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Pet Insurance Cost

Compare pet insurance plans and prices with Savvy to help find health cover for your animal companion today.

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, updated on October 6th, 2023       

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Pet Insurance Banner

Compare pet insurance

Looking into pet insurance for your beloved furry friend? Whether you have a playful pup or a curious cat, you can compare pet insurance options from a range of providers and find the perfect coverage that suits your pet's unique needs and your budget. 

site-logos Fetch Care Plan

Annual benefits limit

Excess

% Benefits reimbursement rate

Covers illness?

Covers accidental injuries?
$30,000 $100 80%, 90% or 100% pros-item-petins pros-item-petins

Pet insurance we think you’ll love. 24/7 vet support + dental, physio and behaviour cover added (see PDS) all in one app.

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site-logos Petsy Most Popular 80% Cover $150 Excess

Annual benefits limit

Excess

% Benefits reimbursement rate

Covers illness?

Covers accidental injuries?
$25,000 $150 80% pros-item-petins pros-item-petins

Protect your furry friend with Petsy's pet insurance policy. Get a free quote.

More details
site-logos Fetch Premium Plan

Annual benefits limit

Excess

% Benefits reimbursement rate

Covers illness?

Covers accidental injuries?
$30,000 $0 80% or 90% pros-item-petins pros-item-petins

Pet insurance we think you’ll love. 24/7 vet support + dental, physio and behaviour cover added (see PDS) all in one app.

More details
site-logos Knose Pet Insurance

Annual benefits limit

Excess

% Benefits reimbursement rate

Covers illness?

Covers accidental injuries?
$7,500, $12,500 or $25,000 $0 / $100 / $200 70%, 80% or 90% pros-item-petins pros-item-petins

Multi-award winning pet insurance designed with the help of vets.

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site-logos Petsy Value Cover 80% Cover $500 Excess

Annual benefits limit

Excess

% Benefits reimbursement rate

Covers illness?

Covers accidental injuries?
$10,000 $500 80% pros-item-petins pros-item-petins

Protect your furry friend with Petsy's pet insurance policy. Get a free quote.

More details
site-logos Petsy Top Cover

Annual benefits limit

Excess

% Benefits reimbursement rate

Covers illness?

Covers accidental injuries?
$25,000 $0 / $150 / $500 90% pros-item-petins pros-item-petins

Protect your furry friend with Petsy's pet insurance policy. Get a free quote.

More details

Disclaimer: Savvy is not advising or recommending any particular product to you. We provide general information on products for the purposes of comparison, but your personal situation or goals are not considered here. Although we try to make our comparisons as thorough as possible, we do not have information on all products on the market on our site.

Savvy earns a commission each time a customer buys a pet insurance policy through our website. We don’t arrange for products to be purchased from these brands directly, as all purchases are conducted via the individual pet insurance companies.

You should always consult a given offer's PDS or further documentation in the process of deciding on which loan to choose, as well as seeking independent, professional advice. If you decide to apply with one of the lenders listed above via our website, you will not be dealing with Savvy; any applications or enquiries will be conducted directly with the lender offering that product.

When it comes to ensuring the well-being of your animal companion, pet insurance is an important consideration. But how much should pet insurance cost? As well as meeting your pet’s unique needs, a policy must also suit your finances. If you are looking for affordable pet insurance, Savvy can help.

Our free online comparison tool allows you to compare plans from a panel of trusted insurers in moments. Simply enter details about you and your pet to get a range of quotes tailored to your needs. Get started with a free, no-obligation quote today.

What factors influence pet insurance costs?

Pet insurance is a financial safeguard that helps cover the cost of veterinary care, treatments and other medical expenses for your furry friend in the event of accidents, illnesses or emergencies. A range of factors can influence pet insurance prices, including:

  • Breed and age: different breeds and ages have varying healthcare needs, impacting the premium. For example, breeds prone to hereditary conditions may have higher costs, and older pets may face higher premiums due to increased health risks.
  • Coverage type: the extent of coverage, whether it’s accident-only, accident and illness or comprehensive coverage, directly affects the premium amount. Comprehensive plans offer broader protection but often come with higher premiums, while accident-only plans are cheaper but only cover accidental injuries.   
  • Pre-existing conditions: pets with pre-existing medical conditions may have higher premiums. Note that some insurers may exclude coverage for certain conditions.
  • Desexing: choosing to spay or neuter your pet could potentially lower insurance costs by reducing the likelihood of certain health problems.
  • Location: veterinary care costs vary by region, with urban areas generally having higher expenses than rural areas.
  • Annual limits, benefit percentage and excess: lower annual limits or benefit percentages and choosing a higher excess might lead to slightly lower premiums. However, keep in mind that you may face higher costs in the event of a claim.
  • Discounts and offers: Insurers may provide discounts for multiple pets, bundling policies or enrolling your pet young.

How can I save on my pet insurance premiums?

If you are looking to reduce your pet insurance costs, there are a number of ways you could save on your  premiums:

  • Start early: insuring your pet when they’re young can lead to lower long-term premiums and ensure that your pet is covered as it ages.
  • Tailor your coverage: choose coverage that aligns with your pet’s needs, avoiding unnecessary cover and add-ons.
  • Choose a higher excess: a higher excess can lower premiums, but ensure you can afford it when making a claim.
  • Maintain pet health: preventative care, a healthy lifestyle and regular vet visits can reduce the likelihood of health issues and insurance claims.
  • Bundle policies: some insurers offer discounts for combining your pet insurance with other types of insurance, or allow you to insure multiple pets on a single policy.   
  • Look for deals: insurance companies often have special offers to attract new customers, such as sign-up discounts or money off for taking out a policy online.
  • Compare quotes: compare offers from multiple insurers to find the best deal. Using Savvy’s online comparison tool, you can compare quotes from a panel of trusted insurers in moments.

What other potential costs do I need to be aware of?

While pet insurance covers many expenses, there will likely be are likely to be other costs you will need to consider when addressing your pet’s healthcare needs. Here are a few factors to take into account:

  • Upfront costs: even with insurance, unless you have GapOnly cover you might need to pay the vet directly for your pet's treatment and then later submit a claim to get reimbursed for the covered expenses.
  • Out-of-pocket expenses: most insurance policies have cover limits, including annual limits, benefit percentage limits or sub-limits for certain types of treatment, meaning you would need to cover any costs that exceed these limits.
  • Non-standard care: if your pet requires non-standard treatments or therapies, these may not be covered by your insurance policy.
  • Excluded conditions: conditions your pet already has when you sign up might not be covered, meaning you are responsible for any treatment costs related to the condition.
  • Additional coverage: some policies offer optional extras such as dental illness cover, which provide more comprehensive coverage but at additional cost.

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Accident-only

This is the most basic type of pet insurance, covering costs for accidental injuries such as car accidents, poisoning, burns, fractures, snake and spider bites, but not illnesses and other conditions. 

Accident and illness

This type of insurance provides cover for accidental injuries as well as illnesses like cancer, gastrointestinal problems and eye, ear and skin conditions, but not routine care for your pet.

Comprehensive

This offers the highest level of protection, covering accident and illness and potentially routine care such as vaccinations, dental care, worm and flea treatments and microchipping.

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Online fast approvals

100% free

Our comparison service is free to use, providing you with a range of pet insurance quotes at no cost.

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Compare in two minutes

You'll be able to compare offers online side by side in a matter of minutes before you buy.

A Range of Options

Choice of insurers

We’ve partnered with a range of pet insurers to give you more choice when selecting a policy.

Case study: how pet insurance costs work

Pet insurance can significantly alleviate the financial burden of unexpected vet expenses. Take the following example:

Bailey is an active 2-year-old beagle. While playing in the park, Bailey has an incident and breaks his leg, requiring urgent veterinary care:

  • Vet consultation fee: $70
  • X-rays and examination: $120
  • Surgery: $2,000
  • Medications: $40

Total vet expenses: $2,230

Bailey’s owner has comprehensive pet insurance with a $20,000 annual limit, benefit percentage limits of 90% and an excess of $100 per claim.     

Bailey’s owner files a claim with the insurance company after paying the vet bill. The amount is well within the annual limit and the insurance company covers 90% of the vet expenses. However, he must still pay the remainder not covered by insurance as well as an excess of $100.

  • Vet expenses: $2,230
  • Total amount claimable after 90% benefit percentage applied: $2,007
  • Excess payable: $100
  • Total amount reimbursed to Bailey’s owner: $1,907
  • Out-of-pocket expenses: $323

This breakdown shows how pet insurance can significantly alleviate the financial burden of unexpected vet expenses. While the total cost of treating Bailey’s broken leg was $2,230, the majority of this was covered by insurance and Bailey’s owner only had to pay $323.

Frequently asked questions about pet insurance costs

Is the cheapest pet insurance policy the best choice for me?

No – while the cheapest pet insurance policy might be appealing, it’s important to consider whether it provides the coverage your pet needs. The best policy takes into account your pet’s health requirements and potential expenses, ensuring that you have adequate coverage when it matters most.

Does it cost more to insure a cat or a dog?

Pet insurance costs can vary depending on several factors, including the type of pet you have. The average cost of pet insurance for dogs tends to be slightly higher than insurance for cats. This is often due to the larger size of many dog breeds, as well as the fact that they are often more active outdoors, which can result in potentially higher veterinary costs. Additionally, dogs might be more prone to certain health issues that can influence insurance rates.

Which breeds cost more to insure?

The cost of insuring a pet can be influenced by its breed. Some breeds are known to have specific health issues that could lead to higher insurance costs. For instance, breeds with a genetic predisposition to conditions like hip dysplasia or certain heart problems might have higher premiums. Additionally, larger breeds or those with a history of expensive medical treatments could also come with higher insurance expenses.

Will it cost more to insure my senior pet?

Yes – insuring a senior pet generally comes with higher costs. As pets age, they are more likely to develop health issues that require medical attention. This increased risk of health problems can result in higher insurance premiums for senior cats and dogs. However, if you take out insurance when your pet is younger and maintain the policy, your pet should be covered as it gets older.

Will making a claim affect my pet insurance premiums?

Yes – making a claim can have an impact on your pet insurance premiums. Some insurance providers might increase your premiums after you make a claim or multiple claims due to the perceived higher risk associated with a pet that has required veterinary treatment in the past. 

Can I switch pet insurance to get a better deal?

Yes – you can switch pet insurance policies at any time to find a better deal that suits your needs and budget. However, be aware that health issues that developed under your current policy may not be covered by a new policy, or there could be waiting periods before coverage kicks in. Before changing providers, it’s important to assess the terms and conditions of both your current and potential new policies.

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Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd (ABN 78 660 493 194) trades as Savvy and operates as an Authorised Credit Representative 541339 of Australian Credit Licence 414426 (AFAS Group Pty Ltd, ABN 12 134 138 686). We are one of Australia’s leading financial comparison sites and have been helping Australians make savvy decisions when it comes to their money for over a decade.

We’re partnered with lenders, insurers and other financial institutions who compensate us for business initiated through our website. We earn a commission each time a customer chooses or buys a product advertised on our site, which you can find out more about here, as well as in our credit guide for asset finance. It’s also crucial to read the terms and conditions, Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or credit guide of our partners before signing up for your chosen product. However, the compensation we receive doesn’t impact the content written and published on our website, as our writing team exercises full editorial independence.

For more information about us and how we conduct our business, you can read our privacy policy and terms of use.

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© Copyright 2024 Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd T/as Savvy. All Rights Reserved.

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1300 974 066

Sign up to our newsletter

Disclaimer and important things you should know

Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd (ABN 78 660 493 194) trades as Savvy and operates as an Authorised Credit Representative 541339 of Australian Credit Licence 414426 (AFAS Group Pty Ltd, ABN 12 134 138 686). We are one of Australia’s leading financial comparison sites and have been helping Australians make savvy decisions when it comes to their money for over a decade.

We’re partnered with lenders, insurers and other financial institutions who compensate us for business initiated through our website. We earn a commission each time a customer chooses or buys a product advertised on our site, which you can find out more about here, as well as in our credit guide for asset finance. It’s also crucial to read the terms and conditions, Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or credit guide of our partners before signing up for your chosen product. However, the compensation we receive doesn’t impact the content written and published on our website, as our writing team exercises full editorial independence.

For more information about us and how we conduct our business, you can read our privacy policy and terms of use.

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