For as much as Aussies love owning pets, they're not quite as wild about pet insurance. According to PetSure data, just eight percent of Australian pets are currently insured; the rest are content to roll the dice in case disaster strikes.
The reason why? Affordability. About half of those without pet insurance shirk cover because of high costs. We understand – after all, that's why Ruff'n'Tumble, with its low monthly fee and flat excess per claim, exists.
The trade-off, of course, is that Ruff'n'Tumble purely covers accidents, not illness. Accidents can be among the most costly vet bills a pet owner can face, but they tend to hit as one big bill rather than a drawn-out, costly treatment over the course of an illness.
Some dogs are lucky enough to never get sick; others live safely enough that they never have an accident. Neither are guaranteed, but for those cost-conscious pet owners that believe something is better than nothing, let's take a look at whether accident-only insurance is the right choice for you.
WHY PET INSURANCE?
As a pet owner, you might know how quickly things can go south. All it takes is one poorly timed leap, a lone hungry tick or a particularly delicious sock and your dog is at the emergency vet.
You might also know those visits aren't cheap. According to PetSure claims data*, the average cost to treat a swallowed foreign object in 2025 came in at $1,189; in one instance non-food removal cost $41,657. Tick paralysis treatment cost an average of $1,389, with a single case racking up an eye-watering $59,147 last year. These are prices few are willing – or at the absolute worst end of the spectrum, able - to pay.
The counter move is pet insurance, but owners of healthy dogs can find paying endless premiums against a potential health emergency hard to justify. But as the vet bills above suggest, it could be a lot worse - and that's just financially.
WHAT IS ACCIDENT-ONLY INSURANCE?
Accidents are going to happen when you own a pet. Think about it, how's a dog to know that a barbecue is still hot? Or that a spanner isn't as edible as it looks?
Whatever trouble your dog gets into could lead to emergency treatments, surgery or ongoing medication. Ruff'n'Tumble accident insurance means you can get help with the eligible costs that come with foolish dog behaviour without claims or your pet’s age affecting premiums.
For just $40 per month, you can help protect yourself from the financial impact of your pet’s unexpected accidents. If an accident happens and its covered, there's just a $500 excess to pay. Better still, premiums won't go up every year because your dog ages.
And because we only cover accidents, we can afford to keep it simple so you can help keep them safe at a lower cost. That means:
- No lock-in contracts
- No payout limits
- No sub-limits
- No co-payments (other than excess)
- Any breed, any age
See? Simple as falling off a... well, let's leave it at simple.
WHY CHOOSE RUFF'N'TUMBLE?
Accident-only insurance is the obvious choice for those with accident-prone doggos, but sometimes they hide it well. The truth is that Ruff'n'Tumble has something to offer all sorts of Aussie dog owners, whether your dog is a feisty young rocket or an old soul that values a good rest.
While illnesses can vary depending on a dog's breed, accidents don't discriminate. Neither do we; dogs of all breeds and ages are welcome at Ruff'n'Tumble, and all for the same flat fee. Owners on a budget can easily factor the $40 per month fee into their pet plan, and while a $500 excess is never a welcome surprise, it beats the thousands an unexpected vet bill can sometimes reach.
WHAT'S IN THE BOX?
Yeah, we get it: insurance companies are very good at talking up the good stuff and keeping quiet when it comes to the fine print. "Accident insurance" is a very open-ended proposition, which is why it's important pet owners know exactly what's covered.
At Ruff'n'Tumble, we're upfront about what you can expect from your policy. What counts as an accident? We're glad you asked... Examples of common accidents include:
- Motor vehicle incidents
- Rough play injuries
- Falls
- Snake bites
- Cuts
- Toxicity
- Swallowing foreign objects
And here are some examples of what we'll cover as part of an eligible accident claim (although some exclusions apply):
- Emergency vet visits
- Treatment and procedures
- Surgery
- Tests and diagnostics (blood, x-rays, scans)
- Hospital stays
- Medication
- Follow-up care
Please read the PDS to ensure you understand policy terms and conditions, waiting periods, and exclusions.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Like pets themselves, pet insurance comes in all shapes, sizes and flavours. It's important to get the policy your pet needs, and if your dog is at risk of accidents more than illness, Ruff'n'Tumble could be just what you need.
With our low monthly cost and flat excess, all-dogs-welcome inclusivity and the fact that we're underwritten by PetSure, Australia's largest pet insurer, it's no accident that Ruff'n'Tumble is a great choice for accident-prone dogs across Australia. See you next fall!
FAQs
What is accident-only pet insurance?
Accident-only pet insurance covers eligible vet costs from unexpected injuries, such as falls, snake bites or swallowing foreign objects, rather than illness. It's designed for owners who want lower cost protection against sudden, one-off vet bills without paying for broader illness cover.
Does accident-only insurance cover illness?
No, accident-only insurance like Ruff'n'Tumble does not cover illness. It's specifically for injury-related events, such as motor vehicle incidents or rough play, so it suits pet owners wanting lower premiums focused on accident-related emergencies.
What counts as an accident for dogs?
Common accidents include motor vehicle incidents, falls, cuts, snake bites, toxicity and swallowing foreign objects. Eligible accident claims can cover emergency vet visits, surgery, diagnostics, hospital stays and follow-up care, subject to policy terms and exclusions.
Is accident-only cover cheaper than comprehensive pet insurance?
Generally, yes. Accident-only policies tend to have lower monthly premiums than comprehensive pet insurance because they exclude illness-related claims, making them a budget-friendly option for owners wanting essential injury protection.
Does pet insurance premium increase as my dog ages?
It depends on the policy. Some accident-only plans, like Ruff'n'Tumble, keep premiums flat regardless of your dog's age, unlike many comprehensive policies where premiums typically rise each year as pets get older.
What is an excess in pet insurance claims?
An excess is the set amount you pay towards each eligible claim before your pet insurance contributes the rest. Flat excess models charge the same fee per claim, making costs more predictable for budgeting.
Is accident-only insurance suitable for older dogs?
Yes, accident-only insurance can suit older dogs, especially those less prone to age-related illness but still at risk of accidents. Because premiums often stay flat regardless of age or breed, it remains an accessible option throughout a dog's life. Please note that pre-existing conditions do apply.
