Why we recommend pet insurance

What is pet insurance?

Pet insurance is a policy that helps you to pay for vet bills when your animal is unwell. With the right treatment, your pet’s quality of life can be massively improved, but the downside is that treatment can be very expensive.

Most of us never realise this as New Zealand has such a great healthcare system, but animals don’t have the same luxury. If your pet gets sick or injured, it’s up to you to pay for their treatment. Even simple procedures like a health check or cleaning a wound can cost hundreds of dollars. Emergency treatment like surgeries or blood tests can save your pet’s life but vets often need to ask whether you’re willing to go ahead with them due to the huge cost. It’s heartbreaking that some owners need to say goodbye to their pets if they can’t afford the treatment.

Most owners don’t think about the benefits of pet insurance until they’re faced with a large vet bill that could have been avoided. So, whether you are preparing for a new four-legged addition to your family or looking after an older furry friend, it’s important to consider taking out cover.

Which pet insurance should I choose?

There are a range of pet insurance providers and policies available, with different levels of cover, benefits, exclusions and costs. The right option will depend on your individual animal, your circumstances and the level of cover you are comfortable with.

We recommend doing your own research and comparing different policies before deciding what is right for you and your pet. Make sure you understand what is and is not covered, any limits or exclusions that apply, and the costs involved.