What Is Pet Insurance?

The reality is that no matter how great a pet parent you are, accidents do 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 and other expenses including puppy/kitten vaccines, contagious diseases, broken bones, diabetes, cancers, and more, so that you can spend less time worrying about bills and more getting your fur-ever friend the care they deserve.

Pet insurance is similar to traditional health insurance, 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 might affect your four-legged friend. When accidents or health problems inevitably occur, pet insurance policies often help owners save up to 90% off eligible veterinary bills.

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 like these with your pet 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 you need will vary based on your pet's age, breed, and individual health needs. Here are some ideas that may help you get a better idea of how you should customize your insurance policy:

• Accident and Illness Coverage: Pets of any age can experience accidents and unexpected illness. Comprehensive accident and illness coverage can ensure that you're financially prepared for unexpected veterinary expenses.
• Wellness and Preventive Care: Some pet insurance policies offer optional wellness or preventive care coverage, including vaccinations, routine check-ups, and more. This can be especially important for young pets to ensure they receive the necessary vaccines and early care.
• Hereditary and Congenital Conditions:
• Behavioral Coverage: Young and growing pets may exhibit behavioral issues that require professional training or behavioral therapy. Some pet insurance policies offer coverage for behavioral issues, which can be helpful in managing your pet's behavior and long-term safety.
• Pet Liability Insurance: If you have an active or defiant pet, you may want to consider liability coverage in case your pet causes harm to others or damages someone's property.
• Dental Care: Dental health is important for keeping pets of all ages healthy into adulthood. Some pet insurance policies include coverage for dental procedures and care.
• 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 for existing issues.

Compare Top Insurers

Vet bills can be surprisingly expensive to new and seasoned owners because they depend on your pet’s unique personality, evolving health needs, and unpredictable events. A pet insurance policy can be a great way to budget these costs and potentially save thousands of dollars a year. It’s always a good idea to research and compare different insurance companies, coverage options, and any ongoing promotions to determine where you can get the best coverage and deals. View our list above to get started.