If you’re blessed to have multiple pets, you may notice that one furball needs to visit the vet more frequently than the others.
Now this could be down to bad luck, or it could be influenced by that little fella’s DNA.
Every pet has genetic predispositions to certain diseases and health conditions – based on their breed (some more than others).
For example, Havanese dogs are vulnerable to hypoglycaemia, while Ragdoll cats are often impacted by cardiac disease.
Of course, this doesn’t mean your beloved pooch or kitty will get sick, but they have a HIGHER CHANCE of developing that illness compared to other cats and dogs.
What does this have to do with pet insurance?
Some breeds (like French Bulldogs) are more likely to develop health problems that are expensive to treat. Case in point, corrective surgery for Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome can cost around $2,800.
Pet insurance providers consider breed risks when setting the monthly premiums that customers pay to cover the bulk of their veterinary fees for unexpected illness and injury. This is why pet insurance cost is higher for certain breeds that are more vulnerable to diseases.
It generally costs more for vets to treat certain breeds, so those breeds attract a higher premium. This decision helps insurance companies to cover their expenses and continue providing a safety net for customers.
Even if your pet is perfectly healthy, your premiums will be influenced by insurance data that’s available for their breed.
This may not seem fair, but none of us have a crystal ball to see which pets will need medical support. Premiums are largely calculated based on your pet’s risk factor for getting sick – their breed plays a key role in this.
Dog insurance premiums based on breed
Pet Insurance Cost can also depend on breed and size. Larger breeds tend to attract a higher premium as they generally have more problems with their joints and bones
Pet insurance is also more expensive for pedigree dogs, because they’re susceptible to hereditary disorders due to the pureness of their breed. In fact, one study shows that premiums for purebred canines are 33 per cent higher than for crossbreed dogs, on average.
We’ve included some comparisons based on insurance data averages from different providers (Finder report November 2021).
Dog breeds that attract the highest annual premiums:
- Australian Bulldog Miniature ($2,374)
- French Bulldog ($2,309)
- American Bulldog ($2,281)
- Bordeaux Mastiff ($2,272)
- Swiss Mountain Dog ($2,272)
Dog breeds that attract the lowest annual premiums:
- Maltese Cross ($821)
- Chihuahua Cross ($845)
- Jack Russel Terrier Cross ($845)
- Havanese Cross ($849)
- Pomeranian Cross ($851)
Cat insurance premiums based on breed
It’s a similar story for felines. Certain breeds are vulnerable to hereditary conditions based on their genetic traits.
You can actually get your cat tested to predict their risk for some diseases, but these results won’t change the cost of your annual premium (which is based on your cat’s breed, age, claims history and location; as well as external inflation rates).
Examples of cat breeds that tend to attract the highest premiums:
- Siamese
- Ragdoll
- Persian
- Tabby
- Domestic Medium Hair
Cat breeds that attract the lowest premiums because they’re generally healthier:
- Havana Brown
- Russian Blue
- Turkish Van
- American Shorthair
- Australian Mist
Why get pet insurance with Potiki?
Potiki gives good value, even if you pay a higher premium because your pet’s breed is associated with many hereditary conditions.
We’re powered by Hollard, one of the best pet insurance providers, so we offer quality insurance coverage.
But we also give ALL customers a unique offering, for no extra cost. This is for every year that your policy is active.
- Potiki Perks (up to $400 worth of value each year)
Potiki will send a care package filled with day-to-day essentials such as flea treatments and worming tablets. You choose the items, tailored to your pet’s needs. We’re able to source these items for competitive prices; having teamed up with the pharmaceutical industry.
- Expert medical pet advice (online chat service valued at $199)
Seek advice from an experienced vet, without even leaving the house. Our VetChatTM service operates 24 hours a day. You can get medical support for situations that don’t require a face-to-face appointment.
Potiki cat and dog insurance lets you claim:
- 80% of eligible vet bills a year
- A choice of excess ($Nil, $250 or $500)
- With Platinum Cover:
– Claim up to the annual benefit limit of $30,000 p.a.
– No Annual sub-limits for Vet Consults, Tick Paralysis, Cruciate Ligaments & Hip Joint Surgery
GapOnlyTM cover: After the appointment, you only pay the expected balance not covered by your policy. We pay the rest directly to your vet, so you don’t need to wait for the rebate (note: the vet practice needs to be signed up for the GapOnlyTM service in order for pet owners to access this).
Find out more about our dog insurance and cat insurance policies (via petinsurance.com.au).
- Get a quick quote to find out what your premium will cost for one year.
- Submit payment if you’re satisfied with that amount (email us at [email protected] with any questions).
- Log into your Potiki Perks portal to select items for your care package, which will be swiftly delivered to you.
- Lodge a claim if you need help paying vet bills for unexpected sickness or injury.