Money
I just paid $2,730 for my dog’s dental surgery - here’s what I wish I knew about pet insurance
Love your pet but not the vet bills? Here’s why pet insurance might be worth another look.
By Bron Maxabella
When my rescue poodle/terrier/mutt dog, Leroy, stopped crunching his kibble and started giving me the side-eye, I knew something was up. What I didn’t know was that I was about to fork out $2,730 for emergency dental surgery. Eleven pulled teeth (yes, 11! Turns out dogs have a lot of teeth), a round of antibiotics and a slightly wobbly but now pain-free pooch later, I was left staring at a rather alarming credit card bill.
And here’s the kicker: I could have claimed back a large portion of that cost if I’d had pet insurance.
Let me rewind.
Vet bills are no joke
We’re a nation of pet lovers. In fact, more than two-thirds of Aussie households have a pet. And like most of us, I never thought too deeply about the cost of caring for one until I was knee-deep in quotes from veterinary dentists.
Leroy’s case wasn’t that unusual. Dental disease is one of the most common issues in dogs and cats, especially as they get older. And treating it is expensive. Just like human healthcare, veterinary services have advanced rapidly. Our pets can now access top-notch treatment, but it often comes at a premium.
Vaccinations, desexing, and check-ups are one thing. But once you add in things like surgeries, scans, medications or chronic conditions like diabetes or arthritis, the numbers add up quickly. And unlike us humans, our pets aren’t covered by Medicare.
Why I never got pet insurance
Honestly? I thought it was a bit of a rort. I’d heard people say things like, “They never pay out” or “It’s too expensive”, so I shrugged it off. I figured I’d just stash a little extra money in a savings account in case anything ever went wrong.
Spoiler: I never stashed the money.
Pet insurance isn’t perfect, but it’s not a scam either
After Leroy’s surgery, I did a deep dive into what pet insurance in Australia actually covers – and I wish I’d done it sooner.
Most Australian pet insurers offer cover for:
- Accidents and emergencies
- Illness and disease
- Surgeries, scans and hospital stays
- Medications
- Dental (offered as an additional option under some policies)
There are exclusions, of course – like pre-existing conditions, elective treatments, and sometimes breed-specific issues. But the idea that they "never pay out" is simply not true. You do need to read the fine print and choose a policy that suits your pet’s age, breed and health history. And take care selecting the available options on your policy – many will let you choose your excess and benefit limit to suit your budget.
What it actually costs
Premiums vary based on your pet’s breed, age and where you live. But for an average dog or cat, you might pay anywhere from $30 to $100 per month. That may sound steep until you realise just how common it is for pets to need treatment that costs thousands. Even a simple consultation can run you $90 before you’ve blinked.
In Leroy’s case, I later found out I could have claimed up to 80% of the $2,730 bill back – that’s over $2,000 straight back in my pocket.
Bear in mind that this wasn’t Leroy’s first and only vet visit. When I added up what we would have paid in premiums for the past 5 years, it came out to much less than we’ve paid our veterinarian. So yes, I would have come out ahead.
Common myths about pet insurance
Let’s bust a few:
"It’s too expensive." Well, it depends. Yes, it’s a monthly expense. But so is car insurance, and we rarely question our need for that. Vet care is getting more advanced (and expensive), so having some cover in place can offer peace of mind and help you manage your budget.
"It only covers accidents, not illnesses." Not true. Many policies cover both, though you do need to check. Some policies cover accidents in their core coverage option, with others you can elect to have accident-only cover if you want to save money but still have a safety net.
"They won’t cover my pet because she’s too old." Many insurers will cover older pets, though most have an upper age limit for new policies. Once you’ve got an existing policy, you can generally insure for the life of your pet, though premiums may be higher and some exclusions may apply. The earlier you insure, the more comprehensive your coverage usually is.
"Claims are too hard." Most modern providers have apps or online portals to make claiming easy. Upload a vet invoice, fill out a few details, and you’re off. Some will even accept the invoice from and pay directly to the vet.
What I’d do differently now
First: I’d compare pet insurance policies the moment I bring a pet home. The earlier you start, the more conditions will be covered. I’d also make sure the policy includes dental – many don’t unless you pay for an add-on.
Second: I’d treat pet insurance like any other part of financial planning. I insure my house, my car, and even my salary. Why not the furry creature who means more to me than any of those things?
Third: I’d set a calendar reminder to review the policy each year, especially as Leroy gets older. Needs change, and so do policies.
The main thing I’ve learned is: don’t wait until you’re watching your dog try to eat his dinner with the enthusiasm of a 5-year old facing broccoli casserole. Look into pet insurance sooner rather than later.
Pet insurance won’t cover everything, and it’s not a silver bullet. But it can take the sting out of an already stressful situation. And when you love your animal like a family member, knowing you can get them the best care without a financial panic attack? That’s worth a lot.
Leroy's smile might be a little gappy these days, but thanks to a bit of surgery (and a lot of money), he's back to crunching his kibble like a champ. Next time, I’ll be better prepared.
Thinking about pet insurance? Knose offers flexible cover for Aussie pet owners and even gives new customers cashback through Citro. It's worth a look.
Citro may receive a small commission at no cost to you on any orders placed using the links in this article.
Feature image: Maxabella.
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