Budget Direct Pet Insurance — Essential

Budget Direct Essential is the entry point to a range that runs on Auto & General's own insurance platform rather than a specialist pet administrator. Dogs and cats from eight weeks are covered for eligible accidents and illnesses at a fixed 80% reimbursement, against a $12,000 annual limit and a $100 or $200 excess per condition. Sub-limits apply: $4,000 for orthopaedic conditions, $2,600 for cruciate ligaments, and $1,000 each for tick paralysis and snake attacks. Accident cover begins after just two days.