Why you need pet insurance for your dog

Pet insurance for your dog is an important part of your dog’s care. Just like us humans, puppies and dogs of all ages occasionally need medical care. Our fur babies are as prone to accidents and unexpected illnesses as we are. But unlike us, our dogs aren’t covered by free healthcare and ACC.

This is where dog insurance comes in. We’d do anything for our furry family members. But if your dog unexpectedly gets sick or injured, emergency vet bills can cost thousands of dollars.

At Southern Cross Pet Insurance, we paid out more than $28 million in claims in the past year (1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023). Some dogs’ medical bills were more than $10,000 – a big sum to pay when you’re not expecting it. It’s reassuring to know dog insurance can help cover the cost.

Daryl the Dachshund was in the car on her way back from puppy school with her human, Hannah, when the car got t-boned. Daryl suffered a fractured pelvis and was rushed to the emergency vet.

Daryl’s fully recovered now and back to her mischievous self. Both she and her puppy brother, Dexter, are on a Southern Cross PetCare plan.

Pet insurance for your puppy

There’s a lot to think about when you have a puppy, from puppy school to dog-proofing your home – don’t forget about your puppy’s health insurance. Having pet insurance from the early days of your dog’s life means you can be confident you’re covered when your puppy gets older, or if the unexpected happens.

No matter how responsible and careful you are, you can’t predict when, or how, your dog will get sick or hurt. From eating something they shouldn’t, to taking a tumble, we’ve all known a puppy who is a natural trouble-maker! Dog insurance means you don’t have to stress so much about the vet bills. You can focus on making sure your dog gets the medical care they need.

Insurance for older dogs

Dogs are always puppies at heart. But, just like humans, older dogs are more prone to illness and accidents as their hearts and hips get older. It’s no surprise that more than 80% of the claims Southern Cross Pet Insurance pays out are for illness, rather than accident.

In 2015, Kiwis spent more than $190 million on veterinary services for their dogs¹, so it’s important to choose the right pet insurance for your dog.

¹Companion Animals in New Zealand 2016 Report