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Switching Pet Insurance Providers: What You Need to Know

Switching pet insurance providers can be a big decision, and it’s important to understand the key factors that can impact your pet’s coverage. Whether you’re looking for better benefits, lower premiums, or improved service, switching policies requires careful planning to avoid coverage gaps and unexpected exclusions.

This guide will walk you through what to consider when switching pet insurance so you can make the transition smoothly and confidently and help you to make an informed decision for your pet’s coverage.

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Key Considerations Before Switching

Pre-existing Symptoms and Conditions & Coverage Gaps

One of the biggest things to be aware of when switching pet insurance providers is how Pre-existing Symptoms and Conditions are handled. Most insurers won’t cover any condition your pet has shown signs or symptoms of, including treated conditions, that occurred before your new policy starts, even if they were covered by your previous insurer.

  • Tip:

Before switching, consider any past claims you’ve made with your current insurer. If your pet has a chronic condition, think about whether you’d be comfortable with it potentially being excluded from coverage under a new policy. Petsy Pet Insurance offers a pre-existing condition assessment for new members which can help you make an informed choice when you are making the switch.

Exclusion periods & how they impact coverage

Most pet insurance policies have Exclusion or Waiting Periods before coverage begins. These can range from a few days for Injuries (not related to a Specified Condition) to several months for certain illnesses and health conditions.

  • Tip:

Consider holding both policies active for a short period to make sure your pet stays covered whilst completing a Pre-existing Symptom and Condition assessment and whilst Exclusion Periods apply.

Exclusion Periods for Petsy Pet Insurance:

  • 1 Day Exclusion Period for Injury (except Specified Conditions)
  • 14 days Exclusion Period for Illness (except Specified Conditions) 
  • 14 days Exclusion Period for Dental Illness for pets under 1 year old
  • 6 months Exclusion Period for Dental Illness for pets 1 year and older
  • 6 months Exclusion Period for Behavioural Conditions
  • 6 months Exclusion Period for Specified Conditions

Specified Conditions: Cruciate Ligament Damage, Intervertebral Disc Disease, Hip Dysplasia, Patella Luxation, Elbow Dysplasia, Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD), Cherry Eye, Entropion, Ectropion and Lumps.

Lumps won’t be classified as a Specified Condition if your pet was under one year old when your policy started or when you increased coverage.

Comparing Key Features like Coverage & Benefits

Not all pet insurance policies are the same, so it’s important to compare key features to ensure your pet is protected.

Key Features for Comparing Pet Insurance Policies

  • What’s covered and what’s not? Check if there are any specific conditions that aren’t covered.
  • Sub-limits for certain conditions. Some policies have lower limits for things like cruciate ligament issues, dental illnesses, emergency boarding, or hip dysplasia.
  • Excess options. Find out if the excess applies per condition, per claim, or once a year.
  • Benefit percentage and annual limits. These are the percentage of your eligible vet bill the insurer will cover and the maximum amount you can claim each year.
  • Claims process. Look into how easy it is to make a claim and how long it takes to get reimbursed.

Understanding Premiums & Future Costs

Pet insurance pricing is based on factors like your pet’s age, breed, location, and costs of veterinary treatments. Some insurers offer introductory discounts, but this may contribute to increased premiums over time.

Things to consider:

  • Premiums will go up as your pet gets older and their risk increases
  • Some insurers adjust premiums based on past claims
  • Consider whether a short term discount will be worth it in the long run

How to Make a Smooth Transition

Step 1
Step 1

Review Your Current Policy

Before making the switch, check your existing policy for:

  • Cancellation terms and any potential fees
  • Whether you’re entitled to a refund if you cancel mid-term
  • The impact of switching if you have open claims
Step 2
Step 2

Consider Getting a New Policy in Place 
Before Cancelling

To avoid gaps in coverage, you can purchase a new policy before cancelling your current one. If the new policy has exclusion periods, consider keeping both policies to ensure uninterrupted coverage.

Step 3
Step 3

Understanding Your Pet’s Medical History 
& Coverage

At Petsy, we offer a Pre-existing Symptom and Condition assessment for new members to provide clarity on coverage.

  • Tip:

If your pet has a history of health conditions, ask the insurer if they will review the records before you commit to the policy.

Step 4
Step 4

Read the Fine Print

Carefully review all policy terms, including inclusions, exclusions, exclusion periods, claim and reimbursement processes. If anything is unclear, ask the insurer for clarification before switching.

Why Switch to Petsy?

At Petsy, we make pet insurance simple, transparent, and stress-free. Here’s what sets us apart:

Pre-Existing Symptom & condition assessment

Know what’s covered upfront when you start your policy for clarity and transparency.

Extensive coverage with no sub-limits

Get the care your pet needs without hidden restrictions.

Shorter illness exclusion periods

Your pet’s coverage kicks in sooner.


Annual excess option

Helps reduce long-term out-of-pocket costs.

Fast, hassle-free claims

Easy claims process to get 
reimbursed quickly.

Loved by pet parents

Highly rated for customer satisfaction 
and support.

Common Myths About Switching Pet Insurance

“I can carry over my pet’s coverage without new exclusions.”

Unfortunately, switching to a new insurer means any prior conditions or signs and symptoms of them that occurred prior to the end of the new Exclusion Periods may be excluded.

“All pet insurance policies are the same.”

Coverage, limits, and exclusions can vary widely between providers. Always read the details before making a decision.

“Cheaper policies offer the same protection.”

Lower-cost policies often come with less coverage, sub-limits, lower annual limits, or different excess types which could mean higher out-of-pocket costs in the long run. It’s important to look beyond the price and check what’s actually covered and whether it is suitable for you and your pet.

Ready to Make the Switch?

Switching providers can offer better coverage and value, but careful planning is key. Compare policies and review the terms to ensure a smooth transition and to keep your pet protected without gaps in coverage.

Looking for expert guidance?

Get a free quote or speak to our team today on finding the right coverage for your pet.

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Frequently asked questions

You can request a pre-existing condition assessment with Petsy. We’ll review your pet’s medical history and let you know if anything won’t be covered under the policy.

Illnesses or injuries that happen during an exclusion period won’t be covered. To avoid gaps in coverage, some pet parents choose to keep both the current and the new policies active for a short time.

Cancellation terms in pet insurance policies vary between insurers. Some may have fees or offer partial refunds if you paid for the year upfront, so check the policy terms from your current insurer.

Different insurers will have different approaches. If you change your mind after cancelling your Petsy Pet Insurance policy, and request reinstatement within a few days, we may be able to  reinstate your policy without resetting exclusion periods and pre-existing condition assessments. If more time has passed, a new policy needs to start from scratch, so please make your decision carefully.

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Company information

Petsy Pty Ltd (ABN 54 633 343 058, AR 1277359) (‘Petsy’) distributes and promotes Petsy Pet Protection Plus (formally Petsy Pet Insurance), Petsy Puppy Protection Plus and Petsy Kitten Protection Plus as an authorised representative of ThePetInsuranceCompany.com.au Pty Ltd (ABN 38 620 795 735, AFSL 536651) (‘ThePetInsuranceCompany.com.au’). ThePetInsuranceCompany.com.au is an underwriting agency acting under a binding authority as an agent for the insurer; Pacific International Insurance Pty Limited (ABN 83 169 311 193, AFSL 523921) (‘Pacific).
In all aspects of arranging this product, Petsy and ThePetInsuranceCompany.com.au act as an agent of Pacific and not as your agent. Any advice contained in this email is general advice only and has been prepared without taking into account individual objectives, financial situation or needs and you should consider the appropriateness of any such advice, the Product Disclosure Statement (‘PDS’) and the Target Market Determination (‘TMD’) available via http://www.petsy.com.au or by calling 1300 952 790 before making a decision to acquire, or to continue to hold, the product. Terms, conditions, limits and exclusions apply. Please refer to the PDS.

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© Copyright 2024 Petsy Pet Insurance 

Specified Conditions includes:

  • Cruciate ligament damage
  • Intervertebral disc disease
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Patella luxation
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Cherry eye
  • Entropion
  • Ectropion,
  • Osteochondritis dissecans (‘OCD’)
  • Lumps

Lumps means the protuberance or localised area of swelling or unusual growth that can occur anywhere on or in the body including tumours, warts, cysts, growths, mucoceles, haematomas and abscesses.

You can apply to reduce the 6-month exclusion period for Specified Conditions by using our request for Waiver Form. Simply take this form to your next vet visit and submit the completed form back to [email protected] within 14 days of the visit.

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Optional Extra Benefits

During the application process You will be provided with the option to include Optional Extra Benefits that cover certain conditions and Treatments which are not otherwise covered under the Policy.

The Optional Extra Benefits are:

Alternative Therapies, Behavioural Problems, and Dental Illness.

Examples of Alternative Therapies: Acupuncture, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy.

Examples of Behavioural Problems: Excessive licking, fur pulling, pacing and destructive chewing.

Examples of Dental Illnesses: Dental diseases, gingivitis, periodontal disease.