Pet Insurance
Accidents can happen anytime — to any pet.
With rising living costs and advances in veterinary care, treatment can quickly become expensive. Some emergency cases at 24-hour hospitals can cost over $15,000, making pet insurance one of the best ways to protect yourself from unexpected bills.
Did you know that 1 in 3 dogs will rupture a cruciate ligament during their lifetime, with surgical repair costs ranging from $4,000 to $8,000? Even more concerning, 50% of dogs will injure the opposite leg within a year. Hospitalisation for just 24 hours due to illness can cost over $2,000, and treatment for snake bites can exceed $4,000.
Understanding these potential costs can help you decide if pet insurance is the right choice to protect your furry friend—and your budget.
Pet Insurance FAQ'S
When to Get Insured
The best time to insure your pet is while they’re young, before any pre-existing conditions develop. Most insurers won’t cover illnesses or injuries that occurred before the policy started — but even older pets can still qualify for cover.
What’s Usually Excluded?
Common exclusions include:
Pre-existing conditions
Preventable diseases (e.g. Parvovirus in unvaccinated pets)
Dental disease (unless injury-related)
Bilateral conditions (e.g. cruciate ligament rupture)
Breeding or pregnancy costs
Routine or elective procedures
Always review the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before choosing a policy to ensure it meets your needs.
How to Choose the Right Policy
When comparing policies:
Get multiple quotes
Check exclusions, sub-limits and co-payments
Consider your pet’s breed, lifestyle and risks
GapOnly
We’re pleased to offer Gap Only at our clinic. This means we handle the insurance claim for you: once your claim is submitted, we typically receive a response within 5–10 minutes letting us know how much your insurer will cover. You simply pay the remaining balance, making the process quick, easy, and hassle-free.
For more information visit their website.
Alternatives
Self – Insurance
Set aside money in a separate savings account for vet care. However, major emergencies can easily exceed savings, making insurance a safer choice.
Payment Plans
We offer VetPay for managing unexpected costs. Keep in mind that interest and fees apply (currently 18.4% interest, $49 application fee, and $2.50 per transaction).
For more advice, visit:
choice.com.au – Pet Insurance Guide
comparethemarket.com.au – What to Look for in Pet Insurance
Non-Affiliation Disclaimer: Broadford Vet Clinic is not affiliated with or sponsored by any pet insurance provider. Please note, we are unable to advise clients on the suitability of any specific insurance policies for their circumstances, as we are not insurance brokers.