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If you’re thinking about getting your cat or dog desexed, then you may be able to claim back some of the costs of this procedure on pet insurance, but this will depend on what kind of policy you have.
Does pet insurance cover desexing?
Generally speaking, desexing is considered to be an elective procedure, which means that standard pet insurance won’t cover the cost. In order to be covered for desexing, you will likely need to include a routine care package as part of your pet insurance. Routine care covers procedures from teeth cleaning and microchipping through to vaccinations, and it can also cover part of the cost of desexing.
The RSPCA note that desexing procedures that are required to treat a pet’s reproductive organs due to a condition like “inflammation, infection or cancer” may be covered under illness cover with standard pet insurance.
What type of pet insurance covers desexing?
In general terms, there are three types of pet insurance policies in Australia:
- Accident-only policies, which cover the cost of vet visits if your pet suffers accidental harm or injury, in the event of a car accident, for example, or a fight with another animal.
- Accident and illness policies, which cover the above as well as the cost of seeing a vet for illnesses such as cancer, infections, hereditary conditions and others.
- Comprehensive policies, which cover all of the above, as well as for surgery, hospitalisation or covering the cost of medicines.
None of these will typically cover desexing, though, so if you want cover for this, you will need to purchase a routine care package as an optional add-on to your pet insurance cover. Otherwise, you will need to pay out of pocket for this procedure.
Why is desexing important?
According to the RSPCA, desexing is important for several reasons, in particular, because it helps reduce unplanned breeding of domestic animals, it can curb some problem behaviours in pets and it can be good for pet health.
Reducing unplanned breeding
The RSPCA says that it takes in approximately 160,000 animals every year, many of which are the result of unplanned breeding. Desexing domestic pets such as cats and dogs can reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies, and therefore the number of animals being sent to shelters.
Curbing problem behaviours
Greencross Vets says that desexing can curb certain problem behaviours in domestic pets. In dogs, desexing can reduce aggression, while in both dogs and cats, it can also reduce the hormonal need to wander to find a mate.
Promoting pet health
According to the RSPCA, there are several potential medical benefits to spaying (female) and neutering (male) pets. It says that doing so can reduce the risk of certain cancers and tumours in dogs and cats.
Is it mandatory to desex your pet?
In some states and territories, desexing is mandatory. Around Australia, the rules are as follows:
- ACT: Dogs older than six months and cats older than three months must be desexed.
- NSW: No requirement.
- NT: No requirement.
- QLD: No requirement.
- SA: Dogs and cats older than six months must be desexed, with certain exceptions.
- TAS: Cats older than six months must be desexed, with certain exceptions.
- VIC: No requirement.
- WA: Cats older than six months must be desexed, with certain exceptions.
Note that some councils will charge higher rates to register your pet if they are not desexed.
How much does it cost to desex a pet?
According to the RSPCA, the cost of desexing a dog can range from $200-$500, while the cost of desexing a cat can range from $115-$300, depending on the age, size and breed of the animal. The RSPCA also notes, though, that if you adopt a dog or cat from a shelter, then typically desexing will be done prior to adoption.
If your pet insurance does not cover desexing, then you might be looking at costs within this range, although it will depend on your individual animal. If you have comprehensive pet insurance that covers desexing, often up to 85% of the costs, then you would only be left with the gap and excess to pay. Also note that many insurers will not provide cover for older pets, usually over the age of eight years.
What should you look for when choosing pet insurance?
Generally, when choosing a pet insurance policy, it is important to consider price as well as features, as well as what you might be required to pay in the event of a claim. It is also important to consider whether you want a policy that covers accidents only, accident and illness, or a comprehensive cover, which may include such things as desexing.
You can compare pet insurance with Canstar, and consider some of our Award-winning pet insurance policies.
Cover image source: Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock.com
