Pet Insurance FAQ
What’s the average cost of pet insurance?
Most pet owners pay between $30-50 per month depending on coverage levels, type and age of animal and your location. Cat plans are less expensive than dog plans.
What does pet insurance generally cover?
Each pet insurance company is different, but typically there are three types of plans: Comprehensive, Injury-Only, and Preventative.
Comprehensive plans cover both illness and injury. Look for plans that cover veterinary care resulting from an accident as well as congenital, hereditary and chronic conditions. This usually covers diagnostic testing, surgery, hospitalization and prescriptions.
Injury-only plans are a step down and do not cover the illnesses noted above. It’s a less expensive option, but gives some protection in case of accidents.
Preventative plans cover routine visits, vaccinations and preventative medications.
What does pet insurance usually not cover?
No pet insurance plans cover pre-existing conditions, but there are few that will cover them if it is not a chronic illness.
It’s rare for pet insurance to cover routine visits, vaccinations and flea or heartworm medications if a wellness plan or add-on is not selected. They also do not typically cover exam fees, but there are exceptions.
Are veterinarian exam fees covered?
This varies amongst providers, but for the most part they are not included. This helps insurers keep costs down by preventing pet owners from taking their pet too often for non-emergency visits.
Are prescription diets covered?
This also varies. Typically, prescription diets are only included if they are part of a treatment plan for a covered condition.
Will my vet accept pet insurance?
Yes! You can use any vet. You will get reimbursed by the insurer, through a direct deposit or check.
How do I get reimbursed?
Most pet insurance companies work in a similar way. You pay the bill from the vet, then submit a claim. You’ll receive reimbursement for your expenses according to your policy.
Is my pet too old/too young to get coverage?
Each pet insurer has minimum and maximum ages for eligibility. They are typically 6-8 weeks to 10-14 years. However, there are a handful that do not have upper age limits.
Can I insure an animal that is already sick?
Unfortunately, no. There are no plans that cover pre-existing conditions.
Is pet insurance worth it?
Pet owners can incur at least one $2,000 to $4,000 bill for emergency pet care at some point during their pet’s lifetime, according to Consumer Reports. If your pet has an unexpected injury or illness the policy can more than pay for itself.