Table Of Contents
- Accident-only pet insurance is the most affordable type of plan
- Premiums for accident-only plans start at just $10 a month
- Under an accident-only plan, your pet will be covered for accidents and injuries but not illness or disease
- Accident-only plans are beneficial for all pets but especially younger, older, and high-energy breeds that are more prone to accidents and injuries
What Is An Accident-Only Pet Insurance?
An accident-only pet insurance plan covers your pet’s medical care in case of an accident. Accidents typically include things like broken bones, lacerations, bite wounds, and poisonings. It’s one of the most affordable types of pet insurance plans on the market. Monthly premiums for accident-only plans start at just $10 but the average pet owner pays around $11 for cats and $18 for dogs.
How Does Accident-Only Pet Insurance Work?
Accident-only pet insurance works the same as other types of pet insurance. You’ll submit a claim and be reimbursed a percentage of your pet’s medical bills. The amount you will receive will depend on your individual plan, reimbursement percentage, and deductible.
Every pet insurance company has different options for choosing your deductible and reimbursement. The average accident-only plan has a deductible in the range of $50 to $500 and a reimbursement level of 70% to 90% but higher and lower options also exist.
Find out more? See our article on what is a good deductible for pet insurance.
Accident-only pet insurance can be a good compromise if a more comprehensive policy is beyond your budget, but you still want some peace of mind for if something unexpected happens. They can also be an option for younger pets who are more prone to accidents than older pets. If your pet is more senior, it’s a good idea to have a plan ready for any potential illness, though.
the best rates on pet insurance
Unlimited claims, No credit checks, No upper age limit & Multiple pet discounts
What Does Accident-Only Pet Insurance Cover?
Exact coverage can vary from one pet insurance plan to another but most cover the following:
Injuries And Trauma
Any sort of injury or trauma your pet may sustain from running, playing, falling, fighting with another pet, or getting hit by a car such as broken bones, head trauma, eye injuries, sprains, cuts, and lacerations. Some plans will also cover gastric torsion, a life-threatening condition commonly known as GDV or bloat.
Covered costs can include emergency veterinary care, surgery or wound repair, blood transfusion, hospitalization, blood work, medication, and diagnostics such as x-rays, CTs, and MRIs.
Toxin Ingestions Or Poisonings
Any sort of accidental ingestion of a poisonous or toxic substance. This can include household cleaners, pesticides, antifreeze, human medications, toxic plants or flowers, human foods that are toxic to pets like chocolate, and any other chemicals your pet may accidentally come into contact with.
Covered costs can include emergency veterinary care, medications, fluid therapy, blood work, hospitalization, and more.
Burns Or Smoke Inhalation
Any sort of injury or trauma your pet may sustain from a fire or accidentally coming into contact with a heated appliance, hot foods, etc. This can include burns as well as smoke-induced respiratory distress.
Covered costs can include emergency veterinary care, burn treatment and wound care, medications, fluid therapy, oxygen therapy, blood work, hospitalization, and more.
Ingestion Of A Foreign Body
Any sort of ingestion of a foreign body that can cause harm such as dogs swallowing a piece of a toy or cats swallowing a string. These can lead to intestinal blockages.
Covered costs can include emergency veterinary care, foreign body removal via surgery or scope, hospitalization, blood work, medication, and diagnostics such as x-rays, CTs, and MRIs.
Dangerous Wildlife Encounters
Any sort of encounter with wildlife that can cause illness or injury. This can include things like bites and scratches from wild animals, envenomations from snakebites, toxins from bufo toads, or allergic reactions from bee stings.
Covered costs can include emergency veterinary care, surgery or wound repair, medications, fluid therapy, antivenom, blood work, hospitalization, and more.
What isn’t covered by accident-only pet insurance?
Accident-only pet insurance only covers things deemed accidents or injuries. It does not cover any sort of illnesses, diseases, hereditary or congenital conditions, or anything considered a preexisting condition. It also does not cover any wellness or preventative care such as vaccines or dental cleanings.
Examples Of Things Not Covered By An Accident-Only Plan:
- Allergies
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Respiratory problems
- Infectious disease
- Urinary problems
- Ear infections
- Arthritis
What Pets Benefit Most From Accident-Only Pet Insurance?
While unfortunately any pet can have an accident, some seem to be more accident-prone than others. Puppies and kittens tend to be inquisitive and love to explore and chew on things. They can be susceptible to falls, accidental foreign body and toxin ingestions, and encounters with wildlife they may try to investigate. While you can puppy-proof your house and keep a watchful eye on them 24/7, if given the chance they will get into something!
Older pets can also be more accident-prone, especially slip and fall accidents as mobility and vision loss can unfortunately be common in our seniors. High-energy or athletic dog breeds are another group that can be a wise choice to insure. Running, jumping, and playing can all lead to strains, sprains, or broken bones.
Lastly, if you have a pet that is known to steal food, chew on things, put everything in their mouth, or is just otherwise a four-legged trash compactor, get them an insurance policy! From foreign body removals to emergency toxin treatment, the vet bills for these guys can run up fast.
the best rates on pet insurance
Unlimited claims, No credit checks, No upper age limit & Multiple pet discounts
Find out more
Best Pet Insurance for Multiple Pets – Find the perfect plan for all your furry friends.
Surgery Coverage in Pet Insurance – Ensure your pet is protected in case of surgical needs.
Pet Insurance with No Waiting Period – Get immediate coverage for your pet’s accidents and illnesses.
What Pet Insurance Covers – A comprehensive guide to what’s included in your pet’s policy.
Is Pet Insurance Worth It? – Making the right investment for your pet’s health care.
List of Pet Insurance Companies – Compare and choose the best insurer for your pet.
Pet Insurance That Pays the Vet Directly – Skip the hassle of reimbursements with direct vet payments.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Vaccinations? – Keep your pet up-to-date with their health needs.
