Compare quotes from 8 NZ pet insurance providers side-by-side. Find the right cover for your dog or cat - comprehensive, mid-range, or accident only. 100% free.
Choose the plan type that suits your budget.
Select your pet type and breed size.
Age affects premium and eligibility.
How pet insurance works in New Zealand and why more Kiwi pet owners are choosing to have it.
Pet insurance is a contract between you and an insurance provider. You pay a monthly or annual premium, and in return the insurer reimburses a percentage of eligible veterinary costs when your pet is injured or becomes ill.
Vet costs in New Zealand have risen steadily. A standard consultation costs $60 - $120, while surgery can range from $1,500 to $10,000+. Cruciate ligament repair typically costs $3,000 - $6,000, cancer treatment $3,000 - $8,000, and foreign body removal $2,000 - $5,000. Without insurance, a single unexpected vet bill can be financially devastating.
Key fact: Only around 15 - 20% of New Zealand pets are insured, compared to over 25% in Australia and 50% in Sweden. With vet costs rising year on year, pet insurance is becoming increasingly common. The Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) provides general information about insurance regulation.
All NZ pet insurers allow you to visit any licensed veterinarian - there are no network restrictions. You typically pay the vet bill upfront, then claim back the covered portion. Some providers like AA Insurance offer GapOnly processing where the insurer pays the vet directly at participating clinics.
For more information about insurance in New Zealand, see the FMA's insurance guide.
Three main tiers of cover are available. The right choice depends on your budget, your pet's breed and age, and your risk tolerance.
Covers injuries from accidents - broken bones, lacerations, swallowed objects, vehicle accidents. Does not cover illnesses. The most affordable option.
Full protection. Covers accidents, illnesses, surgery, diagnostics, medications, hospitalisation, and often cruciate ligament and hereditary conditions.
Covers accidents plus major illnesses like cancer, organ disease and serious infections. May exclude minor illnesses, dental and routine care.
Different pets and circumstances call for different levels of cover. Here are three common scenarios.
A side-by-side comparison of every pet insurance provider currently operating in New Zealand.
| Provider | Animals | Plan Types | Max Annual Limit | Co-pay | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cove | Dogs, Cats | Accident Only, Major, Major + Minor | $25,000 | 10-20% | Digital-first |
| AA Insurance | Dogs, Cats | Single customisable plan | $15,000 | 20% | All-rounder |
| Tower | Dogs, Cats | Comprehensive, Essentials, Accident Only | $15,000 | 20% | No excess option |
| Southern Cross | Dogs, Cats | PetCare, AcciPet | $15,000 | 10-30% | Trusted brand |
| PD Insurance | Dogs, Cats | Accident, Classic, Deluxe | $20,000 | 0% | No co-pay |
| Petcover | Dogs, Cats, Horses, Birds, Reptiles | Essential, Classic 1, Classic 2, Ultimate | $20,000 | Varies | Exotic pets |
| Pet-n-Sur | Dogs, Cats, Rabbits, Horses | Titanium, Platinum, Gold, Silver, Rhodium | $18,000 | 20-50% | NZ-owned |
| SPCA Pet Insurance | Dogs, Cats | Big Stuff, The Works, Everyday | $25,000 | 10-30% | SPCA adopters |
Disclaimer: Features and cover options may change. Always verify details directly with the provider before purchasing. Table last updated March 2026.
In-depth look at New Zealand's pet insurance providers.
Cove is a digital-first insurance brand offering streamlined pet insurance for dogs and cats. Their Major plan provides $25,000 annual cover including cruciate ligament, hereditary conditions and cancer. No waiting period for accidents - claims from day one.
What's typically included at each level of cover across NZ pet insurers.
| Coverage | Comprehensive | Mid-Range | Accident Only |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accidental injury | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered |
| Broken bones & lacerations | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered |
| Swallowed objects | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered |
| Cancer treatment | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered | ✗ Not covered |
| Infections & illnesses | ✓ Covered | Major only | ✗ Not covered |
| Cruciate ligament | ✓ Sub-limit may apply | Varies | ✗ Not covered |
| Hereditary conditions | ✓ Most providers | Some providers | ✗ Not covered |
| Dental treatment | Add-on / top plans | ✗ Usually excluded | ✗ Not covered |
| Diagnostics & imaging | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered | Accident only |
| Surgery & hospitalisation | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered | Accident only |
| Third-party liability (dogs) | Some providers | Some providers | Some providers |
| Emergency boarding | ✓ Most providers | Varies | ✗ Usually excluded |
| Routine care | Optional add-on | ✗ Not included | ✗ Not included |
Disclaimer: Coverage details are indicative and vary between providers. Always read the full Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for exact terms.
These items are typically excluded across most NZ pet insurance providers.
Any condition showing signs or symptoms before the policy start date or during the waiting period. Does not require a formal vet diagnosis - observable signs alone qualify.
Desexing (spaying/neutering), cosmetic procedures such as tail docking or ear cropping, and any procedure not medically necessary.
Standard vaccinations, worming, flea and tick treatment, microchipping and annual check-ups. Some providers offer this as an optional paid add-on.
Pregnancy-related costs, birthing complications, fertility treatments and any costs relating to intentional breeding.
Treatment for behavioural issues, anxiety, aggression and training costs. Some comprehensive plans may include limited behavioural therapy.
Prescription diets, dietary supplements, weight management programmes and special food - even if vet-prescribed.
Dental illness and treatment is excluded from most basic and mid-range plans. Available on comprehensive plans or as an add-on with a 90-day waiting period.
Grooming costs, nail trimming, and any cosmetic or non-essential procedures.
Understanding these factors can help you find the best value.
Dogs are generally 30-50% more expensive to insure than cats due to higher vet costs and more breed-specific conditions.
Large breeds (Great Danes, Rottweilers) and brachycephalic breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs) attract higher premiums. Crossbreeds typically cost less.
Younger pets cost less to insure. Premiums increase yearly. Some providers increase co-payments as pets age - e.g. Pet-n-Sur goes from 20% to 50% at age 10.
Higher annual limits and more comprehensive cover cost more. Accident-only plans are typically a third to half the cost of comprehensive.
A higher excess ($500 vs $100) and higher co-pay (20% vs 10%) can significantly lower premiums. Good if you can cover smaller bills yourself.
Vet costs are higher in major cities like Auckland and Wellington. Some providers factor this into premiums, though the impact is smaller than other factors.
Indicative monthly premiums across different pet types and plan levels.
Disclaimer: These figures are indicative estimates based on publicly available pricing as at March 2026. Actual premiums depend on breed, age, location and provider.
Practical ways to reduce your premium without sacrificing important cover.
Premiums are lowest when pets are young. Insuring early locks in lower rates and ensures no pre-existing conditions on record.
Increasing your excess from $100 to $500 can reduce premiums by 15-25%. Works well if you can cover smaller bills yourself.
Opting for 20-30% co-pay instead of 10% further reduces your premium. Calculate the trade-off based on likely claim frequency.
Most NZ pet insurers offer 5-10% discounts when you insure multiple pets. Insure all pets with the same provider for savings.
Cove offers up to 10% off for annual payment. If cash flow allows, paying upfront is an easy saving.
A $25K limit may be more than you need. Dropping to $10K-$15K lowers premiums while covering most vet bills.
Wellness add-ons often cost nearly as much as paying for vaccinations and flea treatment out of pocket.
AA Members save 5%, Southern Cross Health Society members save 2.5%.
How to switch without leaving gaps in your cover.
Use this page to compare providers. Note the annual limit, excess, co-payment and what's covered.
New policies have waiting periods (14-21 days for illness, up to 6 months for cruciate). Start your new policy before cancelling the old one.
Any conditions already treated will likely be pre-existing with the new insurer. Be upfront - non-disclosure can void your policy.
Once the new policy is active and waiting periods have passed, cancel your old policy. Most NZ pet insurers have no lock-in contracts.
When switching, conditions treated under your old policy will generally be treated as pre-existing by the new insurer. If your pet has an ongoing condition, staying with your current provider may be better - especially with "covered for life" benefits.
The claims process is straightforward with most NZ pet insurers.
Take your pet to any licensed NZ vet. No network restrictions.
Pay upfront (unless using AA's GapOnly at a participating vet).
Lodge online or via app with the invoice and vet notes.
Insurer reviews against your policy and pet's medical history.
Approved claims paid in 2-5 business days, minus excess and co-pay.
Example claim: Your dog needs $4,000 surgery. With $200 excess and 20% co-pay, the insurer pays 80% of ($4,000 - $200) = $3,040. You pay $960 total. With PD Insurance (0% co-pay, $200 excess), you'd pay just $200.
Key information for pet owners in New Zealand.
Pet insurance is regulated under the Insurance (Prudential Supervision) Act 2010 by the Reserve Bank and the FMA. Disputes can be escalated to the IFSO.
The new Insurance Contracts Act 2024 modernises NZ insurance law with clearer disclosure requirements and enhanced consumer protections.
Consultation: $60-$120. Surgery: $1,500-$10,000+. Cruciate repair: $3,000-$6,000. Cancer treatment: $3,000-$8,000. The NZ Veterinary Association can help you find a local vet.
Under the Dog Control Act 1996, owners are liable for damage caused by their dog. Some pet insurers include third-party liability up to $5M.
All dogs must be registered and microchipped by 3 months. While not required for cats in most areas, microchipping is encouraged. Some providers cover it under routine care add-ons.
Canstar NZ publishes annual pet insurance ratings. Consumer NZ also reviews providers. Independent ratings help compare beyond price.
The Product Disclosure Statement outlines exactly what is and isn't covered.
Pet insurance PDS and policy wording. View on Cove
Pet insurance policy document. View on AA
Pet insurance policy wording. View on Tower
Pet insurance PDS and terms. View on Southern Cross
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, insurance or veterinary advice. Compare.org.nz does not provide personal advice or endorse any specific provider. All product information, prices and features are based on publicly available data as at March 2026 and may change without notice. Always read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and verify details directly with the provider before purchasing.
Pet insurance in New Zealand is regulated by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand and the Financial Markets Authority. If you have a complaint, contact the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman (IFSO).
Use the comparison table above to find the right plan for your dog or cat. Compare 8 NZ providers on price, coverage and features.
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