One in four Australians (25%) claim their pet is the most valuable member of the family; more important than their partner or parents, according to a poll* of 3,938 people by financial services website ARTOG. Cause for greater concern however, is that one in three Australians (34%) are spending more time and money at the vet than looking after their own medical needs.

“This survey has shown that Australians will go to any length for their pets, sometimes at the expense of their own health,” stated ARTOG General Manager Kevin Sherman. “With some surveyed people spending more than $5000 on a sick pet, it’s clear some families will be placed in serious financial hardship if they do not have an appropriate insurance policy to cover the cost of their pet’s medical care.”

“As pets move higher up in the Australian family’s hierarchy, we predict pet insurance will become a major segment in the insurance industry, like it already is in countries like the USA. People will be pleasantly surprised at how affordable pet insurance can be in Australia. For as little as [Article].64/day, you can save up to 80% of your vet bills#.”

The ARTOG website also offers people helpful tips and tricks for those making their first tentative steps in the area of pet insurance with helpful articles , guides and practical ideas to save money on your pet’s insurance policy. By joining RSPCA pet insurance through ARTOG, 5% of every premium will be allocated to support the ongoing work of the RSPCA.

* Online survey of 3,938 Australians of all ages conducted by ARTOG.com.au during February-March 2007

# You can save up to 70%-80% of the total cost of treatment for conditions covered by your policy, subject to annual limits and conditions set out in the policy document.