Last updated 15th June 2024
Pets can be super expensive, especially when something goes wrong, so it pays to spend 10 minutes to compare pet insurance to ensure you are getting both good cover, and a great price.
Depending on the owner, pets can also be a pretty significant part of your life so when something does go wrong, it can be comforting to have pet insurance to get you through.
Our pet insurance reviews will hopefully help you decide which pet insurance company and plan is best for you. We aren’t financial advisors, and we haven’t reviewed every pet insurance option on the market, so be sure to do your own research before buying any pet insurance policy. They vary a lot, and the only source of truth is the policy wording provided by the insurance companies – so be sure to give these a quick read before making your final decision.
Also keep in mind that although we have done our best to compare pet insurance in NZ, your fellow Kiwis are a wealth of knowledge and nothing beats word-of-mouth. Also, keep in mind that everyone has different experiences with different pet insurance companies. So although people are eager to recommend Southern Cross, Pet Plan, and Pet-n-Sure in the comments seen below, there are also people who would be very quick to complain that these companies are the ones you should never deal with!
Pet insurance offers a safety net for pet owners, helping to cover the costs of medical care for pets, including treatments for illnesses, injuries, and preventive healthcare.
Understanding how pet insurance works and determining whether it is worth the investment can be crucial for pet owners.
Here’s a breakdown of what pet insurance is, its benefits, and considerations to help you make an informed decision.
Pet insurance is a healthcare policy for your pet that reimburses you for certain medical expenses.
This can help make healthcare for your pet more affordable and give you extra peace of mind. Coverage can vary widely between providers and plans but typically includes treatment for accidents, illnesses, and surgeries, as well as preventive care in some cases.
Pet insurance operates on a reimbursement model.
You pay for your pet’s veterinary treatment upfront and then submit a claim to your insurance provider for reimbursement.
Policies usually have an excess, which is the amount you must pay out of pocket before the insurance kicks in.
After the excess is met, the insurance policy will cover a percentage of the cost of care, as specified in your policy terms.
In summary, pet insurance can be a valuable investment for pet owners, offering financial security and ensuring that pets receive the care they need.
By carefully considering your pet’s health, your financial situation, and the details of the insurance policy, you can decide if pet insurance is the right choice for you and your furry friend.
Choosing the best pet insurance provider is crucial for ensuring your pet gets the best possible care without causing you unnecessary financial strain.
With a variety of options available in New Zealand, comparing pet insurance companies can help you find a policy that suits your needs and budget.
Here’s how to effectively compare pet insurance providers and what factors you should consider.
By carefully comparing providers, considering the factors that are most important to you, and understanding the fine print of each policy, you can choose the best pet insurance provider for your pet.
This ensures that your furry family member is protected without putting undue financial stress on your household.
What next?
Requesting a pet insurance quote doesn’t take long at all. Just like other forms of insurance (such as car insurance), you’ll be asked a handful of questions within an online form, and then be presented with your quote.
The two questions I always get stuck on when getting a pet insurance quote are the breed of my cat and its date of birth. All I know is I have a ginger cat, and it leaves its fluff everywhere. Sometimes you are presented with 30 or so breeds, and I’ve got no idea whether mine is a Burmese, Chantilly, Persian, Tabby, or Somali. I guess I’ll have to do a bunch of Google searches to find out or send a picture of my cat to the vet?!
The pet’s date of birth is also another tough question. Some date 7 or so years ago…
Anyone, enough moaning. Not all questions are tough, and most owners probably know more about their pets than I do. AA Pet Insurance goes as far as asking for your pet’s colour. If someone knows why, we’d love to know!
So what’s our advice? Get at least one pet insurance quote online when you first pick up your pet. At this time you’ve probably got a reasonable idea of the date of birth and the breed of the cat. It’ll probably be in the Trademe listing or the SPCA paperwork. Once you’ve done one quote you’ll have the answers to all the questions they ask, so spend another 10 minutes and get a few more quotes. You’ll find that the prices can vary quite a bit, so spending 10 minutes to get cheaper pet insurance or a better pet insurance policy, is worth it!
Quick fact: I’ve never purchased a pet insurance policy. I’ve pulled together these pet insurance reviews from scouring the internet and reading the websites of most leading pet insurers, and also reading hundreds of reviews left by customers online. I’ve also got many friends and family who are big animal lovers and have experience with the top few pet insurance companies, so their feedback helped me write these reviews. Since I do own a cat, I’ve had some discussions recently with the local pet store on what to look for when buying pet insurance. I’ve added their advice below!
AA offers pet insurance for both dogs and cats. It’s worth noting that it isn’t AA Insurance (that you know for their home, car and contents) that offers this pet insurance product – it’s the Automobile Association that you know for roadside assistance etc. Small differences – but it’s two different companies.
Cove launched pet insurance in May 2022 following on the success of their car insurance product. They offer three levels of pet insurance policies and are a digitally-focused insurance brand, meaning you can quote, buy, and manage your pet insurance online.
PD is a popular choice for Kiwis – you’ve probably seen one of their many TV commercials recently. They have an accident plan, classic plan, and deluxe plan. Overall their reviews are positive and plentiful.
Pet Cover offers dog, cat, and horse insurance in NZ. Overall their reviews are positive with a rating over 4 stars on Feefo. They are an Aussie company, and their .co.nz now redirects to a .com, which might make some feel a little iffy.
SPCA is the most known brand in the pet industry in NZ, but they are relatively new to pet insurance. Their products are provided by an Aussie company (Hollard), which is the same company behind AA Pet Insurance. SPCA is too new to have a good selection of online reviews just yet.
Tower is also new to pet insurance in NZ, and they are one of the first “big name” insurance brands to offer it here (State, AMI, etc don’t). Tower offers three tiers of cover: comprehensive, essential, and accident only. Like SPCA Pet Insurance, they are too new to have reviews from existing customers.
Pet-n-Sur is one of the larger pet insurance brands in New Zealand, and is 100% NZ owned and managed. They are a brand which has hundreds of very happy customers, but also a quick search online will reveal many disgruntled customers.
The Warehouse made a dash into car, home and contents insurance a few years ago, but has since closed down those lines of business. They do still offer pet insurance however. The offer three plans, and I can’t actually find much content online about them in terms of reviews and feedback. Get a pet insurance quote from them if you are comfortable with one of NZ’s biggest retailers insuring your pet.
Important Note: Please review our transparency statement in the footer of every page on this website. No brands above are a recommendation from Compare.org.nz or an indication that a brand or product is the best in its category. We do not compare all pet insurance brands available in New Zealand, so it is important for you to do thorough research and compare all options and find the right product for you, based on your own personal circumstances.
Get your own quotes as these quotes are only a snapshot in time. Pet insurance prices can change frequently, so you might find different prices for these scenarios if re-done today.
There are two distinct types of pet insurance in NZ: accident only, and accident and illness.
The names are pretty self-explanatory, but let’s take a quick look at these two types of policies:
👉 Accident only pet insurance covers your pets for accidents, as you’d expect. This means things like your cat getting hit by a car, or your dog jumping off the back of a ute. These are sudden events that cause the pet to need medical attention, and your Accident only pet insurance policy is designed exactly for these types of events. However, if your dog developed cancer or a skin condition, this wouldn’t be covered under an accident-only policy, as it falls into the “illness category”
👉 Accident and Illness policies cover everything described above, but they also cover those illnesses which develop over time, and aren’t necessarily related to a single accident. If your dog gets cancer and needs diagnosis and treatment, then this is the type of policy that covers those situations.
Accident-only policies aren’t offered by every pet insurance company in NZ, but you’ll find them at both Southern Cross Pet Insurance, and Cove Pet Insurance. At Southern Cross, their policy is called AcciPet, and at Cove, it’s simply called Accident Only.
Get your own quotes as these quotes are only a snapshot in time. Pet insurance prices can change frequently, so you might find different prices for these scenarios if re-done today.
Our top tip is not just to consider the price.
Yes, you’re probably reading this page because you want to compare pet insurance quotes, but we also suggest looking at the policy wording of the brands you are considering, and the claims experience of existing customers.
After all, there is no point in buying the cheapest pet insurance policy if you find out later that they don’t pay claims easily!
The price of your pet insurance largely depends on the age of your pet and its breed. So to get the best price on pet insurance you really need to think about the cost of insurance before you actually choose which pet to adopt.
However, if you already have a pet, that’s not really an option, so the best way to get a good price is to shop around. Prices can vary heavily, and what costs $30 per month at one pet insurance brand might cost $55 at another. This is all because insurance is priced with a complex formula, and every brand has a different formula.
Be sure to look at the excess when you compare pet insurance – it is the other big factor that determines what you pay. For clarity, your premium is what you pay monthly or annually, and your excess is what you pay when you make a claim. Excesses are typically between $200 and $1,000 – and a higher excess means a lower premium.
It’s really a balancing act. If you can afford to pay $1,000 when you make a claim, you might like to choose a high-excess pet insurance policy and pay a lower premium of say $30 per month.
But if you can’t afford a high excess, you might choose an excess of $200 – but be aware that this will mean your premium goes up to $50+.
To estimate your pet insurance costs, consider getting quotes from multiple providers with the coverage options that meet your needs. Use these quotes to compare how variations in deductibles, reimbursement levels, and coverage types affect your monthly premiums.
When it comes to actually comparing pet insurance in NZ, the process is quite simple. All you’ll need to know is your pet’s age, breed, date of birth and gender.
If you’re armed with these bits of information, you can compare pet insurance on most of the leading brand’s websites. It’ll take 3 or 4 minutes each, and if you’re impatient it will be tedious. But we recommend taking the time to compare quotes, you’ll be saving yourself money and ensuring you get a good deal.
Start by looking for pet insurance deals. Let’s take a look at what brands frequently have some sort of pet insurance deal…
Get your own quotes as these quotes are only a snapshot in time. Pet insurance prices can change frequently, so you might find different prices for these scenarios if re-done today.
No!
We never recommend just buying the cheapest pet insurance you can find. You’ll likely end up with a high-excess, low-cover, accident-only insurance policy from a less-than-ideal brand.
While the cost of pet insurance is an important factor, finding value in a policy goes beyond just the price. It involves assessing the coverage, benefits, and peace of mind that the policy offers in comparison to the potential veterinary costs without insurance. Here’s how to ensure you’re getting the best value for your investment in pet insurance.
Assessing Coverage Needs:
Evaluating the Benefits:
Understanding the Fine Print:
Comparing Providers:
Considering the Cost of Veterinary Care:
Finding value in pet insurance means choosing a policy that offers the right balance of coverage, cost, and service for your specific situation. By thoroughly researching and comparing options, you can find a policy that not only fits your budget but also provides the necessary protection for your beloved pet, ensuring you’re prepared for whatever health issues may arise.
There is no simple answer to “what is the best pet insurance in NZ?”.
The best for one person might not be the best for someone else.
As with all insurance types, there are a few main levers you can pull to get cheaper pet insurance.
The first is the excess. As always, increasing your excess means you will have to pay more when you make a claim, but it nearly always means your monthly premiums will be cheaper. Choose an excess you can afford, as this is a lump-sum payment you’ll need to make when you make a claim.
Pet insurance, unlike other forms of insurance like car insurance, also often has what is called a co-payment. This is a percentage amount that you must also pay towards a claim, over and above the excess. It typically ranges between 0% and 20%. As with the excess, a higher co-payment means a cheaper monthly premium.
The last, and possibly the best way to get cheap pet insurance, is by shopping around. Every pet insurance company in NZ will be priced differently, and it only takes 15 minutes to get quotes from all brands. It’s all done online, and if you’re just kicking the types, enter a fake email address and phone number for the brands that ask for these details for showing your quote.
Pet insurance is one of those expenses which seems like a burden…until you need it – then it can be a lifesaver.
Many vet visits can be reasonably cheap. Getting your pet de-sexed, microchipped, or vaccinated isn’t going to cost more than a few hundred dollars – so it’s arguable whether pet insurance is worth it in NZ for these minor day-to-day costs of owning a pet.
But, imagine you are in a situation where your family dog runs onto the road and is hit by a car. You take a dog to the vet who, after a $500 consultation, recommends $5,000 to $10,000 be spent carrying out the necessary surgery and ongoing treatment.
You’re now faced with a decision – pay for the euthanasia for your pet, or open your wallet and start spending your holiday fund. 😨
If you had pet insurance, this could all be covered by your insurance company. The premiums that you’ve been paying, which could be as low as $40 per month, would mean you can pass on much of this cost to the insurer when you make a claim. In this situation, having pet insurance is without a doubt worth it.
There are however situations where pet insurance might not have been worth it, in hindsight. You might pay your monthly premiums each year for 10 years and never need to make a large insurance claim. In this case, you’ve paid premiums and got nothing in return.
The question is, are you willing to take the risk that your pet will live an accident-free, healthy life? 🤔
It’s sort of similar to car insurance in that no one really enjoys paying for it, but if you’ve ever written off a $15,000 car and had your insurance company buy you a new one, you’d thank your lucky stars that you had insurance. Or similarly, if you’ve had comprehensive car insurance for your $5,000 Mazda Demio and crashed into a $75,000 Audi S5 – you’d really wished you had car insurance to get you out of paying that hefty repair bill!
Not really. There is no need for a “pet insurance calculator” to be made to provide estimates when you can go and get a real pet insurance quote in just a few minutes.
For this reason, the best calculators are actually the quoting tools on the various insurer’s websites. We find the AA Pet Insurance quote tool easy to use, so perhaps start there if you just want a quick estimate/quote.
There are a few things to note if you are looking for insurance for a puppy or kitten, but nothing fundamentally changes in terms of how the insurance works.
Firstly, pet insurance is cheaper the younger your pet is. This is a basic rule of pet insurance that can’t really be avoided. Let’s use the example of a Labrador Retriever. The cheapest pet insurance for a Labrador we could find was $41.67, but this is the price when it is just a puppy. At the pet ages, this price increases to $42.50 in the second year, to $43.74 in the fourth year, and then nearly $50 per month in the 6th year.
The same sort of increase applies to cats.
So when you first adopt a pet you might get a nice cheap pet insurance deal, but as it ages, this is without a doubt going to increase – so factory this into pet ownership.
Secondly, kittens and puppies can often get free pet insurance for a number of weeks from some selected brands. Pet insurance companies like luring new pet owners in early own in their pet-parenting journey, and one way they do this is by offering free pet insurance for kittens and puppies. Below are some brands which currently offer this deal.
How much is pet insurance nz
The cost of pet insurance in New Zealand can vary widely depending on factors such as the age and breed of the pet, the level of cover chosen, and the insurance provider. Prices can range from $10 to over $100 per month.
What is the best pet insurance in nz
The best pet insurance in New Zealand will depend on individual needs, but companies like Southern Cross Pet Insurance, Petplan, and AA Pet Insurance are among the highly rated options.
How much does pet insurance cost nz
On average, pet insurance in New Zealand may cost anywhere from $15 to $60 per month for basic to premium coverage.
How much is pet insurance
The cost of pet insurance varies by country, the type of pet, and the extent of coverage. Basic plans can start at around $10 per month, with comprehensive plans going up to $100 per month or more.
What does pet insurance cover
Pet insurance typically covers accidents and illnesses, including emergency care, surgeries, and prescriptions. Some plans also cover routine care, hereditary conditions, and alternative therapies.
How much does pet insurance cost
The cost can range from $10 to over $100 per month, based on factors like coverage options, pet species, and breed.
Where can I get pet insurance
Pet insurance can be purchased from various insurance providers, specialized pet insurance companies, and sometimes through veterinary offices or animal welfare organizations.
What is pet insurance
Pet insurance is a policy purchased by a pet owner to mitigate the overall costs of veterinary care by covering a portion of medical expenses.
Which is the best pet insurance
The best pet insurance depends on your pet’s needs, but it’s advisable to look for a plan that offers a balance of comprehensive coverage, affordable premiums, and good customer service.
How much is pet insurance for a dog
Insurance for a dog can vary widely, with basic coverage starting around $15 to $30 per month and more comprehensive plans being upwards of $50 to $100 per month.
How does pet insurance work
Pet insurance typically reimburses the owner after the pet has received care and the owner submits a claim to the insurance company.
What does pet insurance not cover
Pet insurance usually does not cover pre-existing conditions, routine veterinary visits without an additional wellness plan, or conditions specified as exclusions in the policy.
How much is pet insurance for dogs
For dogs, pet insurance can range from $15 to $100 per month, depending on the coverage level and other factors.
What is a waiting period for pet insurance
A waiting period is the time between when you purchase the policy and when the coverage actually begins, typically ranging from a few days to a month.
How to cancel pet insurance
To cancel pet insurance, contact your insurer directly through their customer service line or website to understand their cancellation policy and process.
What pet insurance covers pre-existing conditions
Most pet insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions, though some may cover conditions if the pet has been symptom-free for a certain period.
How much is cat pet insurance
Cat pet insurance typically costs less than dog insurance, ranging from $10 to $40 per month in New Zealand.
How do pet insurance claims work
After paying for your pet’s treatment, you submit a claim form along with the vet bills to the insurance company, which then reimburses you for eligible expenses according to your plan.
What pet insurance do vets recommend
Vets may recommend pet insurance companies that they have experience with or those that offer comprehensive coverage; however, they typically advise owners to choose a policy that best fits their pet’s needs.
How do pet insurance claims work?
You pay for the vet services up-front, submit a claim to your insurance provider, and then get reimbursed for eligible expenses based on your policy terms.
What pet insurance do vets recommend?
Vets typically recommend pet insurance that provides comprehensive coverage and is from a reputable provider, but they may refrain from recommending specific brands.
How much cover for pet insurance?
The amount of cover you choose for pet insurance can range from basic accident-only plans to premium policies that include accidents, illnesses, and wellness care.
What to look for in pet insurance?
When looking for pet insurance, consider coverage options, exclusions, deductibles, reimbursement levels, limits, customer service, and the provider’s reputation.
Why does pet insurance go up?
Pet insurance premiums may increase due to factors such as your pet aging, rising veterinary costs, and inflation.
How soon can you claim on pet insurance?
You can claim on pet insurance after the waiting period, which usually applies from the start date of your policy.
Pet insurance when can you claim?
You can make a claim on your pet insurance after the waiting period ends and for any covered incidents that occur after that period.
How do I claim on my pet insurance?
To claim on pet insurance, you typically need to submit a completed claim form along with the vet bills and any other required documentation to your insurer.
5 reasons why cheap pet insurance is not the best.
Cheap pet insurance might not offer comprehensive coverage, could have high deductibles, low reimbursement levels, significant exclusions, and subpar customer service.
What are the different pet insurance policies?
Different pet insurance policies include accident-only, time-limited, maximum benefit, lifetime, and wellness coverage.
Who does pet insurance?
Pet insurance is offered by specialized pet insurance companies, general insurance providers that offer pet policies, and sometimes directly through veterinary clinics.
Pet insurance which covers pre-existing conditions?
Few pet insurance policies cover pre-existing conditions, and those that do usually have specific criteria for coverage.
What counts as pre-existing condition for pet insurance?
A pre-existing condition for pet insurance is any illness or injury that your pet had prior to the start of the insurance policy or during the waiting period.
What is complementary treatment on pet insurance?
Complementary treatment on pet insurance refers to alternative therapies such as acupuncture, physical therapy, or chiropractic treatment that are covered under some policies.
What is a good annual limit for pet insurance?
A good annual limit for pet insurance should be high enough to cover significant unexpected veterinary expenses, tailored to what you might reasonably expect to need.
Who is the best pet insurance?
The best pet insurance provider is one that offers the right balance of coverage, cost, and service for your particular needs and those of your pet.
What is excess in pet insurance?
Excess in pet insurance is the amount you pay towards a claim before the insurance starts paying, similar to a deductible.
What is the best pet insurance to get?
The best pet insurance to get is one that aligns with your pet’s needs, offers comprehensive coverage, and fits within your budget while providing good customer service.
Where to buy pet health insurance?
Pet health insurance can be purchased from insurance providers that specialize in pet policies, online insurance comparison websites, or through some veterinary clinics.
Additional Terms for Comprehensive Understanding
In writing this article we reviewed other websites throughout NZ that also compare pet insurance, social media posts related to pet insurance, and recent news articles about pet insurance. Some of these sources we used are below: