Compare Pet Insurance
Our pet insurance guide compares pet insurance policies from AA Pet Insurance, Southern Cross, Petcover, PD Insurance and Pet-n-sur, and reveals must-know tips for saving money on pet insurance
Updated 28 August 2024
Summary of Pet Insurance
Know this first:
Our Guide to Pet Insurance
Our guide outlines the cheapest pet insurance, with a number of tips to bring down the cost of insurance and make sure you only pay for what you need. We look at:
Summary of Pet Insurance
- Pet insurance is becoming more popular in New Zealand, but there is still a choice of only six insurers. This guide compares the policies and prices of AA Pet Insurance. vs PD Insurance vs Petcover vs Pet-n-sur vs Southern Cross Pet Insurance vs Cove vs Tower vs SPCA Pet Insurance..
- Generally, you can only get insurance if your pet is under 7 or 8 years of age. However, your pet will continue to be covered if you purchase a policy before they reach that age.
- Depending on your insurer, some policies may charge co-payments (meaning you would pay a percentage of the costs - usually 20%- and the insurer would pay the rest) or apply special terms to your cover for older pets or certain medical conditions.
- Our research found that cat insurance is cheaper than dog insurance in all cases, given the higher risks of dog ownership.
Know this first:
- Pets are complicated creatures, and big vet quotes and estimates can put pet owners in the horrible position of having to choose between operating or euthanising a furry family member.
- It’s impossible to control what random things your cat or dog does and/or eats - they love to try new things and they don't take financial consequences into account. With a CT scan starting at $1,500 and surgery for internal injuries costing $2,000+, vet bills can be expensive, to say the least. Our dedicated guide to Vet Costs in New Zealand explains what you need to know.
Our Guide to Pet Insurance
Our guide outlines the cheapest pet insurance, with a number of tips to bring down the cost of insurance and make sure you only pay for what you need. We look at:
Get Pet Insurance Quotes With Our Top Insurers
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"Pet insurance has never been more popular; 1 in 10 cat owners and 1 in 5 dog owners opt for pet insurance to help with vets' bills per this Stuff.co.nz article. This website continues to see more and more people looking for pet insurance as the options can seem confusing. And, every day, our research team continues to field questions from pet owners like you wondering if pet insurance is right for them.
The reality is simple - what's right for you depends on what you can afford and how much risk you're prepared to take. When I was young, my family owned a dog, and while it was a healthy and hardy dog which lived to 17, my friends' dogs were constantly at the vet (and some didn't make it back). Pets are expensive - arguably, pet insurance is a reasonable cost to protect you from the worst aspects of owning a pet. The good news is the pet insurance market has developed in the last few years. There are now six serious providers who each compete for customers - the winner of this is pet owners who get wider cover, lower prices and faster claim processing. What's right for you will take some time to consider. Our research team puts a lot of work into keeping this guide up-to-date so you can be confident you have useful information to help you make an informed decision". |
Christopher Walsh
MoneyHub Founder |
Compare Pet Insurance Quotes from New Zealand's Most Trusted Insurers, Relied on by Thousands of Pet Owners:
Christopher Walsh
MoneyHub Founder |
Our research has identified the top pet insurers offering unbeatable prices and value. We suggest getting instant quotes from Southern Cross, PD Insurance, and Cove before exploring the wider market—this way, you can be confident you're getting the best possible deal. Our view is this:
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Pet insurance - What You Need to Know
Pets are loved in homes throughout New Zealand, with more than half (58%) of Kiwis owning at least one cat and/or dog. The purpose of pet insurance is to cover the cost of treatment for an injured or sick pet, avoiding the unpleasant choice of finding the money for the vet bill or having to put down a pet.
Pet insurance is relatively new for Kiwis, yet 1 in 10 cat owners and nearly 1 in 5 dog owners currently insure their pet. Before you buy a policy for your cat or dog, there are a few things you should know to ensure you get the most suitable policy at the right price.
Pet insurance is about covering the unpredictable
Your dog or cat may be in perfect health, full of energy and careful of traffic. You may ask yourself if it is worth insuring your pet if it’s unlikely you’ll make a claim, but an illness or injury is never predictable. As is the case with all insurance, a policy protects you from the unpredictable. Although you might not think it is too likely to happen, if your pet has eaten something it shouldn't or develops skin cancer, it can cost a lot to remedy; pet insurance would step in and cover the bulk of the bill.
So, Should I insure my pet?
Vets unfairly have a reputation in some instances of charging as much as dentists. It’s not true, but the fees can be expensive for standard procedures, making the cost of owning a pet unexpectedly high. Most owners won’t be hit too hard with standard and non-standard treatments, but if you are less lucky (and your pet's situation is more complicated), you might end up paying a hefty fee. Here are some recent examples of vet bills that Kiwis have been faced with:
To decide whether to get pet insurance, look at the above costs and be realistic about whether you could afford the bill if it was handed to you tomorrow. Would you be able to cover it? If not, pet insurance may be a good way to avoid an uncomfortable visit to the vet. Our guide to Vet Costs in New Zealand extensively lists what you can expect to pay for a range of treatments.
Need some more help? Our video below walks you through our guide to help you make a decision about whether or not you want or need pet insurance.
Pet insurance is relatively new for Kiwis, yet 1 in 10 cat owners and nearly 1 in 5 dog owners currently insure their pet. Before you buy a policy for your cat or dog, there are a few things you should know to ensure you get the most suitable policy at the right price.
Pet insurance is about covering the unpredictable
Your dog or cat may be in perfect health, full of energy and careful of traffic. You may ask yourself if it is worth insuring your pet if it’s unlikely you’ll make a claim, but an illness or injury is never predictable. As is the case with all insurance, a policy protects you from the unpredictable. Although you might not think it is too likely to happen, if your pet has eaten something it shouldn't or develops skin cancer, it can cost a lot to remedy; pet insurance would step in and cover the bulk of the bill.
So, Should I insure my pet?
Vets unfairly have a reputation in some instances of charging as much as dentists. It’s not true, but the fees can be expensive for standard procedures, making the cost of owning a pet unexpectedly high. Most owners won’t be hit too hard with standard and non-standard treatments, but if you are less lucky (and your pet's situation is more complicated), you might end up paying a hefty fee. Here are some recent examples of vet bills that Kiwis have been faced with:
- Sending a cat for a CT scan - $1,750
- Cat hit by a car, broken femur - $1,800
- Surgery to remove ingested material - $1,950
- Chipped tooth on a cat - $2,200
- Treating a small dog with a broken bone - $2,800
- Cat run over by a car, emergency surgery - $4,000
- Complicated kidney condition treatment - $5,500
To decide whether to get pet insurance, look at the above costs and be realistic about whether you could afford the bill if it was handed to you tomorrow. Would you be able to cover it? If not, pet insurance may be a good way to avoid an uncomfortable visit to the vet. Our guide to Vet Costs in New Zealand extensively lists what you can expect to pay for a range of treatments.
Need some more help? Our video below walks you through our guide to help you make a decision about whether or not you want or need pet insurance.
Top Pet Insurance Tip - Always Disclose Everything
The younger, healthier and less complicated the medical history of your pet, the less you’ll pay for pet insurance. However, if you don’t declare health issues and past conditions, upon making a claim your insurer can use “non-disclosure” as a reason not to pay out. This means you’ll be stuck with the bill, unable to claim on it despite having paid the premium. Declaring everything will most likely cost more in the short term, but being covered for illnesses relating to those conditions will save you a lot of money later on if your pet needs treatment.
Know This First: Some pets can’t get insurance - If your border collie doubles as a sheepdog, it may not be able to get pet insurance – check with the insurer first. Dogs used for racing, hunting or farming may not be covered. Pit Bulls are also excluded by most policies.
Know This First: Some pets can’t get insurance - If your border collie doubles as a sheepdog, it may not be able to get pet insurance – check with the insurer first. Dogs used for racing, hunting or farming may not be covered. Pit Bulls are also excluded by most policies.
1. Understand sub-limits in pet insurance policies
When comparing pet insurance policies, it's crucial to understand the concept of sub-limits. These are specific caps on the amount you can claim for certain conditions or treatments, and they can significantly impact the coverage you receive. Here's what you need to know:
Understanding these sub-limits helps you better evaluate and compare pet insurance options, ensuring you choose a plan that offers the coverage you need for your pet's specific health needs.
- Claim Limits per Incident: Some insurers impose a maximum limit on how much you can claim for a single incident. This means that regardless of the overall annual limit, there's a cap on the reimbursement you can get for each claim.
- Limits on Particular Conditions: Most pet insurance policies have sub-limits for specific conditions such as cruciate ligament issues, cancer treatments, or ingesting foreign objects. These sub-limits can restrict the amount you can claim for these specific health problems, even if your overall annual limit is higher.
- Limits on Particular Treatments: Additionally, some policies set limits on specific types of treatments. For example, there might be separate caps for surgeries, general medical care, consultations, and specialist care. This means that your coverage for each type of treatment could be limited independently of the total annual limit.
- Provider and Plan Variations: Sub-limits vary significantly by provider and plan. Reviewing these details carefully when choosing a policy is essential, as they directly affect how much you can claim for various health issues and treatments.
Understanding these sub-limits helps you better evaluate and compare pet insurance options, ensuring you choose a plan that offers the coverage you need for your pet's specific health needs.
2. It is near impossible to switch pet insurers if your pet is over 7 years of age and/or has existing conditions
- Southern Cross insures new pets only up to the age of 7 on their PetCare plans (accident and illness).
- Southern Cross has no age limit for its accident-only plan, AcciPet.
- AA Pet Insurance does not offer new policies for a cat or dog older than 8.
3. It's worth considering switching if you are paying too much and your pet is young and healthy!
Our Best Buy Pet Insurance policies outlined below highlight a big difference in monthly costs, so if your pet is young and in good health, consider switching – you’ll save a lot if you’ve been overpaying.
4. Older pets may be refused coverage or be charged a co-payment fee
The older your pet, the more expensive it is to insure – an old dog can’t learn new tricks but it will go to the vet more than it wants to. For animals over 10 years of age, some policies only cover 65% of the cost of treatments which means you’ll have to foot the rest of the bill. Checking the small print is important. For example, Petcover requires owners to pay 20% of bills for pets between 8-10 years of age, and 35% of the bill for pets above 10 years of age.
5. The lower the excess, the higher the monthly cost
This is true for any insurance, and for pet insurance it means paying $100 of a vet bill or $500, for example. When deciding whether to go for low or high excess, ask yourself “how much am I prepared to spend on a vet bill before making a claim with my insurer?”. If you’re OK to spend $300, then having a $100 excess isn’t suitable as you’re overpaying on the premium. Weigh up what suits your budget, and pick a suitable excess level.
6. Be very careful of co-payment or percentage share insurance
Co-payment in pet insurance is where you pay a percentage of the vet bill (say 25% or 35%), and the insurer covers the rest. Many of these policies are sold as “low cost” options but if your pet needs the vet, the costs to you quickly add up. 25% of a $3,000 is $750 and further complications will make it a very expensive ordeal. It's highly likely that your pet, after a certain age, is only covered by co-payment or percentage share, so check the fine print!
7. Multi-pet policies could increase the savings
Many pet insurance extends a percentage discount if you insure another pet. Don't just assume this is the best deal. It's worth getting quotes to look for a better options.
Compare Pet Insurance Quotes from New Zealand's Most Trusted Insurers, Relied on by Thousands of Pet Owners:
Christopher Walsh
MoneyHub Founder |
Our research has identified the top pet insurers offering unbeatable prices and value. We suggest getting instant quotes from Southern Cross, PD Insurance, and Cove before exploring the wider market—this way, you can be confident you're getting the best possible deal. Our view is this:
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Selecting Your Pet Insurance Policy - Co-Payment vs Medium vs Premium Policies
Before you race into signing up for a policy, it’s essential that you decide what you want it to cover. Pet insurance is a sensitive area so it’s really important to check the small print, as it could make the difference between having no bill and getting a huge debt if you can’t afford the vet bill.
What you'll pay as a premium will vary a lot, depending on your pet's breed and age. Once you've decided which cover level suits your finances and your pet, you're ready to compare policy prices.
What you'll pay as a premium will vary a lot, depending on your pet's breed and age. Once you've decided which cover level suits your finances and your pet, you're ready to compare policy prices.
Comparing the Pet Insurance Market - AA Pet Insurance vs Cove Insurance vs PD Insurance vs Petcover vs Pet-n-sur vs Southern Cross vs Tower Pet Insurance vs SPCA Pet Insurance
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What Levels of Pet Insurance are Currently Available?
- New Zealand pet owners have a limited choice of pet insurance with only six players in the market - this guide compares policies of AA Pet Insurance. vs PD Insurance vs Petcover vs Pet-n-sur vs Southern Cross Pet Insurance vs Cove vs Tower vs SPCA Pet Insurance.
- Despite the small number of brands, there are many different terms for pet insurance policies, using policy names like “essentials”, “blue ribbon” and “gold” which make them hard to compare.
- To make things clearer, we’ve split up the policies into four main types and named them co-payment, accident-only, basic, medium and premium.
- Each policy insures for different things and pays out in its own unique way, all of which we explain in detail below.
1. Understanding Co-payment pet insurance
How it works: Co-payment insurance covers a specific percentage of a vet bill (i.e. 20%), up to a certain limit per year in total (i.e. $5,000). What the percentage is will depend on your insurance policy. Generally, the more you pay as a premium, the lower the co-payment percentage.
An illustrative calculation based on a 20% co-payment option would be:
Best for: Minor surgeries, short-term illnesses and one-off accidents
What you need to know:
Co-payment Policies include:
An illustrative calculation based on a 20% co-payment option would be:
- Eligible vet charges claimed: $4,000
- Less: 20% co-payment: ($800)
- Benefit payable to you: $3,200
Best for: Minor surgeries, short-term illnesses and one-off accidents
What you need to know:
- Basic co-payment insurance is the cheapest for a full coverage policy, but it can be costly if you are faced with recurring vet bills – 25% of $1,500 a couple of times a year can add up to $750+ and you’ll still have to keep paying for your policy alongside that expense.
Co-payment Policies include:
- AA Pet Insurance (all policies)
- Cove (all policies)
- Pet-n-Sur (all plans except “Rhodium”)
- Petcover (all plans for cats and dogs aged 8 years and older; co-payment policies require a $150 excess on top on the co-payment)
- Southern Cross (0% or 20% co-payment options)
- Tower (all plans require a 20% co-payment)
2. Understanding Accident-only pet insurance
How it works: Accident-only pet insurance covers accidents such a broken bones, but it won't cover sick or ill animals. Specifically:
Best for: covering the expenses of your pet getting into an accident.
What you need to know:
- Pre-existing conditions, congenital conditions and certain other treatments are not covered.
- And to be clear, “Accidental injury” means a “sudden, unforeseen and not gradual physical harm or injury”, so the injury must arise “directly from a single event occurring at a particular time”, and the injury can’t be related to a pre-existing condition.
- What this means it that accident-only cover is going to cover your dog if it gets hit by a car (i.e. unforeseen), but probably not your cat if its existing arthritis causes it to fall out of a tree (relates to a pre-existing condition).
Best for: covering the expenses of your pet getting into an accident.
What you need to know:
- Accident-only is often the cheapest, as it only covers accidents. A common policy will limit annual cover to a fixed sum, i.e. $3,000 or $5,000. It’s great to have if you’re only willing to insure for accidents, but it won’t cover your pet if it develops and internal illness such as cancer or arthritis.
- You can claim as much as you want up to the limit, and after 12 months the fixed sum resets. Your policy may however increase if your pet is seen as high risk.
3. Understanding Basic pet insurance
How it works: Basic pet insurance covers accidental injury, Illness and Inherited conditions – known as “total cover” with total claims limited to a set amount (usually $2,500 to $6,000) every 12 months.
Best for: one-off injuries, small surgery/treatment after an accident, ongoing medication or a short-term illness.
What you need to know:
Best for: one-off injuries, small surgery/treatment after an accident, ongoing medication or a short-term illness.
What you need to know:
- Basic policies tend to be cheapest, with an excess often being charged on every claim (i.e. $150). A common basic policy typically covers everything a vet provides, limited to a cap in vet fees in a 12 month period (usually $2,500 to $6,000).
- You can claim as much as you want up to the limit, and after 12 months the fixed sum resets. Your policy may however increase if your pet is seen as high risk.
4. Understanding Medium pet insurance
How it Works: These plans are similar to the basic pet insurance and similar excess charges but with larger limits. Medium-level pet insurance policies cover accidental injury, illness and inherited conditions – known as “total cover” with total claims limited to a set amount (usually $10,000 to $15,000) every 12 months.
Best for: one-off injuries, small surgery after an accident, ongoing medication or a short-term illness.
What you need to know:
Best for: one-off injuries, small surgery after an accident, ongoing medication or a short-term illness.
What you need to know:
- These policies are similar to the basic policy, with a higher cap on vet bills and similar excesses on a claim (i.e. $150).
- You can claim as much as you want up to the limit, and after 12 months the fixed sum resets. Your policy may however increase if your pet is seen as high risk.
5. Understanding Premium pet insurance
How it works: Premium level pet insurance policies cover almost everything, with 'lifetime policies'.
Best for: major accidents, long-term illnesses such as diabetes, arthritis, cataract surgery, cancers and long-term illnesses that require constant and regular treatment and/or medication.
What you need to know:
Best for: major accidents, long-term illnesses such as diabetes, arthritis, cataract surgery, cancers and long-term illnesses that require constant and regular treatment and/or medication.
What you need to know:
- These policies cost the most and they offer the most comprehensive cover with $15,000-$20,000 in annual cover, although you may still pay excesses on each claim (i.e. $150).
- You can claim as much as you want up to the limit, and after 12 months the fixed sum resets. Your policy may however increase if your pet is seen as high risk.
Compare Pet Insurance - Our Best Buy Policies
AA Pet Insurance vs PD Insurance vs Petcover vs Pet-n-sur vs Southern Cross Pet Insurance
- To properly understand what you will pay for pet insurance, we’ve listed two pets and the policy costs for “accident only”, "medium” and “premium” coverage.
Please note - policies that do not have an excess will, in most cases, charge a co-payment percentage. This co-payment, in effect, acts as the policy's excess. Quotes below are for young and healthy animals - any animal with a pre-existing condition will, in most cases, cost more to insure. For this reason, the quotes presented below are for illustrative purposes only, and we suggest to compare providers to find the best policy for your needs.
Important Advisory: Comparing Pet Insurance Quotes
When comparing pet insurance quotes, it's crucial to understand that prices and policy options can change frequently. We strongly suggest comparing quotes from multiple providers to ensure you get the best coverage and value for your pet.
Our must-know key points are as follows:
- Policy Options and Flexibility: Insurers, such as Southern Cross, offer various options that can significantly impact your premium. For example, Southern Cross offers three annual excess options, three co-pay options, and the choice to include or exclude consultation fees. Including consultation fees in your comparison is advisable for a more comprehensive coverage assessment.
- Customisable Plans: The option to exclude consultation fees can help reduce premiums, especially if you have a vet plan that offers free consultations. Some pet owners prefer to pay for consultations separately and only want insurance to cover treatment costs.
- Wide Range of Options: Insurance providers continuously update their policies and pricing structures, offering more options than we can quote here. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it's best to conduct your search directly through insurance providers' websites.
Sample Quotes Disclaimer
- The pet insurance price comparisons provided on this website are for informational purposes only. We acknowledge that some comparisons may include policies with differing excess levels, which can affect their accuracy. We suggest you review each policy's specific terms and conditions to ensure a fair comparison based on your individual needs.
- For the most accurate and up-to-date information, we encourage you to visit the websites of the respective pet insurance providers directly.
- The sample quotes provided in this guide are illustrative and may not reflect the latest policy options and prices, given the state of change in the insurance industry. We recommend you always compare widely and consider all aspects of coverage, including sub-limits, excesses, co-pays, and specific treatment and condition limits.
Pet 1 - Buster, Jack Russell dog, 1 year old, male. How much does it cost to insure Buster?
Best Accident Only Price and Cover:
Best Medium Policy Price and Cover:
Best Premium Policy Price and Cover:
Please note, all prices published in our research exclude Southern Cross' exclusive discounts which may apply to your situation - a 5% additional pet discount if you're insuring more than one pet, a 2.5% discount for Southern Cross Health Society members, and another 2.5% discount for setting up a direct debit.
Best Accident Only Price and Cover:
- Southern Cross Pet Insurance ($19.30/month with a $250 excess, 20% co-payment, $5,000 limit)
- Cove Insurance ($12.47/month with a $500 excess, 10% co-payment, and $5,000 limit)
- PD Insurance ($17.02/month with a $200 excess and $5,000 limit)
- Tower ($17.53/month with a 20% co-payment, no excess and $5,000 limit)
Best Medium Policy Price and Cover:
- Southern Cross Pet Insurance ($65.93/month with a $250 excess, 20% co-payment, $10,000 limit)
- Cove Insurance ($30.79/month with a $1,000 excess, 10% co-payment, and $25,000 limit)
- Petcover ($52.77/month with a $150 excess and $10,000 limit).
- PD Insurance ($56.14/month with a $200 excess and $10,000 limit)
- Tower ($42.08/month with a 20% co-payment, no excess and $7,000 limit)
Best Premium Policy Price and Cover:
- Southern Cross Pet Insurance ($71.93/month with a $250 excess, 20% co-payment, $15,000 limit)
- Cove Insurance ($43.77/month with a $250 excess, 20% co-payment, and $25,000 limit)
- Petcover ($59.05/month with a $150 excess and $15,000 limit) which excludes dental work.
- PD Insurance ($76.73/month with a $200 excess and $15,000 limit) which includes dental work.)
Please note, all prices published in our research exclude Southern Cross' exclusive discounts which may apply to your situation - a 5% additional pet discount if you're insuring more than one pet, a 2.5% discount for Southern Cross Health Society members, and another 2.5% discount for setting up a direct debit.
| Compare Pet Insurance - monthly cost, 1 year old male Jack Russell terrier dog | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Accident Only Policy | Medium Policy | Premium Policy | |
| AA Pet Insurance | Not offered as a standalone policy | $66.82 (no excess, 20% co-payment, $10,000 limit) | $69.76 (no excess, 20% co-payment, $15,000 limit) |
| PD Insurance | $17.07 ($200 excess, $5,000 limit) | $56.14 ($200 excess, $10,000 limit) | $76.73 ($200 excess, $20,000 limit) |
| Pet-n-sur | $52.82 (no excess, 30% co-payment, $4,000 limit) | $75.92 (no excess, $300 co-payment, $6,000 limit) | $96.19 (no excess, 20% co-payment, $9,000 limit) |
| Petcover | $40.23 ($150 excess, no co-payment, $7,000 limit) | $52.77 ($150 excess, no co-payment, $10,000 limit) | $59.05 ($150 excess, no co-payment, $15,000 limit) |
| Southern Cross Pet Insurance | $19.30 ($250 excess, 20% co-payment, $5,000 limit) | $65.93 ($250 excess, 20% co-payment, $10,000 limit) | $71.93 ($250 excess, 20% co-payment, $15,000 limit) |
| Tower | $17.53 (no excess, 20% co-payment, $5,000 limit) | $42.08 (no excess, 20% co-payment, $7,000 limit) | $50.09 (no excess, 20% co-payment, $15,000 limit) |
| Cove | $12.47 ($500 excess, 10% co-payment, $5,000 limit) | $30.79 ($1,000 excess, 10% co-payment, $25,000 limit) | $43.77 ($250 excess, 20% co-payment, $25,000 limit) |
| SPCA Pet Insurance | Not offered as a standalone policy | $58.00 (no excess, 30% co-payment, $11,000 limit) | $70.83 (no excess, 20% co-payment, $20,000 limit) |
Important:
- Petcover doesn't have an ‘accident only’ policy; their Economy product is used for comparison in this category. This policy includes $7,000 in vet fees for illness, meaning it goes beyond just accidents.
- PD Insurance has fixed price excesses of $100, $150 or $200.
- Monthly costs differ, hence the need to get multiple quotes from pet insurers and find an affordable cost point that protects your pet and minimises unaffordable vet bills.
Pet 2 - Monty, Tabby cat, 1 year old, male. How much does it cost to insure Monty?
Best Accident Only Price:
Best Medium Policy Price:
Best Premium Policy Price:
Please note, all prices published in our research exclude Southern Cross' exclusive discounts which may apply to your situation - a 5% additional pet discount if you're insuring more than one pet, a 2.5% discount for Southern Cross Health Society members, and another 2.5% discount for setting up a direct debit.
Best Accident Only Price:
- Southern Cross ($11.90/month with a 20% co-payment and $5,000 limit)
- PD Insurance ($12.50/month with a $150 excess and $5,000 limit)
- Petcover ($27.04/month with a no excess and $7,000 limit)
- Cove Insurance ($12.47/month with a $500 excess, 10% co-payment, and $5,000 limit)
Best Medium Policy Price:
- Southern Cross Pet Insurance ($40.86/month, $250 excess, 20% co-payment, $10,000 limit)
- PD Insurance ($38.45/month with a $150 excess and $10,000 limit)
- Cove Insurance ($30.79/month with a $1,000 excess, 10% co-payment, and $25,000 limit)
- Petcover ($35.19/month with a $125 excess and $9,000 limit).
Best Premium Policy Price:
- Southern Cross Pet Insurance ($43.59/month, $250 excess, 20% co-payment, $15,000 limit)
- PD Insurance offers cover which includes dental ($53.35/month with a $150 excess and $20,000 limit).
- Petcover ($46.60/month with a $125 excess and $15,000 limit) which excludes dental work.
- Southern Cross ($43.59/month with a 20% co-payment, $250 excess and $15,000 limit) excludes dental work.
- Cove Insurance ($43.77/month with a $250 excess, 20% co-payment, and $25,000 limit)
Please note, all prices published in our research exclude Southern Cross' exclusive discounts which may apply to your situation - a 5% additional pet discount if you're insuring more than one pet, a 2.5% discount for Southern Cross Health Society members, and another 2.5% discount for setting up a direct debit.
| Compare Pet Insurance - monthly cost, 1 year old male Tabby cat | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Accident Only Policy | Medium Policy | Premium Policy | |
| AA Pet Insurance | Not offered as a standalone policy | $40.51 (no excess, 20% co-payment, $10,000 limit) | $44.98 (no excess, 20% co-payment, $15,000 limit) |
| PD Insurance | $12.50 ($150 excess, $5,000 limit) | $38.45 ($150 excess, $10,000 limit) | $53.35 ($150 excess, $20,000 limit, with dental) |
| Pet-n-sur | $38.00 (no excess, 30% co-payment, $4,000 limit) | $43.19 (no excess, $300 co-payment, $6,000 limit) | $74.64 (no excess, 20% co-payment, $9,000 limit) |
| Petcover | $27.04 ($125 excess, no co-payment, $7,000 limit) | $35.19 ($125 excess, no co-payment, $9,000 limit) | $46.60 ($125 excess, no co-payment, $15,000 limit) |
| Southern Cross Pet Insurance | $11.90 (20% co-payment, $5,000 limit) | $40.86 ($250 excess, 20% co-payment, $10,000 limit) | $43.59 ($250 excess, 20% co-payment, $15,000 limit) |
| Tower | $14.43 (no excess, 20% co-payment, $5,000 limit) | $34.65 (no excess, 20% co-payment, $7,000 limit) | $41.25 (no excess, 20% co-payment, $15,000 limit) |
| Cove | $12.47 ($500 excess, 10% co-payment, $5,000 limit) | $30.79 ($1,000 excess,10% co-payment, $25,000 limit) | $43.77 ($250 excess, 20% co-payment, $25,000 limit) |
| SPCA Pet Insurance | Not offered as a standalone policy | $38.63 (no excess, 30% co-payment, $11,000 limit) | $47.09 (no excess, 20% co-payment, $20,000 limit) |
Important:
- Petcover doesn't have an ‘accident only’ policy; their Economy product is used for comparison in this category. This policy includes $7,000 in vet fees for illness, meaning it goes beyond just accidents.
- PD Insurance has fixed price excesses of $100, $150 and $200.
- Monthly costs differ, hence the need to get multiple quotes from pet insurers and find an affordable cost point that protects your pet and minimises unaffordable vet bills.
- All prices published in our research exclude Southern Cross' exclusive discounts which may apply to your situation - a 5% additional pet discount if you're insuring more than one pet, a 2.5% discount for Southern Cross Health Society members, and another 2.5% discount for setting up a direct debit.
Co-payment vs no co-payment pet insurance policies - what's the difference?
- Petcover offers plans with no co-payment. It's tempting to buy a policy that has a $0 or $150 excess and avoids you having to pay 20% of $5,000 (i.e. $1,000) or more should disaster strike and some large vet bills are incurred.
- However, plans with no co-payment have higher ongoing monthly costs. Furthermore, a $150 excess can be more expensive for simple vet bills under $750 ($150 is 20% of $750). While pet insurance protects you from small and big bills alike, bills below $750 are more common during the life of your pet.
- For this reason, our view is a co-payment plan hedges your bets and can be a smart move - it protects you from paying 100% of eye-watering high vet costs but also keeps your monthly costs as low as possible. If your cat or dog is sick, knowing you'll pay 20% of the vet bill is affordable and easily justified as part of the typical costs of owning a pet.
- That being said, many pet owners like full cover. As an example of how this can also be cost-effective, Petcover's excess is a once-off per condition per year. This means that once the excess is paid, all future expenses related to that condition are covered at 100% (without the need to pay further excesses on claims). Southern Cross Pet Insurance have an excess that is once per year (not per condition or claim) so once the excess is paid for the policy period, it is not charged again until the following policy year.
Compare Pet Insurance Quotes from New Zealand's Most Trusted Insurers, Relied on by Thousands of Pet Owners:
Christopher Walsh
MoneyHub Founder |
Our research has identified the top pet insurers offering unbeatable prices and value. We suggest getting instant quotes from Southern Cross, PD Insurance, and Cove before exploring the wider market—this way, you can be confident you're getting the best possible deal. Our view is this:
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Maximising the Benefits on your Pet Insurance Policy – 10 Must-Know Facts
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Own more than one pet? You may get a discount if you insure them allIf you have two or more cats, dogs or a combination of both, you may qualify for a discount on each premium. For example, Petcover offers a 10% discount per pet if you insure 3 or more pets with them. To get the best deal, always get quotes individually for your pets, and contact the insurer to ask if they offer multiple pet discounts. If you’re paying $1,000 for two dogs, 10% off that bill is a decent saving. As always, shop around for the best quote.
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Check to see if special deals are offered onlineCheck on each insurer’s website for details; Google the company name and “discount” for the latest promos. For example, Southern Cross offers a 2.5% discount if you’re one of their members already, a 5% additional pet discount if you're insuring more than one pet and another 2.5% discount for setting up a direct debit.
PD Insurance covers 100% of the vet bills with three excess options ($100, $150 or $200). PD Insurance reimburses the customer two days after they pay a vet bill for accepted claims. Furthermore, PD Insurance doesn't lock customers into contracts which means anytime cancellation. Claims have a two-day turnaround, and PD offers a "buy online, get the first month free" for all pets. PD Insurance only charges one excess per claimable event, meaning if follow up vet bills are incurred for the same claimable event, customers are not charged the excess again. |
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Negotiate directly with your insurer for a bigger discountOnce you've decided on a suitable policy for your pet, it’s worth a shot negotiating directly with the company. We believe, from our research into the companies selling pet insurance, that there are big margins so we suggest shopping around to bring down the monthly premium.
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Some pet insurance covers cancelling a holidayMore expensive policies cover (up to a certain dollar limit) having to cancel travel plans if your pet gets sick or has an accident.
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If your pet goes missing, you may be covered for replacement costs and reward money.It’s traumatic for anyone to realise their pet is missing, but some pet insurance policies will cover replacement costs for missing animals, as well as reward money and advertising expenses (flyers, newspaper adverts, social media advertising). Check the coverage to see if this is included, as it may mean you have a better chance of reuniting with your pet if a cash reward is on offer.
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If you get sick and go to hospital, boarding fees for your pet MAY be coveredSome pet insurance policies now include this, meaning the cost of sending your pet to a cattery or kennel will be covered. It usually needs to be a hospital stay of at least 4 days, so check your policy for specific terms if this is relevant to you.
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Make sure you always have your pet up to date with injectionsIf you don’t, your pet insurance policy will probably become invalid. Make sure these are administered by a vet and you have all the certificates, and keep them handy if and when you need to make a claim.
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You can reduce the cost of pet insurance – our easy wins and tips:
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What do I need to get a pet insurance quote and policy?Generally, it’s fairly simple to get a quote and you’ll need to provide:
If you buy a policy, you’ll need to provide:
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If you make a claim and it is rejected, you can appeal and complain
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Pet Insurance - Our Thoughts
- Pet Insurance is becoming increasingly popular, and with policies for under $200 a year covering up to $5,000 of accident cover (with a 20% co-payment), it's easy to see why the ongoing cost is seen as good value for money.
- Pet insurers typically offer three policy types - accident only, a medium plan and a premium plan. Our view is that accident plans have wide appeal, we also like premium plans which are only incrementally more expensive than mid-range plans but offer more comprehensive cover and increased limits. If you're happy to spend $2/day on protecting your pet (and yourself) from high vet bills, premium and comprehensive pet insurance can be a great investment.
- Our view is a co-payment plan hedges your bets - it protects you from paying 100% of eye-watering high vet costs but also keeps your monthly costs as low as possible. If your cat or dog is sick, knowing you'll pay 20% of the vet bill is affordable and easily justified as part of the typical costs of owning a pet.
- Monthly costs differ, hence the need to get multiple quotes from pet insurers and find an affordable cost point that protects your pet and minimises unaffordable vet bills.
Pet Insurance Frequently Asked Questions
How does pet insurance work?
- Like you would do for health insurance, you provide all the information about who is being covered (in this case the name and details of your pet), buy a policy and pay a monthly or annual premium. The policy covers one animal and is valid as long as you continue to pay the policy.
- If and when your pet needs to visit the vet for treatment, you will have to pay the bill and make a claim to the insurer by filling out a form.
- If the insurance covers the treatment(s) taken, the insurer will deduct an excess or a co-payment (a fee or percentage of the total claim) and transfer you the balance to your bank account.
- If your claim is not successful (usually due to the treatment not being covered), you can appeal and complain. In the meantime, you won't receive any reimbursement from the insurer.
What does pet insurance cover?
In most cases, pet insurance policies will cover:
- Costs for veterinary fees relating to the treatment of injuries, illnesses or accidents your pet requires. This includes surgery for broken bones, cataracts surgery, cancer treatment, and unpredictable illnesses.
- Some policies also cover losing your pet to theft or straying as well as reward money and advertising a lost pet.
- It's important to know that policies have an excess (meaning you pay the first $100+ of any treatment cost) or a co-payment arrangement, where you share 0-30% of the costs and the insurance covers 70-100%. Some policies may have both an excess and a co-payment requirement. You need to decide which payment option is best for you before you insure your pet, as it affects the premium you will pay.
What does pet insurance usually exclude?
Generally, pet insurance excludes a lot more than you might think, as we outline below:
1. Firstly, routine, preventative or elective care of your pets are all excluded – this includes routine vet visits for injections, check-ups, worming treatments and anti-flea medicine. However, Southern Cross offers optional extras that can cover day-to-day and dental treatments.
2. Secondly, you won’t be covered if your pet:
Know this: If your pet has a pre-existing condition, you can still buy pet insurance. The exclusions will be claims that are related to the existing injury or illness.
3. Lastly, if your pet has a congenital condition or developmental defect (i.e. a disease or physical abnormality from birth), these won’t be covered either. This includes cardiac, muscular, skin conditions and many more.
Know this:
1. Firstly, routine, preventative or elective care of your pets are all excluded – this includes routine vet visits for injections, check-ups, worming treatments and anti-flea medicine. However, Southern Cross offers optional extras that can cover day-to-day and dental treatments.
2. Secondly, you won’t be covered if your pet:
- Has an injury due to mistreatment of your pet or failure to protect your pet.
- Experiences some infectious diseases (e.g. flu, distemper, calicivirus, herpes, feline leukaemia, etc.) also if your pet was not vaccinated or the vaccination is out of date.
- Needs treatment related to breeding.
- Needs an organ transplant, joint replacement or suffers from pandemic diseases
Know this: If your pet has a pre-existing condition, you can still buy pet insurance. The exclusions will be claims that are related to the existing injury or illness.
3. Lastly, if your pet has a congenital condition or developmental defect (i.e. a disease or physical abnormality from birth), these won’t be covered either. This includes cardiac, muscular, skin conditions and many more.
Know this:
- Some pet insurance policies are more flexible than others in what they exclude, so if your dog or cat has a long-standing illness or abnormality from birth, declaring this upfront will determine whether or not you can get the policy.
- Buying a policy if your pet has a pre-existing condition can be problematic. While minor issues like having a pre-existing skin condition won't affect claims for a broken leg, you'll need to be careful and make sure you disclose everything.
Is property damage caused by your pet covered?
Generally no – if your cat claws your furniture or dog chews an antique table leg or carpet, you won’t be covered by pet insurance. However, you may be covered on your home and contents insurance, so check with your insurer to see if you're covered.
How do I choose the best pet insurance policy for my pet's needs?
Choosing the best pet insurance depends on several factors, including your pet's age, breed, and existing health conditions. You will need to consider whether you need comprehensive coverage, accident-only policies, or if you're comfortable with co-payment options.
Next, you'll need to compare policies that offer the flexibility you need, and always check for exclusions and limits that might affect your claims. Our guide provides detailed comparisons to help you make an informed decision.
Next, you'll need to compare policies that offer the flexibility you need, and always check for exclusions and limits that might affect your claims. Our guide provides detailed comparisons to help you make an informed decision.
Are pre-existing conditions covered by pet insurance?
As outlined above, most pet insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions - there are any health issues your pet had before the start of the insurance policy. However, some insurers may offer limited coverage for conditions that have been stable for a certain period. It's essential to declare any pre-existing conditions upfront to avoid issues with non-disclosure, which could result in a denied claim.
Can I change my pet insurance provider if I find a better deal with another insurer?
Switching providers is possible but tricky if your pet is older or has pre-existing conditions. Most insurers will not cover pre-existing conditions under a new policy, so if your pet has ongoing health issues, staying with your current provider might be best. However, if your pet is young and healthy, shopping around for a better deal could save you money, as our guide suggests.
What are policy limits, how do they affect my coverage, and what do I pay when visiting the vet?
Limits are caps within your insurance policy that limit the amount you can claim for specific conditions or treatments, even if your overall annual limit is higher. For example, a policy might have a $15,000 annual limit but only allow $4,000 for cancer treatments. Understanding these limits is crucial to ensure your policy will cover the treatments your pet may need.
Are there discounts available for multi-pet households?
Yes, many insurers offer discounts if you insure more than one pet. For example, Southern Cross offers a 5% discount if you insure multiple pets. Always get individual quotes for each pet and check for multi-pet discounts to maximise your savings.
Does pet insurance cover routine care like vaccinations and dental check-ups?
Routine care, such as vaccinations, dental check-ups, and flea treatments, is typically not covered under standard pet insurance policies. However, some insurers offer optional extras or specific plans that include these services. Southern Cross, for example, offers plans with optional coverage for routine care, so it's worth exploring these if you're looking for more comprehensive coverage.
What should I consider when selecting the excess amount for my policy?
The excess is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance covers the rest of the vet bill. Policies with lower excesses usually have higher premiums, and vice versa. When choosing your excess, consider how much you can comfortably pay upfront in case of a claim. Balancing the excess with the premium is key to finding a cost-effective policy that suits your financial situation.
What are the advantages of having a co-payment policy versus a no co-payment policy?
Co-payment policies typically have lower premiums but require paying a percentage of each claim. No co-payment policies have higher premiums but cover 100% of eligible vet bills after the excess. The choice depends on your budget and risk tolerance. A co-payment policy might be ideal if you're looking to keep premiums low and are okay with sharing the cost of vet bills. However, if you prefer the certainty of full coverage, a no co-payment policy could be worth the higher premium.
Is self-insurance for pet care an option?
Self-insurance is an alternative to pet insurance, in that you make a habit of putting money into a pet fund so that if your cat or dog needs to go to the vet, there’s money to pay the bill. This works for some people, but there are risks:
If the risk is too great for your finances, pet insurance is the most certain way of protecting your budget from your pet’s misfortune.
Video explainer
MoneyHub's Head of Research, Christopher Walsh, explains the pros and cons of pet insurance, and whether it's worth getting:
- Your pet might need treatment before you’ve built up much of a pet fund. For example, if you commit to $50 a month and after 3 months your cat develops a stomach issue, a vet bill of $1,600 will leave you with a big shortfall.
- You dip into your pet fund to pay an unrelated bill, leaving less cash available for a Vet. Disaster will strike if your pet then experiences a health problem.
If the risk is too great for your finances, pet insurance is the most certain way of protecting your budget from your pet’s misfortune.
Video explainer
MoneyHub's Head of Research, Christopher Walsh, explains the pros and cons of pet insurance, and whether it's worth getting:
Compare Pet Insurance Quotes from New Zealand's Most Trusted Insurers, Relied on by Thousands of Pet Owners:
Christopher Walsh
MoneyHub Founder |
Our research has identified the top pet insurers offering unbeatable prices and value. We suggest getting instant quotes from Southern Cross, PD Insurance, and Cove before exploring the wider market—this way, you can be confident you're getting the best possible deal. Our view is this:
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