New Zealand has one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world, but caring for a cat, rat, dog, or rabbit can be costly.
A handful of insurance companies here in New Zealand are offering pet insurance policies, so for a monthly premium you can ease the pain of big vet bills and vaccination costs. Some policies will even pay out to help you find a replacement if the worst happens and your pet dies.
The cover, the premiums and the exclusions can vary widely, so it pays to do your research and read the small print.
Luke Harrison has done just that, comparing New Zealand's pet insurance policies for consumer.org.nz. He tells Simon Morton his findings:
Cute...but you never know when serious illness can strike Photo: (CC0 Public Domain)
Luke Harrison of consumer.org.nz Photo: (Supplied)
