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How much does a vet check up cost?
Pet healthcare costs can add up to $30,000 over your pet’s lifetime, according to pet insurance provider PetSure. Over the past three years, PetSure data shows the cost of treating common issues like orthopaedic injuries, gastrointestinal problems, skin conditions, tumours and traumatic injuries has gone up by nearly 30%.
While the exact cost of treatment depends on your pet’s age, breed, and health, the 2025 PetSure Pet Health Monitor highlights the most common health issues and the average expenses pet owners might face.
Top 3 health issues in dogs (by age group)
Under 1 year
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| Condition | Average cost | Maximum cost |
|---|---|---|
| Gastrointestinal conditions | $694 | $18,012 |
| Ear infections | $330 | $5,998 |
| Skin infections/ allergies | $324 | $10,670 |
Age 1–8 years
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| Condition | Average cost | Maximum cost |
|---|---|---|
| Skin infections/ allergies | $657 | $21,209 |
| Ear infections | $444 | $20,665 |
| Gastrointestinal conditions | $872 | $37,599 |
Age 8+ years
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| Condition | Average cost | Maximum cost |
|---|---|---|
| Osteoarthritis | $831 | $21,936 |
| Skin infection/ allergies | $699 | $15,465 |
| Mass lesions (lumps/bumps) | $1,087 | $31,195 |
Top 3 health issues in cats (by age group)
Under 1 year
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| Condition | Average cost | Maximum cost |
|---|---|---|
| Gastrointestinal conditions | $703 | $13,918 |
| Eye conditions | $313 | $3,874 |
| Ear infections | $337 | $4,736 |
Age 1–8 years
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| Condition | Average cost | Maximum cost |
|---|---|---|
| Gastrointestinal conditions | $884 | $26,987 |
| Urinary tract disorders | $1,519 | $33,270 |
| Eye conditions | $397 | $19,760 |
Age 8+ years
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| Condition | Average cost | Maximum cost |
|---|---|---|
| Gastrointestinal conditions | $1,017 | $22,515 |
| Urinary tract disorders | $1,350 | $22,945 |
| Dental conditions | $1,068 | $5,258 |
Top 5 dog health conditions (all ages, 2024)
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| Condition | Average cost | Maximum cost |
|---|---|---|
| Skin infections/ allergies | $667 | $21,209 |
| Gastrointestinal conditions | $874 | $37,599 |
| Ear infections | $439 | $22,665 |
| Wounds (trauma, bite/ fight) | $836 | $46,525 |
| Mass lesions (lumps/bumps) | $961 | $31,195 |
Top 5 cat health conditions (all ages, 2024)
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| Condition | Average cost | Maximum cost |
|---|---|---|
| Gastrointestinal conditions | $903 | $26,987 |
| Urinary tract disorders | $1,459 | $38,769 |
| Skin infections/ allergies | $470 | 21,343 |
| Fight/ bite wounds | $620 | $24,529 |
| Eye conditions | $424 | $20,106 |
Note: This data is based on 2024 PetSure claims as of February 2025 and reflects the amount claimed per policy over a 12-month period. Actual costs can vary depending on your pet’s breed, age, health condition, location, and the specific treatment needed.
Do you need pet insurance?
A recent PetSure study shows that $3,000 is a key tipping point. Beyond this amount, some owners may consider euthanasia of their pet for financial reasons, a difficult choice for any pet owner. Pet insurance can help manage some of these costs and reduce worry.
When exploring pet insurance options, it’s important to consider a few key factors. Premiums vary based on your pet’s breed, age, and health status. For example, some breeds tend to have higher vet costs and insurance premiums. You can also choose your policy excess, which is the amount you agree to pay yourself when making a claim.
If you’re considering pet insurance or want to explore your options, Canstar’s 2025 Pet Insurance Awards can be a helpful starting point.
You can also use Canstar’s comparison tables to look at a range of pet insurance policies side by side. When comparing policies, it’s important to check the coverage details, limits, and sub-limits, and any exclusions like pre-existing conditions or age restrictions for older pets.
To avoid surprises, review the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) carefully so you understand exactly what is and isn’t covered.
