Can you get pet insurance for a rescue pet?

There’s something special about giving a rescue pet a fresh start and a place to call home. Whether it’s a bouncy rescue dog, a quiet older cat, or even an exotic pet looking for a second chance, you’re offering them safety, love, and a future.

But what about their health and wellbeing? Can you get pet insurance for rescue pets?

The short answer is yes, you absolutely can – and it’s one of the best things you can do for your new furry (or feathered!) friend.

Let’s break it all down.

What is a “rescue pet”?

Before we dive into insurance, let’s quickly define what we mean by a “rescue” pet.

Rescue pets are animals that have been adopted from:

• Animal shelters or pounds
• Foster care arrangements
• Pet rescue organisations
• Situations where they were surrendered or abandoned

They may come with unknown histories or a bit of emotional baggage, but with the right care, rescue pets can thrive – and getting pet insurance is a great way to support their ongoing health.

Can you get pet insurance for rescues?

Yes, you can! At Petcover, we offer pet insurance for rescue pets just like we do for any other pet. Whether you’ve adopted a dog, cat, horse, or an exotic pet, they can be covered under our range of insurance plans.

You don’t need to know their full background to get started, and they won’t be treated any differently just because they were adopted.

In fact, pet insurance for rescue dogs and pet insurance for rescue cats is becoming more and more popular across New Zealand, as more people choose to adopt over buying from breeders.

What does pet insurance for a rescue pet cover?

Every rescue pet insurance policy is a little different, but typically pet insurance can cover:

• Accidental injuries
• Illnesses that begin after your policy starts
• Surgery and hospital stays
• Diagnostic tests and medications
• Some may even cover dental, routine care, and alternative therapies

One important thing to remember: pre-existing conditions aren’t covered. This applies to all pets, not just rescues. If your pet had a health issue before your policy started, it’s unlikely to be included in your cover.

However, if new medical conditions, like an unexpected illness, appear after your policy starts and any waiting periods* are over, your policy can cover them.

*A waiting period is the time you must wait after buying your pet insurance policy before you can make a claim. This is a common feature of most pet insurance policies. For instance, you generally can’t claim for an illness until 21 days after your policy began.

Is it more expensive to insure a rescue dog or cat?

Not at all! Just because your pet is a rescue doesn’t mean they’ll cost more to insure. Factors like age, breed, and overall health play a bigger role in deciding your premium – just like they would for a puppy or kitten from a breeder.

Here are a few key factors that can affect the cost:

• Age – Older pets often have higher premiums as they are more prone to health issues and chronic conditions. There may also be fewer plans available for older pets. Learn if insuring an older dog is still worth it in our blog.
• Breed or species – Some breeds (especially dogs like Bulldogs) are prone to health conditions.
• Health at time of cover – If your rescue pet has a clean bill of health, that can help keep premiums lower.
• Type of cover – More comprehensive cover with added extras will cost more but also gives you greater protection.
• Your location – Vet costs vary across New Zealand, and that can affect pricing too.

At Petcover, we make it easy to compare options so you can find cover that works for both your pet and your budget.

If you’re’ thinking about getting pet insurance for a rescue dog, read our blog.

Alt text: Close-up of two adult rabbits, one ginger and one grey, in an outdoor pen with other rabbits. Owners of rescue pets like rabbits can get pet insurance for peace of mind.

What about exotic or unusual rescue pets?

If your new family member is a little less mainstream – say, a bird, reptile, or small mammal we’ve got a policy for them too.

That includes:

• Horses and ponies
• Birds (such as parrots and cockatoos)
• Reptiles (like lizards, turtles, and snakes)
• Rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, and more

So, if your rescue pet isn’t a dog or cat, they can still be protected with a policy designed to meet their unique needs.

Should I get insurance if my rescue pet seems healthy?

Even the healthiest-looking pets can surprise you with unexpected illnesses or injuries. Plus, with a rescue, you often don’t have their full medical history, meaning hidden conditions could pop up down the line. Pet insurance means you’re always ready for the unexpected, saving you from huge, stressful vet bills.

Here’s what pet insurance gives you:

• Protection from those surprise vet bills
• Confidence to get your furry friend the care they need, right when they need it
• Peace of mind knowing you’re giving your pet the very best
• Ongoing support for chronic or long-term conditions

In short, it’s one of the most practical ways to show your rescue pet that they’re now safe, cared for, and covered.

Ready to protect your rescue pet?

Rescue pets may have had a rough start, but they don’t deserve less care – if anything, we think they deserve a little extra!

At Petcover, we believe that all pets matter – no matter their background, breed, or age. We’re proud to support responsible adoption by offering flexible, reliable cover for rescue animals across New Zealand.

Give your rescue pet the care they deserve – from day one, and every day after.