Pet Insurance Guide
Pet insurance helps pay vet bills when your dog or cat is sick or hurt, so you can say yes to treatment without worrying about the cost.
How it works
Most pet insurance pays you back. You pay the vet, send in the claim, and the insurer reimburses part of the bill after your deductible.
Types of plans
- Accident and illness: the most common plan. Covers injuries plus illnesses such as infections, cancer and chronic conditions.
- Accident only: a cheaper plan that covers injuries like broken bones or swallowed objects.
- Wellness add-on: helps with routine care such as checkups and vaccines.
Terms to compare
- Deductible: what you pay before the plan pays.
- Reimbursement rate: the share of the bill the plan pays back, often 70% to 90%.
- Annual limit: the most the plan pays in a year.
- Waiting period: the time after you buy before coverage starts.
What affects the price
- Species, breed, size and age
- Where you live, since vet costs vary by area
- The deductible, reimbursement rate and annual limit you choose
When to buy
Pre-existing conditions are usually not covered, so the best time to insure a pet is while they're young and healthy.