Pet Insurance for Dogs

Pet insurance is an important consideration for dog owners in Australia. Unexpected health issues, accidents and emergencies can lead to substantial vet bills, but pet insurance can provide protection against such financial burdens. If you’re looking for cover for your dog, Savvy can help.

Our 100% free comparison service allows you to compare pet insurance quotes side by side in moments. Simply fill out an online form about you, your dog and the cover you're after and receive quotes from our insurance partners. Get started on your quote today!

What does pet insurance for dogs cover?

In Australia, there are three main types of pet insurance available, each offering different levels of coverage:

Accident-only

This basic level of insurance generally has lower claim limits and offers more limited coverage, covering only medical expenses resulting from accidents. This could include:

• Injuries from car accidents
• Burns
• Electrocution
• Insect and snake bites
• Poisoning
• Ingesting a foreign object

Accident and illness

Offering a higher level of coverage compared to accident-only plans, this option includes not only coverage for accidents but also a broader range of illnesses. This can encompass various health issues, such as:

• Cancer
• Skin, eye and ear conditions
• Paralysis tick
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Hereditary and congenital conditions

Comprehensive

Comprehensive plans generally have higher annual limits and can cover the majority of your vet bill, reducing your out-of-pocket expenses. This level of insurance provides coverage for accidents and illnesses and can include routine care as an optional extra. Depending on your policy, routine care could include:

• Microchipping
• Vaccinations
• Desexing
• Flea and tick control

Which pet insurance is best for you depends on various factors, such as your dog’s breed, age and health, your budget and the sort of coverage you desire. It's important to consider these aspects to help you find a policy that aligns most closely with your specific needs and provides the necessary protection for your canine companion.

Does pet insurance for dogs have any restrictions or exclusions?

Pet insurance for dogs often comes with certain restrictions and exclusions that policyholders should be aware of. These restrictions and exclusions can vary depending on the insurance provider and the specific policy you choose, but some of the most common include:

• Pre-existing conditions: pre-existing conditions are health issues or symptoms that your dog had or was diagnosed with before the policy’s start date. Make sure to carefully review the policy’s definition of pre-existing conditions to understand what is and isn’t covered.
• Waiting periods: many policies have waiting periods before certain types of coverage become active. For example, a policy might have a 14-day waiting period for illness coverage, meaning that if your dog gets sick within the first 14 days of the policy, the illness won’t be covered.
• Age limits: some policies have age restrictions, meaning they may not provide coverage for dogs that are below or above a certain age, usually providing cover for animals between eight weeks and nine years old. Older dogs might also have limited coverage options or higher premiums due to increased health risks.
• Breed-specific exclusions: certain breeds are prone to specific health conditions. Some policies might exclude coverage for those conditions for certain breeds. It’s important to review the policy to see if your dog’s breed is subject to any exclusions.
• High-risk activities: some policies may exclude coverage for injuries or accidents that occur during certain high-risk activities, such as dog fighting, racing or dangerous sports.
• Routine care and preventative treatments: while comprehensive plans might cover preventative care like vaccinations and routine check-ups as optional extras, not all policies include these benefits.
• Cosmetic procedures: procedures that are considered cosmetic or elective may not be covered by pet insurance.
• Pregnancy and breeding: many policies exclude coverage for pregnancy, breeding-related expenses or complications arising from breeding activities. However, on some comprehensive pet insurance policies, you may be covered for getting your dog desexed.

What influences the cost of pet insurance for dogs?

Several factors can impact how much you pay for pet insurance for dogs. This includes:

• Breed and size: certain dog breeds are susceptible to specific genetic issues or health conditions – for example, Dachshunds are prone to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Larger dogs might also have higher medical costs due to their size.
• Age: the age of your dog plays a significant role in premium calculations. Younger dogs generally have lower premiums as they are less likely to have pre-existing health conditions. Older dogs may have higher premiums due to the increased risk of age-related health issues.
• Health record: your dog’s health history, including any pre-existing conditions, can impact the cost. Some policies may exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions or charge higher premiums to account for them.
• Location: your geographical location can impact insurance costs. Vet care expenses can vary between regions, influencing the overall risk assessment for insurers.
• Coverage: the type of coverage you select can affect the cost. Comprehensive plans covering accidents, illnesses and preventative care tend to be more expensive than accident-only or accident and illness plans.
• Annual limits and benefit percentage: policies with higher annual limits and benefit percentages may result in higher premiums, as they offer more extensive coverage for medical expenses.
• Excess: opting for a higher excess (the amount you pay before the insurance coverage kicks in) can lead to lower premiums.
• Claim history: some insurers may consider your past claim history, especially if you've frequently made claims for your pet dog.