Sydney-based former IAG executives Phil Wilson-Brown, George Lewis and Foo Xin have launched new pet insurer Fetch. 

The startup is underwritten by Pacific International Insurance and offers $30,000 in cover annually, with no sub limits, and extras such as physiotherapy and dental.  

AirTree Ventures led a $3.2 million seed round for Fetch, and it is also backed by vets, insurance CEOs, pet retailers, marketing experts, start-up founders and tech leaders.  

It offers subscription cover, and its technology integrates to directly pay the vet. 

The Fetch website says pet ownership costs are “on the up,” and with only 1 in 10 pets insured, nearly half of vet treatments are now impacted by financial constraints. 

"We’ve rethought the system to be easier, fairer, and more connected. We’re building a subscription and accompanying app that brings together insurance, prevention, insights, and rewards to simplify pet health and help more Aussie pets thrive,” it says. 

Mr Wilson-Brown, who was formerly IAG Head of Satellite, is Fetch CEO. 

"We're starting with insurance but doing things a little differently,” he said. “Unfortunately, most Aussie pets still don’t have insurance. This is putting a huge strain, not just on pet parents, but on the vets caring for our pets too. Great insurance should be the answer.” 

Mr Lewis, who formerly held senior roles at IAG and Poncho Insurance, is Fetch Head of Product, while Mr Xin – formerly IAG Satellite Head of Data and Analytics – is Fetch CTO.