Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance Review
Bow Wow Meow started in 1995 as a business making pet ID tags and eventually grew into pet insurance. Bow Wow Meow launched one of the country’s first-ever pet insurance policies in 2008.
Since then, more than 170,000 pet owners have signed up. Unlike big insurance corporations, Bow Wow Meow is all about pets. Their focus isn’t just on selling policies but also on ensuring pet owners don’t have to choose between their pet’s health and finances.
It’s an approach that has earned them eight straight years (2018-2025) as the top-rated pet insurer on Product Review.
| 🔎 Company Name | 🥇 Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance |
| 📌 Founded | 1995 |
| 📍 Headquartered | Australia |
| 📑 Administered By | PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd (for policies issued on or after 14 June 2023), The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd (before 14 June 2023) |
| 1️⃣ Number of Plans | 1 (Nose-to-Tail Cover) |
| 💶 Plans Price Range | $21.24 to $75.07 per month (depending on pet and coverage level) |
| 🐱 Species Covered | Dogs and cats |
| 🐶 Breed Restrictions | None specified (but only applicable for pets under 9 years old at the time of application) |
| 📉 Age Limits for Coverage | Must be under 9 years old at the time of application; coverage continues beyond 9 years if the policy remains active |
| 📈 Annual Maximum Cover | $10,000, $20,000, or $30,000, depending on the selected coverage level |
| 📊 Maximum Limit per Claim | No sub-limits for conditions; the full annual benefit limit applies to all eligible treatments |
| 🌡️ Routine Care Benefits | Available as an optional add-on (Routine Care), |
| 🦠 Diagnostic Testing Benefits | Covered under accident and illness insurance plans (dependent on policy and claims conditions) |
| 💊 Medication Benefits | Covered under accident and illness insurance plans (dependent on policy and claims conditions) |
| 🏥 Hospitalisation Cover | Included under Nose-to-Tail Cover for accidents and illnesses |
| ❤️ Chronic Care Support | Not specifically covered, but treatments like physiotherapy can be covered under the Booster Care add-on |
| 🤕 Accidental Cover | Covered under Nose-to-Tail Cover (accidental injuries) |
| 🤒 Illness Cover | Covered under Nose-to-Tail Cover (illnesses) |
| 🦷 Dental Care | Available as an optional add-on under Booster Care for specified dental conditions |
| 🦴 X-ray Benefits | Covered under accident and illness benefits; specific conditions may be subject to sub-limits unless specified |
| 💉 Lifetime Coverage | Yes, provided the policy remains active and without lapses |
| 🥰 24/7 Vet Advice Line | Free 24/7 online vet consultations via Live Vet |
| 💶 Multi-pet Discounts | 10% off for second and subsequent pets insured under the same policy |
| 💻 Online Claims Submission | Available via the Pet Portal, GapOnly® service, vet submissions, or by mail |
Regulations and Administration
Bow Wow Meow is an authorized representative who arranges and promotes pet insurance policies but does not underwrite or assess claims. Different insurers back Bow Wow Meow, depending on when policies were issued.
The Hollard Insurance Company handles policies issued before June 2023, while PetSure handles those issued after this period. Here’s an overview:
| 🔎 Policy Start Date | 📌 Underwriter | 📍 Claims and Policy Management | 📉 Bow Wow Meow’s Role |
| 🅰️ Before 14 June 2023 | Hollard | PetSure manages claims and policy changes on Hollard’s behalf | Distributes and promotes policies but does not handle claims |
| 🅱️ On or after 14 June 2023 | PetSure | PetSure has full control over underwriting, claims, and policy modifications | Acts as an authorized representative, arranging policies for pet owners |
While Bow Wow Meow provides front-end customer service, the insurer (either Hollard or PetSure) is responsible for key administrative tasks:
- Issuing and modifying policies
- Claims handling
- Cancellations
Hollard and PetSure operate under Australian Financial Services Licenses (AFSLs) and follow Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) guidelines.
Unique Advantages Over Competitors
Plenty of companies offer pet insurance in Australia, but Bow Wow Meow stands out for a few reasons:
Pet-first mindset
They see themselves as partners in your pet’s care, not just insurers processing claims.
Fast claims turnaround
88% of claims are processed within a day as long as all documents are in order.
GapOnly® partnership
If your vet is part of the GapOnly® network, you only pay the difference after the claim is processed—no waiting around for reimbursements.
Easy online management
Their Pet Portal lets you submit and track claims without dealing with paperwork.
No Sub-Limits on Coverage
Bow Wow Meow doesn’t cap payouts for conditions. Policyholders can use their total annual benefit for any eligible treatment.
Customisable Nose-to-Tail Cover
The annual benefit is flexible (from $10,000 to $30,000), and the reimbursement rate goes up to 90%. You can choose whether to add annual excess to decrease your monthly premium.
Extra benefits
Policyholders get myPetPass™, which includes 24/7 online vet advice, discounts on pet medications, and savings on pet essentials.
Bow Wow Meow also gives back. They’re a Platinum Sponsor of the Animal Poisons Helpline, a free service for pet owners in Australia and New Zealand who need emergency advice on possible poisoning incidents.
Awards and Recognition
Bow Wow Meow won Product Review’s Pet Insurance Award from 2018 to 2024 and Finder’s Best Value Pet Insurance Award for 2024 – both based on customer feedback.
Eligibility for Pet Insurance with Bow Wow Meow
To be eligible for coverage, both the pet and policyholder must meet certain conditions:
Pet Type
Only dogs and cats are eligible for coverage. Other animals, including exotic pets, are not covered.
Pet Age
Pets must be under 9 years old when the policy starts. Once insured, coverage can continue for life as long as there are no lapses.
Residency
The pet must be registered with a vet in Australia. The policyholder must live in Australia and provide a valid residential address.
Customer Support
The support team is available during the week to assist with policy questions, claims, and pre-approvals.
- Phone: 1800 668 502 (Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM)
- Email: [email protected]
- Mail: Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance, Locked Bag 9021, Castle Hill, NSW 1765
- Website: bowwowinsurance.com.au
Claims and Complaints Assistance
If you have any claims, you can submit them through the Pet Portal or at a GapOnly®-enabled vet. The support team can help with pre-approvals and general claim queries if you require additional support. Should you have any complaints about Bow Wow Meow, there’s a three-step resolution process:
- Contact Bow Meow Directly and give as much detail about your complaint as possible. Remember to include your policy number.
- Complaints are acknowledged within one business day.
- Bow Wow Meow will address the complaint. However, should your complaint remain unresolved, you can request a review by the Internal Dispute Resolution team. This team will conduct a full assessment and provide written feedback.
If you’re unsatisfied with the outcome and the complaint remains unresolved after 30 days, you can escalate the issue to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA).
Pet Insurance Premiums
Bow Wow Meow’s pet insurance premiums depend on pet type, breed, age, and selected coverage options. The policy cost will also change according to the annual benefit limit, reimbursement percentage, and whether you add Booster Care and Routine Care.
How Premiums Are Calculated
When you set up a policy with Bow Wow Meow, you customize the cover by setting the following:
- Annual Benefit Limit: $10,000, $20,000, or $30,000.
- Benefit Percentage: The insurer reimburses 70%, 80%, or 90% of eligible vet bills.
- Excess Amount: A set amount that policyholders pay per claim before insurance coverage applies.
Optional coverage for dental conditions, physiotherapy, behavioral therapy, and routine pet care can be an additional add-on.
Example Premiums for Dogs and Cats
Premiums vary based on these choices. Below are example costs for a 2-year-old Golden Retriever and a 2-year-old Domestic House Cat, both insured with:
- $20,000 annual benefit limit
- 80% reimbursement rate
- $250 excess
- Standard accident and illness coverage
| 🔎 Coverage Selection | 🐶 Golden Retriever (Dog) | 🐱 Domestic House Cat |
| 📉 Standard Policy (No Add-Ons) | $59.93/month | $21.24/month |
| 📈 With Booster Care (only) | $65.64/month | $28.36/month |
| 📊 With Routine Care (only) | $69.36/month | $30.67/month |
| 💹 With Both Add-Ons | $75.07/month | $37.79/month |
Two-Month Free Promotion
If you’re signing up for a new policy for the first time, you receive two months free and only start paying premiums from the third month.
Coverage and Benefits Comparison
Bow Wow Meow’s Nose-to-Tail Cover is highly customizable. While there’s only one plan offered, you can easily adjust your policy by deciding how much the policy covers each year, what percentage of vet bills gets reimbursed, and whether you want to add extra benefits.
What’s Covered as Standard?
Every policy automatically includes accident and illness coverage with no sub-limits, meaning you’re not restricted on how much you can claim for specific conditions. Here’s what you get with the base plan:
- Choose your annual limit: $10,000, $20,000, or $30,000.
- Pick your reimbursement rate: Get back 70%, 80%, or 90% of eligible vet bills.
- Decide on an excess: Options include $0 excess or a higher amount to lower monthly premiums.
- GapOnly® Claims: Pay only the difference at participating vets instead of waiting for reimbursement.
- Fast Claims Processing: 88% of claims are processed within a day once all documents are submitted.
- 24/7 Live Vet Support: Speak to a vet online for general health advice.
Moreover, myPetPass™ Perks offers Discounts on medications, premium food, and other pet essentials.
Extra Add-Ons for More Coverage
If you want extra protection for dental care, therapy, or routine check-ups, you can add one or both of these:
Booster Care – Covers up to $2,000 per year for:
- Dental conditions
- Behavioural therapy
- Physiotherapy and chiropractic care
Routine Care – Helps with vaccinations and annual check-ups (not an insurance benefit).
Comparing Standard Coverage and Add-Ons
In a nutshell, to wrap it all up, here’s what you can expect with Bow Wow Meow:
| 🔎 Feature | 🥇 Nose-to-Tail Cover (Base Plan) | 🥈 Booster Care (Add-On) | 🥉 Routine Care (Add-On) |
| 🤕 Accident Cover | ✅Yes | None | None |
| 🤢 Illness Cover | ✅Yes | None | None |
| 📉 Annual Benefit Limit | $10k / $20k / $30k | Extra $2k for dental & therapy | None |
| 📈 Reimbursement Rate | 70% / 80% / 90% | 70% / 80% / 90% | None |
| 📊 Annual Excess | $0 or higher options | Same as the main policy | None |
| 🦷 Dental Cover | None | ✅Yes | None |
| ❤️ Physiotherapy and Behavioral Therapy | None | ✅Yes | None |
| 💊 Preventive Care (Vaccinations, Health Checks) | None | None | ✅Yes |
What doesn’t Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance Cover?
Understanding Bow Wow Meow’s pet insurance coverage also involves knowing what’s excluded. Exclusions are normal across all pet insurance policies, and each provider differs.
Exclusions That Apply to All Policies
The following treatments and conditions are not covered under any Bow Wow Meow policy:
- Pre-existing conditions – Any illness or injury before the policy’s start date.
- Routine and preventive care – Vaccinations, flea control, and other routine treatments are only covered if Routine Care (non-insurance benefit) is added.
- Elective procedures – Treatments that are not medically necessary, such as cosmetic surgeries.
- Breeding and pregnancy-related costs.
- Orthodontic treatment – Braces and other corrective dental procedures.
- Genetic and chromosome testing – Costs associated with DNA testing or genetic screening.
Limited Coverage for Dental Treatments
Standard policies do not cover dental work. However, if you add Booster Care, certain dental treatments may be covered, including:
- Tooth extractions for specified dental conditions
- Scaling and polishing
- Dental x-rays
Understanding Coverage Limitations
Exclusions help define what a policy covers and ensure that the policy is used for unexpected medical costs instead of predictable expenses that can be planned for.
If you need routine care or additional dental protection for your pet, consider adding Routine Care or Booster care to expand coverage.
How to Sign Up for Pet Insurance with Bow Wow Meow
Submit an Application
- Visit bowwowinsurance.com.au
- Enter your pet’s details (breed, age under 9, medical history, microchip number)
Choose coverage
- Annual limit ($10k, $20k, $30k)
- Reimbursement (70%, 80%, or 90%)
- Optional add-ons (Dental/Therapy or Routine Care)
Payment and Activation
- Pay annually, monthly, or fortnightly
- Payment must be made before the policy starts
- 21-day cooling-off period for a full refund if no claims are made
Receive Policy Documents
Get a Certificate of Insurance with details about your coverage, exclusions, and claims process
Understand Waiting Periods
- Accidents: 2-day wait (except cruciate ligament)
- Cruciate ligament: 6-month wait (unless waived with vet assessment)
- Illnesses: Varies by condition
How to Submit a Pet Insurance Claim with Bow Wow Meow
Get Your Pet Treated
- Visit a licensed vet in Australia.
- Pay upfront for treatment.
- Request an itemized invoice and vet consultation notes for your claim.
Choose a Claim Submission Method
Online via Pet Portal
Log in, upload the invoice and notes, and track your claim.
Through Your Vet (Electronic Submission)
If your vet offers this service, authorize them to submit the claim for you.
Using GapOnly® (for participating vets)
The vet submits the claim before you pay, and you only cover the gap.
To submit via Mail, Download and complete a claim form, have your vet sign it, and send it with invoices to Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance, Locked Bag 9021, Castle Hill, NSW 1765.
Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance Pricing vs. Value for Money
Pet insurance is about more than just the costs; it’s about whether you’re getting value for money. Bow Wow Meow’s premiums vary depending on pet type, breed, coverage level, and add-ons, but the real question is: does the price reflect the value?
How Bow Wow Meow’s Pricing Stacks Up
At first glance, Bow Wow Meow’s base policy sits in the mid-range for pet insurance pricing.
Standard coverage for a 2-year-old Golden Retriever starting at $59.93/month and a Domestic House Cat at $21.24/month (both with a $20,000 annual benefit limit, 80% reimbursement rate, and $250 excess).
What sets Bow Wow Meow apart is that this base price includes:
- No sub-limits, meaning the full annual benefit can be used for any condition. Many policies cap payouts for specific conditions like knee surgeries or cancer treatment, but Bow Wow Meow does not.
- GapOnly® compatibility, reducing upfront costs at participating vets.
- Fast claims processing, with 88% of claims settled within one business day after submitting documents.
Furthermore, 24/7 vet support, gives access to online consultations at no extra charge.
Are the Add-Ons Worth It?
Bow Wow Meow offers two optional add-ons:
- Booster Care ($5–$7 extra per month) covers dental treatment, behavioral therapy, and physiotherapy—services that standard policies typically exclude.
- Routine Care ($4–$6 extra per month) helps with vaccinations and general check-ups, though it is not an insurance benefit.
Pets who require regular dental care or therapy will benefit from Booster Care. This additional add-on offsets far more than it costs monthly, making it a valuable option. However, Routine Care is only beneficial if you regularly spend money for preventative care you didn’t budget for.
Long-Term Value vs. Upfront Cost
Bow Wow Meow offers a pricing structure that balances flexible premiums with valuable benefits.
If fast claims, high payout limits, and fewer exclusions are a priority for you, the slightly higher pricing compared to basic market options may provide better long-term value—particularly for breeds susceptible to hereditary conditions.
Policy Renewal, Cancellation and Changes
Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance policies automatically renew yearly, providing continuous coverage unless you cancel it. Renewal notices are sent before the policy anniversary date and outline premium adjustments and updates to policy terms.
Policy Renewal
Each year, policyholders receive a Certificate of Insurance reflecting any changes to. Premiums are adjusted based on:
- Pet’s age and breed
- Claims history
- Overall claims trends across all insured pets
- Benefit limits or policy terms, if updated by the insurer.
You can renew, modify, or cancel the policy before the new term begins.
Policy Cancellation
By the Policyholder
The Policyholder may cancel a policy under certain conditions:
- Policies can be canceled at any time by contacting Bow Wow Meow.
- Refunds depend on the cancellation date and whether any claims have been submitted.
- A 21-day cooling-off period allows for a full refund if no claims have been made.
By the Insurer
Bow Wow Meow may cancel a policy under certain conditions:
- Non-payment of premiums
- Fraudulent claims
- Violation of policy terms
- Failure to meet the duty of disclosure
You’ll receive written notice before cancellation.
Making Changes to a Policy
Policyholders can modify coverage by adjusting the following:
- Benefit percentage (e.g., changing from 70% to 80% reimbursement)
- Annual excess (choosing a higher or lower excess)
- Optional add-ons, such as Booster Care (dental and therapies)
Important Considerations for Policy Changes
Changes can only take effect at the next renewal if a claim has already been paid during the current policy term. Any completed waiting periods remain valid if adjustments are made within an active policy term.
What to Consider Before Making Changes
Before renewing, canceling, or modifying a policy, review your current coverage, past claims, and expected vet costs to ensure the plan meets your and your pet’s needs.
Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance vs AAMI vs HCF
| 🔎 Provider | 🥇 Bow Wow Meow | 🥈 AAMI | 🥉 HCF |
| 📉 Policy Types Offered | Nose-to-Tail Cover (flexible) | 4 options: Silver, Gold, Platinum (dogs); Bronze, Gold, Platinum (cats) | Pet Essentials Cover, Pet Premium Cover |
| 📈 Excess/Deductible Amount | $0, $250, higher excess options | $0, $250, $500 | Varies based on policy and pet specifics (e.g., $200 excess for some pets) |
| 📊 Waiting Period for Coverage | 21 days for illness, 2 days for accidental injuries | 21 days for illness; 0 days for accidental injury | 30 days for illnesses, 6 months for cruciate ligament injuries |
| 💹 Pre-existing Condition Coverage | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered unless reviewed after 18 months for temporary conditions; chronic conditions excluded |
| 💱 Co-payment Percentage | 20% of vet bill | 20% of the vet bill for claims | Not specified, reimbursement is based on the eligible claim percentage |
| ↪️ Refund Percentage for Claims | 80% reimbursement | None | Up to 80% reimbursement on eligible vet bills |
| 💊 Covered Treatments | Accidents, illness, surgery, hospitalization, diagnostics | Accidents, illness, surgery, dental illness (Platinum), chronic conditions (Gold/Platinum) | Accidents, specified illnesses, dental illness (with Pet Premium Cover), diagnostic testing, hospitalizations |
| 🤕 Emergency and Critical Care | Covered under eligible conditions | Covered, with up to $1,500 for emergency boarding (Platinum) | Covered under both plans |
| 📌 Travel Insurance for Pets | Not covered | Not covered | Covers veterinary expenses for pets traveling to New Zealand |
| 📍 Third-party Liability | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
| 🏥 In-Hospital and Outpatient Care | Covered | Covered | Covered for eligible conditions |
| 🥺 Pet Loss and Theft Coverage | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
| 💷 Reimbursement Method | Direct to vet via GapOnly® or reimbursement to the owner | Direct to vet via GapOnly® or reimbursement to the owner | Direct bank transfer (PetSure policies), cheque (Hollard policies) |
| 💵 Payout Limit per Condition | Varies, up to $30,000 annually | Varies by plan; up to $30,000 annual cover (Platinum) | Varies depending on the plan and treatment type |
| 🍼 Pet Age Limit for New Enrolments | Dogs: 6 months – 9 years, Cats: 8 weeks – 9 years | Dogs: 6 months – 9 years; Cats: 8 weeks – 9 years | Minimum 8 weeks, pets over 9 years may face restrictions on cover types |
| 🩹 Behavioral Therapy Coverage | Covered under Booster Care add-on | Not covered | Not covered |
| 🔖 Preventive Care Benefits | Available as a non-insurance Routine Care add-on | Optional add-on for routine care (vaccinations, flea treatments, etc.) | Included in Pet Premium Cover (e.g., vaccinations, flea treatments) |
| 🏷️ Multi-pet Coverage Limitations | Discount for second and subsequent pets; conditions apply | Each pet has an individual cover, with potential multi-pet discounts | Up to 10% off for each additional pet |
Additional Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance Features
Bow Wow Meow’s coverage is comprehensive and flexible. Beyond standard pet insurance, additional features add more value to your policy, including on-the-spot claims processing to 24/7 online vet consultations, giving you more than just financial protection.
GapOnly® – Pay Only the Difference at the Vet
Instead of paying your vet bill in full and waiting for reimbursement, GapOnly® lets you pay only the gap amount upfront at participating vets. Your claim is processed in real-time while you’re still at the clinic, so you know exactly how much is covered.
Fast Claims Processing and Direct Vet Correspondence
Bow Wow Meow speeds up claims by working directly with your vet when extra information is needed. That means:
- You don’t have to keep asking your vet for consultation notes or invoices.
- If more details are required, Bow Wow Meow contacts the clinic directly.
88% of claims are processed within one business day once all documents are received.
Pet Portal – Manage Your Policy Anytime
Your Pet Portal gives you 24/7 access to your policy, allowing you to:
- Submit claims in three steps from any device.
- Check claim updates and review past claims.
- Access policy documents and coverage details.
- Update payment details or make policy changes.
Free 24/7 Online Vet Consults with Live Vet
As a Bow Wow Meow policyholder, you get unlimited access to Live Vet, an online vet consultation service available 24/7. Through chat or video call, you can speak with an experienced Australian vet for:
- Advice on pet health concerns.
- Guidance on whether a vet visit is necessary.
- At-home treatment recommendations.
Free Engraved Pet ID Tag & Health Card
Every policyholder receives a free engraved pet ID tag when signing up, with free lifetime replacements if it ever gets lost. You’ll also receive a Pet Health Card, which keeps your pet’s insurance details in one place.
Exclusive Discounts on Pet Essentials
With myPetPass™, policyholders get discounts on:
- Pet medications
- Premium pet food
- Everyday pet care essentials
Bow Wow Meow also supports local Australian pet businesses through the Bow Wow Benefits program, offering exclusive deals on pet products.
Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance Discounts
Multi-Pet Discount – 10% Off for Additional Pets
- If you insure more than one pet, you’ll get 10% off the premium for your second and any additional pets. Here’s how it works:
- The discount applies automatically when you purchase a second policy in the same transaction.
- If you already have a policy and want to insure another pet, just call 1800 668 502 to get the discount applied.
- If you cancel one of your policies, the discount will be reallocated across any remaining active policies.
- If you only have one policy left, the discount will no longer apply at your next renewal.
You can combine this discount with other offers unless otherwise stated.
Two Months Free for New Customers
If you’re signing up for pet insurance for the first time, Bow Wow Meow gives you two months free on your first policy year.
- If you pay monthly or fortnightly, you won’t be charged for the first two months—payments start from month three.
- If you pay annually, the discount is applied upfront.
- You must sign up online or by phone using the promo code BWMP2 to claim this offer.
- If you change your level of coverage, the promotion no longer applies.
This offer can’t be combined with other discounts, except for the multi-pet discount.
Who is Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance Best For?
Based on its unique coverage, Bow Wow Meow is ideal for pet owners who want flexible pet coverage and fewer payout restrictions. The lack of sub-limits means you can use your full annual benefit for any covered condition instead of being capped for specific treatments.
Thus, it’s a good option for owners of breeds prone to expensive medical conditions, as they won’t have to worry about hitting claim limits for things like cruciate ligament surgery or cancer treatments.
If you prefer predictable costs at the vet, Bow Wow Meow’s GapOnly® service will be valuable as it lets you pay only the out-of-pocket amount at participating clinics.
The fast claims processing—with most claims assessed within a day—makes this policy a good fit for people who don’t want to deal with delays when managing their pet’s medical bills.
Multi-pet households can benefit from the 10% discount on additional pets, making it a reasonable option for those with more than one cat or dog.
However, Bow Wow Meow won’t be the best option if you want the lowest possible premiums. The pricing is competitive but not always cheap, especially since dental coverage, behavioral therapy, and routine care require add-ons.
Our Recommendations for Possible Improvement
Here are our recommendations on how Bow Wow Meow can improve coverage:
- Offer dental coverage as a standard inclusion rather than requiring the Booster Care add-on.
- Provide routine care benefits within core policies instead of as a non-insurance add-on.
- Introduce coverage options for alternative treatments like acupuncture and hydrotherapy.
- Allow mid-policy changes to coverage levels without waiting for renewal if no claims have been made.
- Expand coverage beyond dogs and cats to include rabbits, birds, and other common pets.
Offering tiered savings based on the number of pets insured and reducing waiting periods for common conditions like cruciate ligament injuries will make a positive difference.
Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| No sub-limits on claims, meaning full annual benefit applies to any condition | Routine care is not included in standard coverage and requires an add-on |
| 24/7 online vet consultations included at no extra cost | Waiting periods apply for illnesses and certain conditions |
| 88% of claims are processed within one business day for fast payouts | Limited dental coverage unless Booster Care add-on is purchased |
| The multi-pet discount gives 10% off for additional pets | Premiums may increase at renewal based on the pet’s age and claims history |
| The claims process is streamlined with direct vet correspondence when additional documents are needed | Discounts cannot always be combined |
| Pet Portal provides easy policy management and claim tracking | Pre-existing conditions are not covered |
| GapOnly® lets you pay only the gap at participating vets instead of waiting for reimbursement | Coverage is only available for dogs and cats; no exotic pets |
| Free engraved pet ID tag with lifetime replacements | Policy cancellations may not qualify for refunds if claims have been made |
In Conclusion
Based on our extensive research, Bow Wow Meow balances flexibility, fast claims, and useful extras like GapOnly® and 24/7 vet consults. There are no sub-limits, which lets you use your full annual benefit without condition-based caps.
While the pricing isn’t the lowest, the coverage structure offers value for pet owners who want fewer restrictions. However, if your pet needs routine care or dental coverage, you’ll need to purchase add-ons, and the policy changes after you’ve claimed will only take effect at renewal.
Bow Wow Meow is a good option if you prioritize coverage for your pet over cost-cutting.
You might also like:
- Trupanion Pet Insurance
- RSPCA Pet Insurance
- Budget Direct Pet Insurance
- AAMI Pet Insurance
- Australian Unity Pet Insurance
- Bupa Pet Insurance
- Medibank Pet Insurance
- HCF Pet Insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance differ from other pet insurers?
Bow Wow Meow has no claim sub-limits, allowing you to spend your entire yearly benefit for any condition. The GapOnly® service lets you pay the difference directly to the vet.
Is there a waiting period for pre-existing conditions with Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance?
Bow Wow Meow doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions. There are waiting periods for conditions; for instance, accidental injuries have a 2-day waiting period.
Can I use Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance with any vet?
Yes, if the veterinarian is registered in Australia. You can also use the GapOnly® service at participating clinics to process claims immediately.
