What type of animals can be covered by pet insurance?

Cat hiding under a blanket

Most people insure their cars, home and other expensive possessions, so why not insure your furry friend as well. After all, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Dog insurance

You’ve probably heard sad stories of dog owners having to put down their furry friend when hurt, and often the expenses to help were just too big. Typically, people who find themselves in that heartbreaking situation tend to have no pet insurance. 

Insuring your dog helps cover the cost of saving your little friend when the worst happens. 

The majority of pet insurance companies offer comprehensive policies for dogs. This policy typically covers accidents, illness and vet visits, and treatments. However, they also offer simpler coverage. 

Unlike other pets, insuring a dog is fairly easy and there are many options you can choose from.

Dog coverage might include:

  • Injuries from accidents
  • Illness such as hereditary illnesses
  • Routine check-ups
  • Dental
  • Vaccinations

Cat Insurance

Typically, insuring a cat is less expensive than insuring a dog, but the pet insurance coverage tends to be the same. If by any chance your furry friend gets in an accident or eats something they shouldn’t have, pet insurance will give you more peace of mind when taking them to the vet.

The majority of pet insurance offers lifelong coverage for your pets. So if you get a kitten you can get pet insurance for them straight away all the way to their very last meow.

Cat coverage might include:

  • Injuries from accidents
  • Illness such as hereditary illnesses
  • Routine check-ups
  • Dental
  • Vaccinations

Bird Insurance

You can get bird insurance for almost every bird, be it a large parrot, birds of prey, or small birds. Depending on the type of feathered friend you have, your coverage and premium costs may vary. However, there aren’t that many companies who offer this service. In Australia, Mozo Experts Choice Award^ 2021 Winner Petcover, is the leader in offering insurance for exotic pets.

A comprehensive policy can cover up to $6,000 of veterinary fees, which is good for pet birds. Typically these winged friends are more expensive to treat because they may require to see a specialist vet. Also since some birds may live for a very long time, most insurance companies have limits on the age range you can cover your pet. Birds are typically only covered between the age of 12 weeks and 25 years.

Reptile Insurance

If you’re a fan of the cold-blooded and want to have one as a pet, it can be a good idea to get reptile insurance. Unlike dogs, cats and birds, reptiles are considered very exotic and there are just a few insurance providers who offer policies for these scaly friends, Petcover being one of the best. 

Many reptiles like snakes and turtles can live for a very long time, easily up to 40 years. However, Petcover puts an age limit on when you can insure your small friend.

Age limit for reptile insurance

  • Reptiles: 8 weeks - 15 years
  • Turtles/tortoises: 12 weeks - 30 years

Much like bird insurance, most of the vets who can look after your little companion are usually specialists, so without insurance you may find yourself with a massive bill. That is why benefits include up to $6,000 of veterinary fee coverage.

If you want to check out which pet insurance is the best for you, check out the best pet insurance in 2021.


* Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Pet Insurance Awards