{ "vertical": "pet", "condition": { "slug": "brachycephalic-conditions", "title": "Brachycephalic conditions (BOAS, dental, eye)", "short_title": "Brachycephalic conditions", "description": "Pugs, French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Persians (cats), and other short-skulled breeds have well-documented structural conditions: brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), early-onset dental crowding, corneal ulcers, eye protrusion.", "species": [ "both" ], "why_it_matters": "Brachycephalic breeds are one of the highest-risk insurance categories. Some insurers maintain breed-specific exclusions; some cover with carve-outs.", "fact_keys": [ "hereditary_congenital_rules", "exclusions" ], "keywords": [ "brachycephalic", "BOAS", "French Bulldog cover", "Pug cover", "Persian cat" ] }, "snapshot": { "generated_at": "2026-05-18T08:27:31.134Z", "counts": { "insurers": 8, "products_total": 11, "products_active": 11 }, "wording_date_range": { "oldest_ingested_at": "2026-05-17", "newest_ingested_at": "2026-05-18" } }, "on_file_count": 9, "total_products": 11, "matrix": [ { "insurer": { "slug": "aa-pet", "name": "AA Pet Insurance" }, "product": { "slug": "pet-policy", "name": "AA Pet Insurance Policy" }, "wording_version": "2025-04-05", "source_url": "https://www.aa.co.nz/content/dam/nzaa/02-services/insurance/pet-insurance/documents/AAPetInsurancePolicyDocument.pdf", "confidence_tier": "verified", "on_file": true, "primary_key": "hereditary_congenital_rules", "primary_value": "Hereditary conditions and congenital conditions will not be considered a pre-existing condition if they have not shown noticeable signs, symptoms or an abnormality at any time before the commencement date of the first policy period or during any applicable waiting period.", "values_by_key": { "hereditary_congenital_rules": "Hereditary conditions and congenital conditions will not be considered a pre-existing condition if they have not shown noticeable signs, symptoms or an abnormality at any time before the commencement date of the first policy period or during any applicable waiting period.", "exclusions": [ "Pre-existing conditions and a related condition or a bilateral condition of a pre-existing condition", "Food (regular or prescription), vitamins/nutraceuticals/supplements, vaccinations, microchipping, flea/tick/worm control, grooming and bathing of your pet, and non-medicated grooming products", "Medicated baths and shampoos, unless your vet deems them medically necessary to treat a condition covered by your policy", "Accessories including but not limited to; pill poppers, cage hire, crates, bedding and collars", "Training, socialisation, alternative and complementary medicines and therapies including (but not limited to) homeopathy, naturopathy, Chinese medicine, Ayurveda and cannabinoids, acupuncture, physiotherapy, laser therapy, light therapy, shockwave therapy, hydrotherapy, massage and chiropractic treatments", "Behavioural conditions including (but not limited to) anxiety disorders, phobias or chemical imbalances", "Medication not approved or registered for animal consumption in New Zealand by the Ministry of Primary Industries or the Veterinary Council of New Zealand", "The provision of medication(s) that cover a period of more than 30 days beyond the policy end date", "Chemical castration, suprelorin implants or other desexing procedures, unless required to treat your pet's reproductive organs due to inflammation, infection or cancer", "Breeding or obstetrics and/or any related complications", "Transport or boarding expenses other than those listed in the Emergency Boarding Additional Benefit section", "Ambulance fees and non-essential hospitalisation", "Shipping and freight costs", "Genetic/chromosome testing", "Additional costs associated with house calls beyond the cost of treatment had it been provided at a vet practice during normal consultation hours", "Any non-customary trial or experimental procedures and treatments", "Any procedures or treatments related to the manipulation, modification, or alteration of heart valves, chordae tendineae, or other heart structures including open-heart surgery (with the exception of balloon valvuloplasty) and the implantation, repair or replacement of pacemakers", "Organ transplant surgery, cell-replacement therapies including but not limited to stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma (blood transfusions are covered where medically necessary)", "Wheelchairs, 3D printing or artificial limbs and prosthetics", "Cosmetic procedures, nail clipping, declawing, dew claw removal and ear cropping", "Tail docking and devocalisation (debarking or demeowing)", "Your pet not being covered due to gross negligence by you or your failure to take all reasonable precautions to protect your pet from situations that may result in injury or illness, including your pet participating in organised fighting and hunting activities", "Any consequential loss including (but not limited to) economic loss, loss of enjoyment, costs or expenses you may incur to prove or assist us with your claim", "Expenses in relation to policy exclusions or related complications/adverse reactions of an exclusion", "Any declared widespread epidemic or pandemic disease that affects dogs or cats", "Any flea/tick/worm preventative treatments or measures", "Any dental illness treatment unless your pet has been insured under this policy for at least 6 months and in this period your pet has not shown signs of or been treated for any dental illness", "Orthodontic treatment, crowns, root canal, cosmetic dental surgery or corrective treatment", "Any tooth fracture resulting from dental disease or where the treatment for the tooth fracture involves root canal therapy or dental crowns", "Conditions resulting from external parasites such as ticks, fleas or skin/ear mites, patella luxations, elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, toxicity (other than that resulting from a confirmed snake bite), ingestion of a foreign object, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and desexing procedure complications under accidental injury cover (these conditions only covered under illness cover subject to 14-day waiting period)" ] }, "endpoints": { "product_facts": "https://petinsurancecomparison.co.nz/api/product/aa-pet/pet-policy/facts.json", "product_summary": "https://petinsurancecomparison.co.nz/api/product/aa-pet/pet-policy/summary.md", "product_wording": "https://petinsurancecomparison.co.nz/api/product/aa-pet/pet-policy/wording.md" } }, { "insurer": { "slug": "cove-pet", "name": "Cove Pet Insurance" }, "product": { "slug": "pet-insurance", "name": "Cove Pet Insurance" }, "wording_version": "2026-05-18", "source_url": "https://www.coveinsurance.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Pet-Insurance-Policy-CovePet012022.pdf", "confidence_tier": "verified", "on_file": true, "primary_key": "hereditary_congenital_rules", "primary_value": "Hereditary conditions and congenital conditions will not be considered a pre-existing condition if they have not shown noticeable signs, symptoms or an abnormality at any time before the commencement date of the first policy period or within an applicable waiting period.", "values_by_key": { "hereditary_congenital_rules": "Hereditary conditions and congenital conditions will not be considered a pre-existing condition if they have not shown noticeable signs, symptoms or an abnormality at any time before the commencement date of the first policy period or within an applicable waiting period.", "exclusions": [ "Pre-existing conditions, a related condition or a condition arising before the first policy period you are insured with us or within the applicable waiting period", "Bilateral conditions treated as a single condition for benefit limit or exclusion purposes", "Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)", "Preventive and routine items: food (regular or prescription), vitamins/nutraceuticals/supplements, vaccinations, microchipping, flea/tick/worm control, grooming and bathing, non-medicated grooming products (unless Everyday stuff option selected)", "Accessories including (but not limited to) pill poppers, cage hire, crates, bedding and collars", "Behavioural conditions including (but not limited to) anxiety disorders, phobias or chemical imbalances", "Breeding activities or obstetrics treatment", "Cell-replacement therapies including (but not limited to) stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma (blood transfusions covered when medically necessary)", "Chemical castration, suprelorin implants or other desexing procedures, unless required to treat reproductive organs due to inflammation, infection or cancer", "Medicated baths and shampoos, unless vet deems medically necessary to treat a covered condition", "Medication not approved or registered for animal consumption in New Zealand by the Ministry of Primary Industries or the Veterinary Council of New Zealand", "Training, socialisation, therapy and alternative therapies including (but not limited to) homeopathic remedies, acupuncture, laser therapy, hydrotherapy, chiropractic treatments and/or physiotherapy", "Prolonged course of veterinary medicines or alternative/complementary treatments for more than three months if a veterinary operation would have improved or cured the condition (unless agreed by us)", "Ambulance fees and non-essential hospitalisation", "Genetic/chromosome testing", "Pre-anaesthetic blood tests", "Trial or experimental procedures and treatments", "Organ transplant surgery, open heart surgery, artificial limbs, mitral valve and chordae tendineae replacement surgery and pacemakers", "External fixtures (such as wheelchairs)", "Prosthetics (including but not limited to hip replacements and elbow replacements)", "3D printing", "Transport or boarding expenses other than those listed in the Emergency boarding benefit", "Cosmetic procedures, hip/elbow scoring, nail clipping, declawing, dew-claw removal and ear cropping", "Tail docking and debarking", "Voluntary euthanasia", "Treatment due to gross negligence or failure to take reasonable precautions, including organised fighting and hunting activities", "Treatment due to pet being overweight or obese", "Consequential loss including economic loss, loss of enjoyment, costs or expenses to prove or assist with claim", "Legal liability for death, bodily injury, illness, or property damage", "Expenses in relation to policy exclusions or related complications/adverse reactions of an exclusion", "Fees charged by vet for provision of information or assistance in relation to a claim or policy administration", "Non-compliance with New Zealand laws including dangerous dogs regulations and animal health/importation laws", "Pet confiscation, destruction or restrictions imposed by Government or public authority", "Fines, penalties, legal costs, punitive or exemplary damages", "Civil commotion/riot, uprising, insurrection, rebellion, military or usurped power", "Electronic data loss or corruption", "Terrorism", "Nuclear materials and events", "War and related events", "Sanctions-prohibited cover", "Pets kept primarily for work, breeding, hunting or sport", "Excluded dog breeds (Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argenino, Perro De Presa Canario, Dogo Canario, Dingo, Japanese Tose, Fila, Brasileiro, Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, Saarloos Wolfhound/Wolfdog, any wolf hybrid)", "Dental illness (unless optional Dental illness cover selected)", "Any declared widespread epidemic or pandemic disease affecting dogs or cats", "Flea/tick/worm preventative treatments or measures (unless Everyday stuff option selected)", "Treatment for unvaccinated pets for specified diseases (dogs: infectious canine hepatitis, parvovirus, canine distemper, parainfluenza, canine influenza, kennel cough; cats: parvovirus infections, chlamydia, FeLV, FIV, viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, herpes virus, cat flu)", "Patella luxations, elbow or hip dysplasia, toxicity, ingestion of foreign object, IVDD or desexing procedure complications under accidental injury cover", "Conditions resulting from external parasites such as ticks, fleas or skin/ear mites (under accidental injury cover)" ] }, "endpoints": { "product_facts": "https://petinsurancecomparison.co.nz/api/product/cove-pet/pet-insurance/facts.json", "product_summary": "https://petinsurancecomparison.co.nz/api/product/cove-pet/pet-insurance/summary.md", "product_wording": "https://petinsurancecomparison.co.nz/api/product/cove-pet/pet-insurance/wording.md" } }, { "insurer": { "slug": "pd-insurance", "name": "PD Insurance" }, "product": { "slug": "pet-insurance-pds", "name": "PD Pet Insurance (PDS)" }, "wording_version": null, "source_url": null, "confidence_tier": "unknown", "on_file": false, "primary_key": null, "primary_value": null, "values_by_key": { "hereditary_congenital_rules": null, "exclusions": null }, "endpoints": { "product_facts": "https://petinsurancecomparison.co.nz/api/product/pd-insurance/pet-insurance-pds/facts.json", "product_summary": "https://petinsurancecomparison.co.nz/api/product/pd-insurance/pet-insurance-pds/summary.md", "product_wording": "https://petinsurancecomparison.co.nz/api/product/pd-insurance/pet-insurance-pds/wording.md" } }, { "insurer": { "slug": "petcover", "name": "Petcover (Petplan NZ)" }, "product": { "slug": "catastrophe", "name": "Petcover Catastrophe Plan" }, "wording_version": "2026-05-17", "source_url": "https://www.petcovergroup.com/nz/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2022/12/PCNZ-PDS_SOV-SN_Catastrophe-v14112022.pdf", "confidence_tier": "verified", "on_file": true, "primary_key": "hereditary_congenital_rules", "primary_value": "Not explicitly described as a named category of exclusion or inclusion. Select Breeds (a defined list of large/giant and brachycephalic-related breeds) are eligible for cover only from age 8 weeks and before their 5th birthday. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) and related conditions are excluded for the first 365 days of cover. Cruciate ligament, patella luxation, hip dysplasia and OCD are explicitly stated not to be considered Accidents and have a 180-day waiting period with sub-limits.", "values_by_key": { "hereditary_congenital_rules": "Not explicitly described as a named category of exclusion or inclusion. Select Breeds (a defined list of large/giant and brachycephalic-related breeds) are eligible for cover only from age 8 weeks and before their 5th birthday. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) and related conditions are excluded for the first 365 days of cover. Cruciate ligament, patella luxation, hip dysplasia and OCD are explicitly stated not to be considered Accidents and have a 180-day waiting period with sub-limits.", "exclusions": [ "A Condition specifically excluded on Your Certificate of Insurance", "Any animal less than eight (8) weeks old at the time of commencement of the period of insurance", "Any costs of treatment throughout the lifetime of Your Pet for any Injury or Illness which occurs or shows Clinical Signs prior to the commencement of Your Insurance or within the first thirty (30) days of cover (Waiting Period), or any Pre-Existing Conditions", "Any costs of treatment throughout the lifetime of Your Pet for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway syndrome (BOAS), Brachycephalic Gastrointestinal Syndrome (BGS), nasal fold surgery, skin fold surgery, stenotic nares and soft palate resection, enlarged tongue (macroglossa), or everted laryngeal saccules that occurs or shows Clinical Signs within the first twelve (12) months of commencement of Your Insurance", "Cost of Routine Treatment or Preventative care such as check-ups and procedures that are designed to prevent future Illnesses from occurring rather than treating existing Illnesses, including annual physical examinations and/or check-ups, vaccinations, heart worm prevention medication; flea and other internal/external parasite prevention", "Cost of Elective procedures and Treatment, including but not limited to desexing, spaying or castration; micro-chipping; grooming and de-matting, cosmetic or aesthetic surgery, or Elective surgery including but not limited to dew-claw removal, prescription diet foods, and any Treatment not related to an Injury, Illness, or trauma", "The cost of periodontics, dental check-ups, Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT), dental x-rays, dental prophylaxis, dental scale and polish or teeth cleaning, gingival curettes, gingival hyperplasia, removal of plaque or calculus or periodontal surgery", "The cost of prosthodontics, the removal or repair of misaligned or retained deciduous teeth, orthodontic appliances, crowns, caps or splints, luxation, horizontal bone loss, impacted teeth or embedded teeth", "Any cost relating to orthodontics, malocclusion, wry bite, supernumerary teeth, reverse scissor bite, posterior cross bite, anterior crossbite, overbite, brachygnathia, open bite or level bite", "Any Treatment for dental disease if an annual dental examination has not been undertaken within the twelve (12) months preceding the problem requiring Treatment and any Treatment a Vet recommended resulting from that had not been carried out", "Experimental Treatments or therapies; prosthetics or orthopaedic supports or braces, open heart surgeries, cancer vaccinations, therapeutic antibody for dog and cat cancers, stem cell therapy, organ transplants, gene therapies, probiotics, dental vaccines, cold laser treatments, 3D printing, Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS), any drugs not used in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations", "Any costs for veterinary Treatment that does not improve the health or wellbeing of Your Pet", "Any prolonged course of veterinary medicines, or Treatments for more than three (3) months if there is a veterinary operation that would have improved or cured the Condition unless agreed by Us", "The cost for Your Vet to write a prescription or charge a dispensing fee", "Any medicines that have not been approved by the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) or where there is no evidence to support the usage of this medicine for this Condition", "Dogs being used for guarding, track racing or Live Coursing", "Any breed of dog that is banned by any New Zealand Government, Public or Local Authority, or that is crossed with any banned breed or Pit Bull Terrier or Dingo or crosses of these breeds", "Any dog declared as a dangerous dog by a Government authority", "Any dog that must be registered under the applicable legislation dealing with dangerous dogs", "Any amount caused by, arising out of or in any way connected with Your Pet being confiscated or destroyed by any Government or Public or Local Authority or any person or Body having the jurisdiction to do so", "Any costs caused because any Government or Public or Local Authority or any person or Body having the jurisdiction to do so, have put restrictions on Your Pet", "Any amount caused by, arising out of or in any way connected with You breaking New Zealand animal health or importation laws or regulations", "Legal costs, expenses, fines and penalties connected with or resulting from a Criminal Court Case or an Act of Parliament", "Any loss caused by, arising out of or in any way connected with an act of force or violence for political, religious or ideological reasons, war, acts of terrorism, riot, revolution or any similar event, including any chemical or biological terrorism", "The cost of treating any Injury or Illness or other bodily injury or illness caused by, arising out of, or in any way connected with a malicious act, deliberate Injury or bodily injury or gross negligence caused by You or a member of Your Immediate Family or anyone living with You or acting with Your express or implied consent", "Any amount resulting from an Illness that Your Pet contracted while outside New Zealand or Australia, that it would not normally have contracted in New Zealand or Australia", "Any amount resulting from a disease transmitted from animals to humans", "Any pandemic disease that causes widespread Illness, death or destruction affecting dogs and cats", "Any dog not vaccinated for distemper, hepatitis, kennel cough, leptospirosis, parvovirus or any other disease that there is a known vaccine, and Your vet has recommended vaccinations", "Any cat for feline infectious enteritis, feline leukaemia or cat flu, or other disease that there is a known vaccine and Your vet recommend vaccinations, if not vaccinated against them", "Any amount arising from or in any way connected with Your failure to take all reasonable precautions to protect Your Pet from or by aggravating or prolonging an Injury or Illness", "Any amount if Your Pet lives permanently outside of New Zealand", "Any Journey You take Your Pet on against a Vet's advice" ] }, "endpoints": { "product_facts": "https://petinsurancecomparison.co.nz/api/product/petcover/catastrophe/facts.json", "product_summary": "https://petinsurancecomparison.co.nz/api/product/petcover/catastrophe/summary.md", "product_wording": "https://petinsurancecomparison.co.nz/api/product/petcover/catastrophe/wording.md" } }, { "insurer": { "slug": "petnsur", "name": "PetNSur" }, "product": { "slug": "rhodium", "name": "PetNSur Rhodium / Standard" }, "wording_version": null, "source_url": null, "confidence_tier": "unknown", "on_file": false, "primary_key": null, "primary_value": null, "values_by_key": { "hereditary_congenital_rules": null, "exclusions": null }, "endpoints": { "product_facts": "https://petinsurancecomparison.co.nz/api/product/petnsur/rhodium/facts.json", "product_summary": "https://petinsurancecomparison.co.nz/api/product/petnsur/rhodium/summary.md", "product_wording": "https://petinsurancecomparison.co.nz/api/product/petnsur/rhodium/wording.md" } }, { "insurer": { "slug": "southern-cross-pet", "name": "Southern Cross Pet Insurance" }, "product": { "slug": "accipet", "name": "AcciPet (Accident-only)" }, "wording_version": "2023-12-01", "source_url": "https://www.southerncross.co.nz/society/-/media/Southern-Cross-Pet-Insurance/Member-collateral/Plan-documents/Policy-docs/AcciPet-Policy-Doc.pdf", "confidence_tier": "verified", "on_file": true, "primary_key": "exclusions", "primary_value": [ "Pre-existing conditions", "Transport and boarding (such as in a kennel or cattery)", "Cages, equipment, and devices, except dog or cat cones (Elizabethan collars)", "Voluntary euthanasia of your pet (where you choose to have your pet put down for non-medical reasons or due to behavioural or psychological conditions), or euthanasia due to any pandemic disease", "Disposal, post-mortem, burial or cremation", "Alternative treatment (acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic manipulation, massage therapy, osteopathy or treatments of a similar nature)", "Behavioural or psychological conditions (anxiety disorders, depression, aggression, excessive barking) and related treatment", "Complications from treatment we don't cover", "Vet consultation fees (unless consult care extra is added)", "Cosmetic treatment (tail docking, ear cropping, tattooing, dewclaw removal except where required due to accidental injury)", "Degenerative injuries, such as injuries caused by arthritis or osteoporosis", "Dental care (except where caused by accidental injury, and excluding dental injury from eating or chewing an object)", "Extended hospitalisation beyond what is medically necessary", "Extra vet fees for policy administration, information, postage or couriers", "Failure to protect your pet from accidental injury or worsening of a treated accidental injury", "Fighting costs if your pet has a history of fighting before the policy start date", "Illness, sickness or disease, including degenerative disease", "International treatment (treatment received outside New Zealand)", "Medication covering a period more than 40 days after your policy ends", "Parasites inside or outside your pet (worms, ticks, fleas, skin mites)", "Prescription pet foods and supplements", "Organ transplant surgery", "Joint replacements", "Cell replacement therapies, including stem-cell therapy", "Artificial limbs, implants, and prosthetics", "Treatment provided by the owner (unless the owner is a vet or registered vet nurse)", "Treatment of an undiagnosed health condition that is similar to an excluded health condition where treatment is consistent with typical treatment of an excluded condition", "Pig hunting dogs", "Cruciate ligament and patella luxation accidental injuries occurring within the 90-day stand down period" ], "values_by_key": { "hereditary_congenital_rules": null, "exclusions": [ "Pre-existing conditions", "Transport and boarding (such as in a kennel or cattery)", "Cages, equipment, and devices, except dog or cat cones (Elizabethan collars)", "Voluntary euthanasia of your pet (where you choose to have your pet put down for non-medical reasons or due to behavioural or psychological conditions), or euthanasia due to any pandemic disease", "Disposal, post-mortem, burial or cremation", "Alternative treatment (acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic manipulation, massage therapy, osteopathy or treatments of a similar nature)", "Behavioural or psychological conditions (anxiety disorders, depression, aggression, excessive barking) and related treatment", "Complications from treatment we don't cover", "Vet consultation fees (unless consult care extra is added)", "Cosmetic treatment (tail docking, ear cropping, tattooing, dewclaw removal except where required due to accidental injury)", "Degenerative injuries, such as injuries caused by arthritis or osteoporosis", "Dental care (except where caused by accidental injury, and excluding dental injury from eating or chewing an object)", "Extended hospitalisation beyond what is medically necessary", "Extra vet fees for policy administration, information, postage or couriers", "Failure to protect your pet from accidental injury or worsening of a treated accidental injury", "Fighting costs if your pet has a history of fighting before the policy start date", "Illness, sickness or disease, including degenerative disease", "International treatment (treatment received outside New Zealand)", "Medication covering a period more than 40 days after your policy ends", "Parasites inside or outside your pet (worms, ticks, fleas, skin mites)", "Prescription pet foods and supplements", "Organ transplant surgery", "Joint replacements", "Cell replacement therapies, including stem-cell therapy", "Artificial limbs, implants, and prosthetics", "Treatment provided by the owner (unless the owner is a vet or registered vet nurse)", "Treatment of an undiagnosed health condition that is similar to an excluded health condition where treatment is consistent with typical treatment of an excluded condition", "Pig hunting dogs", "Cruciate ligament and patella luxation accidental injuries occurring within the 90-day stand down period" ] }, "endpoints": { "product_facts": "https://petinsurancecomparison.co.nz/api/product/southern-cross-pet/accipet/facts.json", "product_summary": "https://petinsurancecomparison.co.nz/api/product/southern-cross-pet/accipet/summary.md", "product_wording": "https://petinsurancecomparison.co.nz/api/product/southern-cross-pet/accipet/wording.md" } }, { "insurer": { "slug": "southern-cross-pet", "name": "Southern Cross Pet Insurance" }, "product": { "slug": "freecover", "name": "FreeCover (Trial)" }, "wording_version": "2025-09-01", "source_url": "https://www.southerncross.co.nz/society/-/media/Southern-Cross-Pet-Insurance/Member-collateral/Plan-documents/Policy-docs/freecover-policy-Doc.pdf", "confidence_tier": "verified", "on_file": true, "primary_key": "hereditary_congenital_rules", "primary_value": "We don't cover congenital conditions. A congenital condition is an anomaly or developmental defect that is present in your pet at birth, even though signs or symptoms may not appear until later in life. Common congenital conditions for puppies and kittens are things like: brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, cleft palates, neurological defects such as wobbler syndrome, spina bifida, umbilical hernias, undescended testes.", "values_by_key": { "hereditary_congenital_rules": "We don't cover congenital conditions. A congenital condition is an anomaly or developmental defect that is present in your pet at birth, even though signs or symptoms may not appear until later in life. Common congenital conditions for puppies and kittens are things like: brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, cleft palates, neurological defects such as wobbler syndrome, spina bifida, umbilical hernias, undescended testes.", "exclusions": [ "Congenital conditions", "Pre-existing conditions", "Bilateral conditions where the same health condition exists on the other side of a paired body part", "Grooming and bathing costs including medicated baths and shampoos", "Transport and boarding (such as in a kennel or cattery)", "Cages, equipment, and devices, including dog or cat cones (Elizabethan collars)", "Voluntary euthanasia of your pet (where you choose to have your pet put down for non-medical reasons or due to behavioural or psychological conditions), or euthanasia due to any pandemic or endemic disease", "Disposal, post-mortem, burial, or cremation", "Alternative treatment (acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic manipulation, massage therapy, osteopathy)", "Behavioural or psychological conditions (anxiety disorders, depression, aggression, excessive barking) and related treatments", "Complications from treatment we don't cover", "Cosmetic treatment (tail docking, ear cropping, tattooing)", "Cruciate ligament health conditions", "Dental care for illness (gingivitis, teeth cleaning and scaling, orthodontics, removing deciduous teeth)", "Everyday care (vaccinations, microchipping, flea/tick/worm control, grooming, de-sexing, treatment for undescended testes, nail clipping, council registration, over the counter products, cremation and burial)", "Extended hospitalisation beyond what is medically necessary", "Extra vet fees for information, administration, account fees, postage or couriers related to the policy", "Failure to reasonably protect your pet, including cruel or violent treatment or reckless disregard for its wellbeing", "Fighting, if your pet has a history of fighting before the policy start date", "International treatment (treatment received outside New Zealand)", "Medication covering more than 40 days after your policy ends", "Preventable parasites (fleas, ticks, mites, worms) and resulting health conditions (flea allergy dermatitis, Lyme disease)", "Patella luxation", "Prescription pet foods", "Screening when your pet shows no signs or symptoms", "Specialised treatments (organ transplant surgery, joint replacements, artificial limbs, implants, prosthetics, genetic or chromosome testing, cell-replacement therapies including stem cell therapy)", "Supplements (vitamins, minerals, probiotics, nutraceuticals, oil supplements, amino acids, botanicals and herbals)", "Treatment provided by you to your own pet (unless you are a vet or vet nurse)", "Treatment of an undiagnosed health condition that is similar to an excluded health condition", "Conditions related to a declared epidemic or pandemic", "Pig hunting dogs" ] }, "endpoints": { "product_facts": "https://petinsurancecomparison.co.nz/api/product/southern-cross-pet/freecover/facts.json", "product_summary": "https://petinsurancecomparison.co.nz/api/product/southern-cross-pet/freecover/summary.md", "product_wording": "https://petinsurancecomparison.co.nz/api/product/southern-cross-pet/freecover/wording.md" } }, { "insurer": { "slug": "southern-cross-pet", "name": "Southern Cross Pet Insurance" }, "product": { "slug": "petcare", "name": "PetCare (Comprehensive)" }, "wording_version": "2023-12-01", "source_url": "https://www.southerncross.co.nz/society/-/media/Southern-Cross-Pet-Insurance/Member-collateral/Plan-documents/Policy-docs/PetCare-Policy-Doc.pdf", "confidence_tier": "verified", "on_file": true, "primary_key": "hereditary_congenital_rules", "primary_value": "Congenital conditions are excluded. A congenital condition is an anomaly or developmental defect that is present in your pet at birth, even though signs or symptoms may not appear until later in life. We maintain a list of conditions that we consider to be congenital conditions. However, this is not a complete list of all congenital conditions.", "values_by_key": { "hereditary_congenital_rules": "Congenital conditions are excluded. A congenital condition is an anomaly or developmental defect that is present in your pet at birth, even though signs or symptoms may not appear until later in life. We maintain a list of conditions that we consider to be congenital conditions. However, this is not a complete list of all congenital conditions.", "exclusions": [ "Pre-existing conditions", "Congenital conditions", "Behavioural or psychological conditions (anxiety disorders, depression, aggression, excessive barking, and related treatments)", "Dental care (illness-related) — unless dental care extra is added", "Alternative treatments (acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic manipulation, massage therapy, osteopathy) — unless day-to-day care extra is added", "Everyday care (microchipping, flea/tick/worm control, grooming, de-sexing, nail clipping, council registration, over the counter products, cremation and burial, dewclaw removal except as specified) — unless day-to-day care extra is added", "Vet consultation fees — unless consult care extra is added", "Cosmetic treatment (tail docking, ear cropping, tattooing)", "Breeding, pregnancy, or giving birth (artificial insemination, caesarean delivery, contraceptives, phantom pregnancy treatment)", "Grooming and bathing costs including medicated baths", "Transport and boarding (kennel or cattery)", "Cages, equipment, and devices (except Elizabethan collars)", "Voluntary euthanasia for non-medical reasons or behavioural/psychological conditions, or euthanasia due to pandemic disease", "Disposal, post-mortem, burial or cremation — unless day-to-day care extra is added", "Parasites (internal and external — worms, ticks, fleas, skin mites)", "Prescription pet foods — unless day-to-day care extra is added", "Screening when no signs or symptoms are present", "Organ transplant surgery, joint replacements, artificial limbs, implants, and prosthetics", "Genetic or chromosome testing", "Cell-replacement therapies including stem cell therapy", "Vitamin and mineral supplements not listed on the Vitamin and Mineral Supplement Schedule", "Complications arising from treatment not covered by this policy", "Treatment of an undiagnosed health condition that is similar to an excluded health condition", "Epidemic or pandemic disease", "Health conditions arising because the pet is not vaccinated", "International treatment (outside New Zealand)", "Extended hospitalisation beyond what is medically necessary", "Failure to protect your pet (cruel, violent, or reckless treatment)", "Fighting costs if pet has a history of fighting before policy start date", "Treatment provided by the policyholder (unless a vet or registered vet nurse)", "Extra vet fees for information, administration, postage related to this policy", "Medication covering a period more than 40 days after policy ends", "Pig hunting dogs" ] }, "endpoints": { "product_facts": "https://petinsurancecomparison.co.nz/api/product/southern-cross-pet/petcare/facts.json", "product_summary": "https://petinsurancecomparison.co.nz/api/product/southern-cross-pet/petcare/summary.md", "product_wording": "https://petinsurancecomparison.co.nz/api/product/southern-cross-pet/petcare/wording.md" } }, { "insurer": { "slug": "spca-pet", "name": "SPCA Pet Insurance" }, "product": { "slug": "big-stuff", "name": "Big Stuff Cover" }, "wording_version": "2026-05-17", "source_url": "https://www.spcapetinsurance.co.nz/documents/spca-pet-insurance-big-stuff-cover-policy-document.pdf", "confidence_tier": "verified", "on_file": true, "primary_key": "hereditary_congenital_rules", "primary_value": "Hereditary Conditions and congenital Conditions will not be considered a Pre-existing Condition if they have not shown noticeable signs, symptoms or an abnormality at any time before the Commencement Date of the first Policy Period or during any applicable Waiting Period. They are listed as examples of Illnesses Covered under Illness Cover (excluding those hereditary and congenital Conditions that fall within the definition of a Pre-existing Condition).", "values_by_key": { "hereditary_congenital_rules": "Hereditary Conditions and congenital Conditions will not be considered a Pre-existing Condition if they have not shown noticeable signs, symptoms or an abnormality at any time before the Commencement Date of the first Policy Period or during any applicable Waiting Period. They are listed as examples of Illnesses Covered under Illness Cover (excluding those hereditary and congenital Conditions that fall within the definition of a Pre-existing Condition).", "exclusions": [ "Pre-existing Conditions", "Food (regular or prescription), vitamins/nutraceuticals/supplements, vaccinations, health checks, routine Consultations, microchipping, flea/tick/worm control, grooming and bathing of your Pet, and nonmedicated grooming products", "Medicated baths and shampoos, unless your Vet deems them medically necessary to treat a Condition Covered by your Policy", "Accessories including but not limited to pill poppers, cage hire, crates, bedding, and collars", "Training, socialisation, therapy, and alternative therapies including (but not limited to) homeopathic remedies, acupuncture, laser therapy, hydrotherapy, chiropractic Treatments and/or physiotherapy", "Behavioural Conditions including (but not limited to) anxiety disorders, phobias, or chemical imbalances", "Cell-replacement therapies including (but not limited to) stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma", "Medication not approved or registered for animal consumption in New Zealand by the Ministry of Primary Industries or the Veterinary Council of New Zealand", "The provision of medication(s) that Cover a period of more than 30 days beyond the Policy End Date", "Chemical castration, suprelorin implants or other desexing procedures, unless required to treat your Pet's reproductive organs due to inflammation, infection, or cancer", "Breeding or obstetrics", "Dental procedures, dental diseases, gingivitis, teeth fractures, teeth cleaning/scaling, orthodontics, removal of deciduous and any oral disease (with the exception of oral tumours)", "Transport or boarding expenses other than those listed in the Emergency boarding Additional Benefit section", "Ambulance fees and non-essential hospitalisation", "Genetic/chromosome testing", "Pre-anaesthetic blood tests", "Any trial or experimental procedures and Treatments", "Organ transplant surgery, open heart surgery, artificial limbs, mitral valve, and chordae tendineae replacement surgery and pacemakers", "External fixtures (such as wheelchairs)", "Prosthetics (including but not limited to hip replacements and elbow replacements)", "3D printing", "Cosmetic procedures, hip/elbow scoring, nail clipping, declawing, dew claw removal and ear cropping", "Tail docking and debarking", "Gross negligence by you or your failure to take all reasonable precautions to protect your Pet, including your Pet participating in organised fighting and hunting activities", "Any consequential loss including (but not limited to) economic loss, loss of enjoyment, costs or expenses you may incur to prove or assist us with your claim", "Any declared widespread epidemic or pandemic disease that affects dogs or cats", "Any flea/tick/worm preventative treatments or measures", "Conditions resulting from external parasites such as ticks, fleas or skin/ear mites, patella luxations, elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, toxicity, ingestion of a foreign object, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and desexing procedure complications under Accidental Injury Cover", "Expenses in relation to Policy exclusions or related complications/adverse reactions of an exclusion" ] }, "endpoints": { "product_facts": "https://petinsurancecomparison.co.nz/api/product/spca-pet/big-stuff/facts.json", "product_summary": "https://petinsurancecomparison.co.nz/api/product/spca-pet/big-stuff/summary.md", "product_wording": "https://petinsurancecomparison.co.nz/api/product/spca-pet/big-stuff/wording.md" } }, { "insurer": { "slug": "spca-pet", "name": "SPCA Pet Insurance" }, "product": { "slug": "the-works", "name": "The Works (Comprehensive)" }, "wording_version": "2026-05-17", "source_url": "https://www.spcapetinsurance.co.nz/documents/spca-pet-insurance-the-works-cover-policy-document.pdf", "confidence_tier": "verified", "on_file": true, "primary_key": "hereditary_congenital_rules", "primary_value": "Hereditary Conditions and congenital Conditions will not be considered a Pre-existing Condition if they have not shown noticeable signs, symptoms or an abnormality at any time before the Commencement Date of the first Policy Period or during any applicable Waiting Period. Hereditary and congenital Conditions are listed as examples of Illnesses Covered under Illness Cover, excluding those hereditary and congenital Conditions that fall within the definition of a Pre-existing Condition.", "values_by_key": { "hereditary_congenital_rules": "Hereditary Conditions and congenital Conditions will not be considered a Pre-existing Condition if they have not shown noticeable signs, symptoms or an abnormality at any time before the Commencement Date of the first Policy Period or during any applicable Waiting Period. Hereditary and congenital Conditions are listed as examples of Illnesses Covered under Illness Cover, excluding those hereditary and congenital Conditions that fall within the definition of a Pre-existing Condition.", "exclusions": [ "Pre-existing Conditions", "Related Conditions and Bilateral Conditions of a Pre-existing Condition", "Conditions arising within the applicable Waiting Period", "Any declared widespread epidemic or pandemic disease that affects dogs or cats", "Food (regular or prescription), vitamins/nutraceuticals/supplements, vaccinations, health checks, routine Consultations, microchipping, flea/tick/worm control, grooming and bathing of your Pet, and nonmedicated grooming products", "Medicated baths and shampoos, unless your Vet deems them medically necessary to treat a Condition Covered by your Policy", "Accessories including but not limited to pill poppers, cage hire, crates, bedding, and collars", "Training, socialisation, therapy, and alternative therapies including (but not limited to) homeopathic remedies, acupuncture, laser therapy, hydrotherapy, chiropractic Treatments and/or physiotherapy", "Behavioural Conditions including (but not limited to) anxiety disorders, phobias, or chemical imbalances", "Cell-replacement therapies including (but not limited to) stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma", "Medication not approved or registered for animal consumption in New Zealand by the Ministry of Primary Industries or the Veterinary Council of New Zealand", "The provision of medication(s) that Cover a period of more than 30 days beyond the Policy End Date", "Chemical castration, suprelorin implants or other desexing procedures, unless required to treat your Pet's reproductive organs due to inflammation, infection, or cancer", "Breeding or obstetrics", "Dental procedures, dental diseases, gingivitis, teeth fractures, teeth cleaning/scaling, orthodontics, removal of deciduous and any oral disease (with the exception of oral tumours)", "Transport or boarding expenses other than those listed in the Emergency boarding Additional Benefit section", "Ambulance fees and non-essential hospitalisation", "Genetic/chromosome testing", "Pre-anaesthetic blood tests", "Any trial or experimental procedures and Treatments", "Organ transplant surgery, open heart surgery, artificial limbs, mitral valve, and chordae tendineae replacement surgery and pacemakers", "External fixtures (such as wheelchairs)", "Prosthetics (including but not limited to hip replacements and elbow replacements)", "3D printing", "Cosmetic procedures, hip/elbow scoring, nail clipping, declawing, dew claw removal and ear cropping", "Tail docking and debarking", "Gross negligence by you or your failure to take all reasonable precautions to protect your Pet, including your Pet participating in organised fighting and hunting activities", "Consequential loss including (but not limited to) economic loss, loss of enjoyment, costs or expenses to prove or assist with a claim", "Expenses in relation to Policy exclusions or related complications/adverse reactions of an exclusion", "Conditions resulting from external parasites such as ticks, fleas or skin/ear mites, patella luxations, elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, toxicity, ingestion of a foreign object, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and desexing procedure complications under Accidental Injury Cover", "Any amount if you or your Pet live permanently outside of New Zealand", "Claims where the Pet has been out of New Zealand for more than 60 consecutive days" ] }, "endpoints": { "product_facts": "https://petinsurancecomparison.co.nz/api/product/spca-pet/the-works/facts.json", "product_summary": "https://petinsurancecomparison.co.nz/api/product/spca-pet/the-works/summary.md", "product_wording": "https://petinsurancecomparison.co.nz/api/product/spca-pet/the-works/wording.md" } }, { "insurer": { "slug": "tower-pet", "name": "Tower Pet Insurance" }, "product": { "slug": "pet-comprehensive-essentials", "name": "Pet Comprehensive + Essentials" }, "wording_version": "2026-05-18", "source_url": "https://www.tower.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Pet_Comprehensive_Essentials.pdf", "confidence_tier": "verified", "on_file": true, "primary_key": "hereditary_congenital_rules", "primary_value": "Hereditary conditions which first manifest before your pet's 2nd birthday are excluded. Congenital conditions are excluded entirely. Hereditary condition means a genetic condition which is passed down through your pet's bloodline, and which is commonly breed specific. Congenital condition means a congenital anomaly or developmental defect which is present at birth but may not manifest until later in your pet's life.", "values_by_key": { "hereditary_congenital_rules": "Hereditary conditions which first manifest before your pet's 2nd birthday are excluded. Congenital conditions are excluded entirely. Hereditary condition means a genetic condition which is passed down through your pet's bloodline, and which is commonly breed specific. Congenital condition means a congenital anomaly or developmental defect which is present at birth but may not manifest until later in your pet's life.", "exclusions": [ "Pre-existing conditions", "Any condition which first presented its signs or symptoms or which was first diagnosed during any claims waiting period", "Any condition where the diagnosis is inconclusive, but where the customary treatment is similar to customary treatment for any condition which is not covered, or for which any relevant sub-limit has been exhausted", "Hereditary conditions which first manifest before your pet's 2nd birthday", "Congenital conditions", "Brachycephalic airway syndrome (elongated soft palate, stenotic nares, everted laryngeal saccules, laryngeal collapse and tracheal hypoplasia)", "Any declared epidemic causing widespread illness to cats or dogs", "Any treatment administered or prescribed by a person who is not a qualified vet, veterinary nurse or technician, or alternative therapist", "Organ transplants, stem cell transplants or joint replacements", "Ectoparasites (such as fleas) or endoparasites (such as intestinal worms)", "Experimental treatment, or treatment or medication which is not approved by the Ministry of Primary Industries or the Veterinary Council of New Zealand", "Breeding, pregnancy, obstetrics and birth (including caesarean sections)", "Canine parvovirus, canine distemper, canine infectious hepatitis, kennel cough, leptospirosis, feline viral rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus, feline panleukopaenia, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and feline chlamydiosis unless pet was up to date with vaccinations at the time signs or symptoms first presented", "Failure to provide all reasonable care for your pet's health and wellbeing or failure to reasonably protect your pet from illness or injury", "Malicious acts, mistreatment, deliberate injury or gross negligence towards your pet caused by you, any member of your immediate family, or any other person who normally resides with you and your pet", "Any amounts charged by your vet for providing information in relation to your claim", "Postage, courier fees or administration costs", "War, riot, civil commotion, terrorism, natural disaster or similar events", "The destruction of your pet due to any court or council order", "Your business or occupation, or your pet being used for the purpose of any business, occupation (with the exception of assistance dogs), hunting or sport", "Any treatment, expenses or events occurring after your policy end date (unless renewed without lapse)", "Treatment outside of New Zealand", "House visits unless moving your pet would endanger its life or significantly worsen its illness or injury", "After-hours treatment unless your vet confirms an emergency consultation was essential", "Treatment undertaken for cosmetic purposes or costs associated with grooming", "Testing or procedures to determine suitability of your pet for breeding or genealogical purposes", "Transport or boarding expenses (under Section 1)", "Food, including food prescribed by a vet", "Any medication, vitamins, supplements or pheromone products available over the counter without a prescription", "The cost to hire or purchase medical equipment including Elizabethan collars, cages, crates, housing, prosthetics or orthotics", "Dental treatment or treatment of oral disease except as specifically covered", "Post-mortem and non-essential euthanasia", "Working dogs (except assistance dogs)" ] }, "endpoints": { "product_facts": "https://petinsurancecomparison.co.nz/api/product/tower-pet/pet-comprehensive-essentials/facts.json", "product_summary": "https://petinsurancecomparison.co.nz/api/product/tower-pet/pet-comprehensive-essentials/summary.md", "product_wording": "https://petinsurancecomparison.co.nz/api/product/tower-pet/pet-comprehensive-essentials/wording.md" } } ], "canonical_url": "https://petinsurancecomparison.co.nz/conditions/brachycephalic-conditions/", "license": "CC BY 4.0 — attribute https://petinsurancecomparison.co.nz", "citation_note": "Each cell.primary_value is a verbatim excerpt from the cited insurer wording PDF (source_url). For authority in any specific case, refer to the source PDF." }