Review our comprehensive FAQ for complete answers to your most pressing pet health care insurance. Find out why you should consider insuring your dog or cat.

What is pet insurance?

Pet health care insurance covers your pet's emergency medical expenses due to illness or accidental injury. Services covered often include x-rays, prescribed medications, surgeries, hospitalization, ultrasounds, MRI/CAT scans, and chemotherapy. Some pet health insurance plans also cover routine wellness, such as physicals, vaccinations, spaying, and flea control/heartworm, via supplemental policies or riders. Though pets of any age usually can be covered, insurance premiums are often higher for older pets. Also, some breeds cost more to insure. Most plans have deductibles and coverage maximums for particular procedures, typically between $1,500 and $4,000. Some providers also allow policyholders to double their coverage.

How much does pet insurance typically cost?

Monthly premiums for pet health insurance policies typically cost between $10 and $40. Treatment deductibles are usually from $50 to $75. Policyholders generally pay their vet bill and then file claims for reimbursement with their pet insurance provider.

Why invest in pet insurance? What are the benefits?

Emergency veterinary medical services can cost thousands of dollars. Pet health insurance prevents people from incurring major out-of-pocket veterinary expenses or even euthanizing their pet in the event of a serious injury or illness. Some pet health insurance plans also cover routine care, as well as boarding fees, lost holiday expenses, and accidental death/loss of pet costs. Finally, pet insurance is very affordable relative to expensive emergency veterinary procedures.

Is pet insurance available for all kinds of animals?

Yes. Pet health care insurance is available for dogs, cats, birds, horses, and even exotic animals, such as ferrets, reptiles, and chinchillas, although many insurance companies offer only dog and cat insurance. Exotic animals may cost more to insure than common pets.

Are discounts available for pet insurance?

Insure multiple pets with the same provider and you will earn a multi-pet discount (5 to 10 percent). Discounts of 10 percent also are sometimes available for registered medical service pets, such as guide dogs or therapy pets. Additionally, some providers discount policies (5 percent) for animals that have been microchiped and registered into their database, so that they can be located if lost.

What pet insurance policy limitations should I be aware of?

Most providers do not insure animals that have preexisting health problems or hereditary conditions. If your pet, for example, has Adult Onset Demodex, it might not be eligible for illness coverage. Some breeds, particularly small ones (Basset Hounds, Bulldogs), also have common health issues that can increase policy premiums or prevent coverage. PetHealth, Inc. only offers accident coverage for the Chinese Shar Pei breed. Also, cosmetic procedures, special diets, behavioral problems, and breeding are generally not covered by pet health care insurance.

I should wait until my pet is older to purchase pet insurance?

Young pets are like babies and toddlers. They lack full coordination, so they are more likely to fall. They aren't experienced in knowing which situations can hurt them. And they are so small they don't know when they're in the way. It's always better to enroll them when they're young and before preexisting conditions develop, or accidents and illness occurs.