Insurance and Treatment Funding

Insurance

The options for insuring your rabbit for health related issues are very limited in New Zealand. There are two insurers - Pet-n-Sur; who offer insurance cover for rabbits and PetCover; who offer insurance for a wide range of exotic animals.

This is the basic info for the Pet’n’Sur policy:

Pet’n’Sur Exclusions -

This is the basic info for the PetCover policy:

PetCover Veterinary Exclusions -

As you can see, the list of exclusions is pretty extensive for both companies.

So, what are the options should you decide not to go with a formal policy?

• You can arrange with your vet to pay a regular amount into their account so that you have a slush fund to call on in an emergency. This would not be helpful if your rabbit needs to see an after hours vet though, unless the after hours clinic is at your vet’s clinic.

• You can have a dedicate savings account and/or credit card devoted to veterinary care for your rabbit. If you hold a credit card in addition to a savings account to use ONLY in a rabbit emergency you can set the limit on it but still have the peace of mind  of knowing you have cover.

Veterinary Treatment Funding

If your rabbit needs to see a vet or is needing treatment that you cannot cash flow or do not have enough funds to cover it, there are a few options that you can consider.  

• You can negotiate with your vet and agree upon a payment plan.

• You can apply to one of the organisations that finance veterinary care. 

If neither of these options are acceptable then you are obligated to have your rabbit humanely euthanised - leaving it to suffer with no medical treatment is not acceptable. 

Here are some of the companies which finance veterinary care in New Zealand -  

VetPay - is Committed to supporting the integrity and ethics of the Veterinary Industry by partnering with Veterinarian Practices to offer a flexible payment plan to ensure the optimum level of health for all animals, while also encouraging responsible pet ownership within Australia.

Pet Funders - if your veterinary service has signed with Pet Funders, we’ll be able to assist with your pets treatment.

Vet Care Finance - At VetCare Finance, we understand how much your pet’s health and happiness means to you. That’s why we provide easy, affordable financial assistance to cover any unexpected vet bills so your pet can receive the health care they need.

Copyright 2019 - Jen Herd/Westley’s World
Updated 11/03/24