Supermarket pet insurance is rarely as bespoke as policies from dedicated providers, but Woolworths, whose insurance is underwritten by Everyday Essentials Insurance, is definitely one to consider.
Woolworths Pet Insurance Review
Woolworths Pet Insurance, provided by Everyday Essentials Insurance, is one of the best-rated pet insurers in terms of customer satisfaction, and their annual limits are generous, with an upper limit of $30,000 for their premium insurance range.
In the article below, we’ll look at some of the key things that stand out to us about Woolworths Pet Insurance, including the differences for dog and cat owners, and one very unique perk of the policy that you’ll only get with Woolworths. First, though, let’s take a clear look at the pros and cons.
Woolworths Pet Insurance Pros and Cons
✓ Pros
- 10% in-store discount across all Woolworths ranges once a month
- Covers up to 80% of eligible vet bills
- 24/7 digital veterinary support via VetAssist
- Claim instantly on most small to average claims
- Up to $30,000 per pet per year on comprehensive cover
- Specific coverage options for indoor-only cats
- Pay monthly, fortnightly or annually
- Basic cover insures up to $5,000 ($6,250 of care, with 80% covered)
- Winner of Canstar’s Outstanding Value awards
✗ Cons
- Routine care (dental, de-sexing) must be added separately
- No multi-pet discount
- Premiums rise significantly for pets above 8 years
- Premiums reported to rise significantly after claims, even minor ones
About Woolworths Pet Insurance Cover
Woolworths Pet Insurance is generally reviewed as being no-nonsense, without hidden costs, and they are upfront about what is and isn’t covered. Below, we’ll provide answers for some of the most frequently asked questions, and what they mean for you.
What pets does Woolworths Pet Insurance cover?
Woolworths pet insurance only covers cats and dogs. Small mammals, reptiles, horses and birds will require specialist insurers. Woolworths also has a specific insurance policy designed for indoor-only cats, with a lower premium to reflect the lower payouts associated with indoor cats, who are at less risk of illness or infection from being outdoors.
The other policies (from Woolworths Essentials Cover through to Comprehensive Plus) are equally weighted in terms of payouts, and illness or condition covered. That means you can pay significantly less for a smaller dog, but with the same annual cover. Cats are cheaper still, with their risk assessments tailored to them.
Does Woolworths pet insurance cover older pets?
All Woolworths policies are offered on a lifetime basis. If you insure your pet before their ninth birthday they will be covered for their entire life. As your pet ages, premiums do go up with any insurer, but Woolworths is commonly said to have steep rises after your pet’s ninth birthday. Payments can be brought down by raising your voluntary excess.
Is spaying and neutering included in Woolworths insurance?
Spaying and neutering are not covered by any Woolworths policy as standard but can be included as an optional routine-care add-on. These add-ons are an additional cost but pay $50 towards the cost of the procedure.
Does Woolworths cover dental care?
Dental care is not covered but can be added to any policy, including Essentials Cover with a Routine Care add-on. Dental care is considered routine care by nearly all insurers.
Customer Support & Perks with Woolworths Pet Insurance
Woolworths Pet Insurance has reasonably good customer feedback, but there are reports of failed and refused payouts. There is an appeals process by telephone for this. The most important perk of Woolworths Pet Insurance is that you will get access to VetAssist, a 24/7 veterinary advice service accessed through an app or video call.
Not only does this offer peace of mind, but it can be a very useful intermediary, helping you get independent advice about care costs before visiting your clinic. Woolworths customers also receive a 10% discount across all Woolworths in-store groceries once per month — ideal for stocking up on pet food, and a very useful perk of insuring with Woolworths.
Woolworths Comprehensive Cover Vs Essential Cover
Woolworths has four policy levels and an additional policy specifically for indoor cats. There is a lot of variation in what these policies offer, but as the policy increases, the payout increases too.
- Basic Cover — annual benefit limit of $5,000, with up to 80% back on eligible bills. An optional excess payment can reduce your premium dramatically.
- Standard Cover — pays out up to $10,000 per year and includes up to $300 of consultation fees.
- Comprehensive Cover — pays out up to $24,000 per year with the same benefits as cheaper packages, plus the option to add routine care (desexing and dental).
- Comprehensive Plus — their highest level, with all the same coverage as Comprehensive Cover but an annual limit of $30,000.
All of their policies include GapOnly payment options, so you only pay the difference between their 80% payout and the total vet bill at the till.
Woolworths Pet Insurance Frequently Asked Questions
What does Woolworths pet insurance cost?
Premiums vary massively depending on your pet and its breed. An indicative example is a six-month-old Labrador (one of Australia’s most popular breeds): basic cover ranges from $700 to $750, while comprehensive plus is between $900 and $950. This can vary based on state, town or city.
Who underwrites Woolworths pet insurance?
It’s underwritten by Everyday Essentials Insurance, who underwrite their home and car insurance too. Going direct to Everyday Essentials offers the same rates but without the added value of Woolworths’ in-store discounts.
What is the waiting period for Woolworths pet insurance?
Typically 30 days for illness. Accidents and injuries are generally covered in this period. Cruciate ligament cover has a waiting period of 6 months from the first day of the policy.
Where is Woolworths pet insurance based?
It’s managed in Chatswood, New South Wales, but the head office of South African Hollard, the company that owns Everyday Essentials, is based in South Africa.
What is VetAssist?
VetAssist is available across many insurance providers and is a common perk of pet insurance. They offer digital veterinary support and advice 24/7, either by phone or via an app. Video calling is available for routine diagnosis, and they can advise when a condition is worth visiting an in-person vet.
Final Thoughts on Woolworths Pet Insurance
Adaptable payment options and logical customer perks make Woolworths Pet Insurance a sensible choice for any cat or dog owner. And for sensible cat owners, your premium is dramatically reduced thanks to their acknowledgment of your cat’s lower risk. Despite jumps in price for older dogs, Woolworths Pet Insurance is one of Australia’s all-around best pet insurance providers.
Should you have other pets in your home, be sure to get them insured. See our list of the best pet insurance providers in Australia.
