Why is pet insurance important?
Unlike humans who have ACC and the public health system to use in the case of illness and accidents, there are only a handful of charitable organisations in New Zealand who may be able to assist with the cost of vet care for your pet. At RVC we are proud to offer your pet a truly comprehensive healthcare service, but understand that finances inevitably have to be considered when making decisions for your sick or injured pet. Therefore, we recommend that you take out comprehensive pet insurance so you are able to provide the best possible care for your fur baby when it is needed most.
Quality pet insurance cover removes the financial stress from making decisions when trying to provide the best treatment for an unwell pet. It also means that owners can budget effectively with a set cost each month, avoiding any nasty surprises while still being able to afford the very best of care for their pet.
Not all pet insurance policies are created equal. We want your pet to have cover when it is needed, so we recommend a policy with the features described below:
Comprehensive cover - including congenital and hereditary conditions such as hip dysplasia
Full cover for cruciate ligament injury
Cover for life without exclusion - including lifelong and chronic conditions such as skin allergies, kidney disease or diabetes. Other types of policies will exclude such conditions once a dollar limit is reached or at annual renewal.
Full cover for referral specialist care such as MRI scans.
New pet insurance companies are emerging regularly. It pays to check if the company is a subsidiary of another who also offers pet insurance, as often the policies provided are different. Whilst we have little experience with some of the newer companies yet, we have found that Petcover include all these essential features in some of their policies (please note that RVC receives no compensation for any recommendations or suggestions we make).
Choosing the right plan for you
There are several options available to suit various budgets and individual situations. Company websites are an excellent source of further detailed information, in addition to the items above, other things to consider include:
• Are there any exclusions?
• With life-long conditions, are there any “caps” limiting the total amount you can claim for or the period you are able to claim within?
• Are there any limitations with respect to accident and emergency cover?
• Are there any conditions associated with the insurance?
All insurance policies vary in terms of cover and exemptions so it is advised you do your research. The following is a link to a comparison website that you may find helpful: www.moneyhub.co.nz/pet-insurance
Information correct as of 1/2/21