Most pet parents don’t skip pet insurance because they don’t care.
They skip it because everything seems fine… until it suddenly isn’t.
Or because pet insurance costs seem unnecessary… until something unexpected happens.
6 common mistakes to avoid when weighing up pet insurance costs:
A recent study found that 76% of dog owners and 86% of cat owners don’t have pet insurance, with expense being the top reason they forego coverage.
The challenge is that many people only learn how pet insurance works after they wish they’d known sooner.
We’re here to change that! This article is intended to help overcome common reasons people put off pet insurance.
Which one sounds most like your situation?
1. Waiting until later to take out pet insurance
Many pet owners plan to organise insurance once things “settle down”. After puppyhood, after desexing, or once a minor issue passes.
The reality: It’s handy to know that starting earlier can give you more flexibility. When your pet is healthy, policies can cover a wider range of future conditions, which helps you plan with confidence.
2. Forgetting how quickly vet costs can add up
A pet ownership study conducted by Animal Medicines Australia reported more pets visiting the vet in 2025 compared to previous years (89% versus 84% in 2022, for dogs, and 75% versus 69% in 2022 for cats).
After general check-ups and vaccinations, treatment for allergies and other skin conditions is the biggest reason for vet visits. Notably, dentistry, eye and ear conditions, and parasite treatments follow closely.
What this tells us is that more frequent vet check-ups signal more need for medical coverage. Pet insurance costs per month can greatly reduce the financial pressure later – allowing you to focus on care, not calculations.
3. Relying on savings alone
Some pet owners choose to self-fund vet care through savings rather than insurance. While savings are valuable, they may not be sufficient for repeated or complex treatments.
Torn cruciate ligaments. Pancreatitis. Snake bites. Sock ingestion. These things happen. But a lot of people are surprised at just how quickly a few tests, scans and overnight stays turn into a four-figure bill.
Savings don’t accrue overnight, they may not cover multiple issues in one year, and they refill themselves after one emergency vet visit. A $3,000 emergency followed by a $2,500 illness a month later is where even good savers start sweating and wishing they had a back-up plan.
What to consider instead: Pet insurance can act as a financial safety net alongside savings, rather than replacing them entirely.
4. Assuming pet insurance only helps with accidents
Accidents happen, but ongoing health conditions often require the most consistent care.
Issues like allergies, joint conditions, digestive problems and skin concerns can involve repeat visits and ongoing treatment plans.
Take skin conditions, for example – they’re becoming increasingly common in pets, often leading to ongoing vet care. Depending on the cause (such as food sensitivities or environmental triggers), treatment can include long-term prescription medication, a tailored diet, or a combination of both.
5. Choosing pet insurance based only on price
It’s tempting to select pet insurance based on the lowest monthly premium. What this can sometimes mean is that it comes with lower benefit limits, exclusions, or sub-limits that reduce coverage when it matters most.
The shock usually doesn’t come from the policy itself. It comes from the moment you realise it doesn’t stretch as far as you assumed.
Looking at benefit limits, inclusions and flexibility helps you choose cover that supports your pet across different life stages. Buddy Pet Insurance offers flexible cover options, allowing you to claim up to 90% of eligible vet bills and up to $35,000 a year.
6. Avoiding pet insurance completely because it’s too confusing
With so many insurance policies, limits, exclusions and premiums, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and experience decision paralysis. The result? You might miss the opportunity to start coverage when your pet is healthy, which usually makes a big difference later.
The best thing to do in this situation:
Start by comparing just a few policies, and focus on the basics: what’s covered, for how much, and how it fits your pet’s needs. You don’t need to master every detail right away.
The beauty of a trusted insurer like Buddy is their approach – they offer expert guidance and support at every step (minus the jargon, and any judgement). Phew!
The team at Buddy Pet Insurance want to help you get covered.
To help with pet insurance costs, they have this special offer for a limited time:
Pet insurance isn’t about expecting the worst. It’s about giving yourself options.
When costs feel manageable, decisions become easier and care can stay front of mind. By understanding how pet insurance works early, pet owners put themselves in a stronger position to support their pet’s health over time.
Pets bring plenty of surprises. Planning ahead just helps ensure they’re the good kind!
