What Pet Insurance Costs in Australia (2026)
Pet insurance premiums in Australia are driven primarily by species, breed, age and cover level, in that order of impact. Location and postcode also play a role, since vet costs in major cities run higher than in regional areas.
Why Dogs Cost More to Insure Than Cats
Dogs are claimed on more frequently and for higher amounts than cats, largely because of breed-related orthopaedic conditions (hip dysplasia, cruciate ligament tears), higher rates of foreign-body ingestion, and a wider range of breed-specific hereditary conditions.
Cats are cheaper to insure on average, but certain conditions — chronic kidney disease and diabetes in older cats, for instance — can still generate substantial claims later in life.
Other Factors That Move Your Premium
- Breed: brachycephalic breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, British Shorthairs) and large breeds prone to joint issues cost noticeably more to insure.
- Age at sign-up: premiums rise with the age of the pet at the time of enrolment, and very old pets may be ineligible for new policies altogether.
- Excess and reimbursement rate: choosing a higher excess or lower reimbursement percentage lowers your premium.
- Annual limit: a $10,000 cap costs less than a $30,000 or unlimited cap, all else equal.
- Desexing status: some insurers offer modest discounts for desexed pets.
This page is for educational purposes and isn't personalised advice. Premiums, terms and eligibility vary by insurer, pet and individual circumstances — always check the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before buying.