Most googled pet insurance questions

More New Zealanders are choosing to safeguard their furry mates’ health with pet insurance. Whether you’re a new pet parent or considering cover for the first time, chances are, you’ve got questions – so, let's get into some of the most commonly asked questions by curious pet owners. Hopefully, the answers will help you weigh things up for yourself before deciding whether pet insurance is suitable for your pet.

What is pet insurance? 

Pet insurance is a type of cover that helps pay for unexpected vet bills when your pet gets sick or injured. Many pet insurers cover cats and dogs only but there are some who offer cover for other animals as well, such as rabbits, horses, and exotic animals. It’s best to do your research before choosing a policy.

Think of pet insurance as a safety net for those unpredictable (and often expensive) moments every pet owner dreads. You can explore different types of plans, such as accident-only, illness and accident, or comprehensive cover, depending on your needs and budget. 

How does pet insurance work?

Pet insurance can cover you for eligible vet bills if your pet gets sick or injured and needs medical attention from a licensed vet who can legally practice as a veterinarian in New Zealand. The level of cover varies from policy to policy and between insurers – so be sure to do your research before choosing a policy. Your level of cover, the breed of your cat or dog, and their age will all play a part in determining the cost of your premiums. Usually, you'll pay a fortnightly, monthly or annual premium to keep your cover active. If your pet needs medical treatment, you'll submit a claim to your chosen insurance provider.

How much does pet insurance cost per month in New Zealand? 

The cost of pet insurance varies depending on factors such as your pet’s breed, age, size, and the type of cover you choose. Generally, you can expect to pay between $10-$100 per month, depending on how comprehensive your cover is and whether you choose optional cover for an additional premium.

For example, with SPCA Pet Insurance, there are three levels of cover:

• Big Stuff Cover: Up to 90% of eligible vet bills covered. There’s a $25,000 annual limit and an excess of $1,000
• Everyday Cover: Up to 70% of eligible vet bills covered. There’s a $11,000 annual limit and no excess 
• The Works Cover: Up to 80% of eligible vet bills covered. There’s a $20,000 annual limit and no excess 

Is pet insurance worth getting? 

The decision is up to you and can depend on your financial situation, the breed and age of your pet. Vet bills can stack up quickly, especially in emergencies. At the end of the day, it’s all about assessing your needs and your pet’s unique risks. For example, young kittens and puppies are very curious and playful, eager to explore the world around them. Their adventures may lead to injuries resulting from accidents – pet insurance could come in handy in these types of situations. Older pets can be prone to sickness related to aging and may require more vet care in their advanced years.

Do I have to pay vet bills upfront, if so how long will reimbursement take?

Whether you have to pay vet bills upfront depends on your pet insurance provider and the specific policy you have. Generally, most pet insurance policies require you to pay the vet bills upfront and then submit a claim for reimbursement.

The claim time can vary between insurance companies. But typically, it takes anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks for a claim to be processed and the funds to be transferred to your account. It's always a good idea to check with your specific insurance provider for their exact process and timeline.

With SPCA Pet Insurance, you must pay the bill upfront to your vet and then submit a claim. You will then be reimbursed for the eligible portion of the costs.

How much will I get back from a pet insurance claim? 

Pet insurance typically reimburses a percentage of eligible vet bills, known as the benefit percentage. Depending on the plan, policies often cover up to 50-100% of the costs. For example:

• With a plan that covers up to 80%, if your vet bill is $1,000, you’ll be reimbursed $800 (minus exclusions or excess). 
• A more comprehensive plan could cover up to 100% of eligible expenses. 

Is there a time limit on submitting a pet insurance claim? 

Fortunately, most pet insurance providers in New Zealand allow claims to be submitted at any time after treatment, as long as you still hold your policy. However, the sooner you lodge your claim, the faster it can be processed.

Can you claim taxes on pet insurance? 

Pet insurance premiums in New Zealand are not tax-deductible. Unlike health insurance for humans, the government doesn’t offer tax breaks for pet care expenses. However, for working animals like guide dogs or farm animals, there may be exceptions.

Are hereditary conditions covered under pet insurance? 

This depends on the insurer. Many comprehensive policies do cover hereditary or genetic conditions, such as hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease, or patella luxation. Provided your pet didn’t show symptoms of these conditions before the policy was taken out or during the waiting period – as they’d be considered pre-existing conditions, which are typically excluded.

What does ‘select breed of dog’ mean in terms of pet insurance? 

Some dog insurance providers require you to specify your dog’s breed when applying for a policy. Different breeds have unique risk profiles, as some are more prone to genetic health issues or accidents. For example, brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like French Bulldogs are at higher risk of respiratory problems, so their premiums could be higher. Selecting a breed ensures your premium is calculated fairly based on your pet’s risk level. If you have a pet that’s a mix of breeds, you can select ‘mix breed’ or ‘cross breed’, which will help your insurer to categorise your pet appropriately when calculating the premium and coverage.

Is pet insurance worth it for an indoor cat? 

Cat insurance is a great option for cats of all lifestyles. While most cats are safe indoors, many will still find a way to create mischief, like consuming household items or standing too close to a source of heat. In addition, common conditions like urinary tract infections or thyroid problems can lead to expensive vet visits. 

Are pet insurance premiums the same across all breeds of cats and dogs? 

Pet insurance premiums are not the same across all breeds of cats and dogs. Certain breeds are more prone to specific health issues, which can affect the premium. For example, larger dog breeds or breeds with known genetic conditions may have higher premiums. Other factors that can affect premiums include:

• Age: Older pets typically have higher premiums due to the increased likelihood of health issues.
• Size: Larger pets may have higher premiums as they often require more medication and larger doses.
• Sex: In some cases, the gender of the pet can also influence the premium.

Take the next step toward protecting your pet 

Pet insurance is about more than just saving money – it’s about giving your pets the care they need when it matters most. By addressing these common questions, we hope you feel better equipped to choose a policy that works for you. 

Not sure where to start? Get a quote today from SPCA Pet Insurance. With three levels of cover available, find the pet care solution to best suit your furry friend’s needs.