📅 Last updated: 2 February 2026 | Independently verified by NZ pet insurance experts
Petplan NZ
Global pet insurance specialist offering true lifetime coverage, 24/7 vet helpline, and overseas travel protection.
Essential & Ultimate
Vet Bill Reimbursement
Cover Guarantee
VetFone Helpline
Why Choose Petplan?
Petplan is a global pet insurance specialist with over 45 years of experience. They offer industry-leading lifetime coverage, a unique 24/7 VetFone helpline, and overseas travel protection. Their claims are handled by specialists who understand veterinary terminology.
Global Expertise
45+ years pet insurance specialist
Lifetime Cover
Conditions covered for life
24/7 VetFone
Vet nurses available anytime
Travel Cover
90-day overseas protection
Petplan Insurance Plans
Essential
⏱️ Waiting period: 5 days accidents, 21 days illness
What's Covered:
- ✓ 80% back on eligible vet bills
- ✓ Accidents and injuries
- ✓ Illnesses and diseases
- ✓ Prescription medications
- ✓ Surgery and hospitalization
- ✓ Diagnostic tests (X-rays, MRIs)
- ✓ Emergency boarding ($500)
- ✓ Third party liability ($500K)
- ✓ Euthanasia and cremation
Not Included:
- ✗ Dental illness
- ✗ Alternative therapies
- ✗ Routine care
- ✗ Behavioral treatments
Ultimate
⏱️ Waiting period: 5 days accidents, 21 days illness
What's Covered:
- ✓ 80% back on eligible vet bills
- ✓ All Essential features included
- ✓ Dental coverage (accidents & illness)
- ✓ Alternative therapies (acupuncture, physio)
- ✓ Behavioral treatments
- ✓ Holiday cancellation ($2,500)
- ✓ Overseas travel cover (90 days)
- ✓ Emergency boarding ($1,000)
- ✓ Third party liability ($1M)
- ✓ Lost pet advertising ($500)
Not Included:
- ✗ Routine vaccinations
- ✗ Pre-existing conditions
- ✗ Breeding costs
Real Claim Examples
Cruciate Ligament Surgery
Dental Extraction (illness)
Cancer Chemotherapy
Overseas Vet Emergency
Petplan vs Other NZ Providers
| Feature | Petplan | Southern Cross | PD Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Limit | $20,000 | $15,000 | $20,000 |
| Reimbursement | 80% | 80% | 80% |
| Min Excess | $80 | $0 (Plus) | $0 |
| Lifetime Cover | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Overseas Travel | 90 days | No | 90 days |
| 24/7 Vet Helpline | Yes | No | No |
| Dental Illness | Yes (Ultimate) | Yes (Plus) | Yes (Deluxe) |
✓ Pros
- ✓True lifetime cover
Chronic conditions covered for life
- ✓24/7 VetFone helpline
Qualified vet nurses anytime
- ✓Overseas travel cover (90 days)
Unique benefit for travelers
- ✓Comprehensive dental (Ultimate)
Accidents and illness covered
✗ Cons
- !Higher minimum excess ($80)
PD offers $0 excess option
- !5-day accident waiting period
Southern Cross has Day 1 cover
- !Higher starting premium
$29.99 vs $18.99 for PD
- !Age limits for enrollment
Dogs under 8, cats under 10
Petplan FAQs
What makes Petplan different from other NZ pet insurers?
Petplan is a global pet insurance specialist with 45+ years experience. They offer true lifetime coverage, 80% reimbursement, overseas travel cover, and a 24/7 VetFone helpline.
What is Petplan's lifetime cover guarantee?
Chronic and ongoing conditions are covered for your pet's entire life, as long as you renew annually without breaks. Conditions like diabetes, arthritis, or allergies continue year after year.
Does Petplan cover complementary therapies?
Yes, the Ultimate plan covers acupuncture, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, herbal medicine, physiotherapy, and chiropractic when recommended by your vet.
How does Petplan's overseas travel coverage work?
The Ultimate plan covers your pet while traveling in approved countries for up to 90 days per trip, including emergency vet treatments and hospitalization.
What is the 24/7 VetFone helpline?
All Petplan customers have access to VetFone - a 24/7 helpline staffed by qualified veterinary nurses for advice on symptoms and pet health concerns.
How are Petplan claims processed?
Claims can be submitted online, via app, or email. Processing takes 5-10 working days. Direct vet payments available through Vet Direct Pay scheme.
What are Petplan's age limits?
Pets must be at least 8 weeks old. For new policies, dogs under 8 years and cats under 10 years. Once insured, pets stay covered for life.
Does Petplan cover dental treatment?
Essential covers dental accidents. Ultimate covers dental accidents AND illness including periodontal disease, extractions, and root canals.
Get Your Petplan Quote
Compare Petplan plans with lifetime cover and 24/7 vet helpline