limits and Reimbursement Rates
Medibank offers three plans with different reimbursement rates and annual limits. These are as follows:
- Pet Protect: Covers 70% of vet bills, up to $10,000 annually
- Pet Plus: Covers 80% of vet bills, up to $25,000 annually
- Pet Max: Covers 90% of vet bills, up to $30,000 annually
Just note that Pet Protect, as a basic plan, has sub-limits that apply to different conditions, while Pet Plus and Max are not subject to such limits.
Claims Process and Customer Support
Claims Process
- Submit claims via Pet Portal or participating vets using GapOnly®.
- Upload invoices online for faster processing.
- Receive reimbursement via direct deposit.
Customer Support
| 🔎 Support Type | Contact Details |
| ☎️ Phone Support | Mon-Fri, 8 AM - 8 PM AEST |
| 💌 Email Support | [email protected] |
| 🥰 Live Chat | Available via website |
Medibank Cat Pet Insurance Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| VetChat provides 24/7 vet consultations | Pets over 9 years old are not eligible for new policies |
| Covers pets travelling in New Zealand (up to 60 days) | No lifetime cover option |
| Three plans to suit different coverage needs | Sub-limits apply to the Pet Protect plan |
| GapOnly® allows direct claims processing | Pre-existing conditions not covered |
In Conclusion
Pet insurance for cats is more than covering unexpected vet bills; it is also about peace of mind that you have a safety net when your cat needs urgent or routine care. Too many cat owners assume their pets will stay low maintenance, only to face costly emergencies.
Pet insurance for your cat reassures you that your pet’s needs are met and that you have financial protection when anything happens. However, while we covered the best pet insurance options for cat owners, not every policy will be ideal for every cat.
Some policies offer comprehensive coverage, while others are for more basic needs. You, as a cat owner, must balance protection and affordability. Evaluate what each insurance covers, what’s excluded, and what the waiting periods are.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is pet insurance for indoor cats necessary?
Yes, because vet bills don’t care if your cat stays inside. Indoor cats still get sick, need dental care, and can have accidents, and insurance helps cover those costs
Can I get pet insurance for an older cat?
Yes, but expect higher premiums and fewer options. Some insurers won’t insure new pets past a certain age, so it’s worth checking before your cat gets too old.
Are multi-pet discounts available for cat insurance?
Yes, you can save a bit if you insure more than one pet under the same policy. The discount isn’t substantial and depends on your pet insurance provider, but it helps if you have multiple cats.
Can I customize my cat’s insurance plan?
To an extent, yes. You can choose your coverage level, adjust the excess and reimbursement, and sometimes add extras like dental or wellness care.
