Who is OUTsurance?
OUTsurance is one of South Africa's largest and best-known insurance brands. Their pet insurance sits alongside their car and home offerings, and is most popular with existing OUTsurance customers who bundle their policies. They advertise 1-3 day claim payouts and a unique cash-out bonus — a percentage of your premiums back if you don't claim.
Their plans start at R120/month and offer annual limits up to R60,000. They cover dogs, cats, and exotic pets, with no age limit up to 12 years at signup.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 1-3 day claim turnaround — one of the fastest advertised
- Cash-out bonus — get a percentage back if you don't claim
- Covers exotic pets (birds, rabbits, reptiles)
- Up to 12 years entry age limit
- Trusted brand with established claims infrastructure
- Can bundle with existing OUTsurance policies
Cons
- Only R60k annual limit — low for high-cost breeds or serious illness
- No direct-to-vet payment — you pay first, claim later
- Premiums reported creeping up (Reddit users report R500+ per dog)
- Pre-existing conditions excluded (standard across SA insurers)
- No unlimited plans available
- Less flexible plan options than Dotsure (5 tiers vs 8)
Premium Creep: What Real Owners Report
On Reddit's r/askSouthAfrica, an OUTsurance pet insurance customer reported paying R510 and R506 for two dogs, and noted that premiums had been creeping up with no significant change in cover. Other threads show OUTsurance premiums varying significantly — from ~R150/cat on older policies to R500+ per dog on newer ones.
This isn't unique to OUTsurance — the same pattern appears with Dotsure (47% increase reported on Hellopeter) and other SA insurers. But it's worth knowing that the R120/month starting price is for a young, healthy pet on basic cover. Your actual premium will likely be higher, and it will probably go up over time.
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How OUTsurance Compares
| Feature | OUTsurance | Dotsure | Oneplan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting price | R120/mo | R99/mo | R80/mo |
| Annual limit | R60k | R130k | Unlimited |
| Direct vet payment | No | No | Yes (Onecard) |
| Claim speed | 1-3 days | 48 hours | Same day |
| Exotic pets | Yes | Yes | No |
| Entry age limit | Up to 12 years | No age limit | Up to 9 years |
| Unique feature | Cash-out bonus | Excess Buster add-on | Prepaid Onecard |
Our Verdict
OUTsurance is a solid, no-frills option — best suited for existing OUTsurance customers who want the convenience of bundling, or owners who value the cash-out bonus and don't expect to claim often. The 1-3 day claim turnaround is genuinely competitive.
However, the R60k annual limit is low compared to Dotsure (R130k) or Oneplan (unlimited). If you own a breed prone to expensive conditions (French Bulldog, Dachshund, GSD), you may find that limit insufficient for a single major surgery.
Best for: Existing OUTsurance customers, owners of healthy mixed-breed pets, people who want a cash-back incentive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does OUTsurance cover pre-existing conditions?
No. Like most SA pet insurers, OUTsurance excludes pre-existing conditions. The only SA insurer offering any pre-existing cover is MediPet on their LitePlus tier.
How does the OUTsurance cash-out bonus work?
If you don't claim in a given period, OUTsurance pays back a percentage of your premiums. The exact percentage depends on your policy terms. It's a loyalty incentive, not a savings plan.
Can I use any vet with OUTsurance?
Yes. OUTsurance accepts claims from all registered South African vet practices. No network restrictions.
How long is the OUTsurance waiting period?
Standard 30 days for illness. Up to 12 months for hereditary conditions. Accidents are covered from day 1 in most cases.
Is OUTsurance the cheapest pet insurance in SA?
No. Oneplan (from R80/mo) and Checkers Pet (R69/mo) are cheaper. OUTsurance's R120/mo starting price is mid-range. See our full comparison table.
Not sure which insurer fits?
Use our side-by-side comparison or premium calculator to find the best match for your pet.