Why dog insurance matters: The real cost of common vet claims in Australia

For many dog owners, insurance can feel like something you may never need – until your dog gets sick or injured. But when you look at the real numbers behind veterinary treatment, the value becomes clear.

Just like everything, vet bills are on the rise. This is becoming increasingly challenging for the average dog owner. According to Choosi, vet costs keep increasing for multiple reasons:

• Advanced veterinary care
• Increased specialisation
• Drastic increase in pet ownership

Based on internal claims data from Petcover (February 2026), some of the most common dog health conditions cost thousands of dollars to treat. These aren’t rare situations; they’re conditions veterinarians across Australia treat every day, and dog owners have to experience the financial stress of.

Dog insurance helps protect owners from these unpredictable costs and ensures dogs can receive the care they need without delay.

Veterinary care has advanced – So have costs

Modern veterinary medicine now offers advanced diagnostics, specialist referrals, and surgical procedures that dramatically improve outcomes for dogs.

According to the Australian Veterinary Association, advances in veterinary medicine – including orthopaedic surgery, cardiac care, and diagnostic imaging – allow vets to treat conditions that were once untreatable. However, these services require specialised equipment, expertise, and ongoing care.

As a result, treatment costs can quickly reach thousands of dollars.

Find out more about our coverage options for vet fees here.

Cruciate ligament surgery: $4,000* per leg

Cruciate ligament injuries are one of the most common orthopaedic conditions in dogs. The cruciate ligament stabilises the knee joint, and when it ruptures, surgery is typically required.

Average surgery cost: $4,000 per leg

According to Pets Health Vet Practices, note that surgical stabilisation followed by rehabilitation provides the best long-term outcome.

Dogs who tear one ligament are also more likely to injure the second leg, which can double the potential cost.

Learn more about eligible surgical cover – petcovergroup.com/au/dog-insurance/

Heart conditions: Average treatment cost of $5,100*

Heart disease is quite a common diagnosis, particularly in older dogs and certain breeds. These conditions require specialist care and long-term care.

Typical treatment includes:

• Specialist consultations
• Echocardiograms and diagnostic imaging
• Prescription medications
• Ongoing monitoring

Average claim cost: $5,100

Veterinary cardiology experts at the University of Sydney Faculty of Veterinary Science emphasise the importance of ongoing care and monitoring to maintain quality of life.

Skin conditions: One of the most common claims at $2,857*

Skin conditions are one of the most frequent reasons dogs visit the vet. Allergies, infections, and dermatitis may often need repeated treatment.

Average treatment cost: $2,857

Veterinary teams at Greencross Vets report that skin conditions may frequently require ongoing management, including diagnostics, medication, and follow-up care. Offering treatment plans specific to your dog to help them get back on track.

Explore ongoing treatment protection:
petcovergroup.com/au/dog-insurance/

The financial risk of being uninsured

Unexpected vet bills can arise at any time. Based on claims data, common costs include:

• Cruciate ligament surgery: $4,000–$6,000
• Heart condition treatment: $5,100 average
• Skin condition treatment: $2,857 average

Without insurance, these costs must be paid entirely out of pocket.

Insurance helps provide financial protection and peace of mind.

Get a quote today

What Petcover dog insurance includes

Having comprehensive cover in place helps ensure your dog can receive treatment when needed, without unexpected financial stress.

Petcover dog insurance policies include a range of benefits designed to support your dog throughout their life.

Lifetime continuous cover

Provides ongoing cover for eligible conditions year after year, as long as your policy remains active.

Vet fees cover up to $20,000* per year

Helps cover eligible veterinary treatment, including:

• Surgery
• Hospitalisation
• Diagnostic tests
• Specialist care
• Prescription medications

Alternative and complementary treatments – up to $4,000* per year

Helps cover eligible vet-recommended therapies such as physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

Fixed excess structure

Petcover offers a predictable excess structure:

• $175 standard excess
• $175 + 20% co-payment (dogs aged 8+)
• $175 + 35% co-payment (dogs aged 10+)

Select breeds:

• $175 + 20% co-payment (from 4 years old)
• $175 + 35% co-payment (from 7 years old)

Additional protection beyond vet treatment

Petcover policies also include additional benefits:

• Boarding fees: Up to $2,000*
• Loss by theft or straying: up to $2,000*
• Advertising and reward: Up to $2,000*
• Holiday cancellation: Up to $2,000*

These benefits provide broader protection beyond medical expenses.

Multi-pet discount available

If you insure multiple pets, you may be eligible for a multi-pet discount, helping reduce the cost of protecting your pet family.

Peace of mind when it matters most

When unexpected health issues arise, dog insurance allows you to focus on your dog’s recovery rather than the cost of treatment.

Whether it’s a:

• $4,000 cruciate ligament surgery
• $5,100 heart condition
• $2,857 skin condition

Insurance helps ensure you’re financially prepared.

Visit the Petcover Dog Insurance page to learn more about the different types of comprehensive and flexible cover available or call 1300 731 324 to speak with a specialist today.

Final thoughts: The numbers speak for themselves

Veterinary care can be life-saving—but it can also be expensive.

Common treatment costs include:

• $4,000+ for cruciate ligament surgery
• $5,100 average for heart conditions
• $2,857 average for skin conditions

Dog insurance helps protect both your dog’s health and your financial wellbeing – so you’re prepared when the unexpected happens.
Get covered today

Important information

*Policy limits, excesses, co-payments, exclusions, and terms and conditions apply. Benefits are subject to the level of cover selected. Please read the PDS & TMD on our website for full details. Treatment costs are based on Petcover’s internal data from February 2026.

References: Petshealth Pittwateranimalhospital Greencrossvets