Compare dog insurance

Dog and puppy insurance: guide to finding the best cover for your dog

While you can't put a price on the love and companionship of a dog, over time, they can be a hefty expense. The costs of a family pup can really stack up, from food and supplies to inevitable vet bills.

You take out home and contents, car and travel insurance policies, so why not insure one of the most valuable things in your life? Your dog. 

More and more Australians are taking out pet insurance, to prevent a decision about a beloved dog’s health from becoming a financial decision. So, if you’re considering purchasing cover for your furry friend, here’s everything you need to know on dog and puppy insurance.

What is dog insurance?

Dog insurance is pet insurance specifically designed for man’s best friend. 

No dog owner ever wants to be in a position where they have to deny their animal medical treatment due to financial necessity. Dog insurance can cover some of those critical veterinary costs, so your dog can receive the treatment they deserve without any need for hesitation.

The idea is that dog insurance reimburses costs you've already paid. So instead of an accident or illness eating into your savings permanently, you foot the bill then claim later to recoup eligible costs.

What is covered by dog insurance?

What is covered by your dog insurance policy is hugely dependent on which pet insurance provider and cover type you select. 

Think about car insurance: you can go for third-party cover, which only covers the other car if you’re involved in an accident, or comprehensive car insurance, which covers both vehicles involved

Dog insurance works similarly. There are different levels of cover available: accident-only, accident-illness and comprehensive. You’ll usually find that an accident-only policy will provide far more basic coverage than a comprehensive policy might provide. Remember to check the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to determine what precisely is and isn’t covered, as it can vary between policy types and dog insurance providers.

What types of dog insurance are there in Australia?

There are different types of dog insurance available that offer varying levels of cover. It’s important to balance your pet’s theoretical medical needs with your current financial reality when selecting a dog insurance plan. 

The levels of dog insurance available in Australia are:There are different types of dog insurance available that offer varying levels of cover. It’s important to balance your pet’s theoretical medical needs with your current financial reality when selecting a dog insurance plan. 

The levels of dog insurance available in Australia are:

• Accident-only dog insurance. This type of pet insurance covers any healthcare costs your pooch might incur if they’re injured in an accident. Injuries from car accidents, fights with other animals, burns or snake bites are typically covered under this policy type. However, be sure to read the product disclosure statement (PDS) as an accident-only policy doesn’t cover all accidents.

• Comprehensive dog insurance cover. A comprehensive plan is the highest level of dog insurance you can take out. It covers accident-illness with the addition of routine and preventative care, such as vaccinations and worming. Again, although comprehensive policies cover the most issues of the three plan types, most will not cover pre-existing medical conditions. Read your provider’s PDS for a full list of all covered accidents and illnesses.

• Accident-illness cover. Accident and illness dog insurance is a mid-range cover that includes injuries due to accidents, as well as illness. Exactly what is covered varies from plan to plan, but most usually include illnesses such as cancer, infectious diseases, and skin conditions. Most dog insurance policies do not cover pre-existing medical conditions (conditions that your pet already had before being insured). Again, it’s essential to check your policy’s PDS for a complete list of all covered accidents and illnesses.

What are the most important factors to compare dog insurance?

Before you purchase a dog insurance policy there are some key things to consider. Each pet insurance provider has different inclusions, exclusions, costs and terms and conditions that might make it best suited to you and your furry friend. 

It’s important to read providers’ PDS to fully understand what is and is not covered.

Here are some of the things to keep in mind when comparing one policy to another:

• Budget. Every dog owner wants the best for their pooch, but it’s important to know what is possible financially. When looking for a policy, go over your finances and budget how much you can afford to spend. From this, you will have an insight into what level of pet insurance you might want to look into and whether a monthly or annual premium will better suit your situation.

• Waiting periods. A waiting period is the required time between when you take your dog to the vet and when you lodge your claim with your insurance provider. It is something important to keep an eye out for when reading the PDS.

• Pre-existing conditions. If your pup has any pre-existing conditions, then it’s always best to disclose this before taking out a policy and confirm that it will be covered. Remember to carefully read the PDS to check whether your pet's pre-existing condition will be covered too.

• Benefit caps. A benefit cap is the maximum total amount covered by the pet insurance policy within an insurance period. This varies between providers, so you’ll want to check the policy’s PDS to learn the annual limit you can claim for your dog.

• Dog breed. Some dog breeds, such as brachycephalic breeds like Frenchies and Pugs, for example, are more likely to have certain illnesses and higher health risks. This means that depending on your pup’s breed, insurance might be more expensive. The size of the breed also matters. The 2021 Mozo Pet Insurance Report showed that, in general, the larger the dog, the more expensive the insurance plan. Tinier breeds of dogs, such as West Highland White Terriers, Miniature Schnauzers and Pomeranians, tend to cost hundreds of dollars less to cover than bigger breeds like Mastiffs. Additionally, a very small number of breeds are considered dangerous and are under strict restrictions in most states in Australia. These are: Japanese Tosa, Fila Brasiliero, Dogo Argentino, Perrode Presa Canario, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Therefore, insurance will probably not be available for dogs of these types.

• Dog age. Most dog insurance is available between the ages of 8 weeks and 8-9 years, after which they are often disqualified for many types of coverage. Some companies increase premiums as your dog gets older and the likelihood of them requiring frequent healthcare increases, so check the policy’s PDS before signing up.