Is Pet Insurance important in Australia? The reality of pet care costs

73% of households in Australia own one or more pets, according to Animal Medicines Australia. Despite rising living costs, our furry friends continue to be our greatest source of comfort — with 86% of pet owners saying their pets have had a positive impact on their lives.

However, caring for dogs and cats can be expensive too. Aussies are now spending billions every year on their pets — with food accounting for the biggest expense, followed by veterinary services. And while we’re happy to spoil them, the reality is that pet care costs keep climbing.

That’s where Pet Insurance can make all the difference — helping pet parents get the care they deserve. Let’s dive in!

How much does vet care cost in Australia?

Regular vet check-ups are just one part of keeping your pet happy and healthy. According to MoneySmart, a cat or dog will cost you $3,000 – $6,000 in the first year. After that, expect to pay as much as $3,218 for a dog and $1,715 for a cat each year.

Of course, the actual amount depends on your dog’s age, size, breed, and overall health, but it’s clear that being a pet parent comes with real financial responsibility.

Here are a few examples of how emergency or specialty procedures can vary:

Treatment	Average Cost	High End of Cost Range
Foreign object ingestion (with surgery)	$5,000	$41,000
Cancer or tumor treatments	$2,000 – $4,000	$30,000
Cruciate ligament repair (TPLO surgery)	$3,000 – $6,000	$10,000

💡Veterinary care in Australia has come a long way — with modern technology and advanced treatments helping pets live healthier, happier lives. The flip side? Quality care can cost more.

The good news is that Aussie vets are now better equipped than ever, with the tools and expertise to handle even the most complicated cases and give our furry friends the best possible care.

Why Pet Insurance matters

Pets aren’t just animals — they’re family. And just like us, they can get sick or have accidents. The tricky part is, many health issues go unnoticed until they become serious. Pets can’t always tell us when something’s wrong. That’s why being proactive about their health is one of the best ways we can care for them.

Regular vet check-ups and preventative care can make all the difference — sometimes even saving a pet’s life and saving you from big, unexpected bills. Catching problems early can help you avoid emergency visits, surgery, or long recovery treatments later on.

Vets will always do everything they can to help your pet but it’s up to us, as owners, to help prevent those emergencies before they happen. And while no one wants to ever say “no” to a needed treatment, the reality is that vet bills can add up quickly.

💡Pet insurance is like health insurance. You hope you won’t need it, but you’ll be glad you have it when the unexpected happens.

With the right cover, you can confidently say “yes” to eligible treatments, knowing you’ve spread the cost of insurance over time. It means protection from life’s surprises, injuries, and illnesses, so your pet can get the care they deserve, when they need it.

Pet Insurance myths vs truths

How much does pet insurance cost?

Pet insurance in Australia is heavily regulated to protect pet owners, which is a good thing! It’s aimed to ensure fairness for pet owners across all providers. But it also means there’s no one-size-fits-all price. 

Your pet insurance quote will depend on a few key factors like your pet’s breed, age, and size, as well as your location (since vet care can cost more in certain cities or states).

By sharing accurate details about your pet, you’ll get a clearer idea of their potential insurance costs. Generally, pets that are more prone to health issues will have higher treatment expenses, so they might need broader coverage.

Most providers offer policies with pre-set annual limits and benefit percentages, which can have significant impact on your monthly premiums, and how much of eligible costs you’ll get back when you claim.

At Knose, we offer something different because pet insurance should be simple, transparent, and built around you. Our goal is to give Australian pet parents financial support through clear plans with no sub-limits, no hidden fees, and no surprises + 24/7 vet nurse support.

Instead of locking you into pre-set tiered policies, we offer one flexible policy you can tailor to your needs. Choose your annual limit, benefit percentage, annual excess and add optional benefits not usually included in standard pet insurance: dental illness, behavioural conditions, and specialised therapies (for eligible pets under the age of three).

It’s all about creating cover that fits your pet, your lifestyle, and your budget.

Here’s how Knose pet insurance quotes might look like:

Cocker Spaniel Puppy in Western Australia

• Small pet
• Female
• Under 1 year old
• Location: Duncraig, WA 6023
• Annual Excess: $200
• Annual Premium: $720 to $2,659
• If you choose Knose Pet Care Wellness Plan: $287 to $383
• Total Annual Cost of Knose Pet Insurance, plus Wellness Plan: approximately $1,007 to $3,042

Burmese Cat in Queensland

• Small pet
• Female
• Less than 2 years old
• Location: The Gap, QLD 4061
• Annual Excess: $200
• Annual Premium: $330 to $1,213
• If you choose Knose Pet Care Wellness Plan: $239 to $335
• Total Annual Cost of Knose Pet Insurance, plus Wellness Plan: approximately $569 to $1,549

Labrador in New South Wales

• Medium-Large pet
• Male
• 4 years old
• Location: Cherrybrook, NSW 2126
• Annual Excess: $200
• Annual Premium: $788 to $2,377
• If you choose Knose Pet Care Wellness Plan: $311 to $419
• Total Annual Cost of Knose Pet Insurance, plus Wellness Plan: approximately $1,100 to $2,796

Why choose Knose Pet Insurance?

Knose is an award-winning Australian Pet Insurance provider, proudly recognised by Canstar, Mozo, Finder, and WeMoney year after year. We might be newer to the scene, but our founders saw a gap in the market and built Knose to help close it, creating a simple, fair, and transparent way to protect pets.

Today, Knose stands among Australia’s leading names in pet care, driven by innovation and a deep love for animals. Our team isn’t just behind the brand. We’re part of the pet-loving community ourselves.

That’s why you’ll often find us out in the community at local pet festivals, breeder events, and rescue initiatives — connecting with Aussie families and their furry friends.

When you choose Knose, you’re choosing more than award-winning quality.

You’re choosing a provider that cares for pets, supports vets, and stands by pet parents.