The Maltese is the ultimate lap dog — a tiny, silky-coated companion that has been melting hearts for thousands of years. In Australia, they're one of the most popular small breeds, beloved for their gentle temperament, hypoallergenic coat, and devotion to their owners. But beneath that gorgeous white coat lies a breed that's prone to some genuinely expensive health problems. Luxating patellas (kneecap dislocations requiring $1,500–$4,000+ surgery per knee), dental disease so severe it can require full-mouth extractions costing $2,000–$5,000+, and collapsing trachea — a progressive condition that can mean lifelong medication or $3,000–$6,000+ surgery. For a dog that typically weighs just 3–4kg, the vet bills can be shockingly disproportionate to their size.
We compared plans from Australia's major pet insurers, quoting for a 3-year-old Maltese in Sydney, to find the best value cover for this breed.
Last updated: March 2026
Quick Comparison: Top Providers for Maltese
| Provider | Monthly Est. | Annual Limit | Excess | Benefit % | Dental Illness Covered | Waiting (Illness) | Our Take |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bow Wow Meow ⭐ | ~$65–105 | Up to $30,000 | $0–$200 | Up to 90% | ✅ Yes (illness) | 30 days | Best overall — highest limits, GapOnly claiming, covers dental illness |
| Pet Circle Insurance | ~$60–95 | Up to $25,000 | $0–$200 | Up to 85% | ✅ Yes (illness) | 30 days | Great mid-range, good small-breed experience |
| Budget Direct | ~$40–70 | Up to $12,000 | $0 fixed | 80% | ✅ Yes (illness) | 30 days | Cheapest option — but watch the lower annual limit |
| RSPCA Pet Insurance | ~$55–90 | Up to $20,000 | $0–$200 | Up to 80% | ✅ Yes (illness) | 30 days | Solid cover, supports animal welfare |
| PetInsuranceAustralia | ~$55–90 | Up to $20,000 | $0–$200 | Up to 80% | ✅ Yes (illness) | 30 days | 2 months free promo, genuine breed knowledge |
⚠️ Premiums are estimates based on a 3-year-old desexed male Maltese in Sydney (2000 postcode), derived from comparable small breed quotes in March 2026. Your actual quote will vary by age, location, and cover level. Always get a personalised quote.
Why Maltese Dogs Need Insurance
The Maltese might be small, but their health problems are anything but trivial. This is a breed where a single condition can generate vet bills that rival much larger dogs — and they often need treatment for multiple issues simultaneously as they age.
Common Maltese Health Issues & Typical Vet Costs
| Condition | What It Is | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Luxating Patella | Kneecap slides in and out of position — THE defining orthopaedic issue for Maltese. Can cause lameness and arthritis. | $1,500–$4,000+ per knee |
| Dental Disease | Small breeds have overcrowded teeth, leading to severe periodontal disease. Many Maltese need full dental procedures under anaesthesia by age 5. | $800–$5,000+ per dental |
| Collapsing Trachea | Weakening of the tracheal cartilage rings — causes chronic coughing, honking, and breathing difficulty. Progressive condition. | $1,500–$6,000+ (surgery) or $500–$1,500/year (medical management) |
| Portosystemic Shunt (Liver Shunt) | Abnormal blood vessel bypasses the liver — present from birth, causes toxin buildup. Life-threatening without treatment. | $3,000–$8,000+ (surgery) |
| White Dog Shaker Syndrome | Idiopathic cerebellitis causing full-body tremors — primarily affects small white dogs including Maltese. | $500–$2,000 (diagnosis + medication) |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) | Inherited eye disease causing progressive blindness. | $1,000–$3,000 (diagnosis + management) |
| Heart Disease (MVD) | Mitral valve degeneration — common in older small breeds. Causes heart murmur, fluid retention, coughing. | $2,000–$5,000+/year (ongoing) |
| Hypoglycaemia | Low blood sugar — particularly dangerous in Maltese puppies and small adults. | $500–$2,000 (emergency treatment) |
| Skin Allergies | Atopic dermatitis — chronic itching, hot spots, secondary infections. | $1,000–$3,000+/year (ongoing) |
| Tear Staining / Eye Infections | Excessive tear production and eye infections — very common in Maltese. | $300–$1,500/year (ongoing) |
The Dental Nightmare Every Maltese Owner Should Know About
If there's one condition that catches Maltese owners off guard, it's dental disease. This isn't about bad breath — it's about teeth literally rotting out of your dog's head.
Why Maltese are dental disasters: Their tiny jaws are crammed with the same number of teeth as a Labrador — 42 adult teeth packed into a mouth the size of your thumb. The overcrowding means food gets trapped, plaque builds up faster, and periodontal disease progresses much more aggressively than in larger breeds. By age 5, many Maltese need professional dental cleanings under general anaesthesia at least annually. By age 8–10, some need multiple extractions — and full-mouth extraction procedures can cost $2,000–$5,000+.
Here's the critical insurance detail: Most pet insurance covers dental treatment resulting from accident (broken tooth from trauma) and dental illness (periodontal disease, tooth resorption, infections). However, routine dental cleaning and preventive dental care is almost never covered — that's considered maintenance. When your Maltese's dentist finds three rotten teeth that need extracting during a routine clean, the extraction part may be claimable but the clean itself won't be. Read your PDS carefully.
Luxating Patellas — The Orthopaedic Tax on Small Breeds
Luxating patella (loose kneecap) is the most common orthopaedic condition in small dogs, and Maltese are particularly prone. Grades 1–2 can often be managed conservatively, but Grade 3–4 require surgical correction at $1,500–$4,000+ per knee. And here's the painful truth — it often affects both knees, potentially doubling that cost.
Most insurers cover luxating patella surgery, but watch for:
- Waiting periods: Some insurers have specific orthopaedic waiting periods of 6 months
- Pre-existing exclusions: If your vet noted a mild knee issue before your policy started, it's likely excluded
- Bilateral exclusions: Some policies exclude the second knee if the first was treated (check your PDS)
This is a condition where getting insurance before any symptoms appear is absolutely critical. Once a vet records "mild patella laxity" in your Maltese's notes, that's potentially a pre-existing condition for life.
Detailed Provider Reviews
Bow Wow Meow ⭐ Editor's Pick
Best for: Highest annual limit ($30,000) provides genuine safety net for Maltese with multiple conditions
For Maltese owners, the concern isn't usually one catastrophic event — it's the accumulation of dental procedures, potential knee surgery, and ongoing conditions that can stack up within a single policy year. Bow Wow Meow's $30,000 ceiling means you're unlikely to hit the limit even if your Maltese needs dental surgery AND patella repair in the same year.
Key features:
- Annual limit: Up to $30,000 (highest among major AU insurers)
- Benefit percentage: Choose 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%
- No sub-limits on specific conditions — full annual limit applies
- GapOnly® claiming: Pay only your portion at the vet
- Dental illness covered (extractions due to periodontal disease — subject to PDS terms)
- Hereditary conditions covered including luxating patella
Waiting periods:
- Accident: 2 days
- Illness: 30 days
- Cruciate ligament: 6 months
- Pre-existing conditions: Not covered
Pros:
- $30,000 limit handles the "dental + knee + heart disease in one year" scenario that Maltese face
- GapOnly means no scrambling for cash at the emergency vet
- 90% benefit option maximises your reimbursement
- No sub-limits on individual conditions
Cons:
- Premium end of the market — but for a small breed, still very affordable compared to insuring a French Bulldog or Rottweiler
- 6-month cruciate wait is standard
Get a Quote from Bow Wow Meow →
Pet Circle Insurance
Best for: Good mid-range value with comprehensive small-breed cover
Pet Circle has built a strong reputation in the pet space, and their insurance offering is competitive for small breeds like the Maltese. Their comprehensive plan includes dental illness cover and doesn't penalise small breeds with disproportionate premiums.
Key features:
- Annual limit: Up to $25,000
- Benefit percentage: Up to 85%
- Dental illness covered (subject to PDS terms)
- No breed loadings that unfairly penalise Maltese
- Online claims portal — straightforward submission
Waiting periods:
- Accident: 2 days
- Illness: 30 days
- Cruciate: 6 months
- Pre-existing conditions: Not covered
Pros:
- Competitively priced for small breeds
- $25,000 limit is generous for most Maltese health scenarios
- Good claims experience based on owner reviews
- Strong brand — Pet Circle is a trusted name in Australian pet care
Cons:
- 85% benefit cap means you're always paying 15% out of pocket
- Not as many plan flexibility options as Bow Wow Meow
Budget Direct
Best for: Cheapest premiums — good for budget-conscious owners who want basic cover
If you're looking for the lowest possible monthly outlay, Budget Direct typically comes in cheapest. For Maltese, expect premiums starting around $40–50/month for their standard plan. However, the trade-off is a $12,000 annual limit — which could be tight if your Maltese needs major dental work AND knee surgery in the same year.
Key features:
- Annual limit: Up to $12,000
- Excess: $0 fixed (no excess option available)
- Benefit percentage: 80% fixed
- Dental illness covered (subject to PDS terms)
- Simple, straightforward plans — less confusing than providers with many tier options
Waiting periods:
- Accident: 2 days
- Illness: 30 days
- Cruciate: 6 months
- Pre-existing conditions: Not covered
Pros:
- Typically the cheapest option for small breeds
- $0 excess makes every claim straightforward
- Simple plan structure — you know exactly what you're getting
- No breed-specific exclusions for Maltese
Cons:
- $12,000 annual limit is the major weakness — patella surgery ($4,000) + dental ($3,000) + another condition could approach or exceed this
- Only 80% benefit — no option to increase
- Less flexibility in plan customisation
Get a Quote from Budget Direct →
RSPCA Pet Insurance
Best for: Supporting animal welfare while getting solid cover
RSPCA Pet Insurance provides comprehensive cover with the added feel-good factor that a portion of premiums supports RSPCA animal welfare work. For Maltese owners, their plans offer good coverage of breed-relevant conditions including dental illness and orthopaedic issues.
Key features:
- Annual limit: Up to $20,000
- Benefit percentage: Up to 80%
- Dental illness covered (subject to PDS terms)
- Supports RSPCA animal welfare programs
- Multi-pet discounts available
Waiting periods:
- Accident: 2 days
- Illness: 30 days
- Cruciate: 6 months
- Pre-existing conditions: Not covered
Pros:
- Premiums support RSPCA — genuine welfare impact
- $20,000 limit is adequate for most Maltese health needs
- Multi-pet discount if you have more than one fur baby
- Well-known, trusted brand
Cons:
- 80% cap means 20% out of pocket on every claim
- Not the cheapest option — but competitive
- Less plan flexibility than Bow Wow Meow
Get a Quote from RSPCA Pet Insurance →
Pet Insurance Australia (PIA)
Best for: Breed-specialist knowledge and promotional pricing
PIA often runs introductory offers (like 2 months free) that can significantly reduce your first-year costs. They have genuine expertise with breed-specific conditions, which means claims for Maltese conditions like luxating patella and dental disease tend to be processed smoothly.
Key features:
- Annual limit: Up to $20,000
- Benefit percentage: Up to 80%
- Dental illness covered (subject to PDS terms)
- Breed-specific knowledge — staff who understand Maltese health issues
- 2 months free promotional offer (check availability)
Waiting periods:
- Accident: 2 days
- Illness: 30 days
- Cruciate: 6 months
- Pre-existing conditions: Not covered
Pros:
- Promotional pricing can make the first year very affordable
- Genuine breed knowledge — helpful during claims
- $20,000 limit is solid for most Maltese scenarios
- Straightforward claims process
Cons:
- Standard pricing after promotional period may increase
- 80% benefit cap
- Smaller brand — less name recognition than RSPCA or Budget Direct
Get a Quote from Pet Insurance Australia →
How We Compared
We assessed each provider based on:
- Monthly premiums for a 3-year-old desexed male Maltese in Sydney (2000 postcode)
- Annual limits — critical for breeds that may need multiple procedures per year
- Dental illness cover — Maltese's #1 ongoing health expense
- Orthopaedic cover — luxating patella is extremely common in this breed
- Waiting periods and exclusions relevant to Maltese conditions
- Claims experience based on owner reviews and industry reputation
Our pricing estimates are derived from real quotes for comparable small breeds obtained in March 2026. Maltese premiums typically fall in a similar range to Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Dachshunds, and Poodle crosses (Cavoodles).
What to Look for in Maltese Pet Insurance
Annual Limit
For Maltese, a $15,000–$20,000 annual limit is generally adequate, but if you want peace of mind against a worst-case year (dental surgery + patella repair + emergency), aim for $25,000+. A $12,000 limit can feel tight.
Dental Illness Cover
This is non-negotiable for Maltese. Confirm your plan covers dental treatment arising from illness (not just accident). Note that routine dental cleans are NOT covered by any insurer — only treatment for dental disease.
Orthopaedic Cover
Confirm luxating patella surgery is covered, check the orthopaedic waiting period, and understand whether bilateral (both knees) coverage has any limitations.
Pre-existing Conditions
Get your Maltese insured young — before any vet notes about knee laxity, dental issues, or breathing problems. Once recorded, these become pre-existing conditions that no insurer will cover.
Benefit Percentage
At 80% benefit, a $4,000 patella surgery means you pay $800. At 90%, you pay just $400. Over a lifetime of claims, the difference between 80% and 90% benefit can be significant.
Insurance Tips Specific to Maltese Owners
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Insure early. Ideally within weeks of bringing your Maltese home. The younger they are when insured, the fewer pre-existing conditions can be recorded.
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Don't skip the dental. Regular at-home dental care (brushing, dental chews) won't prevent disease in many Maltese, but it can delay it — potentially saving you thousands. Insurance covers treatment, not prevention.
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Keep them lean. Maltese should weigh 3–4kg. Even 500g of excess weight increases stress on those tiny knees and worsens luxating patella.
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Watch for tracheal collapse symptoms. A distinctive "honking" cough, especially when excited or pulling on a leash, is the classic early sign. Switch to a harness immediately and see your vet.
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Budget for what insurance doesn't cover. Routine dental cleans ($300–$600/year), grooming ($80–$150 every 6 weeks), and annual health checks add up. Insurance covers the unexpected, not the predictable.
How Much Does It Cost to Insure a Maltese?
Based on comparable small breed data from March 2026:
| Cover Level | Monthly Est. | Annual Est. |
|---|---|---|
| Basic (accident only) | ~$20–35 | ~$240–420 |
| Standard (accident + illness) | ~$45–70 | ~$540–840 |
| Comprehensive (high limits, 80-90%) | ~$70–105 | ~$840–1,260 |
Maltese are among the more affordable breeds to insure compared to larger or brachycephalic breeds. A French Bulldog can cost $140–$190+/month, while a Maltese typically sits 30–50% lower. This makes comprehensive cover a genuine option for most budgets.
Maltese Breed Profile
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Average Lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Average Weight | 3–4 kg |
| Temperament | Gentle, playful, affectionate, sometimes stubborn |
| Exercise Needs | Low to moderate — short daily walks |
| Grooming | High — daily brushing, regular professional grooming |
| Common Health Issues | Luxating patella, dental disease, collapsing trachea, liver shunt, White Dog Shaker Syndrome |
| Insurance Risk Level | Moderate — expensive dental and orthopaedic conditions but generally healthy small breed |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does pet insurance cover dental work for Maltese?
Yes — most comprehensive pet insurance plans in Australia cover dental treatment arising from illness (periodontal disease, infections, extractions). However, routine dental cleans and preventive dental care are NOT covered by any insurer. If your Maltese needs teeth extracted due to advanced periodontal disease, this is typically claimable. Always check your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for specific dental coverage terms.
How much does it cost to insure a Maltese in Australia?
Comprehensive pet insurance for a Maltese typically costs between $45–105 per month depending on your chosen provider, annual limit, excess, and benefit percentage. Maltese are relatively affordable to insure compared to larger breeds and brachycephalic breeds like French Bulldogs or Pugs.
Is pet insurance worth it for a Maltese?
Absolutely. A single luxating patella surgery costs $1,500–$4,000, and dental extractions can reach $2,000–$5,000+. Over a Maltese's 12–15 year lifespan, the probability of needing at least one significant veterinary intervention is very high. Insurance turns a potentially devastating $5,000+ emergency into a manageable monthly cost. Read our full guide on whether pet insurance is worth it for more detail.
Does pet insurance cover luxating patella surgery for Maltese?
Yes — luxating patella surgery is covered by most comprehensive pet insurance plans as it's classified as an illness/condition, not a pre-existing issue (unless your vet has already noted knee problems before the policy started). There is typically a 30-day illness waiting period, and some insurers have a specific 6-month orthopaedic waiting period. Get your Maltese insured before any vet records mention knee laxity.
What's the best age to insure a Maltese?
As young as possible — ideally at 8 weeks when you first bring them home. Insuring early means no pre-existing conditions can be recorded, and premiums are lowest for young dogs. Waiting until your Maltese shows symptoms of dental disease or knee problems means those conditions will be permanently excluded.
Does pet insurance cover collapsing trachea in Maltese?
Collapsing trachea is covered by most comprehensive pet insurance plans as it's a condition (not pre-existing, unless previously diagnosed). Medical management (medication, lifestyle changes) and surgical intervention are both typically covered. However, this is a progressive condition — if diagnosed before your policy starts, it will be excluded. Early insurance is especially important for breeds prone to tracheal issues.
Can I get pet insurance for an older Maltese?
Yes — most Australian pet insurers accept dogs up to age 8–9 for new policies, though some offer cover up to any age. Premiums will be significantly higher for senior Maltese (8+ years), and any conditions already diagnosed won't be covered. If you have an older Maltese without insurance, it's still worth getting accident-only cover at minimum, as accidents don't discriminate by age. For a deeper dive, see our guide on pet insurance for senior dogs.
Are Maltese considered a high-risk breed for insurance?
No — Maltese are generally classified as moderate risk by Australian insurers. They don't carry the extreme premium loadings that brachycephalic breeds (Frenchies, Pugs, Bulldogs) face, nor the cancer-related loadings of large breeds like Rottweilers or Golden Retrievers. Their main risk factors are orthopaedic (knees) and dental, which most insurers cover without breed-specific exclusions.
The Bottom Line
Maltese are wonderful companions that can live 12–15 happy years — but they come with predictable health costs that insurance is specifically designed to handle. Dental disease is almost a certainty, luxating patellas are common, and conditions like collapsing trachea and liver shunts can strike without warning.
Our recommendation: Get comprehensive insurance as early as possible. For most Maltese owners, a plan with at least a $20,000 annual limit and dental illness cover is the minimum. If you can afford it, the $30,000 limit from Bow Wow Meow gives you genuine peace of mind for a worst-case year.
The cost of insuring a Maltese — typically $50–100/month — is a fraction of what a single emergency can cost. And unlike with larger breeds where premiums can be eye-watering, insuring a Maltese is genuinely affordable.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or veterinary advice. We may earn a commission when you click our links — this doesn't affect our ratings or recommendations. Always read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before purchasing pet insurance. Prices and coverage details were accurate as of March 2026 but may change — get a personalised quote from each provider for current pricing.
Last reviewed: March 2026