We know how important pets are!  They are like our little humans and we treat them as such.  With all the love and attention we give them, let's make sure they are also cared for with the right pet insurance for these special animals in our lives.

Some exclusions may apply. Certain coverages may be subject to pre-existing exclusion. See policy documents for a complete list of exclusions. Plans may not be available in all states. Policy eligibility may vary. Premiums vary based on the age of the pet, species, size (as an adult), plan type, deductible and state of residence. Wellness plans not available in all states.

Your pet is a part of the family, and because of that, many people consider getting a pet insurance policy.

Pet insurance covers some, but not all, of your pet’s health care costs. It’s especially helpful if you encounter a large, unexpected expense that you might not be able to pay for otherwise.

Every pet insurance policy is different, so make sure you spend time comparing policies so you know exactly what you’re getting and how much you’ll have to pay out of pocket if emergencies arise.

How does pet insurance work?

If you get a pet insurance policy, you will pay a monthly premium to get coverage. Much like human health insurance, what’s covered and how much you have to pay out of pocket depends on the policy.  

Some terms to look for when comparing policies are your deductible, reimbursement level, and annual max. The annual max is the maximum amount of money your insurance company will cover every year. If your pet’s health care costs exceed that amount, you’ll be responsible for paying for what’s not covered out of pocket.

Keep in mind that most policies don’t cover routine exams, grooming, behavior problems, and other common reasons you might visit your veterinarian. What pet insurance is really used for are the large, unexpected expenses, like emergency surgery or cancer treatments. Many people don’t have thousands of dollars to pay for their pet’s emergency surgery, and that’s where paying a monthly premium towards pet insurance can be beneficial.

How much pet insurance do I need?

How much insurance you need really depends on your own comfort level, monthly budget, and reserve savings. It also depends on the type of pet you have, the age of your pet, and other factors.  For example, if you have a large emergency savings account, you might feel more comfortable choosing a pet insurance plan that has a higher deductible but a lower monthly payment. Or, if finances are tight and you don’t want to choose to put your dog down instead of paying for an expensive surgery, you might want to choose a pet insurance plan that covers more.  The cost of insurance will vary based on the type of pet you have, the breed, and whether or not they have pre-existing conditions. That’s why it’s a good idea to get 2-3 pet insurance quotes to compare before choosing which policy you want to buy.

What is the average cost of pet insurance a month?

On average, it costs between $30-$50 per month to have pet insurance. The cost is usually more if you have a dog (vs. a cat.) And, the more you want covered, the more the price goes up.

Is it worth it to get pet insurance?

If you don’t have a large savings account, it’s a good idea to consider pet insurance. That way, you won’t have to make a difficult choice if your pet experiences some type of health crisis.

Is pet insurance necessary?

No, you do not have to have pet insurance to be a pet owner. There are many pet owners who simply pay out of pocket for all their pet’s needs. However, if your pet is an integral part of your life and you’re worried you won’t be able to afford unexpected medical expenses, having pet insurance might give you peace of mind.