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KEY POINTS
- Annual insurance premiums in 2025 range from about $1,316–$1,423—depending on the size of your dog.
- French Bulldogs are the most expensive breed to insure, with an average annual premium of $2,948.
- According to the latest PetSure claims data, the average annual vet claim per policy across all dog breeds was $1,047, with French Bulldogs topping the list at $1,641 in average claims.
How much does pet insurance for dogs cost?
According to claims data from insurance provider PetSure, the cost of treating common pet conditions rose by almost 30% between FY2022 and FY2025. But how much does it actually cost to insure a pet? The answer depends largely on your pet’s breed, age, and overall health.
On average, Canstar data shows that insuring a dog in 2025 can cost:
- $1,316 per year for small dogs (excludes quotes for French Bulldogs)
- $1,323 per year for medium dogs
- $1,423 per year for large dogs
While these figures may seem high, they pale in comparison to some real-life vet bills. PetSure reports seeing thousands of cases each year where treatment costs exceed $10,000.
The largest claim received by PetSure between FY2022 and FY2025 was $104,179 for a diabetic Cavoodle, while another case involved a Boxer with lymphoma with treatments totalling $89,079. These amounts represent cumulative claims since diagnosis, with some cases still ongoing, highlighting how quickly costs can escalate.
Insurance costs for Australia’s most popular dog breeds
Canstar research shows the average annual pet insurance premium for dogs is $1,359. However, costs vary significantly depending on the breed. In fact, some of Australia’s favourite breeds can come in at a much higher price.
Annual pet insurance premiums by breed:
Small dogs
- Cavoodle: $1,120
- Dachshund: $1,511
- French Bulldog: $2,948
Medium dogs
- American Staffordshire Terrier cross: $1,304
- Border Collie: $1,250
- Cocker Spaniel: $1,414
Large dogs
- German Shepherd: $1,489
- Golden Retriever: $1,456
- Labradoodle: $1,325
Source: : www.canstar.com.au. Based on products rated in the 2025 Canstar Pet Insurance Star Rating (July 2025). Quotes obtained for a range of breeds, ages and excesses.
Most expensive dog breeds to insure in 2025
- French Bulldog — $2,948 average annual premium
- Dachshund — $1,511 average annual premium
- German Shepherd — $1,489 average annual premium
Source: www.canstar.com.au. Based on products rated in the 2025 Canstar Pet Insurance Star Rating (July 2025). Quotes obtained for a range of breeds, ages and excesses.
Cheapest dog breeds to insure in 2025
- Border Collie — $1,250 average annual premium
- American Staffordshire Terrier Cross — $1,304 average annual premium
- Labradoodle — $1,325 average annual premium
Source: www.canstar.com.au. Based on products rated in the 2025 Canstar Pet Insurance Star Rating (July 2025). Quotes obtained for a range of breeds, ages and excesses.
Average annual healthcare costs for Australian dogs
PetSure claims data shows that pet healthcare costs can vary significantly between breeds. On average, insured Australian dog owners claimed $1,047 per policy over a 12-month period. Vet costs typically increase as dogs age, due to a greater risk of illness and chronic conditions. Some breeds are also more prone to genetic health issues, leading to higher claim amounts.
Based on 2024 claims data (as at April 2025), here are the dog breeds with the lowest and highest average annual claims.
Top 5 dog breeds with the lowest average annual vet claims
- Border Collie: $771
- Cavoodle: $776
- Kelpie: $793
- Dachshund: $795
- Groodle (Golden Doodle): $813
Top 5 dog breeds with the highest average annual vet claims
- French Bulldog: $1,641
- Beagle: $1,428
- Rottweiler: $1,341
- Miniature Schnauzer: $1,296
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: $1,259
What impacts pet insurance premiums?
How much you pay for insuring your pet depends on several factors, including the type and breed of pet you own and the level of cover you opt for. Some of the factors typically considered by pet insurers while deciding your premium include:
The breed of your pet
Different dog breeds have different health risks due to hereditary or breed-specific traits. For example, breeds with a flat face are often considered at a higher risk for breathing issues. Some medium and large sized breeds are at higher risk for hip and joint related issues. Such risks can lead to higher premiums for some breeds.
The age of your pet
Premiums generally increase as your pet gets older, as the likelihood of chronic health issues tends to rise with age.
Advances in veterinary care
While innovation in veterinary care is good for our pets, it can lead to higher premiums. New and more expensive treatments and diagnostics can increase the average cost of claims and drive up premiums over time.
Policy limits and excess
The level of cover you choose will impact how much you pay. You can also adjust the excess (the amount you contribute per claim) to manage your premium. A lower excess usually means a higher premium, but less to pay when you claim. A higher excess typically lowers your premium but increases your out-of-pocket costs at claim time.
Is pet insurance worth it?
Pet insurance can offer a financial safety net for pet owners, but whether it’s worth it depends on factors like your pet’s breed, age, health needs, and your household budget.
Canstar research shows only 23% of Australians currently have pet insurance. Among the 77% who don’t, the most common reason is not seeing the value (39%), followed by relying on personal savings (25%). Others say their pet is too old to insure (14%) or that they plan to get insurance in future (21%).
According to the PetSure Australian Pet Health Monitor 2025, the average annual claim for a dog was $1,047, with some single claims reaching as high as $80,653. Many common treatments—such as skin allergies, gastroenteritis, and ear infections—can cost several hundred dollars per visit. While many people choose to self-insure, meaning they prefer to pay for their pets treatment out of their pocket, sometimes small issues can exacerbate into large bills, leaving pet owners in distress.
In some cases, high treatment costs can lead to what’s known as “economic euthanasia”—where owners may choose to put down a pet because they cannot afford emergency care. PetSure estimates this tipping point to be around $3,000 for many households. Having even a basic level of pet insurance could potentially help avoid this outcome and provide peace of mind in a crisis.
If you’re thinking about pet insurance or exploring your options, Canstar’s 2025 Pet Insurance Awards can be a helpful starting point. The awards highlight insurers recognised for delivering strong value and service to customers.
You can also use Canstar’s comparison tables to review a range of pet insurance policies side by side. When comparing insurance policies, make sure you check what’s covered, as well as any limits and sublimits—the maximum amounts a policy will pay for certain treatments or conditions.
It is important to check the fine print, as some insurers may exclude pre-existing conditions or have age-related restrictions, especially for older pets. Always read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) documents carefully to understand whether the product is the right fit for your needs.
