Read the fine print
Pet insurance waiting periods, exclusions and pre-existing conditions
These terms decide what a policy pays and when. We explain each one in plain words, then give you the questions to answer from the insurer's own documents before you decide.
What each fine print term means in plain words
Pick a term. Each one is explained in general terms, with what to look for in the policy. The insurer's own definition always decides how it applies.
Waiting periods
A waiting period is a stretch of time after your cover starts when certain claims are not paid. It runs from the start date in your policy, not from when you first looked at quotes. One policy can list several, for example one for accidents, one for illnesses and others for particular conditions. The PDS says which apply and how long each runs. Check whether any can be shortened or waived, and whether they start again if you change policies.
Exclusions
An exclusion is something the policy will not pay for. General exclusions apply to every pet on the policy. Others may be tied to a breed, a condition or a type of treatment. The full list is in the PDS. Check whether the insurer can also add exclusions specific to your pet after looking at its vet history, and where those would be shown, such as your certificate of insurance.
Pre-existing conditions
A pre-existing condition is, broadly, an illness, injury or sign of one that showed up before your cover started. The insurer's exact definition matters more than any summary, including this one. Check whether it includes symptoms your vet had not yet named, and signs that first appear during a waiting period. Then check whether the policy ever reconsiders a past condition, and on what terms.
Benefit limits
A benefit limit is the most a policy will pay. There may be an overall limit, plus smaller limits for particular conditions or treatments, often called sub-limits. The benefit percentage is the share of an eligible vet bill the policy pays back after any excess. Once a limit is reached, nothing more is paid for that item until it resets, if it does. Our claims page shows how these fit together.
What this page covers, one term at a time
Jump to the term you are stuck on, or read from the top. The checklist of questions sits near the end.
Where to next
Pet Insurance
Pet insurance Australia explained in plain words: what it is, the main kinds of cover and the documents to read. General information only.
Compare Cover
How to compare pet insurance: the points to check in each policy document, set out side by side. General information only, no rankings.
Cover Types
Types of pet insurance explained: accident, illness and comprehensive cover, what each generally includes and what to check in the policy.
Claims
How pet insurance claims work, from vet visit to payment, plus excess, benefit percentage and limits in plain words. General information only.
Buying Guides
Pet product buying guides for Australian dog and cat owners: food, health, gear and life stages. Pick the guide that fits your pet.
Pet Food
Dog food guide Australia, with cat food too: life stage, size, complete and balanced labels and switching food safely. Know what to check.
Read something that does not match a policy? Tell us.
We correct mistakes when we find them. If a term here reads differently in the documents you are looking at, or you have a question about this guide, send us a message.