TOP 10 Insured Dog Breeds & Top Claims
andreas strauss
September 20, 2022
Here’s a list of the most popularly insured dog breeds in FY22, re-ranked according to their propensity to claim, together with the biggest claim amount received for each of these breeds in the last 12mths (and the diagnosis for the claim).
“After looking at the numbers it’s obvious that some dog breeds claim much more than others,” Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia says. “With the costs of veterinary care, particularly for some treatments, being very expensive, it only makes sense that owners of these breeds consider their options when it comes to savings or pet insurance.”
It’s important to note that all breeds suffer from accidents and illnesses that can cost thousands. The figures are also subjected to the popularity of those breeds and the ones who hold pet insurance.
“We hear a lot of comments on social media over the costs of veterinary care, however, it’s really important to understand the reasons behind many of these costs,” Crighton says. “Vets are unfairly targeted for the costs it entails to treat a pet, without pet owners understanding how much it costs to run a successful veterinary clinic.”
Unlike decades ago, your local veterinarian now has access to a range of high-spec and expensive technology that is normally present in the clinic. This along with the massive advancements in treatment options and the training it takes to become a vet or vet nurse add to the total amount pet owners pay when their dog or cat needs treatment. Emergency treatments also cost a lot more.
“This is due to staff needing to be on call 24/7, and your pet requiring around-the-clock care,” Crighton says. “Unfortunately, unlike human medicine, none of these costs are subsidised by the Government, with the total cost falling on the vet practice, and ultimately on the pet owner.”
Your local veterinarian is a highly trained specialist in animal medicine. They also normally undertake a range of expert services including complex surgeries, x-rays, CT scans, anesthetics, blood tests, and many more. PLUS; they deal with animals who cannot tell them where or why it hurts. This expertise and costs add up and new pet owners need to have a good understanding of how much they can expect to pay at the vet during an emergency or illness situation before becoming a pet parent.
“Sadly, we see many negative comments towards veterinarians and their costs on social media, with many pet owners not understanding why it is more expensive than going to the family doctor for similar health problems,” Crighton says. “It’s good for people to understand that your veterinarian loves animals and has trained hard to ensure they can offer top-quality treatment and care. However, being able to treat and care for companion animals for free, or severely reducing prices, is not an option for most veterinarians across Australia. Your family doctor would also not be able to justify being a doctor if they were not being paid adequately for the service they offered.”
Saving for your pet’s medical needs or signing up for pet insurance is a cost that should be included in the budget before purchasing or rescuing a pet. Before purchasing pet insurance it is important to read the product disclosure statement (PDS) to ensure the product is right for you and your pet.
“Just like food, water bowls, training, and all the necessary items needed for a pup or kitten, the cost of veterinary care should also be included in the budget,” Crighton suggests. “These costs also need to increase year on year as your pet ages as typically they will need additional veterinary care during their senior years.”
TOP 10 Popular Dog Breeds & Max Claims
Here’s a list of the most popularly insured dog breeds in FY22, re-ranked according to their propensity to claim
1. Cavoodle
Top Claim Amount – $10,000
Top Claim Diagnosis – Accident, Tissue Damage, or Facture
2. French Bulldog
Top Claim Amount – $11,705
Top Claim Diagnosis – Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
3. Golden Retriever
Top Claim Amount – $7,726
Top Claim Diagnosis – Elbow Dysplasia
4. Miniature Dachshund
Top Claim Amount – $12,410
Top Claim Diagnosis – Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
5. German Shepherd
Top Claim Amount – $13,916
Top Claim Diagnosis – Liver/ Gall Bladder/Biliary Tract Condition (Cholecystitis)
6. Labrador
Top Claim Amount – $15,828
Top Claim Diagnosis – Abdominal Pain Requiring Hospitalisation
7. Border Collie
Top Claim Amount – $15,849
Top Claim Diagnosis – Liver/ Gall Bladder/Biliary Tract Condition (Portosystemic Shunt Disorder)
8. Labradoodle
Top Claim Amount – $8,550
Top Claim Diagnosis – Neoplasia – Sarcoma Soft Tissue Tumour
9. Maltese Cross
Top Claim Amount – $7,017
Top Claim Diagnosis – Spinal Disorder
10. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Top Claim Amount – $12,969
Top Claim Diagnosis – Neoplasia (Fibrosarcoma – tumour)
Photo by Chris Andrawes
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