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Why compare pet insurance with Finder?
You pay the same price as buying directly from the pet insurer.
We're not owned by an insurer (unlike other comparison sites).
We don't ask for your phone or email.
We've reviewed over 35 policies on the market, so you don't have to.
What is dog insurance?
Dog insurance works like this: You pay a monthly premium – usually around $20 to $60 per month – and in exchange, your insurer pays a percentage of your dog's vet bills when they get sick or injured.
Most of the dog insurance providers on Finder pay between 80% and 100% of the vet bill. You can claim up to $25,000 a year with some policies, though most have a cap (annual limit) of around $15,000.
When you first take out dog insurance, you'll typically need to wait around 30 days before you're covered for illnesses, though accidents are covered straight away.
What does dog insurance cover?
Dog insurance can cover your furry friend for the following:
Accidents
Most cheap dog insurance policies can cover accidental injuries such as a fracture, snake bite or bite wound. For example, if your dog is hit by a car and fractures its leg, a typical accident insurance policy can pay for 80% of the vet bill.
Illnesses
If your dog gets sick, pet insurance can typically cover 80% of the vet bill. It can help pay for cancer treatment, skin conditions, eye and ear conditions and more. You'll find illnesses covered in more comprehensive policies.
Routine care
Routine care encompasses preventative treatments such as dental care, vaccinations, desexing and microchipping. It's usually available as an optional add-on with comprehensive dog insurance policies.
How much does dog insurance cost?
Dog insurance costs around $840 per year for accident and illness cover. This figure is based on the average costs of the 560 dog breeds available in Australia. Keep in mind though, that the costs will vary depending on your dog's breed, age and where you live. For instance, it's likely to cost you around $1,131 a year to insure a poodle, whereas a French bulldog is likely to be almost double that at approximately $2,309. You can find out more about average dog insurance costs by breed here.
Illnesses. Medibank, PIA and RSPCA are the only insurers available on Finder that cover older dogs for both illnesses and accidents. Most will not cover you for illnesses if you try to take out a policy after your dog turns 9.
Pre-existing conditions. If you are able to take out illness cover, you won't be covered for any pre-existing conditions your dog has. A pre-existing condition is an ailment your dog had before you took out a policy.
Get dog insurance for your breed
Why you can trust Finder's pet insurance experts
We're free
You pay the same as buying directly from the pet insurer. Better still, we regularly run exclusive deals that you won't find on any other site – plus, our tables make it easy to compare policies.
We're experts
Our team of pet insurance experts have researched and rated 25+ policies as part of the Finder Awards. We've produced guides on everything from the best policies to jargon-free explainers.
We're independent
Unlike other comparison sites, we're not owned by an insurer. That means our opinions are our own and we work with lots of pet insurance brands, making it easier for you to find a good deal.
We're here to help
Since 2016, we've helped 110,000+ people find pet insurance by explaining your cover options, simply and clearly. We'll never ask for your number or email. We're here to help you make a decision.
Your questions about dog insurance answered
Yes, if you're looking for cheap pet insurance for dogs, you might want to consider getting an accident-only or accident and illness policy. These cost around $68 or $198 per month, if you insure a 1-year old dog according to Finder research.
Yes, you can read our review of Guide Dog pet insurance here. It offers 3 levels of cover to choose from, a portion of your premium goes towards Guide Dogs Australia and you get $1,000,000 Third Party Liability, which can cover legal fees if something happens.
If you think you would struggle to pay thousands of dollars in vet bills, then you should probably get dog insurance. It typically pays for 80% of the costs if your dog gets sick or injured, and you can usually claim between $12,000 and $25,000 per year. It means you don't need to worry about expensive vet bills because your dog can get the treatment it needs.
Dog insurance costs vary from around $20 to $60 per month. However, how much you'll pay depends on your dog's breed, its age and where you live in Australia (you'll typically pay more if you live in a rural area). Get a quote from leading Australian brands today.
Gary Ross Hunter is an editor at Finder, specialising in insurance. He’s been writing about life, travel, home, car, pet and health insurance for over 6 years and regularly appears as an insurance expert in publications including The Sydney Morning Herald, news.com.au, The Telegraph, Explore Travel and Escape. Gary holds a Kaplan Tier 1 General Insurance (General Advice) certification and a Kaplan Tier 1 Generic Knowledge certification which meets the requirements of ASIC Regulatory Guide 146 (RG146).
Owning a dog can cost way more than you think. On this episode of Pocket Money, we learn why certain breeds are more expensive, and other pet ownership FAQs.
Policies vary – some do include cover for imaging tests and X-rays (up to any stated benefit limit percentage). Terms and conditions will apply, so it’s a good idea to contact a provider directly if you’ve any further questions on how this type of coverage works.
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Are scans such as a PET/CT exanimation for cancer diagnosis covered in pet insurance
Hi Joe,
Policies vary – some do include cover for imaging tests and X-rays (up to any stated benefit limit percentage). Terms and conditions will apply, so it’s a good idea to contact a provider directly if you’ve any further questions on how this type of coverage works.
I hope this helps.
Best,
James