Australia’s largest ecommerce pet supplies store, Pet Circle, has launched its next major venture in pet care with Pet Circle Insurance – its most significant new offering since its inception in 2011.

In announcing the launch, Pet Circle CEO and co-founder, Mike Frizell said, “Pet parents are being underserved by other pet insurance providers and there was a clear opportunity to provide a better policy.

“Our Pet Circle Vet Squad that work in veterinary clinics, told us that many pet insurance policies were not up to scratch, with sub-limits catching out pet parents. In fact, about 85% of Australian pet insurance products impose sub-limits that could restrict pets from receiving the best possible treatment. We decided Pet Circle could do better by providing a more extensive and straightforward pet insurance option for dogs and cats.”

Pet Circle Insurance offers one of the highest policy limits in Australia for dogs at $30,000 per year to cater for rising vet costs and a single annual excess, while eliminating sub-limits so pet parents can claim up to their annual limit.

“We have eliminated confusing pet insurance policy features such as sneaky sub-limits on payouts on accidents or illness, to make it simpler and easier for pet parents to take care of their pet’s health,” Frizell said.

“A lot of pet insurance policies in the market still have caps on certain conditions or treatments like paralysis tick, which can have a $1,200 sub-limit but can cost up to $4,336. With Pet Circle Insurance, you don’t have to choose between your finances and your pet’s health.”

Pet Circle Insurance policies can be personalised with different annual limits, annual excesses (from $0 to $150) and reimbursements (up to 90%), so pet parents can find the best monthly price. A 360-degree Care Optional Extras package can also be added, covering dental illness, behavioural problems, and supportive therapies like acupuncture, physiotherapy, and hydrotherapy.

Unlike other policies, excesses are annual and policies can be cancelled at any time, even if a claim has been paid. Policy holders also have free access to a Pet Care Team so they can speak to insurance experts or a registered vet or vet nurse for general advice.