What Is Pet Insurance?

The reality is that no matter how great a pet parent you are, accidents happen. And even when they don’t, things won’t always go according to plan. Pet insurance is designed to help cover costs for a wide variety of veterinary care including puppy/kitten vaccines, contagious diseases, broken bones, diabetes, cancers, and more, so that you can spend less time worrying about bills and more time getting your fur-ever friend the care they deserve.

Pet insurance is similar to traditional health care, with coverage for various routine and unexpected medical needs. Insuring your pet can provide a financial safety net against accidents, illnesses, and other situations that can affect our four-legged friends. When accidents or health problems occur and veterinary bills begin to pile up, insurance policies can help owners save up to 90% on eligible payments.

How Does Pet Insurance Work?

Traditional insurance and pet insurance share similar payment structures where policy owners pay a monthly premium for annual coverage and must meet an out-of-pocket deductible before coverage applies. Amounts vary based on a number of factors including company deals, customer needs, annual coverage limits, amount of pets insured, and more.

Here’s an example of how pet insurance can save you big on vet bills: Mr. Fluffy was excitedly digging around in the backyard and swallowed something not-so-edible. When you notice he’s uncharacteristically ignored both dinner and breakfast, and didn’t even get up to bark at the delivery driver, you decide it’s worth a trip to the vet. With a little bit of medicine and care, Mr. Fluffy is back to his lively, (and obnoxiously hungry), self. The bill comes in a couple days later totalling $1,200–but no worry! You’re prepared for accidents and unexpected vet visits thanks to your excellent insurance policy. And, since you already met your out-of-pocket deductible on Fluffy’s routine vaccines, you simply submit a claim and watch your bill reduce by 90% for a total of just $120.

What Coverage Does My Pet Need?

The type of coverage your pet needs will vary based on their age, breed, and individual health needs. Here are some ideas that will help you get a better idea of how you can customize your insurance policy:

• Accident and Illness Coverage: Pets of all ages experience accidents and unexpected illnesses. Comprehensive accident and illness coverage ensures that you're financially prepared for any veterinary expenses that might come your way.
• Wellness and Preventive Care: Some pet insurance policies offer optional wellness or preventive care coverage, including vaccinations, routine check-ups, annual screenings, and more. This can be especially important for young pets that require starter vaccines and early care.
• Hereditary and Congenital Conditions: It’s hard to say if your animal may be at risk for hereditary or congenital conditions. Whether you're unsure or positive the risk is low, these conditions can pop up at any stage of a pet's life. Some insurance policies may cover these types of conditions, often requiring long-term care and expensive specialized care.
• Behavioral Coverage: Young and growing pets may exhibit behavioral issues that require professional training or therapy. Certain plans include coverage for behavioral issues, which can be helpful in managing your pet's behaviors and long-term safety.
• Liability Insurance: If you have an especially active or defiant pet, you may want to consider liability coverage as a preventative measure. This can protect your pet and others from harm or property damage.
• Dental Care: Dental health is important for keeping pets of all ages healthy into adulthood. Dental procedures and care can often be added to plans if it isn't already included.
• Pre-Existing Conditions: Pre-existing conditions are typically not covered by pet insurance. Insuring your furry friend as soon as possible is a smart way to avoid coverage exclusions if health issues occur.

Compare Top Insurers

Vet bills can be surprisingly expensive to new and seasoned owners alike. Care depends on many things, including your four-legged friend's unique personality, evolving health needs, and unpredictable life events. Securing an insurance policy is an excellent way to get a fix on your annual expenses, and potentially save thousands of dollars per year. Compare trustworthy and highly rated insurance providers. Balance coverage options with any ongoing promotions to determine where you can get the best care without overspending.

View our list of paw-some insurers above and choose a policy with confidence.