Table Of Contents
- Pet insurance can help cover all or some of your pet’s veterinary care
- There are three main types of pet insurance plans: accident and illness, accident-only, and wellness plans
- Pet insurance coverage varies based on many factors
- There are some things pet insurance does not cover, it’s important to know your plan
What Is Pet Insurance?
Pet insurance is essentially health insurance for pets. Similar to human health insurance, pet owners can enroll their pet in a plan, pay a monthly premium, and have their pet’s veterinary costs covered. Coverage can range from 50% to 100% after a deductible is met.
Looking to learn more? Check out our guide explaining what is pet insurance and how it works.
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?
The cost of pet insurance can vary from $20 to $100 per month but the average pet owner pays somewhere in the range of $30 to $60.
See our full article here on how much does pet insurance costs.
What Are The Different Types Of Pet Insurance Plans?
There are three main types of pet insurance plans to choose from:
- Accident and illness plan
- Accident-only plan
- Wellness plan
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What’s Covered By Pet Insurance Plans?
Pet insurance coverage varies based on the type of plan, here is a breakdown of what is covered by each plan:
Accident And Illness Plan
Accident and illness plans are the most common type of pet insurance plan on the market. They cover a wide variety of veterinary care associated with emergencies, illnesses, and diseases including:
- Emergency care
- Specialty care (cardiology, neurology, etc)
- Trauma & injuries (broken leg, hit-by-car, etc)
- Surgeries
- Hospitalizations
- Diagnostics (blood work, x-rays, etc)
- Chronic conditions (diabetes, heart failure, etc)
- Illnesses (UTIs, ear infections, etc)
- Cancer treatment
- Dental surgeries
- Prescription drugs
Accident-Only Plan
Accident-only plans only cover accidental injuries such as:
- Trauma & injuries (broken bones, hit-by-car, etc)
- Wounds (bites, scratches, lacerations, etc)
- Burns/smoke inhalation
- Poisonings/toxin ingestions
- Foreign body ingestions
- Eye injuries
- Wildlife encounters (snake bites, bee stings, bufo toad poisoning, etc)
Wellness Plans
Pet wellness plans are typically offered as an add-on and cover preventative care such as:
- Annual exams
- Vaccinations
- Dental cleanings
- Routine lab work (blood work and urinalysis)
- Parasite screening
- Parasite prevention (such as heartworm, flea, and tick medication)
- Some plans include spaying, neutering, and microchipping
Optional Coverage
In addition to wellness plans, some pet insurance plans offer other optional add-ons such as:
- Alternative medicine
- Rehabilitation therapy
- Behavioral therapy
- End-of-life care
Insurance premiums might feel like a hefty monthly outlay, but considering that average vet visits can set pet owners back $800-1500, they could prove to be a wise investment. A variety of policies are available, each offering different coverage levels, deductibles, reimbursement rates, extras, and more. It’s worthwhile to explore and find a policy that fits your needs. As veterinary expenses continue to climb, having insurance can provide you with financial security and peace of mind.
Insurance premiums might feel like a hefty monthly outlay, but considering that average vet visits can set pet owners back $800-1500, they could prove to be a wise investment. A variety of policies are available, each offering different coverage levels, deductibles, reimbursement rates, extras, and more. It’s worthwhile to explore and find a policy that fits your needs. As veterinary expenses continue to climb, having insurance can provide you with financial security and peace of mind.
What Is Not Covered By Pet Insurance?
Each pet insurance plan may have different exclusions but there are a few standard things most pet insurances do not cover. They include:
Pre-Existing Conditions
Pet insurance does not cover any preexisting conditions your pet had before becoming insured. Some preexisting conditions may be considered curable and may be covered after a predetermined period, usually 12 to 18 months. Examples of curable preexisting conditions may include gastrointestinal disorders, UTIs, and respiratory infections.
Grooming
Pet insurance does not cover grooming services like bathing, haircuts, or nail trims. Some plans may cover dermatological bathing treatments for skin conditions.
Boarding
Pet insurance does not cover boarding, pet-sitting, dog-walking, or any type of daycare services for your pet, even if they are handled by veterinary staff.
Training
Pet insurance does not cover training services like obedience classes or sessions with a trainer. Some plans may cover behavioral therapy which may include a type of training overseen by a veterinary behaviorist.
Experimental Treatments
Pet insurance will not cover any treatments considered investigational, experimental, or beyond the standard scope of care in veterinary medicine. This can include things like putting your pet in a clinical trial for a new drug or therapy.
Cosmetic Procedures
Pet insurance does not cover cosmetic procedures such as tail docking, ear cropping, and declawing.
Breeding costs
Pet insurance does not cover costs associated with breeding your pet such as reproductive services, genetic testing, and labor or c-section medical costs.
Pet Insurance Exclusions And Waiting Periods
As with all insurance, pet insurance plans typically have exclusions and waiting periods. These vary greatly by individual plan but the most common include:
- Exclusions on congenital or hereditary conditions
- Breed-specific exclusions for certain conditions
- Exclusions or extended waiting periods on orthopedic conditions
- Bilateral condition exclusions (such as cruciate injuries)
- Age-based exclusions (typically pets under 12 weeks or over 14 years)
- Owner non-compliance exclusions for preventable disease (such as choosing to not vaccinate your pet and they contract that disease)
Is Pet Insurance Worth It?
Pet insurance is absolutely worth it! Unfortunately, pets can have a serious accident or illness at any time and most pet owners are not prepared for the unexpected cost. A trip to the emergency room or treatment for a chronic illness like diabetes or cancer can cost thousands of dollars.
Every year, an estimated one out of every three pets will need emergency care and cost is a leading factor in pet owners being able to obtain that care. A pet insurance policy can help assure you’ll never have to choose between your pet’s health or acquiring large sums of debt.
For further reading see our guide on is pet insurance worth it.
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