Pet ownership has skyrocketed since the pandemic, with people seeking companionship and comfort from their furry friends. Whether you’re looking for a pet sitter while you’re away or simply want to ensure that your pet receives the best care possible, managing their health can be both rewarding and costly.
If you’re a pet parent, understanding pet insurance costs is crucial to managing their expenses. In 2025, vet fees are climbing faster than ever, and pet insurance costs per month can feel like an extra bill you’re not sure about. But when a single emergency visit can set you back thousands, insurance might just be the safety net you need.
With the demand for pet insurance increasing, the question arises: Is pet insurance worth it? This blog breaks it down: what’s covered, what you’ll pay, and whether dog insurance costs actually save you money in the long run.
What Does Pet Insurance Cover in 2025?
The idea behind pet insurance is simple: you pay a monthly premium, and in exchange, the insurer helps cover the cost of veterinary care. There are various levels of coverage depending on the policy you choose, ranging from basic accident-only policies to comprehensive accident and illness plans.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect from pet insurance in 2025.
- Accident & Illness
This is typically the core of most pet insurance policies. If your pet suffers an injury or becomes ill, the policy can cover the cost of treatment, including surgeries, medications, and hospital stays. Some policies cover more severe treatments, like cancer treatments or emergency care.
- Routine Care (Optional Add-ons)
Some insurers offer routine care as an add-on, covering services such as annual check-ups, vaccinations, and dental care. However, this isn’t included in most standard policies, so be prepared to pay extra if you want that coverage.
- Breed-Specific Conditions
Certain breeds are more prone to specific health issues. For example, large dog breeds may be prone to hip dysplasia, while some small dogs may be more susceptible to dental problems. Many insurers now offer plans that cover these breed-specific conditions, but again, this might require a more specialised plan.
- What’s Often Excluded
As with any insurance, there are some exclusions. Pre-existing conditions are generally not covered, meaning if your pet already has a health issue before signing up, you won’t be able to claim for it. Elective procedures, like cosmetic surgery or behavioural treatments, are also typically excluded from most policies.
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How Much Is Pet Insurance in 2025? (With Cost Ranges)
Now, let’s get into the numbers. Pet insurance cost per month can vary significantly depending on your pet’s breed, age, and health. Here’s a rough guide to what you can expect to pay in 2025:
- Dog insurance costs typically range from $40 to $100 per month. Small or mixed-breed dogs tend to cost less, while larger or purebred dogs, especially those prone to certain health conditions, may push the premium higher.
- For cats, pet insurance costs are generally lower, ranging from $20 to $50 per month. Cats are typically healthier than dogs and less likely to require expensive treatments, which is reflected in their lower premiums.
However, the exact pet insurance cost per month can vary depending on factors such as your pet’s age, breed, and whether they have any pre-existing conditions. Older pets or those with known health issues will likely see higher premiums.
Cost Comparison by Breed and Age
If you’re wondering how much is dog insurance for a purebred dog compared to a mixed-breed one, the cost difference can be significant. For example, a French Bulldog, known for its breathing problems, may incur higher premiums than a mixed-breed dog. Older pets also tend to be more expensive to insure, as they are more likely to develop health issues.
Check with your insurer to understand how their premiums are calculated based on your pet’s specific profile.
Dog Insurance Cost: What Impacts Premiums?
Several factors influence dog insurance costs. Let’s take a closer look at what determines how much you’ll pay for dog insurance in 2025:
- Size and Breed: Larger dogs tend to have a higher incidence of health problems, and certain breeds are more susceptible to specific conditions. As mentioned, dogs like French Bulldogs, Dachshunds, or Bulldogs might cost more to insure due to their breed-specific issues.
- Age of the Dog: Older dogs generally cost more to insure because they’re more likely to develop health problems. Puppies or young adult dogs will typically have lower premiums.
- Pre-existing Conditions: If your dog has a pre-existing health issue, it can increase your premiums, or you may even be denied coverage for that specific condition.
- Level of Coverage: Basic accident-only coverage will be more affordable than comprehensive plans that include both accidents and illnesses. Comprehensive plans often cost more but offer better coverage for your pet.
Real Vet Costs vs Insurance: Is It Worth It?
So, let’s compare the cost of a typical vet visit with and without pet insurance.
For example, ACL surgery for a dog can easily cost between $3,000 and $5,000 out-of-pocket. If you have comprehensive pet insurance, this could be partially or fully covered depending on your plan. Without insurance, you’d be stuck paying the full amount.
Similarly, emergency care for illnesses, like a sudden poisoning or severe injury, can run into the thousands. Routine dental work for dogs can cost around $1,000 to $2,000 without insurance, but with coverage, you might only pay a fraction of that.
The key is finding the “break-even” point, the moment when your insurance premiums save you more than you’d pay in vet bills. For accident-prone or older pets, pet insurance can be a game-changer.
How to Choose the Right Policy
Choosing the right pet insurance is about finding a policy that suits both your pet’s needs and your budget. Here are a few tips to guide your decision:
- Accident-only vs Accident & Illness: If your pet is generally healthy, an accident-only plan could be sufficient. However, for older or more fragile pets, accident and illness coverage is recommended.
- Routine Care Add-ons: If your pet requires frequent veterinary visits or preventive care, adding routine care coverage may be a worthwhile option.
- Excess (Deductible): The excess amount is what you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket before the insurance kicks in. Higher excess means lower premiums, but you will have to pay more if you need to make a claim.
- Reputation of the Provider: Always choose an insurer with a strong reputation and positive reviews. Also, verify their claims process to ensure it is smooth and transparent.
Don’t forget to read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to understand exactly what’s covered and any exclusions.
Alternatives to Traditional Pet Insurance
If pet insurance doesn’t seem like the right fit, there are other ways to manage your pet’s healthcare costs. Some options include:
- Pet Care Savings Accounts: Set aside money specifically for your pet’s healthcare needs.
- Vet Payment Plans: Some vets offer financing options that allow you to pay for treatments in instalments.
- Pay-as-you-go Wellness Plans: These plans let you pay for routine care on a pay-as-you-go basis, without committing to monthly premiums.
Final Thoughts: Should You Get Pet Insurance in 2025?
Ultimately, whether pet insurance is worth it depends on your pet and your budget. If you have an older or high-risk pet, dog insurance or pet insurance can help offset unexpected vet bills. However, if your pet is young, healthy, and not prone to accidents, the cost of premiums might not justify the expense.
In conclusion, your pet insurance cost per month depends on your pet’s age, breed, and health. But for many pet owners, the peace of mind that comes with coverage is priceless.
And for peace of mind when you’re away from home, choose Happy House Sitters. You can browse a list of verified sitters to look after your home and pet while you’re away. Visit https://www.happyhousesitters.com.au/ to find someone you can trust.
FAQs
Is pet insurance worth it for older dogs?
Yes, pet insurance is often worth it for older dogs. They’re more likely to develop health issues, and the cost of treatment can be significant.
Can I get pet insurance with pre-existing conditions?
Unfortunately, pet insurance typically doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions. However, some insurers offer limited coverage for conditions diagnosed after the policy starts.
What’s the best pet insurance in Australia?
The best pet insurance depends on your pet’s needs. Research different providers to find one that offers the right balance of coverage and affordability.
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