Compare pet insurance estimates for your Maltese from Australia's leading providers. Maltese are one of the most popular toy breeds in Australia - find cover for dental disease, patellar luxation, and tear staining issues.
The Maltese is one of Australia's most popular toy breeds, adored for their affectionate nature and compact size. Dogs Australia registers them in the Toy group, and their suitability for apartment living has made them a favourite in Australian capital cities.
From an insurance standpoint, Maltese are a low-cost breed to insure. Their tiny size (3 to 4 kg) means the lowest medication and surgical costs of any breed category. However, they carry significant dental disease risk, patellar luxation predisposition, and can develop liver shunt conditions. Their long white coat also requires regular grooming and is prone to skin issues in the Australian climate.
Maltese are long-lived, commonly reaching 12 to 15 years. Their small size and indoor-oriented lifestyle protect them from many outdoor hazards, though tick paralysis remains a risk for those along the eastern seaboard.
All major Australian pet insurers cover Maltese. Bow Wow Meow, RSPCA Pet Insurance, Budget Direct, and Medibank Pet all offer competitive premiums. See our Australian pet insurance comparison.
Maltese carry several toy-breed-specific health conditions.
| Condition | Likelihood | Typical Treatment Cost | Insurance Coverage Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Disease | Very High | Maltese are among the breeds most affected by periodontal disease. Multiple extractions are common throughout life. Covered under comprehensive plans with dental benefits. | |
| Patellar Luxation | Moderate - High | Very common in toy breeds. Surgical correction needed for significant cases. Covered as hereditary under comprehensive plans. | |
| Portosystemic Shunt (Liver Shunt) | Low - Moderate | Maltese are predisposed to this congenital condition where blood bypasses the liver. Surgery is complex and costly. Covered under comprehensive plans. | |
| White Shaker Syndrome | Low - Moderate | A neurological condition more common in small white-coated breeds. Treatment involves corticosteroids. Covered under comprehensive plans. | |
| Tear Staining & Eye Issues | High | Cosmetic tear staining is not covered, but underlying eye conditions causing excessive tearing may be covered under illness provisions. | |
| Collapsed Trachea | Low - Moderate | Common in toy breeds. Medical management with cough suppressants is first-line treatment. Surgery for severe cases is covered under comprehensive plans. | |
| Tick Paralysis | Moderate (East Coast) | Even a single tick can be life-threatening for a dog as small as a Maltese. Year-round prevention is essential. Covered under illness and accident policies. | |
| Skin Allergies | Moderate | Australian environmental allergens can trigger reactions. Covered under comprehensive plans. |
Disclaimer: Indicative estimates based on Australian data as of early 2026. Actual costs vary. Consult your vet. Refer to the Australian Veterinary Association. If you've noticed something incorrect, please let us know.
Key factors.
Premiums increase with age. Maltese live 12 to 15 years. Dental disease can begin young, so early cover is valuable.
Pre-existing conditions are excluded. Dental disease and patellar luxation can develop early.
Metropolitan vets charge higher fees. Maltese are predominantly urban dogs, so most owners face city-level veterinary costs.
Toy breed individual claims are small. A moderate excess keeps premiums low.
A moderate limit is generally sufficient unless liver shunt surgery is needed, which can exceed $10,000.
Comprehensive with dental benefits is worth considering given the breed's very high dental disease rate.
Practical guidance for Maltese health and insurance.
Maltese are among the most dental-disease-prone breeds. Comprehensive plans with dental illness benefits can save thousands over your dog's lifetime.
Maltese' white coat and light skin are susceptible to UV damage. Australian UV levels are among the highest globally. Use pet-safe sunscreen on exposed areas.
A single paralysis tick can be life-threatening for a 3 to 4 kg dog. Year-round tick prevention is essential along the eastern seaboard, even for primarily indoor dogs.
Professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks keeps their coat manageable and allows early detection of skin issues, lumps, and ticks.
Poor growth, seizures, or disorientation after meals can indicate portosystemic shunt. Early diagnosis is critical. Ensure your policy covers hereditary conditions.
Maltese are among the cheapest breeds to insure. Even so, comparing three or more estimates can reveal meaningful premium differences.
All major Australian pet insurers cover Maltese.
Australia's largest specialist pet insurer. Covers Maltese with dental and hereditary conditions on comprehensive plans. GapOnly payment available.
Supporting RSPCA welfare. First month free with up to 80% reimbursement.
Value-focused with competitive toy breed premiums.
PetSure-underwritten with GapOnly at participating clinics.
Disclaimer: Features may change. Verify with the provider. If you've noticed something incorrect, please let us know.
Common questions about insuring your Maltese.
Disclaimer: General information only, not financial or veterinary advice. Verify with the provider. Consult your vet. Visit MoneySmart.
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