Last updated: 2 February 2026 | Independently verified by NZ pet insurance experts
Cove Pet Insurance
Modern, digital-first pet insurance with fast claims, $0 excess options, and 24/7 app access. Shortest illness waiting period in NZ.
Monthly from (Basic)
Claim Processing
Excess Available
Illness Wait (Fastest)
Why Choose Cove?
Cove is New Zealand's digital-first pet insurer, built for the modern pet owner. Everything from quotes to claims happens online or in their app. Their streamlined digital process means claims are processed in just 3 days - one of the fastest in NZ. With $0 excess options and the shortest illness waiting period (14 days), Cove makes pet insurance simple and accessible.
24/7 App Access
Manage everything from your phone
3-Day Claims
Fastest processing in NZ
Customizable
Build your own policy
$0 Excess
Available on all plans
Cove Insurance Plans
Basic Care
Waiting period: 2 days accidents, 14 days illness
What's Covered:
- ✓ 80% back on eligible vet bills
- ✓ Accident coverage (from day 3)
- ✓ Illness coverage (from day 15)
- ✓ Prescription medications
- ✓ Surgery and hospitalization
- ✓ Emergency care
- ✓ Diagnostic tests
- ✓ Specialist referrals
- ✓ Euthanasia costs
Not Included:
- ✗ Dental illness
- ✗ Alternative therapies
- ✗ Routine care
- ✗ Behavioral treatments
Complete Care
Waiting period: 2 days accidents, 14 days illness
What's Covered:
- ✓ 80% back on eligible vet bills
- ✓ All Basic Care features
- ✓ Dental care (accidents & illness)
- ✓ Alternative therapies
- ✓ Behavioral treatments
- ✓ Routine care allowance ($150)
- ✓ Third party liability ($500K)
- ✓ Emergency boarding ($500)
- ✓ Lost pet advertising ($300)
Not Included:
- ✗ Pre-existing conditions
- ✗ Breeding costs
- ✗ Cosmetic procedures
Real Claim Examples
See how Cove's 80% reimbursement works in practice with these real-world claim scenarios:
| Condition | Vet Cost | Cove Pays | You Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gastric Surgery | $3,500 | $2,800 | $700 + excess | 80% reimbursement |
| Torn Ligament | $4,200 | $3,360 | $840 + excess | After 2-day wait |
| Skin Infection | $600 | $480 | $120 + excess | 14-day illness wait |
| Dental Extraction | $850 | $680 | $170 + excess | Complete Care only |
* Examples based on $0 excess. Actual claim amounts may vary based on policy terms and conditions.
Cove vs Other NZ Providers
See how Cove compares to other leading pet insurers in New Zealand:
| Feature | Cove | Southern Cross | PD Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Limit | $12,000 | $15,000 | $20,000 |
| Reimbursement | 80% | 80% | 80% |
| Min Excess | $0 | $0 (Plus) | $0 |
| Illness Waiting | 14 days | 21 days | 30 days |
| Claim Processing | 3 days | 2 days | 5 days |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dental Illness | Yes (Complete) | Yes (Plus) | Yes (Deluxe) |
Pros
- ✓ Fastest claims (3 days)
Digital processing speeds up approval
- ✓ Shortest illness wait (14 days)
Protected faster than competitors
- ✓ $0 excess on all plans
Minimize out-of-pocket costs
- ✓ Great mobile app
24/7 policy and claims management
- ✓ Customizable coverage
Build the policy that suits your budget
Cons
- ! Lower annual limit ($12K)
PD Insurance offers up to $20K
- ! Newer company (est. 2019)
Less established than Southern Cross
- ! Digital-first focus
Limited phone support may not suit everyone
- ! No direct vet payment
Must pay upfront and claim back
Cove Pet Insurance FAQs
What makes Cove's digital experience different?
Cove is 100% digital-first - from quote to claim, everything happens online or in their app. Get a quote in 2 minutes, manage your policy 24/7, submit claims with photos, and track claim progress in real-time. No paperwork, no phone queues.
How fast are Cove's claim payments?
Cove processes most claims within 3 business days - one of the fastest in NZ. Their digital system auto-validates simple claims, speeding up approval. Payments go directly to your bank account once approved.
What is Cove's $0 excess option?
Cove offers $0 excess on all plans. This means you can claim for all eligible expenses without paying anything upfront beyond the 20% co-payment. Your premium will be slightly higher, but claims are simpler and cheaper at the time of treatment.
Does Cove have shorter waiting periods?
Yes, Cove has one of the shortest illness waiting periods at just 14 days (vs 21-30 days for most competitors). Accident cover starts after 2 days. This means you're protected faster than with most other insurers.
How does Cove's behavioral coverage work?
The Complete Care plan covers behavioral treatments when recommended by your vet, including consultations with certified animal behaviorists and prescribed medications for anxiety, aggression, or compulsive disorders.
Can I customize my Cove coverage?
Yes. Choose your excess level ($0-$300), add or remove routine care, select your annual limit, and adjust coverage to fit your budget. Cove's modular approach lets you build the policy that works for you.
Is there a Cove mobile app?
Yes. The Cove app (iOS and Android) lets you view policy details, submit claims with photos, track claim status, update payment details, and access your insurance card - all from your phone, 24/7.
What are Cove's age limits?
Pets must be at least 8 weeks old. Dogs must be under 9 years and cats under 12 years for new policies. Once insured, coverage continues for life with no upper age limit.
Learn More About Pet Insurance
Get Your Cove Quote
Digital-first pet insurance with 3-day claims and $0 excess options