What Does Pet Insurance Cover and What to Expect

Pet insurance can be a lifesaver for pet owners, but it's essential to understand what it covers and what to expect. Most policies cover accidents and illnesses, such as broken bones, infections, and cancer.

The cost of pet insurance varies depending on factors like your pet's age, breed, and health conditions. For example, a 10-year-old cat with a history of kidney stones might pay more for insurance than a healthy 3-year-old puppy.

Typically, pet insurance policies have a deductible, which is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance kicks in. This can range from $50 to $1,000 or more per year, depending on the policy.

Pet owners can expect their furry friends to have a health problem at some point. Whether it's bite wounds, swallowing a foreign object, skin allergies, or a serious illness such as cancer, the best pet insurance plans cover these types of problems and much more.

Some common health issues that pet insurance covers include accidents, illnesses, and injuries. These can be caused by anything from a simple cut to a serious disease.

Here are some examples of what's typically covered by pet insurance:

Pet insurance plans also cover veterinary care, including exams, surgeries, and medications. This can include routine care, such as vaccinations and check-ups, as well as emergency care.

Pet insurance plans have some exclusions to keep prices affordable. One of the main exclusions is pre-existing conditions, which means any injury or illness your pet had before your coverage started.

Pre-existing conditions can be a complex issue, and some plans may have different rules. For example, Nationwide pet insurance may extend coverage if your pet has been cured of a condition for at least six months.

Experimental treatment is another exclusion, including diagnosis and treatments that are considered experimental or not within the standard of care accepted by your state's veterinary medical board.

Grooming services are also not covered by pet insurance, such as baths, dips, shampoos, or nail trims.

Food, dietary, and nutritional supplements are not covered, except for prescription food and supplements in some plans.

Non-veterinary expenses, like waste disposal services or record access, are also not covered.

Here's a quick rundown of some common exclusions:

It's essential to understand these exclusions before purchasing a pet insurance plan.

A comprehensive pet insurance policy typically refers to an accident and illness plan with optional wellness coverage.

Even the best pet insurance plan doesn't cover everything. All pet insurance plans exclude incurable pre-existing conditions, so if your pet developed a condition like diabetes before you purchased a plan, you wouldn't be covered for related medical expenses.

A comprehensive pet insurance policy is actually a bit misleading, as it doesn't cover everything. It's usually an accident and illness plan with optional wellness coverage.

Pre-existing conditions are a major exclusion in all pet insurance plans. This means if your pet had a health issue before you got insurance, you won't be covered for related medical expenses.

Even the best pet insurance plans can't cover incurable pre-existing conditions. This includes conditions like diabetes, which can't be cured.

All pet insurance plans have exclusions, so it's essential to read the fine print and understand what's covered and what's not.

A pet insurance deductible is the amount of vet expenses you need to pay before you're eligible for reimbursement. This amount can vary depending on the insurance company and policy.

Most pet insurance companies charge an annual deductible, which means you'll pay this amount once per year, not per visit. One exception is Trupanion, which offers per-condition deductibles in many states.

If your pet develops a chronic condition like diabetes that requires treatment for many years, you'd pay the deductible only once with a per-condition deductible.

Here's a breakdown of what you can expect with an annual deductible:

With a per-condition deductible, the situation changes:

Keep in mind that some insurance companies apply your reimbursement rate before they apply the deductible, so it's essential to understand how your specific policy works.

The cost of pet insurance is a significant consideration for many pet owners. The average annual cost for a pet insurance policy covering accidents and illness was about $676 for dogs and $383 for cats in 2023.

Your pet's age and breed play a big role in determining the cost of pet insurance. The older your pet is, the more you'll pay.

Some breeds are more expensive to insure than others because they tend to have more health problems. For example, certain breeds may be more prone to hip dysplasia or other genetic issues that require costly veterinary care.

Your location also affects the cost of pet insurance. If vet costs are high in your area, your pet insurance will likely be more expensive.

The amount and type of coverage you choose also impact the cost of your pet insurance policy. The more the policy covers, the more you'll pay.

A lower reimbursement level and higher deductible can also make your pet insurance policy more affordable. However, this means you'll be responsible for more of the veterinary costs out of pocket.

Here's a breakdown of the factors that affect the cost of pet insurance:

When choosing a pet insurance plan, it's essential to consider the coverage limits.

Most plans let you choose an annual coverage limit, which is the most your plan will reimburse you for vet expenses in a given year. This limit is often a fixed amount such as $2,500 or $10,000.

If you spend more than that amount on vet bills in a given year, you'll have to cover the excess yourself.

Some companies offer an unlimited option, but that type of coverage may cost more.

Companies also impose lifetime or per-incident coverage limits, which can impact the overall cost of the plan.

There are three main types of pet insurance plans: accident and illness, accident-only, and wellness. Accident and illness plans cover a wide range of problems, including accidents and illnesses, and are the most common type of pet insurance plan.

Accident-only plans, on the other hand, cover only accidents and injuries, such as poisonings, sprains, and ACL ruptures. They do not cover common illnesses, serious illnesses, or hereditary conditions.

Wellness plans, usually an add-on to accident and illness plans, cover routine wellness exams, flea and heartworm prevention, and vaccination. They do not cover accidents or illnesses.

Here's a breakdown of what each type of plan covers:

There are three main types of pet insurance plans: accident and illness, accident-only, and wellness. Accident and illness plans cover a wide range of problems, including accidents and illnesses, and are the most common type of pet insurance plan.

Accident-only plans are more limited and only cover accidental injuries, such as broken legs or snake bites. They tend to be cheaper than accident and illness plans.

Wellness plans are optional and cover routine vet expenses, such as annual exams, dental cleaning, and vaccinations. They typically cost extra on top of your base pet insurance plan.

Here's a breakdown of what each type of plan covers:

Accident and illness plans are the most customizable and widely available, making them a popular choice for many pet owners.

Behavioral Therapies can be a valuable investment for your pet's well-being, but it's essential to understand what's covered by your plan.

Some plans will cover the expense of treatment for issues like aggression or compulsive behavior, but others won't.

You should check your plan to see if it includes coverage for behavioral therapies, as this can vary greatly.

If your vet recommends behavioral therapy, you may be able to get it covered under your plan, but this will depend on the specifics of your policy.

We cover behavioral consults with, and/or medication prescribed by, a licensed veterinarian, so be sure to look for this coverage if you're considering a plan.

It's crucial to review your plan carefully to understand what's included and what's not, especially when it comes to behavioral therapies.

Parasites are a type of pest that can infest pets and even humans.

Limited coverage for parasite testing and prevention is available with our optional BestWellness plan.

Examples of parasites include fleas, ticks, and heartworms, which are commonly found on pets.

Fleas, for instance, can cause discomfort and allergic reactions in some animals.

Ticks, on the other hand, can transmit diseases like Lyme disease.

Heartworms are a serious parasite that can cause life-threatening health issues in dogs.

Other parasites like roundworms, whipworms, and hookworms can also infect pets.

These parasites can be prevented with regular medication and proper care.

Giardia and coccidia are two types of parasites that can cause gastrointestinal issues in humans and animals.

Ear mites and scabies are two other types of parasites that can infest pets and cause discomfort.

Alternative treatment is an important aspect of pet insurance to consider. Some pet insurance plans cover physical therapy and a wide range of alternative treatments, such as acupuncture and chiropractic care.

Others charge more to add this coverage, so it's essential to read the details to find out exactly which treatments your pet is eligible for. There's no standard definition of alternative care, so review your policy carefully.

If your vet recommends alternative treatments, your insurance plan might cover the expense, but some plans won't. It's crucial to learn more about pet insurance and alternative treatments to make informed decisions for your pet's care.

Having access to a 24/7 vet telehealth line can be a lifesaver, especially in emergency situations. This service allows you to consult with a veterinarian at any time, day or night, and can help prevent costly trips to the emergency clinic.

A 24/7 vet telehealth line can be included in the base coverage of your pet insurance plan, making it a valuable benefit to look for. Some pet insurance plans may require a separate add-on for this service, so be sure to check your policy details.

If your pet gets sick in the middle of the night, a 24/7 vet telehealth line can provide you with peace of mind and help you make informed decisions about your pet's care.

Pet insurance can be a lifesaver, but it's essential to understand the key terms involved. Pet insurance is a policy purchased by a pet owner to offset the overall cost of their animal's medical bills.

The insurance premium is the amount of money you pay for the policy, which can be based on various factors such as your location and the age and breed of your pet. For example, purebred animals may have higher premiums due to their increased likelihood of hereditary issues.

Insurance helps offset the high cost of primary pet care, including annual exams and vaccines, blood work, and specialized areas such as neurology and oncology. Some pet insurance companies may exclude preexisting conditions, including illness, injuries, behavioral issues, and congenital health problems.

A deductible is the amount you pay before your insurance plan's benefits begin for the year. Some pet health insurance plans offer a discount in the deductible amount each year that you don’t file a claim.

Most pet insurance operates through an arrangement in which you pay up front and are reimbursed after treatment. This means you'll need to pay out-of-pocket expenses, including any deductibles as well as any procedures and services not covered by your plan.

Here's a breakdown of some common key terms and their meanings: