Compare pet insurance estimates for your Maltese from NZ's top providers. Maltese are one of NZ's most popular toy breeds - find the right cover for common conditions like patellar luxation, dental disease, and collapsed trachea.
The Maltese is one of New Zealand's most popular toy breeds, registered with the New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC) under the Toy group. Known for their silky white coat, gentle disposition, and compact size, Maltese dogs are a popular choice for apartment dwellers, families, and older owners across the country.
From an insurance perspective, Maltese dogs are generally affordable to insure thanks to their small size (3 - 4 kg). Medication doses, anaesthesia costs, and surgical procedures all scale with body weight, which keeps veterinary costs lower than for larger breeds. However, Maltese are prone to several breed-specific conditions - including patellar luxation, dental disease, and collapsed trachea - that can still result in meaningful vet bills.
Maltese dogs are known for their longevity, with an average lifespan of 12 - 15 years. This means a longer period of potential insurance cover, but also means they are less likely to face the age-related conditions that affect shorter-lived breeds at a younger age.
All major NZ pet insurance providers - including Cove, PD Insurance, Southern Cross, and Petcover - offer cover for Maltese dogs. Premiums are typically at the lower end of the scale due to their small size. See our full NZ pet insurance comparison for more.
Maltese dogs are predisposed to several conditions common in toy breeds. Understanding these can help you choose appropriate cover.
| Condition | Likelihood | Typical Treatment Cost | Insurance Coverage Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patellar Luxation | High | Covered under comprehensive and most mid-tier plans. Very common in toy breeds including Maltese. Surgical correction is the usual treatment for moderate to severe cases. Bilateral occurrence (both knees) is common. | |
| Dental Disease (Periodontal Disease) | Very High | Covered on higher-tier plans that include dental illness. Maltese are particularly prone to dental problems due to their small jaw and crowded teeth. Regular dental care helps but professional cleaning under anaesthesia is often needed. | |
| Collapsed Trachea | Moderate - High | Covered under comprehensive plans. Common in toy breeds, this condition causes a chronic cough and breathing difficulties. Medical management is often the first approach, with surgery reserved for severe cases. | |
| Liver Shunts (Portosystemic Shunt) | Moderate | Covered under comprehensive plans as a congenital/hereditary condition. Maltese are one of the breeds most predisposed to liver shunts. Surgical correction is expensive but can be curative. Diagnosis typically requires specialist imaging. | |
| White Dog Shaker Syndrome | Moderate | Covered under comprehensive plans. Also known as idiopathic steroid-responsive tremor syndrome, this condition is more common in small white-coated breeds like the Maltese. It typically responds well to corticosteroid treatment. | |
| Eye Conditions (Tear Staining, Progressive Retinal Atrophy) | Moderate - High | Covered under comprehensive plans. Tear staining is very common but usually cosmetic. More serious conditions like PRA and glaucoma are covered under illness/hereditary provisions. Annual eye checks are worth considering. | |
| Hypoglycaemia | Moderate (especially in puppies) | Covered under most plans if treatment is required. Very small breeds like Maltese are susceptible to low blood sugar, particularly as puppies. Severe cases may require emergency veterinary care including IV glucose. | |
| Heart Disease (Patent Ductus Arteriosus) | Low - Moderate | Covered under comprehensive plans as a congenital condition. Maltese have a slightly higher prevalence of certain heart conditions. Early detection through regular check-ups is important. | |
| Skin Allergies & Sensitivities | Moderate | Covered under comprehensive plans. Maltese can develop skin allergies and sensitivities, particularly contact allergies. Allergy testing and ongoing management (medication, special diets) may be needed. | |
| Reverse Sneezing & Respiratory Issues | Moderate | Covered if veterinary treatment is required. Common in small breeds. While often benign, persistent respiratory issues should be investigated to rule out tracheal collapse or other underlying conditions. |
Disclaimer: Treatment costs shown are indicative estimates based on publicly available NZ veterinary pricing data as of early 2026. Actual costs vary depending on your location, vet practice, severity of the condition, and treatment approach. These figures are not quotes. Always consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment options. If you've noticed something incorrect, please let us know.
Understanding these factors can help you find the right cover at a competitive price.
Premiums increase as your Maltese ages. Insuring a puppy or young adult (under 3) is typically the most affordable. Maltese dogs' long lifespan (12 - 15+ years) means premiums are paid over a longer period, but age-related increases tend to be more gradual than for larger breeds.
Any pre-existing conditions at the time of enrolment will be excluded from cover. For Maltese, this is especially relevant for dental disease, knee issues (patellar luxation), and respiratory conditions. Getting cover before issues develop is worth considering.
Vet costs vary across New Zealand. Auckland and Wellington tend to have higher veterinary fees than smaller centres. For Maltese, dental procedures - one of the breed's most common needs - can vary significantly in cost by location.
Choosing a higher excess or lower reimbursement percentage reduces your premium. For Maltese, the relatively lower cost of individual treatments (compared to large breeds) means a moderate excess can significantly reduce premiums while keeping out-of-pocket costs manageable.
Plans with higher annual limits cost more. For Maltese, a moderate annual limit ($5,000 - $10,000) may be sufficient for most conditions, though liver shunt surgery ($3,000 - $10,000+) could warrant a higher limit.
Comprehensive cover costs more than accident-only but covers the illness and hereditary conditions Maltese are prone to. The gap between comprehensive and accident-only is typically $25 - $45/month for a Maltese - less than for larger breeds.
Practical ways to manage your Maltese's insurance and health costs.
Maltese are one of the breeds most prone to dental disease. Regular brushing, dental chews, and annual professional dental checks can help prevent costly dental procedures. Consider a plan that includes dental illness cover.
Getting cover while your Maltese is young and healthy means fewer pre-existing condition exclusions. Patellar luxation and dental issues can present from a young age, so early enrolment is worth considering.
Given the Maltese breed's predisposition to dental disease, choosing a plan that covers dental illness (not just dental injury) is commonly prioritised by Maltese owners. A single dental procedure under anaesthesia can cost $500 - $3,000.
Premiums for the same Maltese can vary between providers for similar cover. Get at least 3 estimates and compare not just price but annual limits, excess amounts, reimbursement percentages, and dental cover provisions.
Maltese and other toy breeds are prone to collapsed trachea. Using a harness instead of a collar reduces pressure on the trachea during walks and may help prevent or delay the onset of tracheal problems.
White Dog Shaker Syndrome can develop in young Maltese (typically 1 - 5 years old). If your Maltese develops unexplained trembling, seek veterinary assessment promptly. Early treatment with corticosteroids typically leads to a good outcome.
NZ's main pet insurance providers all cover Maltese dogs. Compare options and get estimates.
NZ insurance brand offering pet cover with a straightforward online experience. Known for clear policy wording and fast claims processing. Covers Maltese dogs across all plan levels.
NZ-based pet insurance provider with plans designed for dogs of all sizes including toy breeds like the Maltese. Offers comprehensive, classic, and accident-only tiers with flexible excess options.
Backed by Southern Cross, one of NZ's most recognised insurance names. Offers pet cover with a focus on simplicity and value. Well-suited for Maltese owners wanting a trusted NZ brand.
Specialist pet insurance provider offering multiple tiers of cover for dogs. Covers Maltese dogs including hereditary conditions on higher plans. Flexible excess and reimbursement options.
NZ pet insurance provider offering cover for dogs of all breeds and sizes. Plans cover Maltese dogs with options for comprehensive, mid-tier, and accident-only cover.
Pet insurance offered in partnership with the SPCA. A portion of premiums supports SPCA animal welfare work. Covers Maltese dogs across multiple plan levels.
Disclaimer: Features, pricing, and cover options may change. Always verify details directly with the provider before purchasing. If you've noticed something incorrect, please let us know.
Common questions about insuring your Maltese in New Zealand.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or veterinary advice. While we strive for accuracy, insurance products, pricing, and terms change regularly. Health condition information is general in nature and may not apply to your specific dog. Always verify details directly with the provider before purchasing, and consult your veterinarian for health-related concerns. For more information, visit the Financial Markets Authority (FMA).
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