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Most pet insurance policies typically have a benefit percentage – the portion of your vet bill your insurer will pay for. This typically ranges between 70% and 90%, although reimbursement rates may be more or less depending on your cover level and insurance provider. You’ll need to pay for the remainder of the vet bill (a gap payment) after deducting your policy excess.

Most pet insurance policies also have annual benefit limits, which is the maximum amount you can claim per policy period. Additionally, there may be sub-limits for specific conditions. For example, your policy may have an annual benefit limit of $10,000 but a $500 sub-limit for cruciate ligament conditions or tick paralysis treatment.

Remember you’ll typically have to pay an excess with each pet insurance claim. Some insurers will apply the policy excess before the benefit percentage is applied, while others will deduct it after. Keep in mind you can increase your excess to reduce your policy premiums and vice versa.

Yes, pet insurance for your dog can cover a portion of the cost of vaccinations, although it’s generally an optional feature available on comprehensive policies.

Some common exclusions that apply to pet insurance policies include (but aren’t limited to):

• Pre-existing conditions
• Diseases with a known vaccine
• Dental illness or treatment (unless included as an optional cover)
• Pregnancy and obstetrics
• Transplants, prosthetics and other complex treatments
• Elective treatments.

Always read your pet insurance Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for the full details.

New policies are available for pets before they turn nine. Some accident-only covers may allow you to insure your dog up to 16 years of age, although this type of basic pet cover is not available from all pet insurers.

Certain dog breeds may be more expensive to insure than others due to their predispositions to specific health issues or hereditary traits. Dangerous or prohibited dog breeds cannot be covered.

You may not be eligible to claim on your pet insurance if your dog gets sick or injured before you’ve served your applicable waiting period. Most pet insurance policies have a 30-day waiting period for illnesses. There are usually no waiting periods for accidental injuries.

Pet insurance for a dog can cost between $70 and $100 per month,¹ depending on your pet’s age, breed and health status. The level of cover, benefit percentage and policy excess you select will also determine the cost of your pet insurance.

Are you prepared, or could you afford to pay thousands of dollars for emergency pet care? Could you do it at any time without warning? If you answered no or even hesitated to say yes, you may need pet insurance to give you peace of mind that your dog is covered should the unexpected happen.

Accident and illness cover may prevent a healthcare condition from becoming unaffordable to treat, and comprehensive cover can provide additional value.

Keep in mind that a pet insurance policy usually covers a portion of your pet care expenses. Check your PDS to know how much your insurance policy covers and if you are required to pay an excess or co-payment.