Understanding Pet Insurance: Does it cover desexing?
Some of the many pertinent questions new pet owners may have concern desexing their newest family member, such as “Is desexing covered by pet insurance?” and “How much does desexing cost?”
These are particularly relevant questions, especially as a growing number of local councils in Australia have now passed legislation requiring that pets be desexed unless they are to be used for breeding purposes.
Let’s look into these and other important questions around desexing, and what pet insurance does and doesn’t cover, in some more detail.
What is desexing?
Desexing is the common name for the surgical procedure performed by a veterinarian that removes the reproductive organs of a dog or cat to prevent pregnancy. The correct names for these procedures are spaying (ovariohysterectomy) for females, and neutering (castration) for males.
- To learn more about desexing dogs and puppies, read our guide.
- To learn more about desexing cats and kittens, read our guide.
Does pet insurance cover desexing?
Pet insurance in Australia is designed to help with the costs of unforseen medical events like accidents and illnessness. Because desexing is considered as an elective procedure, it is generally not covered by pet insurance in Australia.
Some pet insurance providers offer the option to add Routine Care to a policy. Routine Care is a non-insurance benefit that may contribute a specified amount towards desexing or other routine procedures.
To find out if any particular pet insurance provider does cover desexing, carefully read their policy’s PDS (Product Disclosure Statements). Be sure to look for any information about exclusions, excesses, and annual limits related to desexing coverage.
While desexing is not usually covered under pet insurance, of course it’s still recommended to take out a pet insurance policy for your dog or cat to make sure you can provide them with the best possible care when they’re sick or injured.
Bow Wow Meow gives you the option to add on Routine Care (non-insurance benefit), which provides a contribution towards everyday items such as vaccinations, de-sexing and health checks.
- Learn more about our Routine Care.
How much does desexing cost?
The cost to desex a cat or dog can be several hundred dollars. It is usually cheaper for male than female pets, and it is cheaper for cats than for dogs.
Cat desexing cost
- This usually ranges between $120 and $300.
- According to PetSure Claims data in 2022, the average cost of desexing a male cat was $179 and a female $280.
- The cost can vary depending on the size, age, weight, and any complications that may arise that could increase surgical time.
Dog desexing cost
- This can range from $200 to $500 or more.
- According to PetSure Claims data in 2022, the average cost of desexing a male dog was $310 and a female $376.
- The cost can vary depending on the size, age, weigh and any complications that may arise that could increase surgical time.
Is desexing mandatory for dogs and cats in Australia?
The primary aim of these laws is to prevent unplanned breeding and reduce the number of unwanted pets landing up in animal shelters and pounds.
When should dogs and cats be desexed?
There is a broad range of opinions on this topic; therefore we encourage pet owners to consult their veterinarian for advice on the most appropriate age for desexing their particular pet. Your vet will consider current scientific evidence as well as a range of personal factors such as your dog’s size, breed, vaccination status and overall health.
If you are looking to adopt a pet, be aware that early age desexing is the usual practice in most animal shelters, and most dogs and cats adopted from a reputable shelter will already have been desexed before rehoming.
Exploring Pet Insurance coverage
While we all want the best for our pets, a serious health condition or injury can come at quite a considerable cost. If we don’t have bottomless pockets, a comprehensive pet insurance plan is a means to ensuring that you can still provide the care your fur baby needs.
Some pet insurance policies may only cover accidents, while others cover both accidents and illnesses, so do your research and make sure you get the cover that’s appropriate for your pets’ needs. Always read the policy’s PDS (Product Disclosure Statements) and look for any information about exclusions, excesses, waiting periods and annual limits.
Because it is difficult to predict the costs of veterinary care, it can help to have measures in place to help prepare for the unexpected. Pet insurance can help by covering a portion of the eligible vet bill if the unexpected does happen.
Get a quote for 2 months free pet insurance for your pet in the first year.
Conclusion: Desexing coverage in Pet Insurance
Routine desexing is an elective procedure which is a general exclusion under most pet insurance policies.
Remember that desexing coverage should not be the deciding factor when choosing a Pet Insurance provider. Be sure to research the customer reviews, ratings, and complaints about the insurance company or companies you are considering. Feedback from existing and previous customers can provide a lot of valuable information, especially when it comes to customer service.
- Do you have questions about cat and kitten vaccination schedules and costs? Read our comprehensive guide.
- Do you have questions about dog and puppy vaccination schedules and costs? Read our comprehensive guide.
Unsure how serious it is?
Bow Wow Meow policyholders can get access to trusted vet care anytime, anywhere, at no additional cost. Connect to an experienced Australian registered vet via video call, 24/7. Whether it’s providing vet advice, setting up at-home treatment plans, or confirming if you need to visit a vet in person, you can get help when you need it.
Find out more about our pet insurance cover options.
Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance can help protect you and your pet should an unexpected trip to your vet occur.
- Find out more about our dog insurance options
- Find out more about our cat insurance options
- Get an instant online pet insurance quote
Bow Wow Meow is proud to have been awarded winner of Canstar’s ‘Most Satisfied Customers’ Award in the Pet Insurance category for both 2024 and 2025!
Bow Wow Meow is proud to have been chosen as Product Review’s Pet Insurance Award Winner every year from 2018 to 2025! This is based on 2,995 independent customer reviews (as at 21/01/2025), with an overall rating of 4.3*
Google Review rating = 4.5* (based on 968 reviews)
Trust Pilot rating = 4.6* (based on 531 reviews)
Bow Wow Meow is proud to have been chosen as Product Review’s Pet Insurance Award Winner every year from 2018 to 2025! This is based on 2,995 independent customer reviews (as at 21/01/2025), with an overall rating of 4.3*
Google Review rating = 4.5* (based on 968 reviews)
Trust Pilot rating = 4.6* (based on 531 reviews)
Bow Wow Meow has been chosen as a winner in the Finder Pet Insurance Awards 2024. Finder’s panel of experts analysed over 140 quotes to award our Ultimate Care Plan the winner of the “Pet Insurance – Value” category.
