Knose Pet Insurance vs Woolworths Pet Insurance — 2026 cat insurance comparison
By Catstuff Editorial · Updated 2026-05-13
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Knose Pet Insurance and Woolworths Pet Insurance both insure cats in Australia. Knose Pet Insurance is underwritten by PetSure; Woolworths Pet Insurance by PetSure. Same underwriter, similar product DNA — the differentiators are price, member discounts, and the claims app.
Most domestic shorthairs under 8 — flexible cover at a good price.
Budget-conscious owners of healthy young-to-middle cats.
The verdict in one line
- Cheaper monthly: Woolworths Pet Insurance starts $6 less per month.
- Stronger hereditary cover: Knose Pet Insurance (Standard) — matters if your cat is a pedigree with known genetic risk.
Side-by-side
| Feature | Knose Pet Insurance | Woolworths Pet Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Underwriter | PetSure | PetSure |
| From / month (1yo DSH) | $32 | $26 |
| To / month (1yo DSH) | $58 | $56 |
| Annual limit | Up to $15,000 | $8,000 (Basic), $15,000 (Comprehensive) |
| Reimbursement | 60% / 70% / 80% | 70% / 80% |
| Excess options | $0 / $200 / $500 | $100 / $200 |
| Illness waiting period | 21 days (illness), 0 days (accident after 24hr) | 30 days (illness), 0 days (accident) |
| Hereditary cover | Standard | Limited |
| Routine care | Optional add-on | Optional add-on |
| Vet direct-pay | No | No |
| Accepts kittens from | From 8 weeks | From 8 weeks |
| Senior new enrolments | No upper enrolment age, but premiums steep after 9 | Continuing cover only after 9 |
Knose Pet Insurance — what it does well
Knose is the most customisable insurer in Australia. Pick your excess, reimbursement %, and annual limit — premium adjusts in real-time. Great for owners who know their budget and want to shape cover around it. Underwritten by PetSure (the dominant AU pet underwriter).
- Customise excess ($0–$500), reimbursement (60–80%) and annual limit
- Optional routine care covers vaccinations, desexing, microchip
- Fast app-based claims (most paid in 3–5 days)
- No age cap on continuing cover once enrolled
Woolworths Pet Insurance — what it does well
Woolworths Insurance is a PetSure policy with the Woolworths branding bolted on. The Basic plan undercuts most other comprehensive options. Everyday Rewards members get a small ongoing discount. Functionally identical to other PetSure policies — pick on price.
- Cheapest comprehensive plan in the AU market (~$26/mo)
- Everyday Rewards discount stacks (5–10%)
- Same PetSure claims process as Knose, RSPCA Pet
Which one wins for your cat?
- Young domestic shorthair, healthy, indoor-only: Woolworths Pet Insurance — the small premium gap matters more than hereditary cover for a low-risk cat.
- Pedigree with hereditary risk (Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Persian, Sphynx, Burmese, British Shorthair): Knose Pet Insurance — the stronger hereditary cover usually pays for itself by year 5.
- Older cat (8+) being newly enrolled: Whichever still accepts new enrolments at this age. Check current rules — the answer drifts year-to-year.
- Big upfront vet bill is your worry, not the monthly premium: Neither — both reimburse after you pay.
More cat insurance comparisons
Updated 2026-05-13 · Not financial advice — read each insurer's PDS before buying. Premium snapshots are mid-2026 indicative quotes for a 1-year-old domestic shorthair, metro postcode.