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Here are some questions to ask before you choose a policy
Aussies love their pets, and it’s a love that comes at a price. Over AUD$33.2 billion is spent each year on pet supplies and healthcare. But while most of that expenditure is planned for, inevitably there will be healthcare emergencies that arise unexpectedly, and these can be tough to plan for.
Pet insurance can help with the cost of unexpected veterinary care, but many people still stick to a savings plan to prepare for a rainy day. The challenge is working out which method suits your pet and your situation. Asking a few clear questions early can make the process easier and help you avoid surprises later.
What is pet insurance?
Pet insurance is designed to help cover the cost of unexpected vet treatment. You may be reimbursed a percentage of eligible costs up to an annual limit that depends on the product and provider you choose.
Policies can vary in how much they cover and how much you pay in premiums. In most cases, higher levels of cover come with higher premiums.
Why consider pet insurance?
Veterinary care in Australia is not subsidised in the same way as human healthcare; there’s no Medicare for pets. Costs can add up quickly, especially for emergency treatment, hospital stays or surgery. And when those costs come unexpectedly (as healthcare issues so often do), pet carers can be left in a tough financial situation. It’s times like this when euthanasia comes into play as a last resort – a terrible outcome for pets, owners and vets.
For some pet owners, insurance is one way to prepare for those unexpected expenses and avoid a worst-case scenario. Some people prefer to self-fund through savings. Others value the predictability of a policy. The right approach depends on your situation.
How old is your pet?
Most policies allow you to insure a puppy or kitten from around eight weeks of age. Taking out cover as early as possible can help cover as many conditions as possible and reduce the chance of exclusions for pre-existing conditions later on.
Pre-existing conditions usually won’t be covered if they were known prior to purchasing a pet insurance policy. However, some insurers consider some pre-existing conditions temporary.
If your pet hasn’t presented any symptoms of these conditions for a certain period of time, they may no longer be considered pre-existing under the policy. It’s worth checking the Product Disclosure Statement of any policy you’re considering to find out if this is the case.
If your pet is older, you may have fewer options available. It’s still worth comparing policies to understand what’s on offer.
What does the policy cover?
Coverage varies depending on the product you choose. More comprehensive policies may include accidents and illnesses such as injuries, infections or chronic conditions.
Eligible costs can include consultations, medications, diagnostics and surgery. Always check the Product Disclosure Statement so you understand exactly what is included.
What is not covered?
Pet insurance is generally designed for unexpected events. Routine care like vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and grooming is usually not included in standard cover.
Some policies offer optional extras for routine care or dental treatment, but these are not always included by default.
Pre-existing conditions are also typically excluded. These are conditions your pet showed signs of before the policy started or during any waiting period.
While a personal pet health savings fund isn’t subject to any of this, it does require you to put away substantial sums of money in the event of a healthcare emergency.
Here’s a look at the average treatment cost of the most commonly claimed conditions affecting dogs and cats in 2025*:
DOGS
- Skin infections/allergies – $667
- Gastrointestinal conditions – $874
- Ear infections – $439
- Wounds from traumatic injuries – $836
- Mass lesions – $961
- Eye conditions – $468
- Osteoarthritis – $823
- Musculoskeletal conditions – $607
- Anal sac disorders – $316
- Dental conditions $816
CATS
- Gastrointestinal conditions – $903
- Urinary tract disorder – $1,459
- Skin infections/allergies – $470
- Fight or bite wounds – $620
- Eye conditions – $424
- Behavioural problems – $141
- Ear infections – $422
- Osteoarthritis – $779
- Heart murmurs – $1,569
- Mass lesions – $1,486
The choice between pet insurance or covering healthcare expenses out of pocket means strongly considering the likelihood of these conditions occurring or reoccurring throughout your pet’s lifetime.
How much do you want to spend?
Pet insurance comes in different levels of cover, from basic accident-only policies through to more comprehensive options. How much cover you need can come down to your budget, your pet’s age and lifestyle or even where you live.
Your premium will usually reflect:
- The level of cover you choose
- Your pet’s age and breed
- Any optional extras
It’s worth thinking about what you’re comfortable paying each month, as well as how much you could manage if an unexpected vet bill arises.
What is an excess?
Typically, policies include an excess, which is the amount you contribute when making a claim.
Choosing a higher excess can lower your regular premium, so you’re less out of pocket every month. A lower excess may mean higher premiums but less to pay when you claim.
Understanding how the excess works in practice helps you make the personal choice between the two.
How will you make a claim?
Claims processes can vary between providers. Some allow claims to be submitted by your vet, while others require you to submit them yourself.
In some cases, claims can be processed during your visit, reducing how much you pay upfront for eligible treatments.
If convenience matters to you, it is worth checking how claims are handled before choosing a policy.
The GapOnly® difference
A GapOnly®-ready pet insurance policy offers a tremendous advantage: on-the-spot claims processing. GapOnly® assesses and processes eligible claims within minutes while you’re still at the vet. All you need to do is pay the remaining amount – the gap – and you’re good to go.
By processing claims in real-time, GapOnly® significantly reduces the upfront costs for pet carers. There’s no need to contact your insurer, complete claim forms or upload invoices. And GapOnly® is available at nearly 1,800 participating vet clinics around Australia.
What’s right for you?
It can be tempting to choose the lowest premium, but price is only one part of the decision.
Looking at your pet’s age, breed and general health can help you think about what types of conditions may be more likely over time. Some breeds are prone to certain health conditions, for instance. From there, you can decide what level of cover feels appropriate.
Taking the time to read the Product Disclosure Statement and compare options can help you feel more confident in your choice.
Avoid uncertainty later
We all want our pets to live long, healthy and happy lives, but we can’t predict what lies ahead. Pet insurance is one way to prepare for unexpected veterinary costs. The right policy can be an effective part of your pet’s illness plan, freeing you up to concentrate on their wellness plan.
A small amount of time spent understanding your options now can help avoid uncertainty later. Pet insurance is not the only option, but if you are considering it, asking the right questions upfront can make a difference.
*According to PetSure 2025 claims data.
FAQs
1. What is pet insurance?
Pet insurance helps cover unexpected vet treatment by reimbursing a percentage of eligible costs up to an annual limit. Policies vary in coverage and premiums, and higher cover often means higher premiums.
2. Can I rely on savings instead?
You can, but you’ll need enough set aside for sudden vet costs that can reach hundreds or thousands of dollars. Insurance spreads risk and can help avoid tough choices in emergencies. The right approach depends on your budget and risk comfort.
3. When should I get pet insurance?
As early as possible, ideally from around eight weeks for puppies and kittens. Early cover can reduce pre‑existing condition exclusions later. Older pets may have fewer options, so compare policies carefully.
4. Are pre‑existing conditions covered?
Generally no—conditions showing signs before your policy starts or during waiting periods are usually excluded. Some insurers treat certain conditions as temporary if symptom‑free for a set time, so check the Product Disclosure Statement.
5. What does pet insurance cover?
Depending on the policy, cover can include accidents and illnesses, with eligible costs like consultations, medications, diagnostics and surgery. Always review the Product Disclosure Statement for specifics and limits.
6. What isn’t usually covered?
Routine care such as vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, and grooming is typically excluded from standard cover. Pre‑existing conditions are also usually not covered, though some policies offer optional extras for routine or dental care.
7. What is an excess?
An excess is the amount you contribute when making a claim. A higher excess usually lowers your premiums but increases what you pay at claim time; a lower excess does the opposite. Understanding this trade‑off helps you budget for vet costs.
8. How do on‑the‑spot claims work?
With a GapOnly®‑ready policy at a participating clinic, eligible claims are assessed in minutes while you’re at the vet and you pay only the gap. There’s no need to contact your insurer or upload invoices, and it’s available at nearly 1,800 clinics across Australia.
