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Pet insurance NSW
60% of NSW residents have a pet, but lots still need pet insurance. Compare 12 brands available in NSW.
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Whether you're worried about busy Sydney traffic or a snake bite in regional NSW, pet insurance can help protect your furry friend. You can get insured for injuries and illnesses caused by car accidents, bites, animal fights and more and avoid expensive NSW vet bills.
*60% – based on Animal Medicines Australia statistics.
Compare pet insurance and get a quote
We know that cost is important, but we can't include costs in our cat and dog insurance comparison. That's because quotes are tailored to the breed of your pet, their age and a few other factors that are unique to you and them. So compare the features of each brand, then begin your personalised quote.
How much does pet insurance cost in NSW?
Pet insurance costs depend on factors such as your pet's breed, how old they are as well as where you live in NSW. For example, a cat in the suburbs might be more likely to run into a Sydney funnel-web spider, while in regional NSW, you're more likely to encounter venomous snake bites and ticks. Because of that, the following table should only be used as a guideline – your personalised quote may differ.
| Policy | Cost per week | Cost per month | Cost per year | Cost of cover over 5 years | Cost of cover over 10 years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accident-only cover | $4.62 | $20 | $240 | $1,200 | $2,400 |
| Accident and illness cover | $8.08 - $12.69 | $35 - $55 | $420 - $660 | $2,100 - $3,300 | $4,200 - $6,600 |
| Accident and illness cover plus routine and preventative care | $13.85+ | $60+ | $720+ | $3,600+ | $7,200+ |
Now consider the cost of some common vet bills.
| Illness or injury | Total cost of treatment | Amount covered by pet insurance (80% of bill) | Remaining amount you would need to pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cruciate ligament surgery | $2,500 | $2,000 | $500 |
| Vomiting/diarrhoea | $200 - $3,000 | $160 - $2,400 | $40 - $600 |
| Tick paralysis | $5,000 | $4,000 | $1,000 |
| Snake bite | $2,000 | $1,600 | $400 |
| Bone fractures | $2,500 | $2,000 | $500 |
| Ingesting a foreign body | $2,000 | $1,600 | $400 |
| Cancer | $2,000 | $1,600 | $400 |
*Disclaimer: Please note that the costs quoted in the above table are guides only. Costs can vary greatly based on severity, required treatment and how much your vet charges. For example, the quoted cost of snake bite is $2,000, but in severe cases treatment could cost well over $10,000.
What's the best pet insurance in NSW?
It's impossible to say what the best pet insurance in NSW is – it depends on what you're personally looking for. To help you find the right policy, here's a breakdown of what's offered by different policies and who those policies might be best for:
| Policy type | What it covers | Who it might be best for |
|---|---|---|
| Accident only | Treatment for your pet if an accident happens. | People who want the cheapest policy, or older pets who are no longer able to get illness cover. |
| Accident and illness | Treatment for your pet for certain illnesses as well as accidental injuries. | Those who want cover for illnesses and accidents but don't want to pay for the higher limits that you get with comprehensive cover. |
| Comprehensive | Accidents and illnesses, with higher limits on what you can claim for, plus other benefits, such as emergency pet boarding if you have to go to hospital. | Those who want peace of mind knowing that they've got the most comprehensive policy for their pet, regardless of the cost. |
As you compare pet insurance policies, look for the following information:
- Percentage of costs covered. Comprehensive pet policies typically cover around 70-80% of vet bills, while more basic ones might only cover 50-60% of costs.
- Benefit limits. Comprehensive cover often pays up to $15,000 per year for necessary vet treatments, while the more basic policies might have limits of around $5,000 per year.
If you're after the cheapest pet insurance in NSW, it's most likely going to be an accident only policy with low limits and a low percentage of costs covered. However, you might be able to get significantly better value in the long run with comprehensive cover.
Is it worth getting pet insurance?
You know your pet better than anyone else, so consider how likely they are to need insurance. Ask yourself:
- Are they energetic? Just like pro athletes, activity can take a toll over time, causing health issues down the line.
- Are they aggressive? If your pet can get a little aggressive, it can naturally lead to a range of injuries. Even if your pet is the aggressor, these injuries are often covered by pet insurance, as long as it's not registered as a dangerous dog and the aggression is not specifically the result of a diagnosed disorder.
- Are they healthy? Just like people, some pets might be born with a range of congenital health issues.
- Are they curious? Sometimes, curiosity can lead to pets doing or eating things that they shouldn't.
It's also typically a good idea to get pet insurance before you need it. Consider the following:
- Pre-existing conditions. These might not be covered if you wait to take out pet insurance. If you get it before the condition develops, then they can be covered.
- Age limits. You generally can't insure animals over the age of 9. However, if you take out a lifetime pet insurance policy before then, you can maintain cover no matter how old your furry friend is.
Are there any exclusions to be aware of?
All insurance policies have exclusions, and pet insurance is no exception. In New South Wales, some of the conditions to watch out for as you compare pet insurance include the following:
- Dental. Not all pet insurance will cover dental needs, like gingivitis treatments.
- Pre-existing conditions. These are conditions that were apparent prior to taking out cover. It can be a good idea to take out cover sooner in order to avoid getting these excluded when they arise.
- Infectious diseases and parasites. Many policies might also require you to make sure your pet's vaccinated in line with vet recommendations as well as exclude cover for preventable illnesses.
You are also required to follow a range of state and local council laws. These are not only a legal requirement, but also a requirement of your pet insurance in many cases.
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