Southern Cross vs PD Insurance
Head-to-head comparison of New Zealand's top pet insurance providers
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Southern Cross | PD Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $17/month | $15/month |
| Annual Limit | $15,000 | $20,000 |
| Claims Processing | 30 min (Easy-Claim) 3-5 days (standard) | 2 days |
| Customer Base | 52,000+ | Growing |
| Contract Terms | Annual | Month-to-month |
| Multi-Pet Discount | 10% | 5% |
Detailed Comparison
Southern Cross
Strengths
- ✓Market leader (52,000+ customers)
- ✓Pet Easy-Claim system
- ✓Comprehensive coverage
- ✓Strong financial backing
Weaknesses
- ✗Higher premiums
- ✗Annual contracts
- ✗Slower standard claims
PD Insurance
Strengths
- ✓Fastest claims (2 days)
- ✓No lock-in contracts
- ✓Competitive pricing
- ✓Higher annual limits
Weaknesses
- ✗Smaller market presence
- ✗Per-claim limits
- ✗Age restrictions
Pricing Comparison by Age
Monthly premiums for a Labrador Retriever in Auckland
| Dog Age | Southern Cross Standard | Southern Cross Premier | PD Insurance Essential | PD Insurance Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (8 weeks - 1 year) | $42 | $58 | $32 | $45 |
| Young Adult (1-3 years) | $47 | $64 | $35 | $48 |
| Adult (3-5 years) | $52 | $71 | $39 | $54 |
| Mature (5-7 years) | $62 | $85 | $48 | $66 |
| Senior (7-9 years) | $78 | $107 | $61 | $84 |
| Senior (9+ years) | Not available* | Not available* | $72 | $99 |
* Southern Cross typically doesn't accept new policies for dogs over 9 years old. Existing policies continue with premium increases.
Prices are indicative and vary based on breed, location, and chosen excess. Standard plans include 80% coverage for Southern Cross and 90% for PD Insurance Essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper: Southern Cross or PD Insurance?
PD Insurance typically offers lower premiums, starting from $15/month vs Southern Cross from $17/month. For a 1-year-old Labrador, PD Insurance Essential costs around $35/month compared to Southern Cross Standard at $47/month. However, Southern Cross often provides more comprehensive coverage that may justify the higher cost, especially for breeds prone to hereditary conditions.
Who processes claims faster?
PD Insurance has faster standard claims processing at 2 days average, while Southern Cross averages 3-5 days for standard claims. However, Southern Cross offers Pet Easy-Claim for instant approval (within 30 minutes) at participating vets, which can be much faster than PD's standard process. The Easy-Claim system is available at over 200 vet clinics nationwide.
Which has better customer satisfaction?
Both providers have strong customer satisfaction. Southern Cross has higher overall ratings (4.2/5) due to their established reputation and large customer base of 52,000+ pet owners. PD Insurance wins awards for outstanding value and customer service, particularly praised for their responsive support team and simple claims process. Customer preference often depends on priorities: comprehensive coverage (Southern Cross) vs. value and flexibility (PD Insurance).
What are the main coverage differences?
Southern Cross offers behavioral therapy coverage, dental injury coverage as standard, and has a strong reputation for covering hereditary conditions. PD Insurance offers higher annual limits ($20,000 vs $15,000), 100% reimbursement option (vs 80% max for Southern Cross), third-party liability coverage, and no lock-in contracts. PD Insurance also covers pets up to older ages (no upper age limit for existing policies).
Which is better for senior dogs?
PD Insurance is generally better for senior dogs. They accept new policies for dogs up to 9 years old and continue coverage beyond that age. Southern Cross typically doesn't accept new policies for dogs over 9 years. For existing policyholders with aging pets, both providers continue coverage but with age-related premium increases. PD Insurance's higher annual limits ($20,000) can be more beneficial for senior dogs who may need more extensive treatment.
Can I switch between providers?
Yes, you can switch providers, but be aware that any conditions diagnosed or treated under your old policy will likely be considered pre-existing by the new provider and won't be covered. This is why it's important to choose the right provider from the start. PD Insurance's month-to-month contracts make it easier to switch compared to Southern Cross's annual contracts, but switching is generally only advisable if your pet has no health issues.