Budget Direct Pet Insurance Review
Budget Direct Pet Insurance has been serving Australians for over 20 years, offering affordable and reliable coverage. Since launching in 2000, over three million Australians have signed up. Backed by Auto & General Insurance, an APRA-regulated Australian insurer, Budget Direct operates in multiple countries.
Known for its low-cost approach and strong partnerships with Australian service providers, Budget Direct has earned industry recognition, including Canstar’s National Outstanding Value Award for 18 years. Customer reviews highlight its affordability and ease of service.
| 🔎 Company Name | 🥇 Budget Direct Pet Insurance |
| 📌 Founded | 2000 |
| 📍 Headquartered | Australia |
| 🛡️ Administered By | Auto & General Insurance Company Limited |
| 3️⃣ Number of Plans | Three (Essential, Comprehensive, Plus) |
| 💶 Plans Price Range | Starts from $10.82/month for cats and $19.11/month for dogs |
| 🐈 Species Covered | Dogs and cats |
| 🐕 Breed Restrictions | Restricted and banned breeds under Australian law |
| 📉 Age Limits for Coverage | Pets must be over 8 weeks and under 9 years old at enrollment |
| 📈 Annual Maximum Cover | Ranges from $12,000 (Essential) to $25,000 (Plus) |
| 📊 Maximum Limit per Claim | Subject to sub-limits for specific conditions |
| 💹 Routine Care Benefits | Optional add-on for Comprehensive and Plus plans |
| 💱 Diagnostic Testing Benefits | Covered under all plans as part of illness and injury claims |
| 💊 Medication Benefits | Included in eligible vet expenses |
| 🏥 Hospitalisation Cover | Covered under all plans as part of eligible vet bills |
| 🩷 Chronic Care Support | Covered if conditions are not pre-existing |
| 🤕 Accidental Cover | Included in all plans, subject to waiting periods |
| 🤒 Illness Cover | Covered under all plans, subject to waiting periods |
| 🦷 Dental Care | Not covered unless resulting from accidental injury |
| 🦴 X-ray Benefits | Covered under eligible vet expenses |
| 🔃 Lifetime Coverage | Yes, if the policy is continuously renewed |
| ☎️ 24/7 Vet Advice Line | None |
| 🎁 Multi-pet Discounts | None |
| 🖱️ Online Claims Submission | Available via the Pet Online Claims portal |
Regulations and Administration
Budget Direct Pet Insurance is strictly regulated, ensuring that you receive reliable coverage. All pet insurance policies are issued by Auto & General Insurance Company Limited, an Australian insurer licensed under AFS Licence No. 285571.
In addition, Auto & General is regulated by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and follows the General Insurance Code of Practice, overseen by the Code Governance Committee
All Budget Direct’s policies (including pet insurance) meet industry standards for fairness, transparency, and claims handling. As a Budget Direct Pet Insurance policyholder, you’re also protected under the Financial Claims Scheme (FCS).
However, you should note that if your pet changes ownership, your policy can’t be transferred. The current policy will be canceled, and the new owner must apply for separate coverage.
Other clauses also indicate that you, as the pet owner, must meet certain responsibilities to keep your coverage with Budget Direct Pet Insurance, including:
- Your pet must be vaccinated and microchipped.
- Your pet must have a safe environment because neglect could lead to claim reductions or denials.
- You’re also liable to provide accurate, updated information on your pet when you apply for and renew your policy.
Budget Direct Pet Insurance provides reliable, regulated coverage backed by a trusted insurer. By meeting your responsibilities, like keeping your pet’s details up to date, you can ensure your coverage remains intact.
Budget Direct Pet Insurance – Unique Advantages Over Competitors
Budget Direct stands out in a competitive market with the following key advantages:
- Higher sub-limits for key conditions – Tick paralysis is covered up to $3,000 on the Plus Plan, which is more than many insurers offer. Orthopaedic conditions have a coverage limit of up to $25,000, which can be crucial for pets prone to joint issues.
- Competitive pricing – Budget Direct is known for balancing affordability with coverage, offering a lower-cost alternative to many big-name insurers without cutting key benefits.
Plans are structured to be easy to understand, avoiding excessive optional add-ons that can make insurance feel complicated.
Budget Direct Pet Insurance Awards and Recognition
Budget Direct Pet Insurance’s policies have received industry accolades based on pricing, coverage benefits, and routine care options. These awards show Budget Direct’s position as a cost-effective choice for pet owners. Here are a few awards they’ve won in 2024:
- Exceptional Value Accident & Illness Pet Insurance | Plus Insurance
- Exceptional Value Accident & Illness Pet Insurance | Comprehensive Insurance
- Outstanding Value – Pet Insurance
- Exceptional Value Comprehensive Pet Insurance | Plus Insurance + Routine Care
- Exceptional Value Comprehensive Pet Insurance | Plus Insurance + Ultimate Routine Care
- Exceptional Value Accident & Illness Pet Insurance | Essential Insurance
From what we can see, Budget Direct focuses on providing Australian pet owners with strong coverage and competitive rates.
Eligibility for Pet Insurance with Budget Direct
Before you can sign up for pet insurance with Budget Direct, you must know a few things, including whether your pet is eligible for coverage. Here are the criteria:
- Only dogs and cats are covered under the policy.
- Pets must be over 8 weeks and under 9 years old with initial enrollment.
- The pet must live primarily at the policyholder’s home address in Australia.
Additionally, there are specific breed and usage restrictions that must be adhered to:
- The pet must not belong to any restricted or banned breed as per Australian law or local government regulations.
- The pet must comply with the state or council pet registration requirements where it resides.
- Pets declared dangerous by a local council or court are not eligible for coverage.
There are also restrictions on the type of work a pet can engage in:
- Pets cannot be used for racing, breeding, organized fighting, law enforcement, guarding or security work, or hunting.
- Guide dogs and other assistance animals are exempt from these commercial and occupational use exclusions.
In conclusion, ensuring your pet meets the eligibility criteria will help you secure the right coverage with Budget Direct Pet Insurance.
Pet Insurance Customer Support with Budget Direct
If you need help or have questions, you can contact Budget Direct using any of the following communication channels:
| 🔎 Contact Method | 📌 Details |
| ☎️ Phone | 1800 931 664 (Available Monday to Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM AEST) |
| 💌 Email for General Inquiries | [email protected] |
| 📉 Email for Claims | [email protected] |
| 🖱️ Mailing Address | Auto & General Insurance Company Limited PO Box 342, Toowong QLD 4066 |
Should you have any concerns or experience any issues, Budget Direct has a streamlined process for handling and solving complaints. If you have a complaint, you can reach Budget Direct’s customer service team by phone at 1800 931 664 or email at [email protected].
A dedicated support team will investigate and try to resolve the issue. If your complaint isn’t resolved, it will be escalated to the Customer Dispute Resolution team for further review.
If the issue remains unresolved after 30 days, you can contact the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) by phone at 1800 931 678, email at [email protected], or mail at GPO Box 3, Melbourne, VIC, 3001.
Pet Insurance Premiums
Budget Direct’s pet insurance premiums are calculated based on your pet’s species, breed, age, and other risk-related details. You pay according to your pet’s characteristics and the coverage level chosen.
Here’s a breakdown of the sample premiums for different pet types and coverage levels. These figures should give you an idea of what to expect when selecting a plan for your pet:
Dog (Desexed male golden retriever, 2 years old, not used for commercial purposes)
| 🔎 Plan | 📉 Fortnightly | 📈 Monthly | 📊 Yearly |
| 🥇 Essential | From $19.11 | From $41.40 | From $473.15 |
| 🥈 Comprehensive | From $21.23 | From $46.00 | From $525.73 |
| 🥉 Plus | From $28.60 | From $59.80 | From $683.44 |
Cat (Desexed male domestic shorthair, 2 years old, not used for commercial purposes)
| 🔎 Plan | 📉 Fortnightly | 📈 Monthly | 📊 Yearly |
| 🥇 Essential | From $10.82 | From $23.45 | From $268.04 |
| 🥈 Comprehensive | From $12.03 | From $26.06 | From $297.81 |
| 🥉 Plus | From $15.64 | From $33.88 | From $387.16 |
Just note that these are examples and if you use the online quote tool, your results might differ from these examples. These premiums also don’t include routine care add-ons. If you decide to add routine care, the premium will increase.
In addition, our examples are based on a $100 excess, which is the amount you need to cover out-of-pocket before Budget Direct covers the rest.
Coverage and Benefits Comparison
You can choose between the Essential, Comprehensive, and Plans. Each plan has unique annual coverage limits, sub-limits, and benefit percentages. Budget Direct lets you choose a plan that covers your pet and fits your budget.
Budget Direct Pet Insurance Plan Options
Essential Plan
The Essential Plan covers accidental injuries and illnesses with an annual limit of $12,000. Essential includes sub-limits for tick paralysis and orthopedic conditions, though they are lower than the higher-tier plans. Routine Care is not available with this plan.
Comprehensive Plan
The Comprehensive Plan has higher limits, increasing the maximum payouts for tick paralysis and snake attacks. With an annual limit of $15,000, this plan allows you to add Routine Care to cover dental check-ups and flea treatments.
Plus Plan
The Plus Plan is the highest coverage option. Plus has the most financial protection for serious health issues. There’s an annual limit of $25,000, and it includes the highest sub-limits for covered conditions. Routine Care can be added, including the broadest preventive care benefits.
Budget Direct Plan Comparison
Routine Care can be added to the Comprehensive plans. The add-on includes vaccinations, dental check-ups, and health screenings. Claims under Routine Care don’t have a waiting period and don’t require a co-payment.
| 🔎 Feature | 🥇 Essential | 🥈 Comprehensive | 🥉 Plus |
| 📉 Annual Policy Limit | $12,000 | $15,000 | $25,000 |
| 📈 Benefit Percentage | 80% | 80% | 80% |
| 📊 Excess Options | $100 or $200 | $100 or $200 | $100 or $200 |
| 💹 Tick Paralysis | $1,000 | $1,500 | $3,000 |
| 📌 Snake Attack | $1,000 | $1,500 | $3,000 |
| 📍 Orthopaedic Conditions | $4,000 | $8,000 | $25,000 |
| 🅰️ Cruciate Ligament Conditions | $2,600 | $2,600 | $3,500 |
| 🅱️ Repeated Preventable Activity | 2 instances | 2 instances | 2 instances |
| ⏰ Waiting Periods | 2 days (Accidental Injuries), 30 days (Illnesses), 6 months (Cruciate Ligament Conditions) | Same as Essential | Same as Essential |
| ⭐ Optional Routine Care Add-on | Not available | Available | Available |
What doesn’t Budget Direct Pet Insurance Cover?
As with all other pet insurance policies, Budget Direct has certain exclusions. This means certain illnesses, injuries, treatments, and situations won’t be covered, and you need to pay for such out of your pocket. While you can view the full list on Budget Direct, here’s an overview:
Excluded Illnesses and Injuries
| 🔎 Category | 📌 Details |
| 🤕 Behavioural Conditions | Anxiety, phobias, or chemical imbalances |
| 🤒 Brachycephalic Illness | Conditions in short-nosed breeds if symptoms appear before age 1 |
| ❌ Complications from Not Desexing | Tumors or reproductive issues preventable by spaying/neutering |
| 🦠 Parasites | Illnesses from fleas, ticks, or worms |
| 🌡️ Pre-Existing Conditions | Any condition before coverage starts or during the waiting period |
Excluded Situations
| 🔎 Category | 📌 Details |
| 📉 Breach of Regulations | No coverage if pet owners don’t follow Australian pet laws |
| 📈 Commercial Use | Pets used for racing, breeding, or security (except guide dogs) |
| 📊 Deliberate Acts | No claims if the pet is harmed intentionally by the owner |
| 💹 Gross Negligence | Claims may be denied if the owner fails to take reasonable precautions |
| 💱 Expired or Cancelled Policy | No coverage for treatments after policy expiration |
Excluded Treatments and Services
| 🔎 Category | 📌 Details |
| 1️⃣ Accessories | No reimbursement for crates, bedding, or non-medical pet gear |
| 2️⃣ Alternative Therapies | Acupuncture, hydrotherapy, and homeopathy are not covered |
| 3️⃣ Breeding and Obstetrics | No coverage for pregnancy, birth, or breeding complications |
| 4️⃣ Dental Care | Cleanings and gum disease treatment are excluded unless caused by an accident |
| 5️⃣ Routine Care (Without Add-on) | Check-ups, vaccinations, and parasite prevention are not covered unless added |
How Do I Sign Up for Pet Insurance with Budget Direct?
You can sign up for pet insurance online or over the phone with Budget Direct. You must provide your pet’s details, select your plan, and set up payment to apply. Here’s a thorough breakdown of the entire process:
Getting a Quote
You can request a quote by visiting the Budget Direct website or calling customer service at 1800 931 664 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM AEST). When requesting a quote, you’ll need to provide:
- Pet details, including species, breed, age, and medical history.
- Your name, contact information, and address.
- Preferred coverage level (Essential, Comprehensive, or Plus).
- Whether you want to add Routine Care (available with Comprehensive Plans).
- Choice of excess amount ($100 or $200).
Choosing a Policy
After receiving your quote, you can compare the three plan options based on your budget and coverage needs. Consider the following factors:
- Budget: The Essential Plan has the lowest premiums and lower coverage limits.
- Coverage Needs: The Comprehensive or Plus plans offer more protection if higher claim limits or Routine Care is a priority.
- Excess Selection: A higher excess lowers monthly premiums but increases out-of-pocket costs for claims.
Completing the Sign-Up Process
Once you choose a plan, you will finalize the policy purchase by:
- Reviewing the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to understand coverage details, exclusions, and conditions.
- Setting up payment:
- Choose between an annual payment or monthly installments (installments may include additional fees).
- Ensure timely payments to maintain coverage.
- Confirming policy details:
Verify pet details, personal information, and payment details. After completing the sign-up, you will receive a Policy Schedule, which includes:
- Policy number
- Start and renewal dates
- Annual limits and benefit percentages
- Selected excess amount
Waiting Periods
Coverage does not begin immediately for all conditions. The following waiting periods apply:
- Accidental injuries: 2 days
- General illnesses: 30 days
- Cruciate ligament conditions: 6 months
If you’ve added Routine Care to your policy, it’ll begin immediately without any waiting periods.
Policy Activation and Management
- You can manage your policy online or through customer support for updates like address or payment changes.
- Automatic renewal occurs annually, with a 14-day notification if any policy changes apply.
You must request policy cancellations directly, and refunds might apply depending on how you’ve used your policy and when you cancel.
How Do I Submit a Pet Insurance Claim with Budget Direct?
Claims with Budget Direct Pet Insurance are submitted online, via email, or by post. To process a claim, you must keep and submit vet invoices and receipts for reimbursement. Here’s a step-by-step showing how the claims procedure works:
Get Your Pet Treated
- Visit any registered veterinarian in Australia.
- Ensure the vet provides all necessary treatments before submitting a claim.
Pay for Treatment and Collect the Required Documents
- Pay the full cost of treatment upfront.
- Obtain an itemized invoice that includes.
- Keep all receipts and related documents for submission.
Submit Your Claim
Online Submission (Recommended for Faster Processing)
- Visit the Pet Online Claims portal via the Budget Direct website.
- Register an account (if you are a first-time user).
- Upload the completed claim form, vet invoices, and receipts.
Manual Submission (Email or Post)
- Download the claim form from the Budget Direct website or request one by phone.
- Complete the form and attach the required documents.
- Submit via:
- Email: [email protected]
- Post: PO Box 342, Toowong QLD 4066
Claim Assessment
Once received, Budget Direct:
- Reviews the claim based on policy terms and coverage.
- May request additional details like vet reports or medical history.
- Assesses eligibility, waiting periods, and policy limits.
Claim Outcome and Payment
If approved, reimbursement is deposited into the policyholder’s nominated bank account. A settlement advice letter is issued, detailing the claim decision, the amount covered, and any deductions or exclusions.
If your claim is denied, Budget Direct will provide a reason and all other information on how you can appeal the decision.
Additional Claim Considerations
- Excess and Benefit Percentage
- You pay an excess ($100 or $200), and there’s a co-payment of 20% on eligible expenses.
Processing Time
Claims are processed as quickly as possible, though delays can happen if Budget Direct requires additional vet documentation.
Multiple Claims
If you claim for different treatments, you must submit separate invoices and documents for each treatment.
Disputed Claims
If Budget Direct and the vet disagree, an independent veterinary review will be conducted.
Budget Direct Pet Insurance Pricing vs. Value for Money
After reviewing Budget Direct’s average premiums (which will be unique for everyone based on their pet’s species, breed, age, and coverage), we weighed pricing against the value for money you can expect.
Premiums vs. Coverage Limits
Budget Direct offers three plans – Essential, Comprehensive, and Plus-Plans – with annual coverage limits ranging from $12,000 to $25,000. The table below compares the costs for a 2-year-old desexed golden retriever and a domestic shorthair cat:
| 🔎 Plan | 🐶 Dog (Golden Retriever, 2 years old) | 🐱 Cat (Domestic Shorthair, 2 years old) | 💶 Annual Coverage Limit |
| 🥇 Essential | From $41.40/month | From $23.45/month | $12,000 |
| 🥈 Comprehensive | From $46.00/month | From $26.06/month | $15,000 |
| 🥉 Plus | From $59.80/month | From $33.88/month | $25,000 |
All plans reimburse 80% of eligible vet bills, and there’s an excess of $100 or $200 per claim. The Essential plan has the lowest premiums but low coverage limits, making it ideal for routine medical expenses instead of major treatments.
Sub-Limits and Additional Benefits
Each plan has sub-limits for certain conditions, illnesses, and injuries:
| 🔎 Condition | 🥇 Essential | 🥈 Comprehensive | 🥉 Plus |
| 📉 Tick Paralysis | $1,000 | $1,500 | $3,000 |
| 📈 Orthopaedic Conditions | $4,000 | $8,000 | $25,000 |
| 📊 Cruciate Ligament | $2,600 | $2,600 | $3,500 |
All plans cover accidents and illnesses, but only the Comprehensive and Plus-plans include Routine Care as an add-on. This additional coverage can help you cover vaccinations, dental cleanings, and flea treatments, but it increases the premium.
Policy Adjustments and Flexibility
Budget Direct lets you adjust your coverage at renewal. You can change your annual limit, excess, and Routine Care add-ons.
If you haven’t claimed, your coverage can be increased mid-term. The policy automatically renews unless you cancel, and should pet ownership change or move; you must report this to Budget Direct to avoid potential cancellation.
Value Assessment
In our view, Budget Direct’s pricing reflects a balance between cost and coverage. There are flexible options for different pet care needs.
The Essential Plan suits pet owners who want lower premiums, while the Plus Plan offers higher protection for major medical expenses. You must understand the sub-limits and optional add-ons to determine the best value for your pet’s healthcare needs.
Budget Direct Pet Insurance Policy Renewal, Cancellation and Changes
Budget Direct’s policies renew each year automatically unless you cancel. You’ll receive a renewal notice before your policy expires to adjust your coverage. Alternatively, you can let your policy continue with the new terms.
Policy Renewal
- Automatic Renewal: You receive a renewal notice 14 days before the policy expires, including any changes to terms or premiums.
- Making Changes at Renewal: You can adjust coverage, including annual limits, sub-limits, and excess amounts. If no changes are made, the policy renews with the updated terms.
- Non-Renewal by Budget Direct: If Budget Direct decides not to renew a policy, you’ll receive a written notice explaining the decision.
Policy Cancellation
- Cooling-Off Period: You can cancel within 21 days of purchase or renewal for a full refund if no claims were made.
- After the Cooling-Off Period: A pro-rated refund is issued, but a $40 cancellation fee applies. A refund is not issued if you cancel due to fraudulent actions.
- Policyholder Obligations: Any changes in pet details, such as ownership or address, must be reported. Failure to do so could result in policy cancellation.
- Cancellation by Budget Direct: The policy will be canceled if payments are missed or policy conditions are not met.
Changes to Policy
- Increasing Coverage: You can request an increase in coverage during the policy period if no claims were made. The updated terms apply only to new claims.
- Decreasing Coverage: You can reduce coverage limits or increase the excess. Changes apply to all claims moving forward.
- Routine Care Adjustments: Routine Care can only be added or modified during the policy renewal period.
- Mid-Term Changes: Changes that are made mid-term apply to future claims while existing claims stay under the original terms.
Budget Direct Pet Insurance vs Bupa vs Trupanion
| 🔎 Provider | 🥇 Budget Direct | 🥈 Bupa | 🥉 Trupanion |
| 📉 Policy Types Offered | Essential, Comprehensive, Plus | Basic Accident Cover, Standard Cover, Ultimate Cover | One standard plan + two add-ons |
| 💶 Excess/Deductible Amount | $100 or $200 | Options of $0, $100, or $200 excess | Customizable ($0–$1,000) |
| 📈 Waiting Period for Coverage | 2 days (Accidents), 30 days (Illnesses), 6 months (Cruciate Conditions) | Accident cover starts immediately; Illness cover has a 30-day waiting period | 5 days (injuries), 30 days (illnesses) |
| 📊 Pre-existing Condition Coverage | Not covered unless cured for 12 months without symptoms | Not covered | Not covered |
| 💵 Co-payment Percentage | 20% | Bupa reimburses up to 80% of eligible vet bills | 10% (policyholder pays) |
| 💷 Refund Percentage for Claims | 80% | Bupa reimburses up to 80% of eligible vet bills, depending on the plan | 90% reimbursement |
| 🫶 Covered Treatments | Accidental injuries, illnesses, optional routine care | Accidents, illnesses, consultations, emergency boarding, etc. | Illnesses, injuries, hospitalization, surgeries, diagnostics, medications |
| 🚨 Emergency and Critical Care | Covered up to policy limits | Covered under the Standard and Ultimate plans | Covered |
| ✈️ Travel Insurance for Pets | Not included | Covers veterinary expenses while traveling in New Zealand (up to 60 days) | Coverage continues in Australia, the USA, and Canada |
| 3️⃣ Third-party Liability | Not included | Not covered | Optional add-on (up to $25,000) |
| 🏥 In-Hospital and Outpatient Care | Covered up to policy limits | Covered for accidents and illnesses | Covered |
| 🥺 Pet Loss and Theft Coverage | Not covered | Not covered | Lost pet advertising/reward (up to $500, optional add-on) |
| 💳 Reimbursement Method | Direct deposit to a bank account | Claims submitted online, via the Pet Portal, or through GapOnly® for on-the-spot claims at participating clinics | Direct vet payments (GapOnly™) or owner reimbursement |
| 💷 Payout Limit per Condition | Subject to sub-limits (varies by plan) | Sub-limits apply (e.g., tick paralysis or cruciate ligament conditions) | No limit |
| 🔢 Pet Age Limit for New Enrolments | 8 weeks to under 9 years old | 8 weeks to under 9 years | No explicit limit (pets up to 13 years can enroll) |
| ↪️ Behavioral Therapy Coverage | Not covered | Not covered | Optional add-on |
| 💊 Preventive Care Benefits | Available with Routine Care add-on | Available as an add-on (vaccinations, desexing, health checks, microchipping) | Not covered |
| 🐕 Multi-pet Coverage Limitations | No multi-pet discounts | 5% discount for each additional pet; eligibility depends on each pet’s age and health | No multi-pet discounts |
Additional Budget Direct Pet Insurance Features
Budget Direct offers extra benefits, including the freedom to choose any registered vet in Australia for treatment. It covers orthopedic conditions like hip dysplasia and patella luxation, with sub-limits based on your policy. Cruciate ligament conditions, including related issues like osteoarthritis, are covered after a waiting period. Snake attack treatment reimburses 80% of eligible vet bills up to the sub-limit.
Tick paralysis treatment is covered if preventive care is followed, with a waiting period. Bilateral conditions are treated as one when claiming. The Routine Care add-on, available with Comprehensive and Plus-plans, covers vaccinations and dental check-ups, with no waiting periods or excess but sub-limits.
Budget Direct Pet Insurance Discounts
Budget Direct offers a discount on new pet insurance policies purchased online.
- The 15% discount is available for new Essential, Comprehensive, and Plus-plans.
- It applies only to policies initiated and purchased online on or after February 18, 2021.
- The discount is applied before government charges, taxes, levies, and fees, which may affect the final premium.
- It does not apply to policy renewals – only the first year’s premium is eligible.
Moreover, Budget Direct reserves the right to change or withdraw the discount offer without notice.
Who is Budget Direct Pet Insurance Best For?
If you want pet insurance that covers accidents, illnesses, and major conditions like tick paralysis and cruciate ligament issues—Budget Direct could be a good fit.
The Essential Plan is perfect if you want basic protection without excessive premiums, while the Plus Plan gives higher annual limits.
If routine care like vaccinations and dental check-ups are needed, the Routine Care add-on (available with Comprehensive and) is worth considering. Remember that pre-existing conditions, routine dental cleanings, and alternative therapies aren’t covered.
Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| Three plan options let you choose the right level of coverage for your pet | Waiting periods apply |
| Claims can be submitted online, by email, or by post | Dental cleanings and alternative therapies aren’t covered |
| Optional Routine Care add-on covers vaccinations and dental check-ups | Bilateral condition, limiting payouts |
| Covers up to 80% of vet bills, so you’re not paying everything out of pocket | Pre-existing conditions aren’t covered |
| Annual limits go up to $25,000 | If you cancel after the cooling-off period, there’s a $40 cancellation fee |
| Straightforward excess choices ($100 or $200) let you control upfront costs | Routine Care is only available as an add-on with the Comprehensive and Plus plans |
| 15% discount on new policies purchased online | An excess applies per claim |
| Includes coverage for cruciate ligament issues, which some insurers don’t offer | Policy changes mid-term only apply to new claims, not existing ones |
In Conclusion
Budget Direct allows you to choose the best option for your pet (and budget) from three flexible plans. They reimburse you up to 80% on eligible claims, and the annual limit of up to $25,000 gives you and your pet solid financial protection.
A budget lets you choose your vet, and claims submission is quick and easy, but there are exclusions on pre-existing conditions, routine treatments, and a few other situations, so check the details before you sign up.
You might also like:
- Trupanion Pet Insurance
- RSPCA 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
How does Budget Direct determine the pet insurance premium?
The premium depends on your pet’s species, breed, age, and the plan you choose. Premiums for older pets or those with special health risks are likely higher.
Does Budget Direct provide multi-pet discounts?
No, Budget Pet Insurance doesn’t offer multi-pet discounts.
What types of pets are covered by Budget Pet Insurance?
Budget Pet Insurance covers cats and dogs only if they are not restricted or banned breeds under Australian legislation. Exotic pets or animals used for work, like racing or guarding, aren’t eligible.
Does Budget Pet Insurance cover accidents and diseases in pets of any age?
Pets must be at least 8 weeks old, and under 9 years old at sign-up, but once covered, they remain insurance as long as the policy is renewed.
Does Budget Direct Pet Insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
No, Budget Pet Insurance doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions unless treated, and your pet is symptom-free for at least a year.
