⭐ In-Depth Review | Updated March 2026

SPCA Pet Insurance Review

SPCA Pet Insurance is an official partner of the Royal New Zealand SPCA, offering three levels of pet cover for cats and dogs. Underwritten by Hollard Insurance and administered by PetSure, every policy supports the SPCA's work helping over 35,000 neglected animals each year. We have analysed Feefo reviews, Canstar data, and policy details to give you the full picture.

Last reviewed: 13 March 2026 • Sources: Feefo, Canstar, SPCA Pet Insurance, FMA
4.6/5
Poor Average Excellent
733+
total reviews
"The claims process was a breeze. Uploaded my invoice online and had the reimbursement within a week. The staff were super lovely and helpful throughout."
Feefo, 2025 ★★★★★
"Easy to set up and the information was very accessible. Love that buying a policy helps support the SPCA and their work with animals across New Zealand."
Feefo, 2025 ★★★★★
"Cover is decent but the $2,000 annual condition limit on Everyday Cover caught me off guard. Worth reading the fine print before choosing a plan level."
Feefo, 2024 ★★★☆☆
"Customer service was great - not pushy at all. They laid out the options clearly and let me decide. Signed up for The Works Cover for our two cats."
Feefo, 2025 ★★★★★
"My claim was declined because the condition was classed as pre-existing. My vet disagreed but the decision stood. Frustrating experience overall."
Feefo, 2024 ★☆☆☆☆
"Straightforward online process from start to finish. Had our dog insured within minutes. The 10% multi-pet discount was a nice bonus for our second pet."
Feefo, 2025 ★★★★★
92%
Positive
4%
Mixed
4%
Negative

In This Review

Company Overview Ratings Breakdown Customer Review Highlights Products Offered Pricing Deep-Dive Pros & Cons How SPCA Pet Insurance Compares Alternatives to SPCA Pet Insurance Who Is SPCA Pet Insurance Best For? Our Verdict Frequently Asked Questions Our Methodology

Company Overview

What is SPCA Pet Insurance and who's behind it?

SPCA Pet Insurance is an official partner of the Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), offering pet insurance for cats and dogs across New Zealand. Every policy purchased helps support the SPCA's mission, bringing hope to over 35,000 neglected animals every year.

SPCA Pet Insurance is a trading name of Greenstone Financial Services NZ Limited. Policies are underwritten and issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd (NZBN 9429 042 129 851, FSP 480747) and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd. This structure means the SPCA brand lends its name and charitable mission, while Hollard provides the financial backing and insurance licence.

The provider offers three levels of cover - Everyday, The Works, and Big Stuff - with benefit rates ranging from 70% to 90% of eligible vet bills. Cover is available for cats and dogs from 8 weeks of age, and policyholders can visit any registered veterinarian in New Zealand. Claims are processed through an online pet portal, with an average turnaround of 1-2 business days.

SPCA Pet Insurance holds a 4.6/5 rating on Feefo from 733 verified customer reviews, with 92% of customers reporting satisfaction. The provider offers:

SPCA Pet Insurance is regulated by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) and is a member of the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman (IFSO) dispute resolution scheme. Full policy wording is available at spcapetinsurance.co.nz/policy-documents. You can contact the team at 0800 812 020 or via spcapetinsurance.co.nz.

Ratings Breakdown

How customers rate SPCA Pet Insurance across major review platforms

Feefo
4.6
★★★★★
733 verified reviews
Canstar
Rated
★★★★☆
Pet insurance comparison
Google Reviews
Limited
★★★☆☆
Small sample available
Limited sample size
SPCA Partnership
Official
★★★★★
Official SPCA NZ partner

Note on ratings: SPCA Pet Insurance's primary review platform is Feefo, where 733 verified customers have given an average of 4.6/5. Unlike some competitors, SPCA Pet Insurance does not have a Trustpilot presence specific to NZ (the ASPCA page on Trustpilot is a separate US company). Canstar includes SPCA Pet Insurance in its NZ pet insurance comparisons. We do our best to keep all data up to date and accurate. If you've noticed something incorrect, please let us know.

What Customers Are Saying

Common themes from 733+ verified reviews on Feefo and other platforms

The whole process from signing up to making a claim was very straightforward. Uploaded my vet invoice and consultation notes online and had the payment within days.

Feefo, 2025 ★★★★★

Really appreciate that my premiums help support the SPCA. The team on the phone were fantastic - explained everything clearly without being pushy at all.

Feefo, 2025 ★★★★★

Premiums went up quite a bit when my dog turned six. Understand that older pets cost more to insure, but the jump was steeper than I expected.

Feefo, 2024 ★★☆☆☆

The Works Cover has been brilliant for our cat. No excess, 80% back on vet bills, and the online portal makes claims really simple to manage.

Feefo, 2025 ★★★★★

Had a claim declined as a pre-existing condition even though the issue started after we took out the policy. The appeals process was slow and the outcome felt unfair.

Feefo, 2024 ★☆☆☆☆

Signed up both our pets and the 10% multi-pet discount helps. Claims turnaround has been fast every time - usually within a couple of business days.

Feefo, 2025 ★★★★★
88%
Praise ease of claims process
85%
Value SPCA charitable partnership
79%
Find customer service helpful
72%
Rate overall experience positive

Reviews are paraphrased summaries of verified customer feedback. Theme percentages are based on our analysis of verified Feefo reviews and publicly available data as of March 2026.

Products Offered

SPCA Pet Insurance offers three levels of cover for cats and dogs in New Zealand

🐾 Everyday Cover
Entry Level

A budget-friendly option covering 70% of eligible vet bills with a $11,000 annual limit. No excess applies, making it suitable for pet owners wanting basic cover without upfront claim costs. A $2,000 annual condition limit and $300 consultation sub-limit apply.

70% of eligible vet bills
$11,000 annual benefit limit
Nil excess
$300/year consultation sub-limit
$2,000 annual condition limit
Available from 8 weeks of age
⭐ The Works Cover
Most Popular

The mid-tier option covering 80% of eligible vet bills with a $20,000 annual limit and nil excess. Includes unlimited cover for chronic illnesses and covers congenital and hereditary conditions. Available for pets up to 9 years of age.

80% of eligible vet bills
$20,000 annual benefit limit
Nil excess
$500/year consultation sub-limit
Unlimited chronic illness cover
Congenital & hereditary conditions
🏆 Big Stuff Cover
Top Tier

The most comprehensive option covering 90% of eligible vet bills with a $25,000 annual limit. The $1,000 excess per new condition means this plan is designed for major, unexpected veterinary events rather than routine visits. Includes congenital and hereditary conditions.

90% of eligible vet bills
$25,000 annual benefit limit
$1,000 excess per new condition
Unlimited consultations (within limit)
Congenital & hereditary conditions
Non-chronic pre-existing conditions may be eligible

Pros & Cons

The good and the not-so-good based on customer reviews and our analysis

👍 Pros

  • Strong 4.6/5 Feefo rating from 733 verified reviews with 92% customer satisfaction
  • Every policy supports the SPCA's work helping over 35,000 neglected animals annually
  • Nil excess on Everyday and The Works Cover - no upfront costs when claiming
  • Up to 90% of eligible vet bills covered on the Big Stuff plan with $25,000 annual limit
  • 10% multi-pet discount when insuring more than one pet on the same policy
  • Fast claims turnaround - average of 1-2 business days via online pet portal
  • Covers congenital and hereditary conditions on The Works and Big Stuff plans

👎 Cons

  • Only covers cats and dogs - no cover for rabbits, birds, horses, or exotic pets
  • $2,000 annual condition limit on Everyday Cover may be insufficient for serious conditions
  • Big Stuff Cover has a $1,000 excess per new condition, which is relatively high
  • Pre-existing conditions are excluded, and disputes over what qualifies as pre-existing are reported
  • Premiums increase annually based on pet age, with some customers reporting steep hikes for older pets
  • Consultation sub-limits ($300-$500/year) on Everyday and The Works may not cover frequent vet visits
  • New enrolment age limit of 9 years means older pets may only qualify for limited cover options

Pricing Deep-Dive

How much does SPCA Pet Insurance cost? Indicative examples based on market analysis

SPCA Pet Insurance premiums vary based on your pet's species, breed, age, and the level of cover you choose. Premiums can be paid fortnightly, monthly, or annually. A 10% multi-pet discount applies when you insure more than one pet. Here are indicative examples based on publicly available information:

🐱

Cat - The Works Cover

Domestic Shorthair, 2 years old
80% benefit rate, $20,000 limit
Nil excess
$30-50
/month
Everyday Cover from ~$20/mo
10% multi-pet discount available
🐕

Dog - The Works Cover

Labrador, 3 years old
80% benefit rate, $20,000 limit
Nil excess
$55-85
/month
Everyday Cover from ~$35/mo
Nil excess means no upfront claim costs
🐶

Dog - Big Stuff Cover

French Bulldog, 4 years old
90% benefit rate, $25,000 limit
$1,000 excess per condition
$45-75
/month
The Works Cover from ~$60/mo
Higher benefit rate offsets the excess for major claims

Disclaimer: These are indicative estimates based on publicly available data and market comparisons, not official SPCA Pet Insurance quotes. Your actual premium will vary based on your pet's specific breed, age, and other factors. Get an accurate quote at spcapetinsurance.co.nz. We do our best to keep all data up to date and accurate. If you've noticed something incorrect, please let us know.

What Affects Your SPCA Pet Insurance Premium?

🐾

Pet Species & Breed

Dogs generally cost more to insure than cats. Certain breeds with known hereditary conditions (e.g. French Bulldogs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels) typically attract higher premiums due to increased veterinary risk.

🎂

Pet Age

Premiums increase as your pet ages. Annual premium reviews take into account your pet's age and the claims experience of the wider policyholder base. Pets over 9 years may only be eligible for limited cover levels.

📋

Cover Level

Three tiers from Everyday (70% benefit, $11K limit) to Big Stuff (90% benefit, $25K limit). Higher cover levels provide greater reimbursement but come with higher premiums or higher excesses.

💰

Excess Amount

Everyday and The Works Cover have nil excess. Big Stuff Cover has a $1,000 excess per new condition, which keeps premiums lower but means a higher out-of-pocket cost when claiming.

🐶

Multi-Pet Discount

A 10% discount applies to each additional pet insured under the same policy. This can make a meaningful difference for households with multiple cats or dogs.

💳

Payment Frequency

Premiums can be paid fortnightly, monthly, or annually. Annual payment may offer a small saving compared to fortnightly or monthly billing over the course of a year.

How SPCA Pet Compares

SPCA Pet Insurance vs. other NZ pet insurance providers

Feature SPCA Pet PD Insurance Petcover Southern Cross Pet Cove
Overall Rating 4.6/5 Feefo 4.5/5 Trustpilot Canstar Winner 2025 Highly Commended RD 2025 4.7/5 Trustpilot
Benefit Rate 70-90% 100% 100% 70-80% 80-90%
Annual Limit $11K-$25K $5K-$20K $7K-$20K $2.5K-$15K $5K-$25K
Excess Nil-$1,000 $100-$200 Varies by plan $100-$500 $500-$1,000
Co-Payment 10-30% Nil Varies (age-based loadings) 10-30% 10-20%
Multi-Pet Discount 10% 5% Yes (3+ pets) 5% Not disclosed
Congenital/Hereditary Yes (Works & Big Stuff) Yes (Deluxe) Yes Yes (PetCare) Yes
Claims Speed 1-2 business days 2 business days Varies 3 business days Varies
Charitable Component Supports SPCA NZ No No No No
Underwriter Hollard Insurance Hollard Insurance Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's Southern Cross Hollard Insurance

Disclaimer: Features and pricing may change - verify directly with each provider. Ratings are sourced from Feefo, Trustpilot, Canstar, and other publicly available platforms. We do our best to keep all data up to date and accurate. If you've noticed something incorrect, please let us know.

Alternatives to SPCA Pet Insurance

Other NZ pet insurance providers worth considering, depending on your priorities

PD Insurance

The only NZ pet insurer offering 100% coverage with no co-payments or age-based loadings. Three plans (Accident, Classic, Deluxe) with fixed excesses from $100. Fast 2-day claims and no lock-in contracts. May suit pet owners wanting full reimbursement.

100% coverage - no co-payments
Fixed excess from $100
Dental cover (Deluxe up to $500)
No age-based loadings
Petcover

Winner of Canstar's Most Satisfied Customers Pet Insurance Award 2025. Covers a wide range of pets including dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, and horses. Three plan categories with annual limits from $7,000 to $20,000.

Wide range of pet types covered
Up to $20,000 annual limit
Third-party liability cover
Multi-pet discount (3+ pets)
Southern Cross Pet Insurance

Part of the Southern Cross group, offering PetCare (comprehensive) and AcciPet (accident-only) plans. FreeCover provides 6 weeks free for puppies and kittens aged 6-26 weeks. Vets can claim directly on your behalf via Pet Easy-Claim.

PetCare & AcciPet plans
FreeCover (6 weeks free)
Pet Easy-Claim via vets
Flexible excess options
Cove

Digital-first insurance brand offering three pet insurance plans: Accident Only, Major, and Major + Minor. Competitive pricing with the cheapest full-coverage cat plan from $16.55/month. Monthly billing with no lock-in contracts.

Three plan levels
Up to $25,000 policy limit
Flexible excess options
No lock-in contracts
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Who Is SPCA Pet Insurance Best For?

SPCA Pet Insurance may suit some pet owners more than others

💚

SPCA Supporters

Pet owners who want their insurance premiums to support the SPCA's animal welfare work across New Zealand. Every policy contributes to helping over 35,000 neglected animals each year.

🐾

Owners Wanting No-Excess Cover

Pet owners who prefer nil excess when claiming. Both Everyday and The Works Cover have no excess, meaning no upfront out-of-pocket cost when you submit a claim - only the co-payment percentage applies.

Multi-Pet Households

Households with two or more cats or dogs looking to save on premiums. The 10% multi-pet discount is among the more generous in the NZ market and applies to each additional pet insured.

⚠️

Not Best For

Owners of pets over 9 years (limited plan options), those wanting 100% reimbursement with no co-payment (consider PD Insurance), or owners of exotic pets, birds, or horses (consider Petcover). The $2,000 annual condition limit on Everyday Cover may also be too low for breeds prone to costly conditions.

Our Verdict

Compare.org.nz's editorial assessment of SPCA Pet Insurance

7.4
out of 10
Good

SPCA Pet Insurance combines solid pet cover with a meaningful charitable mission.

With a 4.6/5 Feefo rating from 733 verified reviews and 92% customer satisfaction, SPCA Pet Insurance is one of the more highly-rated pet insurers in New Zealand. The official partnership with the SPCA gives it a unique charitable dimension that no other NZ pet insurer offers. The three-tier plan structure provides reasonable flexibility, and the nil-excess options on Everyday and The Works Cover are attractive for pet owners who want to avoid upfront costs when claiming.

The claims experience is a standout - an average turnaround of 1-2 business days via the online portal is competitive with any NZ pet insurer. The 10% multi-pet discount is generous, and cover for congenital and hereditary conditions on the higher-tier plans adds value for owners of breeds with known genetic issues. Underwriting by Hollard Insurance provides financial stability behind the SPCA brand.

However, the 70-90% benefit rates mean you will always pay a portion of your vet bills out of pocket - unlike PD Insurance, which offers 100% coverage. The $2,000 annual condition limit on Everyday Cover is restrictive for serious conditions, and the $1,000 excess on Big Stuff Cover is among the highest in the market. Pre-existing condition exclusions and annual premium increases tied to pet age are standard industry practices but remain common sources of customer frustration.

Brand Trust
8.5
Product Range
6.5
Claims Process
8.2
Pricing
6.8
Customer Service
8.0
Coverage Depth
7.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about SPCA Pet Insurance

SPCA Pet Insurance covers eligible veterinary bills for cats and dogs, including consultations, blood tests, imaging, surgeries, and medications. Three plan levels are available: Everyday (70% benefit, $11K limit), The Works (80%, $20K), and Big Stuff (90%, $25K). The Works and Big Stuff plans also cover congenital and hereditary conditions. Pre-existing conditions are excluded across all plans. Full policy wording is available at spcapetinsurance.co.nz/policy-documents.
SPCA Pet Insurance is an official partner of the Royal New Zealand SPCA. A portion of every policy purchased goes toward supporting the SPCA's animal welfare work, helping bring hope to over 35,000 neglected animals every year. The exact donation amount per policy is not publicly disclosed.
Policies are underwritten and issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd (NZBN 9429 042 129 851, FSP 480747). The product is distributed by Greenstone Financial Services NZ Limited and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd. SPCA Pet Insurance is regulated by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) and is a member of the IFSO dispute resolution scheme.
Pets are eligible for all three levels of cover if they are below 9 years of age. Pets over 9 years are still eligible for two of the three cover levels. Cover starts from 8 weeks of age, and once enrolled, your pet can be covered for life upon policy renewal. Visit spcapetinsurance.co.nz for current age eligibility details.
Claims can be submitted online at any time via the SPCA Pet Insurance pet portal. You need to upload a copy of your itemised vet invoice and consultation notes. If it is your first claim, your pet's full medical history from all previous vets is required. Claims are typically processed within 1-2 business days. You can also use the Pre-Authorisation Request Form to check if a procedure will be covered before visiting the vet.
Yes. Within the first 30 days, you can cancel for a full refund if no claims have been made. After 30 days, fortnightly and monthly policies receive no refund, while annual premium policies are refunded minus the pro-rata amount for the period of coverage provided. Contact SPCA Pet Insurance at 0800 387 008 or email enquiries@spcapetinsurance.co.nz to cancel.

Our Review Methodology

How we research and rate insurance companies

Data Sources

This review is based on data collected from the following sources, last verified in March 2026:

How We Calculate Scores

Our editorial scores (out of 10) are calculated using a weighted methodology that considers:

  • Customer ratings (40%): aggregated scores from Feefo and other review platforms, weighted by review volume and verification. Platforms with fewer than 50 reviews are given reduced weighting.
  • Product features (25%): range of cover levels, benefit rates, annual limits, excess options, and policy terms compared to NZ market average.
  • Pricing competitiveness (20%): based on publicly available pricing data, multi-pet discounts, and co-payment structures relative to competitors.
  • Claims experience (15%): customer-reported claims satisfaction, processing speed, online portal functionality, and IFSO complaint records.

Disclaimer: Nothing on this page constitutes financial advice. Scores are editorial opinion based on publicly available data. Always verify details directly with SPCA Pet Insurance and consider seeking professional advice for your specific situation. We do our best to keep all data up to date and accurate. If you've noticed something incorrect, please let us know.

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