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Read moreExotic pet insurance New Zealand
From reptiles and turtles to birds and small mammals, we offer a range of policy options packed with added benefits to suit.
- 3 levels of exotic pet insurance cover to choose from
- Up to $6,000 in eligible vet fees
- Up to $1 million third party liability insurance
- Accidental injury cover
From feathered friends to scaly sidekicks, exotic pet insurance gives owners the same peace of mind that Petcover has long provided for cats, dogs, and horses across New Zealand. We offer flexible and comprehensive cover that caters to a wide variety of pets and their unique needs.
We understand that exotic pets hold a special place in your family, just like cats and dogs. Recognising the unique bond you share with your reptiles, turtles, birds, and other exotic animals, we acknowledge the financial challenges that can arise when unexpected illnesses or injuries affect your cherished companions.
We provide three types of coverage to cater to your specific needs: Premier, Plus, and Value. The comparison table below highlights the key benefits to help with your decision-making process, empowering you to select the option that aligns with your and your pet’s requirements.
Choose your exotic pet insurance policy
(No cover for small mammals)
Benefits
-
Umbrella for life
Umbrella for live cover means you can continue to claim for eligible treatment of illness or injuries throughout your cat’s lifetime, provided there is no break in cover.
–
-
Veterinary fees
Cover for the cost of eligible veterinary treatment your pet has received during the policy year to treat injury and illness.
$6,000
-
Alternative or complementary treatment
Cover for the cost of any examination, consultation advice, test and legally prescribed medication or acupuncture, chiropractic manipulation, physiotherapy, herbal medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, osteopathy, recommended by your vet.
Up to $500
Fixed excess +10% of
the eligible balance -
Referral hospital or specialist vet
The cost of referral/specialist vet treatment up to the maximum benefit, if the pet is referred by a primary vet for treatment.
Cost of the veterinary treatment when referred
Fixed excess + 30% of
the eligible balance -
Diagnostic examinations
Diagnostic examinations of magnetic resource imaging (MRI), nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI) or computed axial tomography (CT or CAT). The cost of MRI, NMRI, CT or CA scans up to the maximum benefit.
The cost of MRI, NMRI or CT
or CA scans up to the maximum benefitFixed excess + 50%
of the eligible balance -
Advertising and reward
Cover for the cost of advertising, and the reward you have offered and paid to get your pet back if your pet is stolen or goes missing during the policy year. Refer to PDS for further information.
Up to $500
Excess: $75 -
Third party liability
Cover for any damage or injury you are legally responsible for and compensation as a result of your pet
Up to $1,000,000
Excess: $500 -
Fixed excess – Birds, reptiles and turtles
The non-refundable amount you will be required to pay for claims covered under this policy.
$75 or $175
-
Fixed excess – Small mammals
The non-refundable amount you will be required to pay for claims covered under this policy.
–
Optional extras
-
Death from illness or injury
Not offered on mammals
Up to the purchase
price or market value -
Loss from theft, fire or weather perils
Not offered on mammals
Up to the purchase
price or market valueExcess: 10% of the value of the pet
-
Loss from not returning whilst flying (birds of prey only)
Provides a claimable benefit for birds of prey (fitted with telemetry tracking equipment) which are proven missing whilst flying, during the period of insurance; and are not recovered or do not return.
Up to the purchase
price or market valueExcess: 50% of the value of
the purchase price/market value
Age limits
-
Birds
Age your pet is eligible for cover
From 12 weeks old – no limit
-
Reptiles
Age your pet is eligible for cover
From 12 weeks old – no limit
-
Tortoises and turtles
Age your pet is eligible for cover
12 weeks old – 50 years
-
Small mammals
Age your pet is eligible for cover
N/A
Benefits
-
Umbrella for life
Umbrella for live cover means you can continue to claim for eligible treatment of illness or injuries throughout your cat’s lifetime, provided there is no break in cover.
–
-
Veterinary fees
Cover for the cost of eligible veterinary treatment your pet has received during the policy year to treat injury and illness.
$4,000
-
Alternative or complementary treatment
Cover for the cost of any examination, consultation advice, test and legally prescribed medication or acupuncture, chiropractic manipulation, physiotherapy, herbal medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, osteopathy, recommended by your vet.
Up to $400
Fixed excess + 10% of
the eligible balance -
Referral hospital or specialist vet
The cost of referral/specialist vet treatment up to the maximum benefit, if the pet is referred by a primary vet for treatment.
Cost of the veterinary treatment when referred
Fixed excess + 30% of
the eligible balance -
Diagnostic examinations
Diagnostic examinations of magnetic resource imaging (MRI), nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI) or computed axial tomography (CT or CAT). The cost of MRI, NMRI, CT or CA scans up to the maximum benefit.
The cost of MRI, NMRI or CT
or CA scans up to the maximum benefitFixed excess + 50%
of the eligible balance -
Advertising and reward
Cover for the cost of advertising, and the reward you have offered and paid to get your pet back if your pet is stolen or goes missing during the policy year. Refer to PDS for further information.
Up to $500
Excess: $75 -
Third party liability
Cover for any damage or injury you are legally responsible for and compensation as a result of your pet
Up to $1,000,000
Excess: $500 -
Fixed excess – Birds, reptiles and turtles
The non-refundable amount you will be required to pay for claims covered under this policy.
$75 or $175
-
Fixed excess – Small mammals
The non-refundable amount you will be required to pay for claims covered under this policy.
$125 or $225
Optional extras
-
Death from illness or injury
Not offered on mammals
Up to the purchase
price or market value(No cover for small mammals)
-
Loss from theft, fire or weather perils
Not offered on mammals
Up to the purchase
price or market valueExcess: 10% of the value of the pet
-
Loss from not returning whilst flying (birds of prey only)
Provides a claimable benefit for birds of prey (fitted with telemetry tracking equipment) which are proven missing whilst flying, during the period of insurance; and are not recovered or do not return.
Up to the purchase
price or market valueExcess: 50% of the value of
the purchase price/market value
Age limits
-
Birds
Age your pet is eligible for cover
From 12 weeks old – no limit
-
Reptiles
Age your pet is eligible for cover
From 12 weeks old – no limit
-
Tortoises and turtles
Age your pet is eligible for cover
12 weeks old – 50 years old
-
Small mammals
Age your pet is eligible for cover
N/A
Benefits
-
Umbrella for life
Umbrella for live cover means you can continue to claim for eligible treatment of illness or injuries throughout your cat’s lifetime, provided there is no break in cover.
–
-
Veterinary fees
Cover for the cost of eligible veterinary treatment your pet has received during the policy year to treat injury and illness.
$2,000
-
Alternative or complementary treatment
Cover for the cost of any examination, consultation advice, test and legally prescribed medication or acupuncture, chiropractic manipulation, physiotherapy, herbal medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, osteopathy, recommended by your vet.
Up to $300
Excess: fixed excess + 10% of
the eligible balance -
Referral hospital or specialist vet
The cost of referral/specialist vet treatment up to the maximum benefit, if the pet is referred by a primary vet for treatment.
Cost of the veterinary treatment when referred
Excess: fixed excess + 30% of
the eligible balance -
Diagnostic examinations
Diagnostic examinations of magnetic resource imaging (MRI), nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI) or computed axial tomography (CT or CAT). The cost of MRI, NMRI, CT or CA scans up to the maximum benefit.
The cost of MRI, NMRI or CT
or CA scans up to the maximum benefitExcess: fixed excess + 50%
of the eligible balance -
Advertising and reward
Cover for the cost of advertising, and the reward you have offered and paid to get your pet back if your pet is stolen or goes missing during the policy year. Refer to PDS for further information.
Up to $500
Excess: $75 -
Third party liability
Cover for any damage or injury you are legally responsible for and compensation as a result of your pet
Up to $1,000,000
Excess: $500 -
Fixed excess – Birds, reptiles and turtles
The non-refundable amount you will be required to pay for claims covered under this policy.
$75 or $175
-
Fixed excess – Small mammals
The non-refundable amount you will be required to pay for claims covered under this policy.
$125 or $225
Optional extras
-
Death from illness or injury
Not offered on mammals
Up to the purchase
price or market value(No cover for small mammals)
-
Loss from theft, fire or weather perils
Not offered on mammals
Up to the purchase
price or market valueExcess: 10% of the value of the pet
-
Loss from not returning whilst flying (birds of prey only)
Provides a claimable benefit for birds of prey (fitted with telemetry tracking equipment) which are proven missing whilst flying, during the period of insurance; and are not recovered or do not return.
Up to the purchase
price or market valueExcess: 50% of the value of
the purchase price/market value
Age limits
-
Birds
Age your pet is eligible for cover
From 12 weeks old – no limit
-
Reptiles
Age your pet is eligible for cover
From 12 weeks old – no limit
-
Tortoises and turtles
Age your pet is eligible for cover
12 weeks old – 50 years old
-
Small mammals
Age your pet is eligible for cover
8 weeks old – 5 years old
Chinchillas: 8 weeks old to 8 years old
Choose your exotic pet insurance policy
Benefits
Premier
(No cover for small mammals)
Plus
Value
Umbrella for life
Umbrella for live cover means you can continue to claim for eligible treatment of illness or injuries throughout your cat’s lifetime, provided there is no break in cover.
–
–
–
Veterinary fees
Cover for the cost of eligible veterinary treatment your pet has received during the policy year to treat injury and illness.
$6,000
$4,000
$2,000
Alternative or complementary treatment
Cover for the cost of any examination, consultation advice, test and legally prescribed medication or acupuncture, chiropractic manipulation, physiotherapy, herbal medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, osteopathy, recommended by your vet.
Up to $500
Fixed excess +10% of
the eligible balance
Up to $400
Fixed excess + 10% of
the eligible balance
Up to $300
Excess: fixed excess + 10% of
the eligible balance
Referral hospital or specialist vet
The cost of referral/specialist vet treatment up to the maximum benefit, if the pet is referred by a primary vet for treatment.
Cost of the veterinary treatment when referred
Fixed excess + 30% of
the eligible balance
Cost of the veterinary treatment when referred
Fixed excess + 30% of
the eligible balance
Cost of the veterinary treatment when referred
Excess: fixed excess + 30% of
the eligible balance
Diagnostic examinations
Diagnostic examinations of magnetic resource imaging (MRI), nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI) or computed axial tomography (CT or CAT). The cost of MRI, NMRI, CT or CA scans up to the maximum benefit.
The cost of MRI, NMRI or CT
or CA scans up to the maximum benefit
Fixed excess + 50%
of the eligible balance
The cost of MRI, NMRI or CT
or CA scans up to the maximum benefit
Fixed excess + 50%
of the eligible balance
The cost of MRI, NMRI or CT
or CA scans up to the maximum benefit
Excess: fixed excess + 50%
of the eligible balance
Advertising and reward
Cover for the cost of advertising, and the reward you have offered and paid to get your pet back if your pet is stolen or goes missing during the policy year. Refer to PDS for further information.
Up to $500
Excess: $75
Up to $500
Excess: $75
Up to $500
Excess: $75
Third party liability
Cover for any damage or injury you are legally responsible for and compensation as a result of your pet
Up to $1,000,000
Excess: $500
Up to $1,000,000
Excess: $500
Up to $1,000,000
Excess: $500
Fixed excess – Birds, reptiles and turtles
The non-refundable amount you will be required to pay for claims covered under this policy.
$75 or $175
$75 or $175
$75 or $175
Fixed excess – Small mammals
The non-refundable amount you will be required to pay for claims covered under this policy.
–
$125 or $225
$125 or $225
Optional extras
Death from illness or injury
Not offered on mammals
Up to the purchase
price or market value
Up to the purchase
price or market value
(No cover for small mammals)
Up to the purchase
price or market value
(No cover for small mammals)
Loss from theft, fire or weather perils
Not offered on mammals
Up to the purchase
price or market value
Excess: 10% of the value of the pet
Up to the purchase
price or market value
Excess: 10% of the value of the pet
Up to the purchase
price or market value
Excess: 10% of the value of the pet
Loss from not returning whilst flying (birds of prey only)
Provides a claimable benefit for birds of prey (fitted with telemetry tracking equipment) which are proven missing whilst flying, during the period of insurance; and are not recovered or do not return.
Up to the purchase
price or market value
Excess: 50% of the value of
the purchase price/market value
Up to the purchase
price or market value
Excess: 50% of the value of
the purchase price/market value
Up to the purchase
price or market value
Excess: 50% of the value of
the purchase price/market value
Age limits
Birds
Age your pet is eligible for cover
From 12 weeks old – no limit
From 12 weeks old – no limit
From 12 weeks old – no limit
Reptiles
Age your pet is eligible for cover
From 12 weeks old – no limit
From 12 weeks old – no limit
From 12 weeks old – no limit
Tortoises and turtles
Age your pet is eligible for cover
12 weeks old – 50 years
12 weeks old – 50 years old
12 weeks old – 50 years old
Small mammals
Age your pet is eligible for cover
N/A
N/A
8 weeks old – 5 years old
Chinchillas: 8 weeks old to 8 years old
Terms, conditions, and excesses apply and may vary at renewal. Cover is subject to acceptance criteria. Policy limits and exclusions may apply. Please consider the PDS before making a decision to purchase the product.
New Zealand has strict rules about importing exotic, rare, and unusual animals. For more information, visit New Zealand Customs and the Ministry for Primary Industries.
Beautiful cute goat kid on green spring grass
Why should you get exotic pet insurance?
There are many benefits you may get when you buy exotic pet insurance, including:
- Pet insurance can permit you to choose the vet of your choice and ensure that your pet gets the best care from the best experts.
- You do not have to constantly worry about your pet’s well-being when you have pet insurance. You can take them to receive veterinary attention and safeguard their health.
- You can be prepared for emergency situations.
Exotic pet insurance FAQs
What types of exotic pets can I insure?
You can insure a range of exotic pets including reptiles (such as bearded dragons and geckos), turtles, birds (like parrots, macaws, and cockatoos), and mammals such as guinea pigs, chinchillas, and rats.
What levels of exotic pet insurance cover are available?
There are three levels of cover: Premier, Plus, and Value. They differ in maximum vet fee limits, the excess you pay, and the optional extras included.
Are alternative or complementary treatments covered?
Yes. Treatments such as acupuncture, chiropractic manipulation, physiotherapy, herbal medicine, hydrotherapy, and osteopathy may be covered up to a certain limit, depending on your level of cover.
What is an “advertising and reward” cover?
If your exotic pet is lost or stolen, you can claim for the cost of advertising and for any reward you offer to help find them, up to your policy limit.
Does the policy include third party liability cover?
Yes. If your pet causes injury, illness, or property damage and you are legally liable, third party liability cover is included, up to $1 million per incident.
Are there waiting periods?
Yes, illness cover has a 21-day waiting period, whereas cover for accidents or injuries starts immediately.
What age limits apply?
You can insure your pet within the following age ranges:
Birds: From 12 weeks
Reptiles: From 8weeks
Turtles: From 12 weeks
Mammals: 8 weeks to 5 years
What excess will I have to pay?
A fixed excess applies per claim. For example:
Birds and reptiles: $75 or $175, depending on the plan
Small mammals: $125 or $225, depending on the cover selected
Are specialist or referral vet fees covered?
Yes. If your vet refers your pet to a specialist, you can claim for those costs up to your policy limit. You’ll need to pay the set excess plus any percentage contribution required (for example, 10%).
Are advanced diagnostics like MRI or CT scans covered?
Yes, some policies include advanced diagnostic tests such as MRI or CT scans, subject to limits and co-payments.
Is dental care included?
For mammals, some policies include dental cover. For other exotic pets, dental care is not usually covered unless stated in your policy.
Is there cover for birds of prey not returning while flying?
Yes. Birds of prey fitted with telemetry tracking may be covered if they fail to return or cannot be recovered, typically for 50% of the purchase price or market value.
Are there multi-pet discounts?
Yes. If you insure three or more pets, you may be eligible for a multi-pet discount.
How do I make a claim?
You’ll need to submit a claim form along with your vet’s invoice and any supporting documents. Full details are outlined on our claims page and in your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).