12 Apr 2024
Pet insurance for senior dog care
As your dog ages, how much value will you continue to get out of pet insurance? We take a look at pet...
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Pet ParentsPet insurance for your dog
Dog insurance reimburses you for some of the costs when you take your dog to the vet. After your dog is treated, you can make a claim for the cost of the vet bill and get back a percentage of what you paid. When you combine the cunning drive for adventure that most dogs have with the high standard of animal care in New Zealand, it’s easy to see how dog insurance might just become your second-best friend. In fact, over 90% of Kiwis say the main reason for owning a dog is to add an extra member to their family.1
According to the latest data, less than 20% of dog owners in New Zealand have pet insurance, which is often because they’re not aware of the value it offers.2 However, at least 75% of dog owners take their companion to the vet once a year or more, which means they’re paying for these costs out-of-pocket and missing out on the benefit of pet insurance.
Free Information Pack
Get a free information pack about SPCA Pet Insurance.
SPCA Dog Insurance
SPCA Pet Insurance offers three different options for dog owners to avoid expensive vet bills.
- Everyday Cover can help with the occasional need for a vet visit for your dog by covering up to 70% of eligible costs while also keeping your premiums manageable.3
- The Works Cover is great if you’d like to keep your dog in top shape with a high level of cover and the best treatment available. This covers up to 80% of eligible vet bills with a $20,000 annual limit.3
- Big Stuff Cover is made for large vet bills above $1,000. This covers up to 90% of your dog’s eligible treatment costs, all the way up to $25,000 a year.3 There are also no limits on consultations or cruciate ligament conditions, which means you can take your dog to the vet as many times as you’d like without worrying about the cost of surgeries or other major procedures.
Top features
Every SPCA Pet Insurance policy covers your dog for both injuries and illnesses, which includes things like:
- cuts, bites, or other wounds
- trauma (such as a fall or car accident)
- bone fractures
- snake or insect bites
- cancer or other common diseases
- joint conditions such as hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease, and arthritis
- gastrointestinal problems (vomiting, diarrhea, constipation etc)
- skin conditions
- surgical treatment if your dog swallows a dangerous object
Common dog ailments
Although every animal is different, common conditions among dogs include4:
- ear infections
- gastrointestinal issues
- cancer
- diabetes
- kennel cough
The table below shows the health concerns that dog owners in New Zealand think are most important. Keep in mind that this data is based on the individual concerns of other owners – your dog’s own health might be different.
You might be able to claim on vet bills for some of these but it’s always important to check what’s covered under each policy first.
| Concern | Percentage of dog owners5 |
|---|---|
| Worming treatments | 94.9% |
| Micro-chipping | 94.7% |
| Keeping vaccinations up to date | 91.3% |
| Flea treatments | 90.8% |
| Regular health checks | 85.1% |
| Desexing | 83.2% |
| Weight concerns as indicated by the appearance of hips, spine, and ribs | 78% |
| Specialised diets or nutrition from the vet | 27% |
Settling your dog insurance claim
Making a claim for your dog’s treatment is easy when you’re with SPCA Pet Insurance. You can claim online at any time using our claims portal – it’s the easiest part of dealing with a sick dog!
Your dog's treatment
Pay your vet bill as usual when your dog receives treatment
Submit your paperwork
To make a claim, you’ll need to provide a copy of the itemised invoice from the vet
Receiving your payment
We’ll pay your eligible claim within 1-2 business days once approved, so you can focus on looking after your dog
The payment you receive after making a claim will be based on your level of cover. If there are any exclusions, waiting periods, or limits under your policy, these might affect the amount you receive.
Here are some examples of how claims are calculated depending on your level of cover.
Big Stuff Cover
| Features | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total cost of vet bill | $5,000 |
| Amount you can claim (90%) | $4,500 |
| Excess payable | $1,000 |
| Your out-of-pocket expense | $1,500 |
Everyday Cover
| Features | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total cost of vet bill | $300 |
| Amount you can claim (70%) | $210 |
| Your out-of-pocket expense | $90 |
The Works Cover
| Features | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total cost of vet bill | $850 |
| Amount you can claim (80%) | $680 |
| Your out-of-pocket expense | $170 |
On top of vet bills for your dog, you’ll also need to consider other common expenses like dog food, accessories, and toys. These can add up especially if you’re dealing with expensive vet bills at the same time. Managing these ongoing expenses is an important part of every dog owner’s responsibility.
Trusted cover for when you need it most
Dog insurance FAQsFrequently Asked Questions
Can my dog be insured if it has pre-existing conditions?
Yes, you can still apply if your dog has pre-existing health conditions, however if your dog has existing conditions that require medical treatment or ongoing medication and you take out a new policy, these will generally be considered pre-existing conditions and may be permanently excluded from cover. You can apply to have a pre-existing condition exclusion reviewed by downloading a copy of the pre-existing condition review form.
At what age should I take out dog insurance?
Is pet insurance worth it for senior dogs?
Does my dog insurance cover desexing?
I have more than one dog, do I get a discount?
Can I only get dental insurance for my dog?
- New Zealand Companion Animal Trust Research Study – NZCAT
- Companion Animals in New Zealand 2016 Report – NZ Companion Animal Council
- Pre-existing conditions are excluded. Limits, sub-limits, and annual condition limits may apply. A $2,000 annual condition limit applies to Everyday Cover.
- New Zealand Companion Animal Trust Research Study – NZCAT
- Common dog diseases – ASPCA
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