CBA Classic Pet Insurance: What It Covers for Cats & Dogs

Updated 6 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

CBA Classic is a pet insurance plan offered by Commonwealth Bank of Australia that reimburses you for eligible veterinary costs for your cat or dog. It typically covers accidents, illnesses, and optional extras like routine dental care, with a 70% reimbursement rate, an annual limit of $12,000, and a $100 excess per condition. This article explains exactly what is and isn’t covered, how claims work, and how to choose the right level for your pet.

What CBA Classic Covers

CBA Classic (underwritten by PetSure) covers a broad range of unexpected veterinary costs for cats and dogs. The main covered categories are:

Accidents – e.g., broken bones, cuts, swallowed objects, car accidents
Illnesses – e.g., infections, gastroenteritis, cancer, arthritis, skin conditions
Hospitalisation – overnight stays, IV fluids, surgery
Diagnostics – X-rays, blood tests, ultrasounds, MRIs (if deemed necessary)
Prescription medications – tablets, liquids, topical treatments
Specialist referrals – visits to veterinary specialists like dermatologists or orthopaedic surgeons
Emergency vet visits – after-hours or emergency clinic fees

Classic also includes optional routine care (often called “Wellness� or “Preventive�) that can be added for an extra premium. This covers things like annual vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, and routine dental cleaning.

What CBA Classic Does NOT Cover

Like most pet insurance, CBA Classic has exclusions. Common ones include:

Pre-existing conditions – any illness or injury that showed symptoms before the policy started or during the waiting period
Routine care – unless you add the optional wellness cover
Grooming – bathing, clipping, de-matting
Behavioural issues – training or behavioural consultations (some plans cover this, but Classic typically does not)
Cosmetic procedures – tail docking, ear cropping, declawing
Pregnancy and breeding – unless it’s a complication that is an emergency
Hip dysplasia – often excluded or subject to a longer waiting period for certain breeds
Bilateral conditions – e.g., if a dog has cruciate ligament issues in one knee, the other knee may be excluded

Always read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for the full list, as exclusions can vary by state and policy version.

How Claims Work

When your pet needs treatment, you pay the vet bill upfront, then submit a claim to CBA Classic. There are two main ways to claim:

Online via the CBA app or PetSure portal – upload the itemised invoice and your bank details. Reimbursement is usually processed within 2–5 business days.
Via the vet’s office – some vets can submit claims directly to PetSure (called “direct claims�). You still pay the vet, but the claim is filed for you.

You’ll need to keep all receipts and medical records. The insurer may request your pet’s full medical history if the condition is new or complex.

How to Choose the Right Coverage

Choosing between CBA Classic and other plans (like CBA Comprehensive) depends on your pet’s needs and your budget. Consider these factors:

Age of your pet – younger pets are cheaper to insure and less likely to have pre-existing conditions. Older pets may need a higher annual limit.
Breed-specific risks – some breeds are prone to hip dysplasia, heart disease, or skin allergies. If so, a plan with higher limits and lower exclusions is wise.
Your risk tolerance – can you afford a $5,000 vet bill out of pocket? If not, choose a plan with a higher reimbursement rate (like 80% or 90%) even if the premium is higher.
Routine care needs – if your pet needs regular dental cleanings or yearly vaccinations, add the wellness option.
Annual limit – Classic’s $12,000 limit is sufficient for most accidents and illnesses, but a chronic condition like cancer could exceed it. Comprehensive may offer $20,000+.

Remember that the excess is per condition, not per year, so if your pet has three separate conditions in a year, you pay the excess three times.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

Many pet owners misunderstand how pet insurance works. Here are the most common pitfalls:

Thinking “pre-existing� means only diagnosed conditions – if your pet showed symptoms (e.g., limping) before the policy start, that counts as pre-existing even without a vet visit.
Ignoring the per-condition excess – if your pet has chronic ear infections, each new episode is a new condition, so you pay the excess each time.
Assuming dental is covered – routine dental cleaning is not covered without the wellness add-on. Only dental treatment due to an accident (like a broken tooth) is covered under accident/illness.
Not reading the PDS for breed-specific exclusions – some breeds have higher premiums or specific exclusions. For example, Bulldogs often have breathing-related exclusions.
Forgetting to update your pet’s age – premiums increase as your pet ages. If you don’t inform the insurer, claims may be reduced.

Another misconception is that pet insurance covers routine vaccinations by default. It does not – you must pay extra for the wellness add-on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does CBA Classic cover dental cleaning for my dog?

Routine dental cleaning (scale and polish) is only covered if you add the optional routine care (Wellness) package. Without it, dental treatment is limited to accidents or illnesses affecting the teeth, such as a fractured tooth from trauma.

Can I claim for a pre-existing condition after 12 months?

No. CBA Classic, like most Australian pet insurers, permanently excludes pre-existing conditions. There is no “cure� period that makes them claimable later. If your pet had a condition before the policy started, it will never be covered.

Is there a waiting period before I can claim?

Yes. Typically, there is a 14-day waiting period for accidents and a 30-day waiting period for illnesses. Some conditions like cruciate ligament injuries may have a 6-month waiting period. You cannot claim for anything that occurs during the waiting period.

Does CBA Classic cover hip dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia is often covered, but only if it’s not a pre-existing condition and only after a specific waiting period (often 6 months). Some breeds may have higher premiums or exclusions. Check the PDS for your specific breed.

How do I make a claim?

You can claim online through the CBA app or the PetSure claims portal. You’ll need the itemised invoice from your vet, your policy number, and your bank details. Alternatively, your vet can submit the claim directly to PetSure on your behalf.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.