As the world marks International Pet Insurance Month, PD Insurance joins veterinarians, shelters, rescues, and pet parents worldwide to highlight the increasingly integrated role pet insurance plays in raising pets.
PD Insurance COO Michelle Le Long said that people are becoming aware of the predictability insurance brings to the practice of pet parenting.
“Most folks signing up for a pup or a kitty know it means a level of responsibility, cost, and adjustment in exchange for the joy of unconditional love from a dog, or supervision from a cat,” she said.
“Our pets are family, and pet insurance ensures we can focus on their treatment and recovery, not the bill. From a sore paw to a serious surgery, having coverage means peace of mind.”
And while it isn’t ‘official’, Pet Insurance Month is a grassroots initiative supported by veterinarians, shelters, rescues, pet owners, and insurers, aimed at raising awareness of the value of cover and busting some myths in the process.
Everything is more expensive
Le Long said that while human healthcare is heavily subsidised, pet healthcare is not. Along with that, veterinary costs are on the rise, pet parents are feeling the pinch.
PD Insurance’s May 2025 survey of more than 1,500 pet owners revealed that 89.4 percent noticed a rise in pet care costs over the past two years, with 77.6 percent specifically citing increased vet bills.
Alarmingly, 29 percent delayed or avoided routine vet care due to costs, and in PD’s 2023 World Animal Day survey, 48.2 percent of respondents said that without insurance, they’d be ‘very concerned’ about being able to pay for an unexpected NZD 1,000+ vet bill in the next three months. And 12 percent admitted to the heartbreaking decision of euthanising a pet due to not having pet insurance.
Veterinarian and Healthy Pets NZ trustee Dr. Cath Watson added that those in her line of business are strong advocates for pet insurance.
“No vet wants to see anguish over money problems, or have finances prevent them from providing pets with the necessary treatment. Insurance helps manage unforeseen vet expenses, ensuring pets get timely care without financial strain. And it enables better treatment options, like surgeries or specialised care, without owners worrying about affordability.”
Le Long also mentioned that rising costs are partially responsible for further facts emerging from its research. Nearly 96 percent of respondents see pet insurance as valuable, with 39 percent calling it “extremely valuable” and 31 percent “very valuable.”
Big bills out of the blue
Insurance companies are hotbeds of insightful information, and Le Long pointed to claims data for examples of costly veterinary encounters.
“While we haven’t seen it all, we certainly have seen a lot,” she shared.
“Imagine a bill of NZD 2,000 for a nail bed infection—this can exponentially increase for severe conditions, like limb injuries for example. These things happen, and when they do, pet insurance is a financial lifeline for the pet parent, and quite possibly a literal lifeline for the involved dog or cat.”
Compare that, said Le Long, with typical monthly premiums ranging from as little as the price you’d pay for a cup of coffee a day.
Pre-existing conditions? What’s covered, and what isn’t?
While more Kiwis are taking pet insurance policies, there are commonly encountered barriers preventing some from even making enquiries. Le Long’s solution is simple: Don’t assume, talk to your insurance specialist.
“You may be surprised that the cover is suitable for your pet’s needs and your budget, though it may have limitations and exclusions. After all, insurance is for the unforeseen, not the already anticipated. Read and understand your policy wording and ask about waiting periods or exclusions. Clarity is key to choosing the right cover.”
And one final word? “If you’re planning on a pet, consider pet insurance. Starting from day one when your pet is at their youngest, typically means fewer or no pre-existing conditions, and you’ll also have a clear idea of the financial commitment of pet parenting.”
