Vet bills can be expensive. This is where pet insurance comes in - reimbursing between 60% and 100% of your vet costs. Compare pet insurance quotes in Perth. Plus, learn more about picking the right cover for your pet's needs.
Compare your pet insurance options in Perth
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.
Finder survey: Did Australians buy a pet during COVID?
Response
No
84.94%
Yes
15.06%
Source: Finder survey by Pure Profile of 1009 Australians, December 2023
Comprehensive. The highest level of pet insurance can cover accidental injuries and illnesses, including routine care costs and other situations such as kennelling - if you have to go to hospital and no one can take care of your furry friend.
Percentage of costs covered. At the upper end, pet insurance policies might cover 80% of a vet bill, although many will cover less, and a few might even cover more. Compare reimbursement rates here.
Annual limits. At a higher level of cover, insurers can pay over $15,000 in a 12-month period for required vet bills. Accident only policies, and more basic cover might only pay out $5,000 a year or less.
Cheapest pet insurance in Perth. Is most likely going to be a low limits, accident only policy. That doesn't mean it's the best though, as your pet won't be covered for common illnesses and injuries that can happen.
Keep in mind: Illness cover can be exceptionally important. Vet bills can accumulate to $10,000 in some situations, so higher limits can be important.
How much does pet insurance cost in Western Australia?
The cost of pet insurance varies depending on a range of factors.
What kind of cover you get. Comprehensive cover is typically more expensive, but your pet is covered for more.
Age. Older pets are more likely to encounter illnesses or other incidents, so premiums will be higher than a younger pet.
Breed and gender. Different breeds of dogs and cats have different health needs and temperament, while gender can also have similar effects.
Size. As a general rule of thumb, larger pets are more expensive to insure, including being more expensive all around.
Whether your dog is desexed. If you want to lower your premiums, you probably want to desex or neuter your pet. This can remove the chance of certain health issues, and greatly decrease the risk of others. It can also help tone down a pet's tendency to engage in more aggressive behaviours.
Location. Insurers will often ask for your postcode in order to assess the odds of a pet being hit by a car. Pet insurance in regional WA might come with lower premiums due to the reduced traffic, but might have higher premiums due the potential dangers posed by kangaroos, snakes and more.
Is pet insurance worth it in Perth?
There are no guarantees, but like any other insurance, if you do need it you'll definitely be glad to have it.
Keep in mind that even a fairly common injury to your pet such as a broken leg, could cost you up to thousands of dollars in vet bills. Having the "bill smoothing" effect of pet insurance can make it a lot more affordable and easier to pay, even if you do end up paying more in premiums than you save.
In the long run, you might be more likely to get value for money than it would initially appear.
Consider the usual costs of pet insurance in Perth for different types of cover.
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 to $12.69
$35 to $55
$420 to $660
$2,100 to $3,300
$4,200 to $6,600
Accident and illness cover plus routine and preventative care
*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 a snake bite is $2,000, but in severe cases treatment could cost well over $10,000.
Is insurance worth it to cover vet fees?
Over the next ten years someone might pay $7,000 for comprehensive cover. During that time they might only claim a few hundred dollars in vet fees, or over $30,000.
It’s largely down to luck, but you might also consider your pet’s individual factors.
Is your pet energetic? Just like pro athletes, activity can take a toll over time. High energy breeds of dog, or just energetic personalities, might be more likely to need a range of treatments in later years. You might claim nothing for 5 years, after which a range of health issues might emerge quickly.
What’s your pet’s personality? Does it get into fights with other animals? Does it like eating things it shouldn’t? Is it going to try to make friends with a venomous spider?
How’s your pet’s general health? Just like people, individual animals might also run into their own health issues. It can be a good idea to take out cover before health issues become pre-existing conditions.
Generally, the older your pet, the more likely it is that pet insurance will be worth it, even though it costs more. Think about getting pet insurance before you need it, on account of:
Pre-existing conditions. If you only take out pet insurance after your pet has developed chronic health issues, these might not be covered. There’s generally a minimum age of 8 weeks before you can take out pet insurance, so there’s a little time for the pet’s personal health situation to become clear to insurers.
Age limits. The maximum age at which you can take out cover is generally 9. However, if you take out a lifetime pet insurance policy before then, you can maintain cover no matter the pet’s age.
Infectious diseases and parasites. Specific preventable and infectious diseases are frequently excluded, particularly when a vaccine can prevent it.
Occupational use. You may not be covered for injuries your pet sustains while hunting or otherwise working. Guide dogs and assistance animals are exempt from this rule.
Breeding and pregnancy. You are typically not covered for illnesses or injuries resulting from a dog being used for breeding purposes, or sustained as a result of pregnancy or giving birth.
Specifically excluded conditions and illnesses
Patella luxations (dislocating kneecap)
Elbow dysplasia
Intervertebral disc disease
Illnesses or injuries caused by parasites, except as specifically covered by your policy.
Cruciate ligament conditions, except as specifically covered under your policy
For dogs specifically:
Infectious canine hepatitis (canine adenovirus)
Parvovirus
Canine distemper
Parainfluenza
Kennel cough
For cats specifically:
Panleukopenia
Chlamydia
Leukemia
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)
Viral rhinotracheitis
Calicivirus
Herpes
Cat flu
Insurers may also decline claims if they are the result of your breaching local council or state pet ownership laws.
Laws for pet owners in WA
All cats and dogs in WA, unless exempt, are required to be microchipped by 6 months of age and registered with the appropriate local council.
In a public place, your cat or dog must also be wearing a collar and displaying a registration tag.
Dog owners are required to keep their dogs under appropriate control at all times, either with a securely fenced enclosure, or by handling it in a suitable way. Excessive barking may constitute a public nuisance, and pet owners may be fined.
In many local council areas, you will be legally required to pick up droppings.
Pet owners are also generally required to make sure their pet is well looked after, with appropriate veterinary care, food, water and appropriate shelter.
Certain breeds of dog are prohibited or restricted, but any dog might be declared restricted by an appropriate authority. Ownership of these dogs carries additional obligations.
In some situations, councils may also set up “no cat” zones for the protection of local wildlife.
The person caring for a pet, whether the owner or just a temporary carer, is responsible for ensuring that all laws are being appropriately followed.
What insurers can I access in Western Australia?
Whether you're after pet insurance in Perth or regional Western Australia, there are a range of different insurers that offer pet cover. Compare quotes and check out some of the different options to find the cover that’s right for you.
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.
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Written by
Andrew Munro
Andrew Munro was the global cryptocurrency editor at Finder. During his time he covered all aspects of cryptocurrency and the blockchain. Before he became cryptocurrency editor, he was a content writer for Finder covering various topics over his nearly 5 years in the role. Prior to joining Finder he was a web copywriter. Andrew has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New South Wales. See full profile
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