Multi-pet insurance

How does multi-pet insurance work?

Getting insurance for more than one pet is easy. During the quote collection process, you’ll have the option to add another pet - do this. Then you will be shown two different pet insurance options at the end of your quote - one for each pet.

Each pet will have their own policy but you can manage it all within the one quote and pay for it together. The policies do not have to be the same. For example, you can get a policy with base level coverage for one pet and a policy with mid-level coverage for another.

What’s better, is that you’ll likely get a multi-pet insurance discount. Basically, this means you’ll receive a discount on your premium for insuring more than one animal with the same provider. To be entitled to this, you don’t have to take out the policies at the same time. You can take one out and add another later and still get the discount.

Can I insure different types of pets under the same policy?

Insuring any 2 pets under the policy is unlikely as each pet needs their own policy. Even 2 identical dogs would need their own policies.

However, you can insure 2 pets under the same insurer and be eligible for a multi-pet discount, regardless of what types of pets you’re insuring. For example, one pet might be a dog, your other pet might be a cat — both can be insured under the same insurer and you’ll be eligible for a multi-pet discount (provided they offer one).

FAQs

• Is pet insurance worth it for multiple pets?

  Owning multiple pets can be expensive and deciding to take out insurance for each of them is a decision for you to make based on what you can afford and what you value. If your pet has an emergency, pet insurance can save you thousands of dollars. If your pet remains healthy throughout its lifetime then you’ll rarely have to claim on the policy. Many people feel like pet insurance is worth it just for the peace of mind. Others prefer to put money aside for a rainy day and forego insurance altogether. Only you can decide what feels ‘worth it’ for your budget and pets.

• Is there pet insurance that covers multiple pets?

  Yes, you can insure multiple pets with one insurer. This may also make you eligible for a multi-pet discount. Insuring multiple pets with the one insurer means having multiple policies but they’re all housed with the one company.
  It’s unlikely you’ll be able to put more than one pet on a single policy as each pet needs their own policy and premiums are calculated based on a pet's individual needs. That’s why you’d take out 1 policy per pet and enjoy the convenience of having these policies with the same insurer.

• Does pet insurance cover more than one animal?

  It can if this is what you elect when you take out a quote but if you’ve only purchased one policy, it will only cover the one animal you elected for that policy. For example, if you have 1 dog and buy a pet insurance policy for it, that policy is only able to cover that dog. If later on you buy a second dog, your pet insurance policy will not cover this second dog. You’d need a second pet insurance policy specifically for that dog.

• Is it cheaper to insure two pets?

  Not really, because you’re still paying two pet insurance premiums. However, if you choose to insure both pets with the same company then you can be eligible for a multi-pet discount. This can typically score you about 5-10% off the second premium.

  It’s not cheaper than having insurance for just one pet, but it can be cheaper than if you insured both animals with different insurers, because then no multi-pet discount would apply.

Written by

Peta Taylor

Publisher of Insurance

Peta Taylor is a publisher at Finder, working across all of insurance. She's been analysing product disclosure statements and publishing articles for over 2 years. Peta is passionate about demystifying complex insurance products to help users make well educated decisions with confidence. Peta is part of Finder's insurance awards team and works alongside editorial and insights experts to bring users the best insurance products every year. See full bio