HCF Pet Insurance 2025: Comprehensive Coverage Review for the United States

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HCF Guarantees

HCF offers three plans—Pet Essentials (accident only), Pet Premium (accident and illness), and Pet Premium + Routine Care—with up to 80% reimbursement and a user-selected deductible per condition or period ($0, $50, $100, $200).
Pet Premium + Routine Care stands out for its integrated routine care package (vaccinations, desexing, dental cleaning, microchipping, etc.), while all plans allow optional dental coverage subject to a two-year wait.
A strong point is the flexible design for excess and benefit percentage, as well as built-in access to 24/7 live vet support, emergency boarding fees, and overseas coverage (NZ/Norfolk Island), which distinguishes HCF from many competitors.
However, dental illness and preventive care are only available as add-ons or on the highest tier, and a notable exclusion is all illness coverage for pets enrolled from age 9 and above.
HCF’s exclusions are comprehensive, especially for pre-existing conditions, dental, and behavioral care, so policyholders should closely review the detailed T&Cs before enrolling.

Good to know

The deductible (“excess”) you choose applies per condition, per period; claims for recurring conditions may trigger another excess if separated by more than 90 days. Routine Care and Dental Illness Benefits are only payable if the options are purchased and all relevant waiting periods and annual limits are satisfied. Pre-existing conditions are generally excluded permanently unless deemed temporary and symptom-free for 18 months. Free 24/7 live vet support is available through the myPetPass™ program, applicable to all policies. Emergency boarding is only covered when the policyholder is hospitalised for 5 or more consecutive days (sub-limits apply; see your Certificate of Insurance).

Compare HCF pet insurance plans below to find the right coverage and rate for your needs.

HCF Exclusions

HCF applies broad exclusion criteria typical to the Australian pet insurance market, notably excluding all pre-existing conditions—including bilateral and related conditions—as well as chronic illnesses noted before coverage.

Dental care is comprehensively excluded unless the Dental Illness Benefit is added, which itself requires a two-year waiting period and strict eligibility (including up-to-date routine exams).

A key differentiator is the refusal to cover most preventive or routine costs unless the top tier with Routine Care is selected; even then, sub-limits per item and procedures apply.

Elective, cosmetic, and experimental treatments, as well as training, behavioral, or alternative therapies not specifically listed under add-ons, are never reimbursed.

Geographical coverage is limited to Australia, New Zealand, and Norfolk Island, and coverage is void for animals not within age and species eligibility at policy inception.

HCF Prices

HCF positions itself as a mid-range provider, offering flexible levels of reimbursement and excess (deductible) options that let customers tailor coverage according to need and budget.

The inclusion of broad accident and illness protections, optional routine and dental cover, and access to digital tools like GapOnly® claims and a 24/7 live vet line distinguishes HCF from limited, entry-level insurers without driving costs to the premium segment.

Routine care and dental coverage are only included at higher tier or as add-ons, so those seeking full spectrum coverage will see a moderate increase in monthly premiums.

HCF is not a pure digital player, which limits extreme cost efficiency but is balanced by available member discounts and multi-pet pricing.

Overall, HCF is a strong option for pet owners seeking flexible, reputable cover with reasonable premiums and a modern digital claims experience without the highest or lowest pricing.

Compare HCF plans below to find the best value for your pet’s needs.

HCF Promo Codes

Note: Promo codes are subject to change. For the latest offers, check our comparison of the best pet insurance providers.

The HCF Reimbursement

With HCF’s highest-tier plan (Pet Premium + Routine Care), you benefit from up to 80% reimbursement on eligible veterinary expenses after your chosen deductible—making quality pet care accessible and affordable.

✅ Example 1: Emergency surgery for foreign object removal
Total vet costs: $2,000 (surgery, hospitalization, medication)
Deductible amount to subtract: $100 (chosen annual deductible, first claim of the year)
Amount eligible for reimbursement: $2,000 – $100 = $1,900 80% of that amount reimbursed: $1,900 × 80% = $1,520
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $1,520.
ℹ️ The $100 deductible only applies once per year—future claims won’t be reduced unless you change your plan.

✅ Example 2: Dental treatment for gingivitis (Dental Illness Benefit selected)
Total vet costs: $800 (anesthesia, dental cleaning, extractions)
Deductible already satisfied earlier in the year
Amount eligible for reimbursement: $800 80% of that amount reimbursed: $800 × 80% = $640
👉 You receive $640, directly offsetting your costs.
ℹ️ The Dental Illness Benefit requires a 2-year waiting period and annual dental checks as per policy rules.

✅ Example 3: Routine annual preventive care (vaccination, microchipping, wellness exam)
Total vet costs: $260
Preventive care is fully covered under routine care with annual sub-limits (e.g., $200 for vaccines, $70 for microchipping) Reimbursement under routine care allowance: $200 (vaccines) + $60 (portion of microchipping covered) = $260 max
👉 You are reimbursed up to $260, within your annual routine care limit.
ℹ️ No deductible applies to routine care—reimbursement is capped per service and per policy year.

HCF Assistance

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Jordan Mitchell

Personal finance editor

Jordan is a U.S.-based personal finance editor with over a decade of experience in financial literacy and consumer advocacy. He holds a BA in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley, and a CFP® certification. Before joining HelloSafe, Jordan worked as a financial advisor and later as lead content strategist at several fintech startups. His mission: making money management clear, relatable, and empowering for everyday Americans. At HelloSafe, he writes in-depth guides on topics like insurance, credit, loans, savings, and budgeting—focused on helping readers make smart, confident financial choices.