Specialist Vet Care for Cats
Specialist vets can cost 3–5x more — ensure your limit is high enough
Covered under comprehensive illness plans with $10,000+ limits
Compare ProvidersWhen your cat needs a specialist — an oncologist, cardiologist, dermatologist, or neurologist — costs escalate rapidly. Specialist consultations start at $300–$500, and treatment courses can run into thousands. Ensure your insurance limit accounts for specialist care.
What's Covered
- Specialist vet consultations
- Oncology (cancer specialist) treatment
- Cardiology consultations and treatment
- Dermatology referrals
- Neurology assessments
- Advanced diagnostics (MRI, CT scan)
- Physiotherapy (on some plans)
What's Not Covered
- Elective specialist consultations
- Cosmetic specialist procedures
- Pre-existing conditions at any specialist
Providers Offering Specialist Cover
Petcover
Canstar Most Satisfied Customers Award 2025 — NZ's top-rated cat insurer
What's Covered
- Up to $14,000 annual benefit limit
- Vet consultation fees included
- Optional: alternative/complementary treatment
- Optional: boarding fees if owner hospitalised
Key Limitations
- Pre-existing conditions excluded
- Dental illness on premium plans only
- Optional extras increase premiums
Southern Cross Pet Insurance
Pet Easy-Claim lets your vet bill Southern Cross directly — no waiting for reimbursement
What's Covered
- PetCare plans with $2,500–$15,000 annual limits
- Pet Easy-Claim: vet bills insurer directly
- Skin conditions, cancer & chronic diseases covered
- Accidental injuries including broken bones
Key Limitations
- $250 annual excess applies
- 20% co-payment on all claims
- Pre-existing conditions not covered
PD Insurance
NZ's only 100% reimbursement insurer — no co-payments, no age loadings on any plan
What's Covered
- True 100% reimbursement — zero co-payments
- No age-based premium loadings
- Monthly payment at no extra cost
- Accident Plan from $10/month
Key Limitations
- Newer insurer — smaller claims team
- Dental illness not on base Accident plan
- No direct vet billing (reimbursement model)
SPCA Pet Insurance
Highest NZ annual limit ($25,000) — every policy supports SPCA animal welfare
What's Covered
- $25,000 annual benefit limit — highest in NZ
- Up to 90% reimbursement on Total Cover tier
- Designed for large, unexpected surgeries
- 10% multi-pet discount
Key Limitations
- Higher premiums on comprehensive plans
- Co-payment on lower-tier plans
- No direct vet billing
FAQs: Specialist Vet Care
Does cat insurance cover MRI and CT scans?+
Yes — advanced diagnostics like MRI and CT scans are covered under comprehensive NZ cat insurance plans as part of the diagnostic workup for a covered illness or injury.
Do I need a referral for specialist cover?+
Yes — most NZ insurers require a referral from your regular vet before seeing a specialist. This is standard veterinary practice and should not affect your claim.
Get Specialist Cover
Compare All Providers
See how all 5 NZ cat insurers stack up — premiums, limits, excess, and coverage — in one place.
Compare All Providers