The number of Australians taking out pet insurance has risen 8% since 2013, due in part to our love of pedigree dogs predisposed to costly medical conditions, according to comparison website finder.com.au.

Last year Australian dog owners spent $18.9 billion on medical bills for dogs.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says many pedigree dogs suffer genetic conditions such as hip dysplasia, with some treatments costing more than $10,000.

Popular breeds such as French bulldogs, Yorkshire terriers and Neapolitan mastiffs are the most expensive breeds to insure, costing $1397 a year by age five.

Cheaper breeds to insure at five years include cavoodles, Jack Russells, fox terriers, Chihuahuas and Australian shepherds, at an average of $634 a year.

Finder.com.au Money Expert Bessie Hassan says people planning to buy a dog should look into pet cover, particularly if they are considering a pedigree. “Pet insurance premiums are a small price to pay compared to potentially thousands of dollars on veterinary bills – especially if a serious illness pops up out of the blue,” she said.