Do I Need Pet Insurance?
Answer 5 questions about your pet and situation. Get a personalized recommendation in under 2 minutes.
What type of pet do you have?
Different pets have different insurance costs and needs
What Does Pet Insurance Cover?
Pet insurance helps cover unexpected veterinary costs. Most policies include:
Accidents
Broken bones, cuts, car accidents, swallowed objects, poisoning, and other unexpected injuries.
Illnesses
Cancer, infections, digestive issues, allergies, diabetes, and other diseases that develop after enrollment.
Surgeries & Hospitalizations
Emergency surgeries, tumor removal, orthopedic procedures, and overnight hospital stays.
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?
Costs vary based on pet type, age, breed, and location:
| Pet Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Dog (accident & illness) | $30 - $60 | $360 - $720 |
| Cat (accident & illness) | $15 - $30 | $180 - $360 |
| Dog (accident only) | $10 - $20 | $120 - $240 |
| Cat (accident only) | $5 - $15 | $60 - $180 |
Factors that increase cost: Older pets, certain breeds (bulldogs, German shepherds), high-cost areas, comprehensive coverage, lower deductibles.
When Is the Best Time to Get Pet Insurance?
The best time is when your pet is young and healthy.
- As a puppy/kitten: Lowest premiums, no pre-existing conditions
- Before any health issues develop: Once diagnosed, conditions are never covered
- Before breed-specific issues appear: Many breeds develop problems at predictable ages
- When you first adopt: Don't wait for an emergency to wish you had coverage
Important: Most policies have a 14-day waiting period before coverage begins. You can't sign up during an emergency and expect coverage.
What Pet Insurance Doesn't Cover
Never Covered
- • Pre-existing conditions (anything diagnosed before enrollment)
- • Elective procedures (cosmetic surgery, ear cropping)
- • Breeding costs and pregnancy complications
- • Food and supplements
- • Grooming and boarding
Usually Not Covered (Check Policy)
- • Routine wellness care (unless wellness plan added)
- • Dental cleaning (unless dental coverage added)
- • Behavioral issues
- • Hereditary conditions (some policies exclude)
- • Prescription food for ongoing conditions
Pet Insurance vs. Pet Savings Account
An alternative to pet insurance is self-insuring with a dedicated savings account:
Pet Insurance
Pros:
- • Protection from day one (after waiting period)
- • Covers catastrophic expenses you couldn't afford
- • Peace of mind for unexpected emergencies
Cons:
- • Monthly premiums whether you use it or not
- • Exclusions and limitations on coverage
- • Premiums increase as pet ages
Pet Savings Account
Pros:
- • Money is yours even if never used
- • No exclusions - use for anything
- • No claims process or reimbursement wait
Cons:
- • Takes time to build up meaningful savings
- • Emergency could happen before you've saved enough
- • Requires discipline to not use for other expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pet insurance worth it for indoor cats?
Indoor cats are generally healthier, but they can still develop illnesses like cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism. If a $3,000+ vet bill would be difficult for you, insurance may still be worth considering.
Can I get pet insurance for an older pet?
Yes, but options are limited and premiums are higher. Some insurers have age limits (often 10-14 years). Coverage may exclude age-related conditions. Consider accident-only policies which are more affordable for senior pets.
How does pet insurance reimbursement work?
You pay the vet directly, then submit a claim to your insurance company. They reimburse you a percentage (typically 70-90%) of covered expenses after your deductible. Most reimbursements arrive within 5-14 days.
Are pre-existing conditions ever covered?
No, pre-existing conditions are never covered by any pet insurance company. This is why it's important to get insurance while your pet is young and healthy, before any conditions develop.
Does pet insurance cover routine checkups?
Standard accident/illness policies do not cover routine wellness care. However, many insurers offer optional wellness add-ons that cover vaccinations, annual exams, flea/tick prevention, and dental cleanings for an additional monthly fee.
What's the difference between annual deductible and per-incident deductible?
Annual deductible: You pay the deductible once per year, then all claims are covered for that year. Per-incident: You pay a deductible for each new condition or accident. Annual deductibles are generally better for pets with multiple issues.