Southern Cross Pet Insurance (SCPI), which was recognised as a “Highly Commended” brand in the 2024 Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand Awards, has identified the pet breeds responsible for the highest insurance claims across New Zealand.
Labradors and their close relatives topped the list for dogs, while domestic short hair cats ranked as the most expensive pets overall.
Labradors, one of New Zealand’s most popular dog breeds with around 42,000 registered, account for significant veterinary costs.
According to SCPI, over NZ$1.8 million was paid out in claims in 2023 for Labradors alone. These claims often involved incidents like swallowing foreign objects at beaches, such as fishhooks or seaweed, or ingesting items around the house, including socks, stones, and even poison.
Kerri Murray, business development manager at SCPI and a former veterinary nurse, highlighted that Labradors are not the only breed responsible for high claims.
“Also coming in hot are their close relatives – Golden Retrievers, Labrador Cross, and Labradoodles. They total 50% of the top nine breeds in terms of SCPI total insurance claims paid (including domestic cats),” she said.
She noted that the energetic nature of Labradors, combined with their curiosity, often leads to accidents that result in costly vet bills.
SCPI’s data also revealed regional trends for dog breeds with the highest claims.
In Auckland, Labradors led the way, followed by Cavoodles and Golden Retrievers. Other regions showed similar patterns, with Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and Miniature Schnauzers appearing frequently across the country.
However, certain areas stood out for less common breeds, such as Hungarian Vizslas in Southland or Alaskan Malamutes in Gisborne.
Domestic short hair cats, meanwhile, accounted for NZ$2.5 million in claims in 2023, making them the most expensive breed overall.
With more than one million companion cats across New Zealand, common claims included treatment for skin conditions, accidents like being hit by cars, and unusual incidents such as fur clogged with paint or injuries from cat fights.
SCPI reported that the average veterinary visit for cats costs NZ$350, while dog owners can expect to pay about NZ$500.
Murray emphasised the importance of preventative care for pets to reduce the likelihood of accidents.
“Owners can reduce the chances of this happening by taking preventive measures so their Labrador doesn’t get access to items that might seem appealing but are actually unsuitable for eating,” she said.
