Purpose meets protection: New RSPCA Pet Insurance launches

Strategic partnership with Pacific International Insurance creates a new RSPCA Pet Insurance that allows greater influence for the RSPCA and contributes more than ever before to the RSPCA’s animal care initiatives. 

The RSPCA Australia has unveiled a game-changing strategic partnership with Pacific International Insurance, marking a new era for pet insurance in Australia.

 Starting 1 April 2026, the new RSPCA Pet Insurance is introducing customisable pet insurance - developed with input from RSPCA veterinarians and grounded in the RSPCA’s more than 150 years of animal welfare experience - that also helps provide vital funds to support the RSPCA’s work. 

CEO of RSPCA Australia, Richard Mussell said the new strategic partnership will give the RSPCA a stronger voice and enable the trusted animal welfare organisation to take a much more active role. “With a significant share and a seat at the table, the RSPCA now has a greater role in the governance of the RSPCA Pet Insurance, including participation in board-level decision-making. It also provides the benefit of ongoing financial contributions, helping us to achieve even more for animal welfare.” 

RSPCA Pet Insurance CEO Brad Smith described the development as a defining moment and a powerful step forward for the pet insurance sector in Australia. “What we’re announcing today is a great opportunity for animals and the people who stand by them,” he says. “Our aim is to make pet insurance more accessible for pet owners, while increasing resources for RSPCA programs, including rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming across Australia.” 

Smith cited research from Animal Medicines Australia which shows that over 80% of Australia’s 13.2 million cats and dogs are not insured. The survey also shows 23% of pet owners have surrendered a pet because they could no longer afford care, while 18% of cat owners and 14% of dog owners are deferring vaccinations and check-ups due to costs. 

The collaboration between the RSPCA and Pacific International Insurance aims to empower pet owners with accessible and transparent insurance options. Pacific International Insurance COO and Company Secretary Rick Claughton said the partnership was about values. “Commercial success and social impact strengthen each other. Our focus is on providing trusted, customisable pet insurance enabling pet owners to tailor cover that suit their pets and their budget, while also helping to support the RSPCA’s initiatives.” 

He highlighted Pacific International Insurance’s commitment to creating ‘soft landings,’ providing a safety net for pets and their families when they need it most. “Today this extends beyond families and the companion animals they love to soft landings for vulnerable animals across Australia. It’s the first time we’ve structured a framework like this, where the RSPCA is directly involved, with representation at a governance level and input into how the offering was developed and evolves. 

“Rather than a traditional underwriting relationship, this is a genuine strategic partnership built around shared values, long-term collaboration and a commitment to improving outcomes for pets and animal welfare across Australia,” says Claughton, welcoming the new initiative.

 The RSPCA is an independent, community-based charity that receives minimal government funding for its core services, notes Mussell. “Strategic partnerships like this are essential for ongoing financial support and helping us care for animals across Australia,” he says.

"Twenty-three years since it was first launched, RSPCA Pet Insurance is entering a new chapter, leveraging a valuable commercial product to help achieve meaningful progress for animals in need," he adds. 

More than that, Mussell pointed to the work of the RSPCA. “In 2025, the RSPCA cared for more than 77,000 animals across the country, rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming neglected, abandoned or surrendered animals. Our inspectors investigated more than 55,000 cruelty complaints and made 11,000 visits ensuring proper care. This partnership, and all of our other donations together, are essential in supporting these efforts so animals across Australia receive the care and protection they deserve,” he states.   

Smith said at the heart of the launch is PetFlex, a customisable protection plan that enables customers to tailor a policy to their pet’s needs and budget, rather than being limited to rigid and complex pre-packaged tiers. 

“Customers can choose cover options to suit their financial circumstances by selecting their Annual Limit, Benefit Percentage and Excess level. Optional extras can be added in just a few, simple clicks,” he said. “RSPCA Pet Insurance features annual cover options up to $35,000 with no sub-limits and a single annual excess.” 

“Optional extras enhance the base coverage, such as dental illness, providing protection for issues such as gingivitis and periodontal disease, behavioural conditions, for disorders like excessive licking or aggression, supportive therapies including acupuncture and hydrotherapy and routine care for annual health checks, vaccinations and microchipping. Policyholders also gain access to Pet Support, a dedicated phone service where experts provide trusted pet health support,” added Smith. 

“We’ve also developed ‘Direct2Vet’, a solution to simplify the claims experience for both veterinary clinics and pet owners,” Smith said. “With this system, customers pay only the difference between their veterinary bill and eligible insurance cover at the time of their visit. Clinics submit the invoice, and approved claims are paid directly to the practice, reducing administration and eliminating the need for customers to wait for reimbursement.” 

“Direct2Vet helps remove financial friction, giving pet owners greater confidence to seek timely care while supporting clinics to focus on treatment,” he explained. 

“It’s also important to note that customers with an active RSPCA-branded pet insurance policy that started before 1 April 2026 moved with the previous underwriter and no longer contribute to the RSPCA. We warmly invite all such RSPCA Pet Insurance customers to come home to the new RSPCA Pet Insurance, with no new exclusion periods and cover for previously claimed conditions up to your annual limit and benefit percentage.” 

“By choosing RSPCA Pet Insurance from 1 April 2026 onwards, you're not just protecting your pet, you're helping fund programs that extend care to animals beyond your own backyard,” Smith concluded. 

For more information on the exciting new pet protection offering, how to get insured, or come home to RSPCA Pet Insurance which provides ongoing support for the RSPCA’s vital animal welfare work, visit www.rspcapetinsurance.org.au.