Who doesn’t love pet insurance? Pet insurance gives you coverage when your pet is ill or hurt and covers a portion of exam fees, diagnostics, and treatment costs for accidents, illnesses, and hereditary conditions. It is designed to reimburse pet parents for paid-out veterinary costs and help offset some or most costs of diagnosing, treating, and managing your cat or dog’s illness or injury. 

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) is recognized as one of the world’s leading animal rescue organizations. So, it is no surprise that they offer award-winning pet insurance to Australian pet parents for cats and dogs.

Their most comprehensive pet plan policy, RSPCA Ultimate Plus Accident and Illness Cover policy, features top-tier coverage and accident and illness care for cats and dogs. A significant benefit of RSPCA pet insurance is the GapOnly service. This allows you to pay the difference between the vet bill and what the insurer covers.

Who is RSPCA Pet Insurance?

The RSPCA has existed since 1871 and offers high-quality care and service to all its customers. Its pet insurance covers up to 80% of veterinary costs, with no excess to pay. The RSPCA partnered with PetSure Pty Ltd and the Hollard Insurance Company. 

With all four plans, submitting and tracking claims is easy, making it hassle-free. Additionally, a portion of first-year premiums goes to support the great work of the RSPCA. RSPCA is an award-winning pet insurance company offering a 10% multi-pet discount and up to $2,000 for cruciate ligament conditions. 

Their website claims that between July 2023 and June 2024, over $117.5 million in benefits were paid out, 99.43% of claims were processed in under 5 days, and 529,185 claims were processed.

Some of their awards include the Reader’s Digest Australia’s Most Trusted Brand Award 2021-2023, Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award 2020-2023, ProductReview.com.au Award 2022-2023, and WeMoney Winner Outstanding Claim Experience winner—Pet Insurance 2023.

RSPCA General Accident & Illness Plan

With this plan, customers get up to 60% of eligible vet bills reimbursed with an annual $11,000 benefit toward veterinary bills. Pre-approvals are given in writing, and claims are made electronically by your vet via an online portal. 

• Claim up to $11,000 in annual benefits with $2,000 per condition
• Up to 60% of eligible vet bills reimbursed
• Coverage from 8 weeks to 16 years of age
• Lifetime coverage option if there are no breaks or changes in coverage
• No excess to pay
• Provides 10% multi-pet discount
• A percentage of first-year premiums help support the RSPCA
• Pets are covered during travel to New Zealand
• $500 for emergency boarding
• Covers up to $2,000 for cruciate ligament conditions
• Covers up to $2,000 for tick paralysis treatment
• Offers a 30-day wait period for specified illness
• 6 months wait period for cruciate ligament conditions
• Lifetime cover
• GapOnly® available

Economy Accident & Illness Plan

The Economy Accident & Illness plan covers up to 75% of eligible vet bills and claims benefits of up to $11,000 per year with $2,000 per condition. The key takeaway with this plan is that enrollment for senior pets is capped at nine years of age, whereas pets under 16 can be enrolled with the General Plan. Routine Care is also available as an optional extra-on.

• $1000 for emergency boarding
• Claim up to $11,000 in annual benefits 
• Up to 75% of eligible vet bills reimbursed
• Provides 10% multi-pet discount
• Covers up to $2,600 for cruciate ligament conditions
• Covers up to $1,000 for tick paralysis treatment
• Lifetime coverage
• No excess to pay
• Coverage from 8 weeks through to under 9 years of age
• GapOnly® available
• Routine care benefits are optional, along with dental cleaning benefits.

Ultimate Accident & Illness Plan

RSPCA’s Ultimate plan also offers an $11,000 annual benefit, with up to 80% of veterinary bills covered. Policies are available to cats and dogs from 8 weeks to under 9 years of age. A key benefit of RSPCA’s Ultimate Accident and Illness Plan is that Routine Care is available as an add-on optional extra.

• Claim up to $11,000 in annual benefits
• .Up to 80% of eligible vet bills reimbursed
• GapOnly® available
• Provides 10% multi-pet discount
• Lifetime coverage
• Coverage from 8 weeks through to under 9 years of age
• No excess to pay
• Routine care benefits are optional, along with dental cleaning benefits.
• A percentage of first-year premiums help support the RSPCA.

Ultimate Plus Accident & Illness Plan

The RSPCA’s Ultimate Plus Accident and Illness Plan features a standard 80% reimbursement rate and the option of Routine Care as an add-on for an additional cost. It provides top-tier coverage for cats and dogs, plus accident and illness care.

You can also opt for GapOnly® and claim up to $20,000 annually. Nonetheless, cats and dogs must be under 9 years of age for enrollment. While there is no excess payment, which can be good, it means that you may be paying more for your policy.

• Claim up to $20,000 in annual benefits
• No excess to pay
• Up to 80% of eligible vet bills reimbursed
•  A portion of first-year premiums help support the RSPCA.
• No sub-limit for tick paralysis
• Coverage from 8 weeks through to under 9 years of age
• Routine Care benefits as an optional extra

What To Consider

Before getting pet insurance for your cat or dog, you should always think about the policy’s inclusions and exclusions. Routine Care options are not available with some of RSPCA’s plans as an optional extra. Other exclusions include:

• Behavioral problems
• Dental procedures ( routine care covers dental cleaning)
• Food & diet
• Grooming
• Elective treatments and procedures
• Some pre-existing conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Included in the Routine Care Package Add-On?

Routine Care is an essential part of pet insurance and pet wellness. RSPCA offers this package in two plans: RSPCA Ultimate or RSPCA Ultimate Plus Cover. This gives you the following benefits:

• Heartworm test or blood screen – $15 a year
• FeLV/FIV test or urinalysis – $15 a year

$50 annual benefit for the following routine treatments

• De-sexing and Micro-chipping
•  Heartworm preventative medication
• Prescription diets
• Teeth cleaning
• Vaccinations
• Alternative therapies
• Council registration fees

2. How Do I Apply a Pre-existing Condition That’s Reviewed?

” Your vet will need to certify and provide veterinary records verifying that the condition remains a temporary condition and has not existed, occurred or shown noticeable signs, symptoms or an abnormality for a period of 18 months,” explains the RSPCA.

3. What is a Specified Accidental Injury?

According to the RSPCA, this includes physical harm or injury that comes about from an accident and results in the following:

• Bone fractures
• Snake bite toxicity
• An abscess that is the result of a bite wound or fight wound
• Tendon injuries or traumatic ligament injuries
• Tissue abrasions or lacerations
• Electrocutions or burns
• An allergic reaction to an insect or spider bites