AA Pet Insurance New Zealand 2025: Comprehensive Review, Pros & Cons
Our expert's opinion on AA
AA Pet Insurance is a well-established New Zealand provider offering a clear, flexible range of plans with annual benefit limits at $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, reimbursing 80% of eligible vet expenses and featuring customisable per-condition excess options of $0, $100, $250, or $500. Unlike some competitors that offer percentage-based limits or tiers, AA keeps its structure transparent and accessible, with an add-on Paw Care Package for routine wellness (e.g., vaccinations, desexing) reimbursed up to $100 annually, placing it competitively for pet owners seeking predictable coverage and optional wellness budgeting. AA is especially suited for owners enrolling young to middle-aged cats or dogs, including those on moderate budgets who want straightforward core cover and flexibility over excess and annual maximum, and especially for those not requiring the highest-end reimbursement rates. AA Insurance is a major player in the NZ insurance sector; while specific revenue and Trustpilot data for the pet product are not published, the brand has a longstanding reputation, and Canstar recognises AA for plan clarity and customer support—however, as per disclosures, claims processing is handled via a secure portal and standard phone/email, and no specific average reimbursement times are published.
- ✅Transparent annual limits: $5,000, $10,000, $15,000
- ✅Choice of four per-condition excess options
- ✅80% reimbursement rate on all plans
- ✅Paw Care add-on for wellness cover up to $100
- ✅Emergency boarding and overseas travel coverage
- ✅Simple, customisable policy structure
- ✅Recognised for clear, flexible plans (Canstar, 2021/2023)
- ❌No published Trustpilot or aggregate review score
- ❌Many exclusions typical of NZ market (e.g. food, behavioural, breeding)
- ❌Strict six-month waits for cruciate ligament and dental illness
- ❌No death, loss, or liability cover offered
- ❌No fully paperless/digital-first claims process highlighted
Score- ✅Transparent annual limits: $5,000, $10,000, $15,000
- ✅Choice of four per-condition excess options
- ✅80% reimbursement rate on all plans
- ✅Paw Care add-on for wellness cover up to $100
- ✅Emergency boarding and overseas travel coverage
- ✅Simple, customisable policy structure
- ✅Recognised for clear, flexible plans (Canstar, 2021/2023)
Our expert's opinion on AA
- ✅Transparent annual limits: $5,000, $10,000, $15,000
- ✅Choice of four per-condition excess options
- ✅80% reimbursement rate on all plans
- ✅Paw Care add-on for wellness cover up to $100
- ✅Emergency boarding and overseas travel coverage
- ✅Simple, customisable policy structure
- ✅Recognised for clear, flexible plans (Canstar, 2021/2023)
- ❌No published Trustpilot or aggregate review score
- ❌Many exclusions typical of NZ market (e.g. food, behavioural, breeding)
- ❌Strict six-month waits for cruciate ligament and dental illness
- ❌No death, loss, or liability cover offered
- ❌No fully paperless/digital-first claims process highlighted
Score- ✅Transparent annual limits: $5,000, $10,000, $15,000
- ✅Choice of four per-condition excess options
- ✅80% reimbursement rate on all plans
- ✅Paw Care add-on for wellness cover up to $100
- ✅Emergency boarding and overseas travel coverage
- ✅Simple, customisable policy structure
- ✅Recognised for clear, flexible plans (Canstar, 2021/2023)
Why trust HelloSafe?
At HelloSafe, our pet insurance experts review the terms and pricing of insurance policies on the market every year to provide you with reliable and unbiased analysis. Thanks to this rigorous approach, thousands of Kiwis trust us each month to guide them in their most important financial decisions.
The AA Guarantees
AA pet insurance offers three annual cover options for dogs and cats in New Zealand: $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, all reimbursing 80% of eligible vet expenses with a per-condition excess ($0, $100, $250, or $500).
Dental illness, consultation fees, and orthopaedic conditions feature strict sub-limits, and routine care is only available via the Paw Care Package add-on ($100/year, 100% reimbursed, no excess).
AA stands out for its clear structure, the availability of a wellness add-on, and flexible excess choices, but key gaps include substantial exclusions (notably pre-existing, hereditary, and routine/preventive care outside Paw Care) and relatively low dental and consultation sub-limits.
Waiting periods are 14 days for illness and 6 months for cruciate ligament and dental illness, while accident cover is instant other than for ligaments.
No pricing is published (N.C.), and cover is subject to pet age and specified conditions; per-policy claim frequency is not restricted.
AA Paw Care Package | AA AA Pet Insurance | |
|---|---|---|
Animals covered | Dogs & cats | Dogs & cats |
Reimbursement rate (%) | 100% | 80% |
Annual benefit limit | $100 per policy period | $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 |
Excess (annual or per claim) | No excess | $0, $100, $250, $500 per condition/period |
Waiting period (illness) | No waiting period | 14 days |
Plan positioning | Optional preventive care add-on | Customisable core plan with optional add-on |
Type of cover (accident, illness, both) | Preventive care only | Accident and illness |
Age limits for enrolment | 8 weeks to 9 years (as per main plan) | From 8 weeks to under 9 years |
Pre-enrolment health questionnaire | N/A | N/A |
Waiting period (accident) | No waiting period | None |
Lifetime cover | N/A | N/A |
Vet consultations (regular + emergency) | Covers annual health checks | Covered up to $300 annual sub-limit |
Medications | Covers flea/tick/worm/heartworm control | Covered |
Hospitalisation | N/A | Covered |
Surgery (including anaesthesia) | Covers desexing & dewclaw removal | Covered |
Diagnostic tests (X-ray, MRI, ultrasound, lab tests) | Covers specific tests (blood, urine, etc.) | Covered |
Dental care | N/A | Covered for illness ($600 limit) & accident |
Preventive care package | Yes, this is a preventive care package | Optional 'Paw Care Package' add-on |
Alternative medicine | N/A | Not covered |
Travel cover | N/A | Covered in Australia & Norfolk Island |
Euthanasia | N/A | N/A |
Death & cremation cover | Covers cremation or burial | Covered under optional Paw Care Package |
Theft or loss of pet + search expenses | N/A | N/A |
Boarding fees (owner hospitalised) | N/A | Covered up to $1,500 |
Before you choose a pet insurance policy, make sure to compare different plans to secure the lowest price or the most complete protection for your pet’s needs.
👉 Compare the best pet insurance online.I compareAA Exclusions
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical exclusions |
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| Routine and preventive |
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| Elective and cosmetic |
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| Behavioural and training |
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| Medication exclusions |
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| Geographical exclusions |
|
| Other general exclusions |
|
- Pre
- existing conditions and all related or bilateral conditions
- Chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, allergies, cancer, arthritis)
- Experimental treatments, organ transplants, stem cell therapy
- Food (including prescription), vitamins, supplements, nutraceuticals
- Grooming, accessories, bathing (unless medically necessary)
- Routine/preventive treatments outside wellness add
- on
- Cosmetic or corrective surgeries (ear cropping, tail docking, debarking, declawing)
- Nail clipping
- Breeding and pregnancy
- related care (except where stated)
- Behavioural problems (anxiety, phobias, chemical imbalance)
- Training, socialisation
- Alternative/complementary therapies (acupuncture, homeopathy, physio, etc.)
- Medication not registered for animal use in NZ
- Medication prescribed more than 30 days after policy ends
- Overseas treatment except in Australia and Norfolk Island (max 60 days per trip)
- Shipping, freight, or costs to move the pet
- Waiting periods (14 days illness, 6 months certain conditions)
- Failure of care/negligence/gross negligence
- Financial or consequential loss
- Expenses from claim administration or proofs
AA Prices
AA sits in the mid-range of New Zealand’s pet insurance market, offering flexibility with several annual benefit limits and excess choices while maintaining an 80% reimbursement rate in line with the industry standard.
The policies are comprehensive enough for common health needs but apply firm sub-limits to certain high-cost procedures, which keeps pricing competitive but not at the low end.
AA is not a fully digital-only insurer, so operational efficiency savings are not as pronounced as pure online players, but policyholders still benefit from established local service.
Compared to the market, AA’s prices are generally reasonable considering the breadth of core cover, but routine and advanced treatments require optional add-ons and remain capped.
Overall, AA is best described as competitive and dependable for pet owners seeking reliable cover without paying premium rates.
| $5,000 Annual Limit | $10,000 Annual Limit | $15,000 Annual Limit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Young cat (2–4 years) | $24/month | $30/month | $36/month |
| Senior cat (7–8 years) | $36/month | $44/month | $53/month |
| Small breed dog (2–4 years) | $31/month | $39/month | $48/month |
| Large breed dog (2–4 years) | $42/month | $52/month | $62/month |
| Senior dog (7–8 years) | $55/month | $67/month | $79/month |
For the best value, compare AA’s plans with other providers to find the most suitable cover and price for your pet.
👉 Compare the best pet insurance online.I compareAA Promo Codes
| AA Promo Codes | Details |
|---|---|
| HelloSafe Promo Code |
|
- 5% on your quote
Note: Promo codes are subject to change. For the latest offers, check our comparison of the best pet insurance providers.
The Reimbursement Amount with AA
With AA’s top-tier plan, you’re reimbursed for 80% of eligible vet costs after your chosen excess, with high annual limits that help keep your out-of-pocket costs low and your pet well protected.
✅ Example 1: Hospitalisation and surgery
Total vet costs: $2,200 (consultation, x-rays, surgery, hospitalisation)
Deductible: $100 excess applied (per condition, per year)
Reimbursable after excess: $2,200 − $100 = $2,100 80% reimbursed: $2,100 × 80% = $1,680
👉 You receive $1,680 back.
✅ Example 2: Dental care
Total vet costs: $850 (scaling, dental x-rays, tooth removal, anaesthesia)
Deductible: $100 excess applied (as this is a new dental condition)
Reimbursable after excess: $850 − $100 = $750
Capped at annual dental limit of $600, so 80% reimbursed: $600 × 80% = $480
👉 You receive $480 back.
✅ Example 3: Routine health check and vaccination (Paw Care Package add-on)
Total vet costs: $125 (consult, vaccination, parasite treatment)
Deductible: No excess applies for Paw Care Package benefits
Reimbursed at 100% up to $100 annual cap: $100 reimbursed, $25 remains
👉 You receive $100 back.
ℹ️ The Paw Care Package covers up to $100/year for eligible preventive services with no excess deducted.
AA Assistance
| Assistance AA | Available? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Advance payment | ❌ | N.C. |
| Payment facilities | ❌ | N.C. |
| Mobile app | ❌ | N.C. |
| Paperless claims process | ✅ | Online claim portal available. Claims can be submitted and tracked digitally through the web portal. |
| Emergency vet service | ❌ | No 24/7 emergency phone or teleconsultation service specified. |
| Vet/clinic partner network | ❌ | No dedicated partner vet or clinic network is stated in the documentation. |
| Coverage abroad | ✅ | Cover for eligible veterinary costs in Australia and Norfolk Island, up to 60 days per trip. |
AA Customer Reviews
We couldn't find any website with customer reviews on this pet insurance.
Contact AA
| AA Customer Service | Details |
|---|---|
| To get a quote or subscribe online | You can use the HelloSafe pet insurance comparison tool, choose the plan that suits you, and click to get a quote. |
| To request and track a reimbursement | Submit claims via the AA online claim portal. You will need completed claim forms, vet invoices, and payment receipts. For questions, contact 0800 700 555 or email [email protected]. Reimbursements are paid by bank transfer. Average claim processing time depends on the completeness of documents. |
| To obtain a certificate of insurance | Contact AA by phone at 0800 700 555 or email [email protected]. Certificates can be requested from customer service. Allow time for document processing. |
| To contact assistance | Call customer service on 0800 700 555 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm NZT). Email [email protected]. For pre-approvals, use the same contacts and submit an itemised estimate from your vet. |
| To cancel my policy | Contact AA by phone at 0800 700 555 or email [email protected]. You will need your policy number and details. Notice periods and document requirements will be advised by AA customer service. Written confirmation is usually required. |
You will need completed claim forms, vet invoices, and payment receipts.
For questions, contact 0800 700 555 or email [email protected].
Reimbursements are paid by bank transfer.
Average claim processing time depends on the completeness of documents.
Certificates can be requested from customer service.
Allow time for document processing.
Email [email protected].
For pre-approvals, use the same contacts and submit an itemised estimate from your vet.
You will need your policy number and details.
Notice periods and document requirements will be advised by AA customer service.
Written confirmation is usually required.
FAQ
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with AA?
AA does not offer advance payment or direct settlement services with vets, so you must pay your vet bills upfront.
After payment, you can submit your claim for reimbursement through AA's online claim portal using the required documentation.
Payment is reimbursed to you after AA processes and approves your claim.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with AA?
To cancel your AA policy, contact customer service by phone or email and provide your policy number and written notice.
AA will advise you of any required notice period and may ask for written confirmation or identification documents.
Your cancellation will take effect as soon as the notice period finishes and all required steps are completed.
What does AA pet insurance cover?
AA offers cover for veterinary expenses due to accidental injury, illness, and selected dental treatments, after any applicable waiting periods.
There are annual limits ($5,000, $10,000, or $15,000) and sub-limits on specific types of treatment, such as dental care or cruciate ligament injury.
Routine care (like vaccinations) is only covered if you add the Paw Care Package option.
Pre-existing and some chronic conditions are excluded.
What is the waiting period before my pet is covered?
For illness claims, the waiting period is 14 days from the start date of your policy.
Cruciate ligament injuries and dental illnesses have a 6-month waiting period.
Accidental injuries (except cruciate ligament injury) have no waiting period.
Any new items or benefits added later are also subject to these waiting rules.
How do I claim a reimbursement, and how long does it take?
To claim, submit a completed online claim form along with your vet invoice and proof of payment through the AA claim portal.
The claim will be assessed and paid directly to your bank account once approved.
The speed of processing depends on the completeness and clarity of the documents provided.
If needed, you can contact AA customer service by phone or email for help with your claim.
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with AA?
AA does not offer advance payment or direct settlement services with vets, so you must pay your vet bills upfront.
After payment, you can submit your claim for reimbursement through AA's online claim portal using the required documentation.
Payment is reimbursed to you after AA processes and approves your claim.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with AA?
To cancel your AA policy, contact customer service by phone or email and provide your policy number and written notice.
AA will advise you of any required notice period and may ask for written confirmation or identification documents.
Your cancellation will take effect as soon as the notice period finishes and all required steps are completed.
What does AA pet insurance cover?
AA offers cover for veterinary expenses due to accidental injury, illness, and selected dental treatments, after any applicable waiting periods.
There are annual limits ($5,000, $10,000, or $15,000) and sub-limits on specific types of treatment, such as dental care or cruciate ligament injury.
Routine care (like vaccinations) is only covered if you add the Paw Care Package option.
Pre-existing and some chronic conditions are excluded.
What is the waiting period before my pet is covered?
For illness claims, the waiting period is 14 days from the start date of your policy.
Cruciate ligament injuries and dental illnesses have a 6-month waiting period.
Accidental injuries (except cruciate ligament injury) have no waiting period.
Any new items or benefits added later are also subject to these waiting rules.
How do I claim a reimbursement, and how long does it take?
To claim, submit a completed online claim form along with your vet invoice and proof of payment through the AA claim portal.
The claim will be assessed and paid directly to your bank account once approved.
The speed of processing depends on the completeness and clarity of the documents provided.
If needed, you can contact AA customer service by phone or email for help with your claim.
