Pet-n-Sur is New Zealand's longest-running, 100% NZ-owned and managed specialist pet insurance provider. Covering dogs, cats, rabbits, and horses with up to $18,000 in annual cover, Pet-n-Sur underwrites its own policies and has paid over $37 million in claims in the last three years. We have analysed ratings from Trustpilot, Canstar, and customer feedback to present the full picture.
In This Review
What is Pet-n-Sur and who's behind it?
Pet-n-Sur is New Zealand's longest-running, 100% NZ-owned and managed specialist pet insurance provider. Unlike many competitors, Pet-n-Sur underwrites its own policies with no third-party involvement, which the company says streamlines claims processing and keeps decision-making local.
Headquartered in Auckland, Pet-n-Sur focuses exclusively on pet insurance - covering dogs, cats, rabbits, and horses. This specialist focus sets it apart from larger insurers that offer pet cover as one product among many. Pet-n-Sur reports having paid over $37 million in claims over the last three years.
Pet-n-Sur offers seven plan tiers for dogs and cats - Surgery, Surgery Plus, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Rhodium, and Titanium - with annual cover limits ranging from $1,500 to $18,000. For horses, customisable equine cover includes transportation, saddlery, tack, and theft or mortality options with limits up to $25,000. Rabbit insurance is also available via a gold policy.
The company is registered with the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) and participates in the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman (IFSO) dispute resolution scheme. Pet-n-Sur offers:
Pet-n-Sur sells directly to consumers via its website and offers 6 weeks of free insurance for new sign-ups. Claims can be submitted online, by email to claims@petnsur.co.nz, or by post. The company also offers a SuperGold discount for eligible cardholders. Learn more at petnsur.co.nz.
How customers rate Pet-n-Sur across major review platforms
Note on ratings: Pet-n-Sur's Trustpilot rating of 1.8/5 from 83 reviews is notably low compared to other NZ pet insurers. However, Trustpilot reviews tend to skew negative as dissatisfied customers are more likely to leave feedback. The 83-review sample is relatively small. Community reviews on Pet Connection NZ paint a more positive picture. Canstar lists Pet-n-Sur but has not awarded a specific star rating. We weight ratings by review volume and consider all available data sources. If you have noticed something incorrect, please let us know.
Common themes from 83+ reviews across Trustpilot and community feedback
Insured our pets since 2017 and they have paid out every claim on time without hassle. The key is making sure all your paperwork is submitted correctly.
Handled our cat's dental claim efficiently - money was in our account within a week. Very grateful for the fast turnaround and helpful communication.
Claim denied even though we had full coverage. Our vet confirmed the condition developed after we took out the policy, but Pet-n-Sur classified it as pre-existing.
Annual contracts mean you cannot cancel mid-year even if your pet passes away. This feels unfair and is something other insurers handle better.
Great range of plans for older cats. Pet-n-Sur was one of the only insurers that would cover our 10-year-old cat with a comprehensive plan.
Pricing felt unreasonable compared to other options in the market. After getting quotes from several providers, Pet-n-Sur was noticeably more expensive.
Reviews are paraphrased summaries of verified customer feedback. Theme percentages are based on our analysis of all available Trustpilot reviews and community feedback as of March 2026.
Pet-n-Sur covers dogs, cats, rabbits, and horses - but no other insurance types
Seven plan tiers from surgery-only to comprehensive cover. The Titanium plan offers up to $18,000 annual cover with 20% co-payment. Entry ages up to 11 years 11 months on most plans.
Same seven plan tiers as dog insurance. Pet-n-Sur has the highest cat entry age of any NZ insurer at 11 years 11 months on Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Surgical plans. Rhodium entry age is up to 7 years 11 months.
Customisable equine cover up to $25,000. Includes options for surgical and medical bills, transportation, saddlery, tack, theft, and mortality cover. Tailored depending on breed, age, and lifestyle.
One of very few NZ insurers offering rabbit cover. Available via a gold policy depending on breed and age. A rare option for rabbit owners seeking insurance in New Zealand.
Pet-n-Sur is a specialist pet insurer and does not offer car, home, contents, health, travel, life, or any other insurance type. For car insurance, consider AA Insurance or Tower.
The good and the not-so-good based on customer reviews and our analysis
How much does Pet-n-Sur pet insurance cost? Indicative examples based on market analysis
Pet-n-Sur pricing varies by animal type, breed, age, and plan level. As a specialist pet insurer that underwrites its own policies, premiums can be higher than some competitors but the company argues this reflects broader coverage and local claims management. All new customers receive 6 weeks of free insurance. Here are indicative examples:
Disclaimer: These are indicative estimates based on publicly reported data and market comparisons, not official Pet-n-Sur quotes. Your actual premium will vary based on your pet's species, breed, age, and the plan you select. Get an accurate quote at petnsur.co.nz. We do our best to keep all data up to date and accurate. If you have noticed something incorrect, please let us know.
Dogs generally cost more to insure than cats. Horses have separate equine pricing. Rabbit insurance is quote-based depending on breed and age.
Select breeds (larger or breeds prone to hereditary conditions) may attract higher premiums. Breeds like French Bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels typically cost more to insure.
Older pets cost more to insure. Entry ages vary by plan - up to 11 years 11 months on most plans, but the Rhodium plan has an entry age of up to 7 years 11 months.
Six tiers from Surgery ($1,500 limit) to Titanium ($18,000 limit). Higher tiers cost more but provide greater annual cover and more comprehensive benefits.
Co-payments range from a fixed $300 (Rhodium) to percentage-based 10-30% (other plans). Higher co-payments can reduce your premium but increase out-of-pocket costs when claiming.
SuperGold cardholders may be eligible for discounts. New customers receive 6 weeks of free insurance. Check petnsur.co.nz for current offers.
Pet-n-Sur vs. other NZ pet insurance providers
| Feature | Pet-n-Sur | PD Insurance | Petcover | Southern Cross Pet | Cove |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 5.4/10 Editorial | 4.2/5 Trustpilot | 3.8/5 | 3.5/5 | 4.7/5 2,381 reviews |
| NZ Ownership | 100% NZ-owned | Australian-owned | Australian-owned | NZ-owned (SC group) | NZ-based brand |
| Animals Covered | Dogs, cats, rabbits, horses | Dogs, cats | Dogs, cats, horses, exotic | Dogs, cats | Dogs, cats |
| Max Annual Limit | $18,000 (cat/dog) | $20,000 | $20,000 | $15,000 | Varies |
| Co-payment | $300 fixed or 10-30% | 0% (no co-pay) | Varies by plan | 10-30% | Varies |
| Max Entry Age (Cat) | 11 yrs 11 mo | No age limit | Varies | 7 years (PetCare) | Varies |
| Excess Options | $300 fixed (Rhodium) | $100-$200 | Varies by plan | $100-$500 | Varies |
| Free Cover Offer | 6 weeks free | 30 days free | N/A | 6 weeks FreeCover | N/A |
| Claims Process | Email or post | Online - 2 business days | Online portal | Online portal | Online portal |
| Trustpilot Rating | 1.8/5 (83 reviews) | 4.2/5 | 3.8/5 | 3.5/5 | 4.7/5 |
Disclaimer: Ratings are aggregated from Trustpilot, Canstar, and other publicly available sources. Features may change - verify directly with each provider. Cove is an insurance brand. We do our best to keep all data up to date and accurate. If you have noticed something incorrect, please let us know.
Other NZ pet insurers worth considering, depending on your priorities
Australian-owned pet insurer offering 100% coverage with no co-payments across all plans. Claims paid within two business days. No lock-in contracts. Commonly chosen by pet owners seeking straightforward cover with fast payouts.
Covers the widest range of animals including dogs, cats, horses, and exotic pets. Plans from budget economy cover through to superior comprehensive. May suit owners of less common pets or those wanting ancillary benefits like boarding fees and holiday cancellation.
Part of the trusted Southern Cross group. PetCare and AcciPet plans with flexible limits from $2,500 to $15,000. FreeCover offers 6 weeks free for puppies and kittens aged 6-26 weeks. Commonly chosen for brand trust.
Digital-first insurance brand with strong customer ratings on Trustpilot. Offers pet insurance alongside car cover. Monthly billing with no lock-in contracts. May suit pet owners who value a modern digital experience.
Pet-n-Sur may suit some pet owners more than others
Pet-n-Sur has the highest cat entry age of any NZ insurer at 11 years 11 months on most plans. Owners of senior cats who have been turned away by other providers may find coverage available here.
One of very few NZ insurers covering horses (up to $25,000) and rabbits. Equine cover includes transportation, saddlery, tack, theft, and mortality - a tailored option for horse owners seeking comprehensive protection.
100% NZ-owned and managed with local underwriting. Pet owners who prefer supporting a New Zealand business and having claims handled entirely within NZ may value this specialist focus.
Pet owners seeking the lowest prices, zero co-payments, flexible contracts without annual lock-in, or a modern online claims experience. The low Trustpilot rating and complaints about pre-existing condition classifications are also worth considering before signing up.
Compare.org.nz's editorial assessment of Pet-n-Sur
As New Zealand's longest-running, 100% NZ-owned specialist pet insurer, Pet-n-Sur occupies a unique position in the market. Its ability to cover dogs, cats, rabbits, and horses with up to $18,000 annual cover (or $25,000 for equine) and entry ages up to 11 years 11 months for cats gives it clear advantages in specific niches. Self-underwriting keeps claims decisions local, and over $37 million paid in claims over three years demonstrates operational scale.
However, the 1.8/5 Trustpilot rating from 83 reviews is the lowest among major NZ pet insurers and cannot be ignored. While Trustpilot reviews tend to skew negative, the consistent themes around pre-existing condition disputes, annual contract lock-ins, and aggressive marketing are concerning patterns. The lack of a modern online claims portal - requiring email or postal submissions - puts Pet-n-Sur behind competitors like PD Insurance that pay claims within two business days through digital channels.
Pet-n-Sur may suit owners of older cats, rabbits, or horses who struggle to find cover elsewhere. For standard dog and cat insurance, providers with higher customer satisfaction ratings, no co-payments, and flexible contracts are worth comparing carefully. Always read the full policy wording before committing, and consider consulting the IFSO if you encounter a dispute.
Common questions about Pet-n-Sur
How we research and rate insurance companies
This review is based on data collected from the following sources, last verified in March 2026:
Our editorial scores (out of 10) are calculated using a weighted methodology that considers:
Disclaimer: Nothing on this page constitutes financial advice. Scores are editorial opinion based on publicly available data. Always verify details directly with Pet-n-Sur and consider seeking professional advice for your specific situation. We do our best to keep all data up to date and accurate. If you have noticed something incorrect, please let us know.
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