Best Livestock Insurance NZ 2026

FMG remains the best all-round choice for comprehensive farm livestock insurance, covering approximately 70% of New Zealand farms. As a specialist NZ rural insurer with 100+ years of history, FMG understands NZ farming conditions better than any other provider. Their post-shearing exposure cover for sheep, antler removal death cover for deer stags, and specialist livestock infertility options are unique to NZ conditions.

Aon is the best choice for farmers wanting online quoting and fast, straightforward cover for standard livestock. Their reinsurance backing is global and their claims team is experienced.

Gallagher Insurance (AJG) is the best option for specialist and exotic livestock — alpacas, llamas, and unusual breeds. Their bird and animal insurance division has specific expertise that generalist farm insurers lack.

NZI offers competitive farm pack pricing and is well-suited to established farming operations wanting comprehensive cover across buildings, contents, machinery, and livestock in one policy.

For dairy cattle, FMG is widely considered the gold standard — their policy wordings specifically address NZ dairy farming risks including post-calving mortality, mycoplasma bovis considerations, and agreed value cover for registered pedigree animals. Aon is a strong second, particularly for farmers who prefer online management.

For sheep farmers, FMG's post-shearing exposure cover is a market-leading feature not available from all providers. This specific cover for sheep deaths in the 14 days post-shearing is essential for merino and fine wool operations.

For deer farmers, FMG's antler removal death cover is specifically designed for NZ velvet production operations. Specialist deer farm insurance that covers velvet stag mortality, disease, and the unique risks of velvet harvesting is best arranged through a rural specialist broker.

For alpacas and unusual livestock, Gallagher's specialist animal insurance team provides cover that standard farm insurers may not offer.

The best livestock insurance policies in NZ combine mortality cover, disease and illness protection, transit insurance, and natural disaster cover in a comprehensive programme. For high-value breeding stock, specified cover at agreed value is essential — blanket market value cover is not sufficient for animals worth $20,000+.

After Cyclone Gabrielle devastated livestock operations across Hawke's Bay and Gisborne in 2023, the best policies have explicit natural disaster cover for flood, cyclone, and inundation. Check your policy wording carefully — many standard policies have limitations that were only discovered post-disaster.

Farm liability — protecting you if your livestock escape and cause accidents — should also be included in any comprehensive programme. Cover limits of $5M-$20M are appropriate for most NZ farms.

The most reliable path to the best livestock insurance in NZ is working with a licensed rural insurance adviser who knows the products available and can tailor a programme to your specific operation. Our advisers compare FMG, Aon, Gallagher, NZI, and specialist brokers at no cost to you.