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 costs may seem high, they pale in comparison to many real-life vet bills. Each year, PetSure sees thousands of cases where treatment costs are more than $10,000, with some even larger still, like a $104,179 claim for a diabetic Cavoodle, and $89,079 for a Boxer with lymphoma.
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.
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
Based on the most recent data, these 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?
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, leading 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: 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 and excess you choose affects your costs.
If you’re thinking about pet insurance or exploring your options, Canstar’s 2025 Pet Insurance Awards can be a helpful starting point. Or you could answer a few questions to receive personalised insurance quotes on Canstar.
Is pet insurance worth it?
Pet insurance can offer a financial safety net for pet owners, but whether it’s worth it depends on your pet’s breed, overall health and your financial situation.
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.
If your pet is young and healthy, you may not think about costs yet. But if their breed is prone to certain conditions, it could be worth planning ahead by focussing on preventive care and putting aside some money regularly for unexpected costs. You can also explore pet insurance and see whether it suits you.