How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost in Australia?
Pet insurance premiums in Australia typically range from $20 to $150 per month, depending on your pet’s species, breed, age, location, and the level of cover you choose. Understanding what drives these costs helps you find the best value without overpaying or being underinsured.
Average Monthly Premiums (2026)
Dogs
- Accident only: $15–$35/month
- Accident + illness: $40–$120/month
- Comprehensive with routine care: $60–$150/month
Cats
- Accident only: $10–$25/month
- Accident + illness: $30–$60/month
- Comprehensive with routine care: $45–$85/month
What Affects Your Premium?
- Breed — Breeds prone to genetic conditions (French Bulldogs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Ragdolls) cost more to insure. Mixed breeds are generally cheaper.
- Age — Premiums increase every year as your pet ages. Insuring young pets locks in lower starting rates.
- Location — Vet costs vary across Australia. Metro areas (Sydney, Melbourne) tend to have higher premiums than regional areas.
- Excess amount — Choosing a higher excess ($100–$200 per claim) reduces your monthly premium. A $0 excess policy costs significantly more.
- Benefit percentage — Opting for 70% reimbursement instead of 80% or 90% lowers premiums but means higher out-of-pocket costs when you claim.
- Annual limit — Policies with $10,000 annual limits cost less than unlimited cover, but may leave you exposed if a major illness hits.
How to Reduce Your Premiums
- Insure your pet young — before any conditions develop
- Choose a higher excess to lower monthly costs
- Consider accident-only cover if comprehensive is too expensive
- Ask about multi-pet discounts if you have more than one pet
- Pay annually instead of monthly — most providers offer a discount