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You can keep dog insurance affordable by choosing the right level of cover for your dog’s life stage, picking an excess that suits you, and using savings like annual payment and multi-pet discounts. The goal is a lower premium without cutting the protection you would miss most when a big vet bill arrives.
Which dog insurance plans balance affordable premiums with solid medical cover?
The plans that balance affordable premiums with solid medical cover usually include accidents and illnesses, a clear reimbursement rate, and flexible settings you control. At PetsOnMe, the Classic Plan covers accidents and illnesses up to $10,000 a year, and every plan pays back 80% of eligible vet bills, less your excess. The seven ways below help you shape any plan to fit your budget.
7 ways to keep dog insurance affordable
1. Match your level of cover to your dog
A young, healthy dog may suit the Classic Plan, which covers both accidents and illnesses. A breed prone to dental illness may be better on the Deluxe Plan. If your budget is tight, the Accidental Plan still protects against injuries, up to $5,000 a year. Pick the level that matches your real risks rather than paying for extras you are unlikely to use.
2. Choose a higher excess
PetsOnMe offers a $100, $200 or $300 excess. A higher excess usually lowers your premium. It works well if you are comfortable covering smaller bills yourself and mainly want protection from the large ones.
3. Pay annually
Paying for the year up front gives you 5% off with PetsOnMe. If annual payment does not suit your cash flow, fortnightly and monthly options are available too.
4. Cover two or more pets together
Households with more than one pet get a further 5% off when they cover two or more pets. Combined with annual payment, that is a meaningful saving across the year.
5. Start cover early
Pets can join from 6 weeks old. Starting young means fewer conditions are likely to be treated as pre-existing, so more of your dog’s future health is protected. Waiting until a problem appears can leave that condition excluded for good.
6. Keep up preventative care
Vaccinations, parasite control and regular check-ups are not covered by pet insurance, but they help prevent illnesses that lead to bigger bills. A healthy routine protects your dog and your budget at the same time.
7. Review your plan each year
PetsOnMe has no lock-in contracts or exit fees, so you can change or cancel your plan. A yearly review lets you adjust your excess or level of cover as your dog ages. Keep in mind that upgrades are subject to age limits, and waiting periods start again when you upgrade.
Where each saving comes from
What to protect when you trim your premium
Some savings can leave you exposed at the worst possible moment. Before you cut, make sure your plan still has:
- Illness cover, if your dog is young or healthy enough to qualify for it
- An annual limit high enough for surgery or a hospital stay
- Cruciate ligament and hereditary cover for breeds prone to joint or inherited problems
- Freedom to see any registered vet in Australia
Vet bills for emergency surgery or ongoing treatment can run into the thousands. A slightly higher premium that keeps these in place is often the better long-term investment.
Switching without losing cover history
If you are with another insurer and want better value, check whether your new plan waives waiting periods. PetsOnMe waives waiting periods if you have been with your current insurer for 12 months or more with no break in cover, on a similar level of cover. That means you can move without a gap in protection.
All cover is subject to the terms, limits and exclusions in the Product Disclosure Statement.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest way to lower my dog insurance premium?
Choosing a higher excess and paying annually are usually the simplest changes. With PetsOnMe, annual payment gives you 5% off.
Does a higher excess mean less cover?
No. Your cover stays the same. You contribute more when you claim, and your premium is usually lower in return.
Is accident-only cover a good way to save?
It can suit tight budgets or older dogs, but it does not cover illness or hereditary conditions. Weigh that gap carefully before you choose it.
Can I lower my excess later?
You can review your plan settings at any time. Contact our team to talk through your options.
Ready to get covered?
Try a few settings and compare PetsOnMe plans to find the right balance of premium and protection. Our team is on 1300 489 873 if you would like help.
This article is general information only and doesn’t take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. PetsOnMe pet insurance is issued by Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd (ABN 83 169 311 193, AFSL 523921) and distributed by Pets On Me Insurance Pty Limited (ABN 42 650 975 554, AR 1288975), an Authorised Representative of POMI Financial Services Pty Ltd (AFSL 700171). Limits, sub-limits, exclusions and waiting periods apply. Read the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination at petsonme.com.au before deciding.
