Best Pet Insurance under 100 AUD per month
Pet insurance is essential, but you must be smart in managing expenses to ensure that your pet is covered and that premiums align with your budget. The average cost of pet insurance in Australia is often more than 100 AUD per month, but there are pet insurers that offer budget-friendly premiums, discounts, and ways to reduce this cost.
In our article, we reveal the top Australian pet insurance providers with affordable premiums and comprehensive cover, and we look at ways to reduce your premium. Here’s what you can discover in our in-depth guide:
- ✅ How Do Australian Pet Owners Make the Most of Pet Insurance Without Overspending?
- ✅ Best Pet Insurance under 100 AUD per month
- ✅ What Is the Impact of Pet Age and Breed on Insurance Premiums?
- ✅ Concluding Thoughts
- ✅ Frequently Asked Questions
and much, MUCH More!
How Do Australian Pet Owners Make the Most of Pet Insurance Without Overspending?
Keeping your pet insurance affordable is possible with a few smart moves. Firstly, insuring pets young —before any health issues pop up—can lock in lower premiums and avoid exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
While it sounds counterproductive, opting for a higher excess can also cut monthly costs, but you must choose an amount that won’t be a financial burden when claiming. Some insurers also offer discounts if you pay annually instead of monthly.
You can also check whether your life insurer offers pet insurance to benefit from member-specific discounts. Households with multiple pets can save by insuring them under the same provider, with discounts often around 10% for each additional pet.
You must also ensure that coverage matches your pet’s actual needs—routine care add-ons or dental coverage might not be necessary if you can manage those out-of-pocket costs, especially if your pet is still very young.
Another way to cut costs is to use billing options like GapOnly® to manage your cash flow because this system lets you pay the gap after treatment instead of manually claiming back and waiting for reimbursement.
Remember to stay updated on your pet’s preventative care like vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and regular check-ups to avoid the risk of larger vet bills later.
📌 You might also like the Best Pet Insurance under 80 AUD per month
Budget Direct Pet Insurance
Budget Direct lets you choose between their Essential, Comprehensive, and Plus plans. While all three offer accident and illness coverage, the level your pet is covered at differs. Policies reimburse you up to 80% on eligible vet bills, leaving you to cover the remaining 20%.
Routine care is not automatically included but can be added to the Comprehensive plus plans, but this might push the premium above 100 AUD, depending on the base plan.
Each plan has an annual coverage limit that determines the maximum amount Budget Direct will pay per policy year.
- The Essential plan offers the lowest limit at $12,000,
- The Comprehensive plan increases this to $15,000.
- The Plus plan provides the highest level of coverage, with an annual limit of $25,000.
Just note that Sub-limits apply for certain conditions, such as tick paralysis, cruciate ligament conditions, and orthopaedic treatments. Here are the details:
- Annual limits: $12,000 (Essential), $15,000 (Comprehensive), $25,000 (Plus)
- Benefit percentage: 80% across all plans
- Tick paralysis treatment: $1,000 (Essential), $1,500 (Comprehensive), $3,000 (Plus)
- Orthopaedic conditions: $4,000 (Essential), $8,000 (Comprehensive), $25,000 (Plus)
- Cruciate ligament conditions: $2,600 (Essential & Comprehensive), $3,500 (Plus)
Premium Costs and Payment Flexibility
Budget Direct’s premiums depend on your pet’s species, breed, age, and location. Just note that premiums for older pets or breeds prone to genetic conditions tend to be higher because there’s an increased risk that you’ll claim.
You can choose between monthly, fortnightly, or annual payment options to manage costs and choose between a $100 or $200 excess. Here’s an example of some of the premiums you can expect:
| 🔎 Plan | 🅰️ Dogs (Golden Retriever, 2 years) | 🅱️ Cats (Domestic Shorthair, 2 years) |
| 🥇 Essential | From $41.40/month | From $23.45/month |
| 🥈 Comprehensive | From $46.00/month | From $26.06/month |
| 🥈 Plus | From $59.80/month | From $33.88/month |
These prices don’t include routine care add-ons; you can expect this addition to increase the premium. However, a 15% online sign-up discount applies to new policies, which can save you some on your premiums.
Inclusions for Hereditary and Congenital Conditions
Hereditary and congenital conditions are covered under Budget Direct’s pet insurance plans, but only if your pet doesn’t show symptoms before your insurance policy starts.
If your pet develops any hereditary conditions once your policy starts, the treatment costs might be eligible for reimbursement.
Cruciate ligament conditions, a common hereditary issue in some dog breeds, are covered but have a six-month waiting period. Similarly, bilateral conditions—where the same issue affects both sides of the pet’s body—are considered a single condition under the policy.
Dental and Preventative Care Provisions
Dental Care
- Covers accident-related dental injuries, such as fractured teeth
- Excludes routine dental cleanings and gum disease treatment
- Optional Routine Care add-on required for dental check-ups
Preventative Care (Routine Care add-on only)
- Vaccinations for core diseases
- Flea, tick, and worm prevention treatments
- Annual health examinations and screenings
Waiting Periods and Policy Exclusions
Budget Direct enforces waiting periods according to the claim to prevent fraudulent sign-ups. Here are a few main periods:
| 🔎 Condition | ⏰ Waiting Period |
| 🩺 Accidental injuries | 2 days |
| 💊 Illnesses | 30 days |
| 📌 Cruciate ligament conditions | 6 months |
Budget Direct has some of the following exclusions
- Pre-existing conditions, including hereditary conditions diagnosed before coverage
- Behavioural conditions such as anxiety and compulsive disorders
- Routine dental cleanings without the Routine Care add-on
- Alternative therapies, including acupuncture and hydrotherapy
- Breeding-related expenses, including pregnancy and birth complications
Customer Support and Claims Process Efficiency
- Phone: 1800 931 664 (Mon–Fri, 8 AM–5 PM AEST)
- Email: [email protected]
- Claims submission: Online claims portal, email, or post
You can claim online and submit the vet invoice that shows itemised charges for treatments received. Budget Direct processes claims within standard industry timeframes.
Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| Covers up to 80% of eligible vet bills | Higher excess lowers the reimbursement amount |
| Annual limits up to $25,000 | Routine dental care not included |
| Online claims submission is available | No 24/7 vet advice line |
| Three plan options for different coverage needs | Pre-existing conditions permanently excluded |
Frequently Asked Questions
What coverage do the different Budget Direct plans offer?
Budget Direct offers three plans: Essential, Comprehensive, and Plus. All plans cover accident and illness treatments, but the level of coverage differs. The Essential plan offers a $12,000 annual limit, the Comprehensive plan has a $15,000 limit, and the Plus plan offers the highest coverage at $25,000 per year.
Can I include routine care in my plan?
Routine care can be added to the Comprehensive and Plus plans, but it may increase your premium beyond AUD 100, depending on the base plan. Routine care includes treatments like vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and annual health checks.
What are the waiting periods before I can make a claim?
Budget Direct enforces different waiting periods: 2 days for accidents, 30 days for illnesses, and 6 months for cruciate ligament conditions. These periods help prevent fraudulent sign-ups.
Are hereditary conditions covered under the policy?
Hereditary conditions are covered, provided the symptoms don’t appear before the policy starts. However, hereditary conditions like cruciate ligament issues may have a waiting period before coverage kicks in.
Our Overall Assessment
Budget Direct Pet Insurance offers flexible plans with comprehensive coverage for accidents and illnesses, allowing pet owners to customize their policies. While routine care is an optional add-on, the plans provide solid protection and ease of claims submission.
Australian Unity Pet Insurance
Australian Unity offers Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans. All plans cover accidents and illnesses, and there’s a reimbursement rate of 80% on eligible vet expenses. Depending on the plan, annual coverage limits range from $20,000 to $30,000.
All plans can be extended when you add Routine care to cover vaccinations, flea treatments, and annual check-ups. The Gold and Platinum plans also include dental illness coverage.
Here are the full details:
- Annual limits: $20,000 (Bronze, Silver, Gold), $30,000 (Platinum)
- Benefit percentage: 80% across all plans
- Excess options: Adjustable excess for premium flexibility
- Hereditary and congenital conditions: Covered if no symptoms existed before policy start
- Dental illness cover: Included in Gold and Platinum plans
- Routine care: Optional add-on across all plans
- Emergency pet boarding: Available in Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans
Premium Costs and Payment Flexibility
Your premiums depend on your pet’s breed, age, and coverage level. You can choose between monthly, fortnightly, or annual payments. If you’re an existing Australian Unity member, you receive a 5% discount on pet insurance premiums. Here are some approximate premiums:
| 🔎 Plan | 🐶 Dogs (Labrador, 2 years) | 🐱 Cats (Domestic House Cat, 2 years) |
| 🥇 Bronze | $42.40/month | $21.91/month |
| 🥈 Silver | $61.61/month | $31.82/month |
| 🥉 Gold | $69.82/month | $36.52/month |
| 🏅 Platinum | $83.70/month | $43.13/month |
Inclusions for Hereditary and Congenital Conditions
Australian Unity covers hereditary and congenital conditions like hip dysplasia, heart defects, and progressive retinal atrophy, but only if your pet has no prior symptoms when you sign up.
Treatment costs will be excluded if your pet has been diagnosed with or shown signs of a hereditary condition before coverage begins.
Cruciate ligament conditions have a six-month waiting period, which can be waived if you submit a completed “Cruciate Ligament Form” from your veterinarian confirming no prior issues.
Dental and Preventative Care Provisions
Dental Care (Gold and Platinum plans only):
- Covers dental illness treatment, including gingivitis and abscesses
- Includes medically necessary tooth extractions
- Requires a six-month waiting period
Preventative Care (Routine Care add-on):
- Vaccinations for core diseases
- Flea, tick, and worm prevention
- Routine check-ups and annual health screenings
Waiting Periods and Policy Exclusions
| 🔎 Condition | 📌 Waiting Period |
| 📈 Accidental injuries | Immediate (0 days) |
| 📉 Routine care (vaccinations, check-ups) | Immediate (0 days) |
| 📊 Specified illnesses (e.g., cancer, poisoning) | 21 days |
| 💹 Dental illness benefit | 6 months |
| ❤️ Cruciate ligament conditions | 6 months (can be waived with vet approval) |
Some typical exclusions include the following:
- Pre-existing conditions
- Chronic conditions requiring lifelong treatment
- Behavioural disorders, including anxiety-related issues
- Cosmetic and elective procedures
- Flea, tick, and worm treatments without Routine Care add-on
- Alternative therapies, including acupuncture and hydrotherapy
Customer Support and Claims Process Efficiency
- Phone: 1300 855 663 (customer service assistance)
- Pet Portal: Online claim submission and tracking
- GapOnly® service: On-the-spot claims processing at participating vets
You can submit claims using the Pet Portal, through participating vets using GapOnly®, or by mail. You might need pre-approvals for certain treatments, especially costly procedures.
When Australian Unity receives claims, eligibility will be considered, and reimbursements will be made directly to you or the vet.
Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| Adjustable excess for premium control | No alternative therapy coverage |
| GapOnly® service for real-time claims | Pre-existing conditions permanently excluded |
| 24/7 vet consultation via myPetPass™ | No lifetime cover option |
| 5% discount for existing Australian Unity members | No cover for elective procedures |
Frequently Asked Questions
What coverage do the different Australian Unity plans offer?
Australian Unity offers four plans: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. All plans cover accidents and illnesses, with reimbursement up to 80% of eligible vet bills. Coverage limits range from $20,000 to $30,000 per year, depending on the plan.
Does Australian Unity cover dental illnesses?
Dental illness coverage is included in the Gold and Platinum plans, which cover treatments like gingivitis, abscesses, and medically necessary tooth extractions. A six-month waiting period applies before you can claim for dental illnesses.
Can I add routine care to my plan?
Yes, routine care, which includes vaccinations, flea treatments, and annual check-ups, can be added to all plans. The Gold and Platinum plans also include dental illness coverage, while the other plans require the routine care add-on.
What are the waiting periods for claims?
Accidental injuries and routine care (vaccinations, check-ups) are covered immediately. Other illnesses have a 21-day waiting period, and dental illness and cruciate ligament conditions have a six-month waiting period, though the latter can be waived with vet approval.
Our Overall Assessment
Australian Unity Pet Insurance offers comprehensive coverage with flexible premium options and high annual limits, making it a great choice for a variety of pet owners. The addition of the GapOnly® service for real-time claims processing ensures a convenient and efficient claims experience.
📌Learn more about Australian Unity Health Insurance
Medibank Pet Insurance
Medibank offers three pet insurance plans—Pet Protect, Pet Plus, and Pet Max—to cover eligible vet treatments. The reimbursement rate depends on your plan, ranging from 70% to 90%. The annual coverage limits start from $10,000 for Pet Protect to $30,000 for Pet Max.
You can add Routine care to cover vaccinations, flea treatments, and health checks. In addition, unlike other insurers, Medibank covers alternative therapies under Extra Care (only available on Pet Max).
Here’s a full breakdown of coverage and limits:
- Annual limits: $10,000 (Pet Protect), $25,000 (Pet Plus), $30,000 (Pet Max)
- Benefit percentage: 70% (Pet Protect), 80% (Pet Plus), 90% (Pet Max)
- Sub-limits: $4,000 for tick paralysis, ACL injuries, and consultation fees (Pet Protect only)
- Routine care: Available as an optional add-on for all plans
- Alternative therapies: Included in Pet Max, optional in Pet Plus and Pet Protect
- Emergency pet boarding: Covered under all plans if the policyholder is hospitalised
Moreover, Dental care is covered under Extra Care, available in Pet Protect and Pet Plus, included in Pet Max
Premium Costs and Payment Flexibility
Medibank determines your premiums according to your pet’s breed, age, location, and the plan you choose. You can choose between monthly, fortnightly, or annual premiums, which are adjusted according to your excess ($0, $100, or $250).
If you’re already a Medibank health insurance member, you are eligible for a 10% discount on pet insurance policies. Here’s an overview of what you can expect:
| 🔎 Plan | 🐶 Dogs (Labrador, 2 years) | 🐱 Cats (Domestic Shorthair, 2 years) |
| 🥇 Pet Protect | $43.50/month | $23.20/month |
| 🥈 Pet Plus | $60.40/month | $32.80/month |
| 🥉 Pet Max | $78.10/month | $39.90/month |
Inclusions for Hereditary and Congenital Conditions
Medibank covers hereditary and congenital conditions if your pet has no symptoms when you sign up. Medibank covers hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and heart defects under illness coverage.
If your pet has symptoms when you sign up, these conditions will be excluded until they’ve been symptom-free for 18 months; at this point, the exclusions might be waived.
There’s a six-month waiting period for cruciate ligament conditions. This can be waived if you submit a veterinary assessment confirming that your pet has no previous symptoms.
Dental and Preventative Care Provisions
Dental Care (Extra Care add-on or included in Pet Max):
- Covers dental diseases like gingivitis and abscesses
- Includes necessary tooth extractions
- Requires a six-month waiting period
Preventative Care (Routine Care add-on):
- Vaccinations for core diseases
- Flea, tick, and worm prevention
- Annual health check-ups and screenings
While Routine Care is available across all plans, dental illness coverage requires the Extra Care add-on for Pet Protect and Pet Plus, which is already included in Pet Max.
Waiting Periods and Policy Exclusions
| 🔎 Condition | 📍 Waiting Period |
| 🩹 Accidental injuries | Immediate (0 days) |
| 🧬 Routine care (vaccinations, check-ups) | Immediate (0 days) |
| 🩺 Specified illnesses (e.g., cancer, poisoning) | 30 days |
| 🦷 Dental illness benefit | 6 months |
| 📌 Cruciate ligament conditions | 6 months (can be waived with vet approval) |
The following are examples of what’s excluded from coverage:
- Pre-existing conditions (unless classified as temporary and the pet is symptom-free for 18 months)
- Chronic conditions requiring lifelong treatment
- Elective or cosmetic procedures
- Alternative therapies without Extra Care add-on
- Behavioural disorders requiring therapy or medication
- Breeding-related expenses, including pregnancy and birth complications
Customer Support and Claims Process Efficiency
- Phone: 132 331 (Mon–Fri, 8 AM–8 PM AEST)
- Email: [email protected]
- Pet Portal: Online claim submission and tracking
- GapOnly® service: Immediate claims processing at participating vets
Claims can be submitted via the Pet Portal, through GapOnly®, or by mail. Medibank recommends pre-approvals for high-cost treatments for coverage to be confirmed.
Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| Routine Care and Extra Care add-ons are available | Sub-limits apply to the Pet Protect plan |
| Emergency pet boarding is available if you are hospitalised | Waiting periods apply for dental and ligament conditions |
| 10% discount for Medibank health members | No alternative therapy covered in base plans |
Frequently Asked Questions
What coverage do the different Medibank plans offer?
Medibank offers three plans: Pet Protect, Pet Plus, and Pet Max. Coverage limits range from $10,000 (Pet Protect) to $30,000 (Pet Max), and reimbursement rates range from 70% to 90%, depending on the plan.
Does Medibank cover dental illness?
Dental illness coverage is available in the Extra Care add-on for Pet Protect and Pet Plus plans. It’s included as part of the Pet Max plan. A six-month waiting period applies for dental illness claims.
Can I add routine care to my plan?
Yes, routine care, which includes vaccinations, flea treatments, and annual health checks, can be added to any Medibank plan. It’s available as an optional add-on for all plans.
What are the waiting periods for claims?
Accidental injuries and routine care are covered immediately. Other conditions, like dental illness and cruciate ligament injuries, have a six-month waiting period, though the latter can be waived with a vet assessment confirming no prior symptoms.
Our Overall Assessment
Medibank Pet Insurance provides a range of coverage options with high annual limits and the flexibility to add routine and dental care. The 10% discount for Medibank health members and the GapOnly® service for instant claims processing make it a convenient and affordable option for pet owners.
Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance
Bow Wow Meow offers a single Nose-to-Tail Cover plan. There are three customisable annual benefit limits—$10,000, $20,000, and $30,000. Nose-to-tail coverage includes accident and illness coverage, and there are no sub-limits to worry about.
This means that you can use the full annual benefit for eligible treatments. The reimbursement rates range from 70% to 90%, depending on your annual limit. Routine care is available as a non-insurance add-on to cover vaccinations and check-ups.
You can also add Routine Care to include coverage for dental treatments, physiotherapy, and behavioural therapy.
Here are the full details:
- Annual limits: $10,000, $20,000, or $30,000
- Benefit percentage: 70%, 80%, or 90% reimbursement options
- Excess options: $0, $250, or higher, affecting premium costs
- Routine care: Available as an add-on, covering preventative treatments
- Booster Care add-on: Covers dental conditions, physiotherapy, and behavioural therapy
Premium Costs and Payment Flexibility
Bow Wow Meow charges premiums according to your pet’s species, breed, age, and selected coverage options. You can pay monthly, fortnightly, or annually, with premium adjustments based on the chosen annual benefit limit, reimbursement rate, and excess amount.
There’s also a 10% multi-pet discount if you add a second and subsequent pet. You also receive two months free when you sign up for the first time. Here are the approximate premiums generated by the quoting tool:
| 🔎 Coverage Selection | 🐶 Golden Retriever (Dog, 2 years) | 🐱 Domestic House Cat (2 years) |
| 🥇 Standard Policy (No Add-Ons) | $59.93/month | $21.24/month |
| 🥈 With Booster Care | $65.64/month | $28.36/month |
| 🥉 With Routine Care | $69.36/month | $30.67/month |
| 🏅 With Both Add-Ons | $75.07/month | $37.79/month |
Inclusions for Hereditary and Congenital Conditions
Nose-to-Tail Cover covers hereditary and congenital conditions if your pet is symptom-free when you sign up. Conditions such as hip dysplasia, heart defects, and progressive retinal atrophy are included.
A six-month waiting period for cruciate ligament conditions is standard across most pet insurance policies. The waiting period can be waived when you submit a vet-approved assessment.
Because Bow Wow Meow doesn’t have sub-limits, you can use your full annual benefit for treatment if your pet is diagnosed with a hereditary condition after your coverage starts.
Dental and Preventative Care Provisions
Dental Care (Booster Care add-on required):
- Covers extractions for specified dental conditions
- Includes dental x-rays, scaling, and polishing
- Available under Booster Care add-on only
Preventative Care (Routine Care add-on required):
- Annual vaccinations
- Flea, tick, and worm prevention
- Routine check-ups and health screenings
Waiting Periods and Policy Exclusions
| 🔎 Condition | 📌 Waiting Period |
| 📈 Accidental injuries | 2 days |
| 📉 Routine care (vaccinations, check-ups) | Immediate (0 days) |
| 📊 Illnesses | 21 days |
| 💹 Cruciate ligament conditions | 6 months (can be waived with vet approval) |
Here are some common exclusions:
- Pre-existing conditions
- Breeding, pregnancy, and birth-related expenses
- Cosmetic and elective procedures
- Routine care (unless the Routine Care add-on is purchased)
- Alternative therapies (unless Booster Care add-on is purchased)
- Orthodontic treatments, including braces
Customer Support and Claims Process Efficiency
- Phone: 1800 668 502 (Mon–Fri, 8 AM–8 PM AEST)
- Email: [email protected]
- Pet Portal: Online claims and policy management
- GapOnly® service: Real-time claims processing at participating vets
Claims can be submitted online via the Pet Portal, through GapOnly®, or by mail. Bow Wow Meow typically processes claims within one business day if all documents have been received, and they don’t need to request more.
Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| 88% of claims are processed within one business day | Limited dental coverage unless the Booster Care add-on is purchased |
| GapOnly® claims allow real-time vet payments | Premiums may increase upon renewal |
| No sub-limits—full annual benefit applies to any condition | Six-month waiting period for cruciate ligament conditions |
| Free engraved pet ID tag with lifetime replacements | Only covers cats and dogs, no exotic pets |
Frequently Asked Questions
What coverage does the Bow Wow Meow Nose-to-Tail Cover plan offer?
Bow Wow Meow offers a single Nose-to-Tail Cover plan with three customizable annual benefit limits: $10,000, $20,000, or $30,000. The plan covers accidents and illnesses with reimbursement rates ranging from 70% to 90%, depending on the selected limit.
Can I add routine care to my Bow Wow Meow policy?
Yes, routine care is available as an add-on to cover vaccinations, health screenings, flea treatments, and annual check-ups. You can also add the Booster Care add-on for coverage of dental treatments, physiotherapy, and behavioral therapy.
Are hereditary conditions covered under the Nose-to-Tail Cover plan?
Yes, hereditary and congenital conditions are covered if your pet is symptom-free when you sign up. This includes conditions like hip dysplasia and heart defects, and there are no sub-limits, meaning you can use your full annual benefit for these treatments.
What are the waiting periods for claims?
Accidental injuries and routine care have no waiting period, while illnesses have a 21-day waiting period. Cruciate ligament conditions have a six-month waiting period, which can be waived with a vet-approved assessment.
Our Overall Assessment
Bow Wow Meow offers great flexibility with its Nose-to-Tail Cover, allowing you to tailor the coverage to your pet’s needs. The lack of sub-limits and efficient claims processing make it an excellent choice for pet owners looking for straightforward, comprehensive protection.
What Is the Impact of Pet Age and Breed on Insurance Premiums?
Understanding how your pet’s age and breed influence insurance premiums can help you make informed decisions about their care and coverage. Let’s explore these factors in detail.
Pet Age and Insurance Premiums
As your pets get older, it becomes more likely that they might develop health issues, which will affect your insurance premiums over time. Older pets are more susceptible to arthritis or cancer, requiring lifelong treatment.
For example, your pet insurance provider might charge higher premiums for a 10-year-old pet than a 1-year-old because of the inherent illness risks.
Impact of Pre-Existing Conditions and Genetic Predispositions
Most Australian pet insurance policies often exclude pre-existing and breed-specific conditions.
However, a few insurers cover temporary and curable conditions if your pet hasn’t exhibited symptoms for 12-18 months. Some conditions, like diabetes or arthritis, are sometimes excluded permanently.
Mitigating High Premiums Based on Age and Breed
Here’s how you can manage and even reduce premiums:
- Early Enrollment: When you insure pets at a young age, you can lock in lower premiums before your pet develops age-related conditions.
- Preventative Care: Regular vet visits and a healthy lifestyle can prevent some conditions and even lead to lower premiums over time.
Don’t settle on the first available policy; compare policies to find coverage that balances cost with necessary benefits.
Real-World Examples and Trends
Based on research and comparisons, the average monthly premium for pet insurance is approximately $127 in Australia. Premiums vary significantly according to your pet’s species, age, and breed.
For instance, insuring a young, mixed-breed cat can cost less than covering an older, purebred dog prone to genetic conditions.
In Conclusion
If you want pet insurance that costs less than 100 AUD, you must balance affordability and real protection. The right plan should be more than just about cost; it should also be about ensuring you’re covered when taking your pet for routine or emergency treatment.
Some policies let you pay fortnightly, monthly, or annually, and others stretch your dollar further by offering discounts, flexible excess options, and tiered reimbursement rates. All you need to do is evaluate the options and decide on a plan that covers you and your pet.
You might also like:
- Trupanion Pet Insurance
- Budget Direct Pet Insurance
- Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance
- AAMI Pet Insurance
- Australian Unity Pet Insurance
- Bupa Pet Insurance
- Medibank Pet Insurance
- HCF Pet Insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
What pet insurance options are available for under $100 per month?
Several pet insurers offer accident-only cover, accident, illness, and comprehensive plans that fall under this range. It all depends on your pet’s age and breed, plus the excess amount and reimbursement rate you choose. If you choose a higher excess, you pay lower premiums.
How do I compare pet insurance plans within my budget?
Evaluate the annual benefit limits, reimbursement percentages, excess options, and policy exclusions to see how much coverage each plan provides for the cost.
Can I get full coverage for less than $100 monthly?
Yes, you can. A comprehensive plan with a higher excess or lower reimbursement rate can stay under this price. However, this means that illness and alternative therapies might not be included.
Does a lower monthly premium mean less coverage?
Usually, yes—cheaper plans have lower reimbursement rates, higher excess amounts, or capped payouts for specific conditions. However, they have higher excess payments when your pet is treated, and you need to check the sub-limits for hereditary issues, surgeries, or specialist treatments.
