As a pet owner, you want the best for your furry friend, and that includes keeping them healthy and protected in case of any unforeseen accidents or illnesses. Pet insurance can help alleviate the financial burden of unexpected veterinary bills, but how much does it cost? In this article, we’ll explore the cost of pet insurance and help you determine if it’s worth the investment.
Pet insurance premiums can vary depending on several factors, including your pet’s breed, age, and overall health. On average, you can expect to pay between $30 to $50 per month for pet insurance coverage. However, some plans can cost as little as $10 per month, while others can exceed $100 per month.
What does pet insurance cover?
The coverage provided by pet insurance can also vary depending on the plan you choose. Most pet insurance policies cover accidents, illnesses, and emergency care, but some also offer coverage for routine check-ups and preventative care. Be sure to read the policy details carefully to understand what is covered and what is not.
Is pet insurance worth it?
Whether or not pet insurance is worth it depends on several factors, including your pet’s breed, age, and overall health, as well as your financial situation. If you have a young, healthy pet, you may not need as much coverage as an older pet with pre-existing conditions. However, if you want peace of mind knowing that you can afford unexpected veterinary bills, pet insurance may be a wise investment.
Best pet insurance options
Here are some of the best pet insurance options available:
1. Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Pros:
Comprehensive coverage: Healthy Paws Pet Insurance provides comprehensive coverage for a wide range of illnesses and accidents, including hereditary and congenital conditions, cancer, and emergency care.
High reimbursement rate: Healthy Paws offers a reimbursement rate of up to 90% of your veterinary bills, which can be a significant relief when dealing with unexpected pet medical expenses.
Fast claims processing: With Healthy Paws, you can submit your claims online or through their mobile app, and they usually process them within a few days.
No annual or lifetime limits: Healthy Paws doesn’t have any annual or lifetime limits on coverage, meaning your pet will be covered regardless of how many claims you make or how much you spend on veterinary care.
Good customer service: Healthy Paws has a reputation for providing excellent customer service, with friendly and knowledgeable representatives available to assist you with any questions or concerns.
Cons:
Higher premiums: Compared to other pet insurance providers, Healthy Paws premiums may be higher, especially for older pets or those with pre-existing conditions.
Limited coverage options: While Healthy Paws provides comprehensive coverage for most illnesses and accidents, they don’t offer coverage for routine wellness care, such as vaccinations or spaying/neutering.
Waiting periods: Like most pet insurance providers, Healthy Paws has waiting periods for certain conditions, which means you may have to wait before your coverage kicks in.
Pricing:
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance offers a range of pricing options based on your pet’s age, breed, location, and coverage level. However, on average, their premiums start at around $20 per month for cats and $30 per month for dogs.
2. Petplan Pet Insurance
Pros:
Comprehensive Coverage: Petplan offers comprehensive coverage that includes not only accidents and illnesses but also hereditary and chronic conditions. This means that pet owners can get coverage for long-term conditions that may require ongoing treatment.
Customizable Plans: Pet owners can customize their plans according to their pets’ needs and budget. They can choose from different levels of coverage and add-on options, such as dental coverage or alternative therapies.
High Reimbursement Rates: Petplan offers high reimbursement rates, which means that pet owners can get more of their veterinary bills covered. The reimbursement rates can go up to 90% of the eligible expenses, depending on the plan.
No Age Limits: Petplan does not impose any age limits on the pets it covers. This means that even senior pets can get coverage, which is not the case with some other pet insurance providers.
Cons:
Higher Premium Rates: Petplan may not be the most affordable option in the market. Its premium rates are higher than some of the other low-cost pet insurance options available.
Limited Coverage for Some Breeds: Petplan may not provide coverage for some breeds or conditions that are considered high-risk or pre-existing. Pet owners should check the policy details carefully before signing up.
Waiting Periods: Petplan imposes waiting periods before coverage begins for some conditions. This means that pet owners may not be able to claim for certain treatments immediately after signing up.
No Unlimited Coverage: Petplan has a limit on the maximum amount it will reimburse per condition or per year. This means that pet owners may still have to pay some out-of-pocket expenses if their pets require extensive treatments.
3. Embrace Pet Insurance
Pros:
Comprehensive Coverage: Embrace Pet Insurance offers comprehensive coverage that includes everything from accidents and illnesses to routine care. This means that you can rest easy knowing that your furry friend is covered no matter what happens.
No Breed or Age Restrictions: Unlike some pet insurance providers, Embrace Pet Insurance does not discriminate based on breed or age. This means that whether you have a puppy or a senior dog, you can still get the coverage you need.
Customizable Plans: Embrace Pet Insurance offers customizable plans that allow you to choose the coverage that best fits your budget and your pet’s needs. This means that you can get the coverage you need without paying for things that you don’t.
Healthy Pet Deductible: One unique feature of Embrace Pet Insurance is its Healthy Pet Deductible. This means that if your pet stays healthy and doesn’t need to go to the vet, your deductible will decrease by $50 every year. This can help you save money in the long run.
Cons:
Limited Coverage for Alternative Therapies: While Embrace Pet Insurance does offer comprehensive coverage, it does have some limitations. One area where it falls short is in its coverage of alternative therapies like acupuncture and chiropractic care.
High Deductibles: While Embrace Pet Insurance does offer customizable plans, its deductibles can be quite high. This means that you may need to pay more out of pocket before your coverage kicks in.
Pre-Existing Conditions: Like most pet insurance providers, Embrace Pet Insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions. This means that if your pet has a pre-existing condition, you may not be able to get coverage for it.
Pricing:
Embrace Pet Insurance offers a variety of plans that range in price based on the coverage you choose and the deductible you select.
For example, if you choose a plan with a $200 deductible and a $5,000 annual maximum, your monthly premium will be around $20 for a dog and $10 for a cat. However, if you choose a plan with a $1,000 deductible and a $15,000 annual maximum, your monthly premium will be around $8 for a dog and $5 for a cat.
4. Figo Pet Insurance
Pros:
Affordable pricing: Figo offers some of the most affordable pet insurance plans on the market. Their Essential plan starts at just $1.50 per day for dogs and $1.00 per day for cats.
No age restrictions: Figo does not impose age restrictions on their plans. This means that even if your pet is older, you can still enroll them in Figo’s coverage.
Easy claims process: Figo has a straightforward and easy-to-use claims process. You can submit your claims online or through their mobile app, and they offer direct deposit reimbursement options.
24/7 Pet Cloud: Figo offers a unique Pet Cloud feature that allows you to store all of your pet’s medical records, vet visits, and other important information in one place.
Cons:
Limited coverage for pre-existing conditions: Like most pet insurance providers, Figo does not cover pre-existing conditions. This means that if your pet has a condition before enrolling with Figo, it will not be covered.
No coverage for routine care: Figo’s plans do not cover routine care such as annual exams, vaccinations, or flea and tick prevention.
No unlimited coverage option: Figo’s coverage limits are capped at $10,000 per year. This may not be sufficient for pets with chronic or ongoing conditions that require extensive medical care.
Pricing:
Figo’s pricing varies based on the coverage level you choose, the deductible you select, and the age and breed of your pet. As mentioned, their Essential plan starts at $1.50 per day for dogs and $1.00 per day for cats. Their Preferred and Ultimate plans offer higher levels of coverage, with pricing ranging from $2.50 to $7.00 per day for dogs and $1.50 to $4.50 per day for cats.
5. Nationwide Pet Insurance
Pros:
Wide Coverage: Nationwide Pet Insurance covers a wide range of services, including accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, and wellness care. This means you can rest assured that your furry friend is protected, no matter what happens.
No Age Restrictions: Unlike other pet insurance companies, Nationwide Pet Insurance does not have any age restrictions. You can enroll your pet regardless of their age, which is great news for pet owners who have older pets or pets with pre-existing conditions.
Multiple Pet Discount: Nationwide Pet Insurance offers a multiple pet discount, which can save you up to 5% on your premium. This is a great option for pet owners with multiple furry friends.
Easy Claims Process: Nationwide Pet Insurance has a straightforward claims process that can be completed online. You can also track the status of your claim through their website, making the process quick and hassle-free.
Cons:
Limited Coverage for Some Conditions: While Nationwide Pet Insurance covers a wide range of services, they do have some limitations. For example, they have a $500 per condition limit for cruciate ligament injuries and a $2,500 annual limit for behavioral therapy. This means that if your pet requires extensive treatment for these conditions, you may end up paying out of pocket.
Pricing: While Nationwide Pet Insurance does offer low-cost options, their pricing can still be higher than other pet insurance companies. However, their coverage options may make up for the difference in cost.
Pricing:
Nationwide Pet Insurance offers a variety of coverage options to fit your budget. Their low-cost options start at around $10 per month for accident-only coverage, with full coverage plans starting at around $35 per month. The cost of your premium will depend on several factors, including your pet’s age, breed, and location.
6. Trupanion Pet Insurance
Pros:
Comprehensive Coverage: Trupanion offers comprehensive coverage that includes medical expenses related to illnesses and injuries, surgeries, medications, and hospitalization. They even cover alternative therapies like acupuncture and physical therapy, which many other pet insurance providers do not.
No Payout Limits: Trupanion has no limits on payouts, which means that if your pet requires multiple expensive procedures or ongoing treatments, you won’t have to worry about running out of coverage.
Quick Reimbursement: Trupanion offers quick reimbursement, with claims processed within 24 hours on average. This means that you won’t have to wait long to get reimbursed for your pet’s medical expenses.
Customizable Plans: Trupanion offers customizable plans that allow you to choose the deductible and coverage limits that work best for your budget and your pet’s needs.
Cons:
Higher Premiums: Trupanion’s premiums tend to be higher than some other pet insurance providers, especially if you opt for a low deductible and high coverage limits.
No Wellness Coverage: Unlike some other pet insurance providers, Trupanion does not offer coverage for routine wellness visits, such as annual check-ups or vaccinations.
Limited to Cats and Dogs: Trupanion only offers coverage for cats and dogs, so if you have other types of pets, such as birds or reptiles, you’ll need to look elsewhere for coverage.
Pricing:
Trupanion’s pricing varies depending on several factors, including your pet’s age, breed, and location, as well as the deductible and coverage limits you choose. However, in general, Trupanion’s premiums tend to be on the higher side compared to other pet insurance providers. That being said, the comprehensive coverage and lack of payout limits can make it worth the extra cost for some pet owners.
7. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
Pros:
Affordable Premiums: One of the biggest advantages of ASPCA Pet Health Insurance is its affordability. You can choose from a variety of plans that fit your budget and pet’s needs. The company also offers a 10% discount for multiple pets.
Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions: Unlike some pet insurers, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance covers pre-existing conditions after a 12-month waiting period. This is a significant benefit if your pet has a chronic condition that requires ongoing treatment.
Comprehensive Coverage: ASPCA Pet Health Insurance provides coverage for a wide range of veterinary services, including accidents, illnesses, hospitalization, surgery, and prescriptions. The company also offers optional add-ons such as wellness care and dental coverage.
Hassle-Free Claims: The claims process with ASPCA Pet Health Insurance is straightforward and hassle-free. You can file a claim online, through the mobile app, or by mail. Most claims are processed within 10 business days.
Cons:
Waiting Periods: Like most pet insurers, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance has waiting periods for certain conditions and services. For example, there is a 14-day waiting period for illnesses and a 48-hour waiting period for accidents.
Limited Coverage for Older Pets: ASPCA Pet Health Insurance has age restrictions on some of its plans. For example, the Complete Coverage plan is only available to pets under 14 years old.
No Unlimited Coverage Option: ASPCA Pet Health Insurance does not offer unlimited coverage, which may be a concern for pet owners with chronic conditions or costly treatments.
Pricing:
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance offers affordable premiums that vary depending on your pet’s age, breed, and location. You can choose from several plans that range from basic accident coverage to comprehensive coverage that includes wellness care and dental coverage. The company also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
State Farm pet insurance cost
State Farm offers pet insurance through its partner Trupanion. The cost of State Farm pet insurance varies depending on several factors, including your pet’s breed, age, and overall health. On average, you can expect to pay between $30 to $50 per month for coverage through State Farm.
Pet insurance cost in California
The cost of pet insurance in California is similar to the national average, with premiums ranging from $30 to $50 per month. However, the cost may be slightly higher or lower depending on your pet’s specific circumstances and the policy you choose.
Pet insurance cost on Reddit
While it’s always good to do your own research, it’s important to take any information on Reddit with a grain of salt. The cost of pet insurance can vary depending on many factors, including the provider, plan, and location. It’s always a good idea to compare multiple providers and policies to find the best coverage for your pet at a price you can afford.
FAQs about pet insurance cost
Here’s some helpful information about pet insurance costs that might answer some of your frequently asked questions:
What is pet insurance and why do I need it?
Pet insurance is a type of insurance that helps cover the costs of veterinary care when your pet becomes ill or injured. Just like health insurance for humans, pet insurance can help you avoid expensive vet bills and give you peace of mind knowing that your furry friend is covered.
What factors affect the cost of pet insurance?
The cost of pet insurance can vary depending on a number of factors, including your pet’s age, breed, and overall health. In general, younger and healthier pets will be less expensive to insure than older or more medically complex animals.
What types of pet insurance plans are available?
There are several different types of pet insurance plans available, including accident-only plans, illness-only plans, and comprehensive plans that cover both accidents and illnesses. Some plans may also offer additional coverage for routine wellness care, such as vaccinations and check-ups.
How do I choose the right pet insurance plan for my pet?
When choosing a pet insurance plan, it’s important to consider your pet’s individual needs and your own budget. Look for a plan that covers the types of care your pet is most likely to need, and make sure the monthly premiums fit within your budget.
Is pet insurance worth the cost?
Ultimately, whether pet insurance is worth the cost will depend on your individual circumstances. If you have a young, healthy pet and are able to set aside money for unexpected vet bills, you may not need pet insurance. However, if you have an older pet or one with a chronic medical condition, pet insurance can be a valuable investment that can help you avoid costly veterinary bills in the future.
How can I save money on pet insurance?
There are several ways to save money on pet insurance, such as choosing a higher deductible or co-pay, shopping around for the best rates, and taking advantage of any discounts offered by the insurance provider.
The coverage provided by pet insurance can vary depending on the specific plan you choose. In general, most pet insurance plans cover things like accidents, illnesses, diagnostic tests, surgeries, and hospitalization. Some plans may also cover alternative therapies, prescription medications, and even behavioral therapy.
What is typically not covered by pet insurance?
There are certain things that are typically not covered by pet insurance, such as pre-existing conditions, cosmetic procedures, and some hereditary conditions. Additionally, some plans may have exclusions for certain breeds or types of animals, so it’s important to carefully read the terms and conditions of any pet insurance plan you’re considering.
Are there any age restrictions for pet insurance?
Most pet insurance providers will have age restrictions on their policies, with coverage typically starting around 8 weeks of age and ending around 14 years of age. Some providers may offer coverage for older pets, but the premiums may be higher.
How are pet insurance premiums calculated?
Pet insurance premiums are typically calculated based on a number of factors, including the age, breed, and health of your pet, as well as the level of coverage you choose. Generally, plans with higher coverage limits and lower deductibles will have higher premiums.
Can I use any veterinarian with pet insurance?
Most pet insurance providers will allow you to choose any licensed veterinarian for your pet’s care. However, some providers may have preferred provider networks or may offer additional benefits for using a certain network of veterinarians.
What should I do if I need to file a claim with my pet insurance provider?
If you need to file a claim with your pet insurance provider, you’ll typically need to provide documentation of the veterinary services received, including itemized invoices and medical records. Some providers may also require a pre-authorization for certain procedures.
How does pet insurance reimbursement work?
When you file a claim with your pet insurance provider, you’ll typically pay for the veterinary services up front and then submit the claim for reimbursement. The amount of reimbursement you receive will depend on the specific plan you have, as well as any deductibles or co-pays that apply.
What is a deductible in pet insurance?
A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your pet insurance coverage kicks in. For example, if your pet insurance plan has a $500 deductible and your veterinary bill is $1,000, you would be responsible for paying the first $500 and your insurance provider would cover the remaining $500 (assuming your coverage limit isn’t exceeded).
What is a co-pay in pet insurance?
A co-pay is a fixed amount that you pay out of pocket for each veterinary visit, regardless of the total cost of the services received. For example, if your pet insurance plan has a 20% co-pay and your veterinary bill is $100, you would be responsible for paying $20 and your insurance provider would cover the remaining $80.
What is the annual limit for pet insurance?
An annual limit is the maximum amount of money that your pet insurance provider will pay out in a single year. For example, if your pet insurance plan has an annual limit of $10,000 and you have multiple veterinary bills that total $12,000 in a year, you would be responsible for paying the remaining $2,000.
What is a lifetime limit in pet insurance?
A lifetime limit is the maximum amount of money that your pet insurance provider will pay out over the lifetime of your pet. For example, if your pet insurance plan has a lifetime limit of $100,000 and you have multiple veterinary bills that total $120,000 over the course of your pet’s life, you would be responsible for paying the remaining $20,000.
Can I change my pet insurance plan?
Most pet insurance providers will allow you to change your plan at any time, although the availability of certain plans and the premiums charged may vary. It’s important to review your pet insurance plan regularly to ensure that it still meets your pet’s needs and fits within your budget.
How long does it take to get reimbursed for pet insurance claims?
The time it takes to get reimbursed for pet insurance claims can vary depending on the provider and the complexity of the claim. In general, you can expect to receive reimbursement within a few weeks of submitting the claim. However, some providers may offer faster reimbursement options, such as a direct deposit.
Do I need to provide medical records when purchasing pet insurance?
Most pet insurance providers will require some form of medical history for your pet, either during the application process or at the time of the first claim. This information helps the provider determine the appropriate level of coverage and any pre-existing conditions that may not be covered.
Can I get pet insurance for a pre-existing condition?
Most pet insurance providers will not cover pre-existing conditions, which are defined as any illness or injury that your pet has received treatment for before the policy goes into effect. However, some providers may offer coverage for certain pre-existing conditions if they have been cured or if there has been a specified period of time without symptoms.
Is pet insurance tax-deductible?
In general, pet insurance premiums are not tax-deductible for individual pet owners. However, if you run a business that involves animals, such as a breeding or training operation, you may be able to deduct pet insurance premiums as a business expense.
What should I consider when choosing a pet insurance provider?
When choosing a pet insurance provider, it’s important to consider factors such as coverage options, premiums, deductibles, co-pays, and customer service. You may also want to read reviews from other pet owners and consult with your veterinarian to get recommendations.
Hannah Elizabeth is an English animal behavior author, having written for several online publications. With a degree in Animal Behaviour and over a decade of practical animal husbandry experience, Hannah's articles cover everything from pet care to wildlife conservation. When she isn't creating content for blog posts, Hannah enjoys long walks with her Rottweiler cross Senna, reading fantasy novels and breeding aquarium shrimp.
