By Marnie Kunz, CPT

If you’re wondering what pet insurance covers, you’re not alone. With the rising costs of vet bills, pet insurance is becoming an increasingly popular way to cover vet costs. As a dog owner in NYC, I understand how expensive vet trips can be. Pet insurance offers coverage for vet visits and medical costs for your pet, which is especially crucial during emergencies. After my dog’s emergency bloat surgery, pet insurance was so helpful, as the total $12,000 vet bill would have wiped me out otherwise. The amount of coverage you can get from pet insurance depends on a few factors, which we’ll go over here.

What Does Pet Insurance Typically Cover?

Pet insurance companies vary in what they cover, and it depends on your particular plan what is covered, but here are some common vet costs that pet insurance may cover:

Accidents and Illnesses

The most common emergencies for dogs and cats are sickness and accidents. Illnesses, such as an ear infection, allergies, and an injured paw, are often covered by pet insurance. Accidents may include eating something toxic, stepping on a sharp object, or something similar. My dog has had everything from UTI infections to a growth on her gums, and these vet visits can become costly pretty quickly. Most pet insurance will reimburse you for vet visits when your pet is sick or has an injury.

Hereditary and Congenital Conditions

If your dog has a chronic illness such as diabetes, pet insurance may cover the associated veterinary costs. However, many insurance carriers do not cover pre-existing conditions, so make sure you know what your policy covers if your dog has an ongoing health condition.

Some pet insurance will cover a pre-existing condition after a one-year waiting period. However, many do not cover pre-existing conditions or they have stipulations on what type of illness they cover. My dog has EPI (exocrine pancreatic insufficiency), for instance, and this is considered a pre-existing condition. Most pet insurance does not cover the cost of her medication or any vet visits for her EPI.

Preventive Care

Basic pet insurance usually does not include preventative care, such as an annual vaccination visit. However, many pet insurance policies now have options to add preventative care for an additional fee. Routine check-ups and annual shots are usually covered under preventative care policies. Some insurance may also cover dental cleanings.

Alternative Therapies

Comprehensive pet insurance can also include alternative therapies. If your dog or cat needs physical therapy, this is often covered. Other alternative treatments, like acupuncture and chiropractic care, may also be covered. However, there may be a limit on how much coverage you can get for alternative therapies, so be sure to check with your insurance so you know what’s covered and what any limits are.

For a resource, Investopedia offers more details on pet insurance and how it works.

What Does Pet Insurance Not Cover?

Pet insurance coverage can vary, but these are some common things that are not covered by pet insurance:

Pre-existing conditions. Conditions that your pet has that existed before the policy was purchased are usually not covered. Some comprehensive insurance may cover pre-existing conditions after a 1-year waiting period.
Routine care. Unless you have a plan that covers preventative care, annual vet visits for vaccines and teeth cleaning are not usually covered by pet insurance.
Experimental treatments. Pet insurance does not generally cover experimental therapies. If your policy includes alternative care, it may cover vet visits for physical therapy, acupuncture, or massage.
Cosmetic procedures. Pet insurance does not cover procedures for purely aesthetic reasons, such as ear cropping or tail docking.
Behavioral issues. Most pet insurance policies do not cover training costs for behavioral modification or obedience.

How to Choose the Right Pet Insurance Plan

I know shopping for pet insurance can be overwhelming, but it is well-worth doing your research to find the best options for your pet. After having a few life-saving surgeries for my dog, I have seen how important it is to be able to afford emergency and critical care. Pet insurance will give you peace of mind and allow your pet to access any necessary care in an emergency.

Here are some tips to help you choose the best pet insurance for your four-legged family member:

Evaluate your pet’s needs. Consider your pet’s breed, age, and health history. Also, keep in mind that an emergency could strike at any time, so pet insurance for accidents and illness is important. You can decide if you want additional coverage, such as preventative care. In my experience, having more coverage for emergencies and illnesses is important to me because I can anticipate and pay for my dog’s annual vet visit for vaccines.
Consider your vet costs. Where you live, and the cost of your vet can also affect your insurance needs. If you live in an expensive area or have a vet that is higher cost, you will probably need more insurance coverage to cover costs in an emergency.
Compare coverage options. Look at what is covered, deductibles, reimbursement percentages, and exclusions. If you want a higher reimbursement percentage, your monthly premium will be more expensive, but you will get more coverage for your vet visits.
Read the fine print. Understand your pet insurance policy’s terms and conditions.
Get quotes from multiple insurance providers. Compare prices and coverage. For instance, you can compare Trupanion pet insurance with Lemonade insurance and decide what the best option is for your pet and your financial situation. Ultimately, you’ll want to pick a policy that will cover large unforeseen medical expenses while giving you an affordable monthly premium.

Factors Affecting Pet Insurance Costs

Different factors can influence the cost of your pet insurance, including:

Location. Where you live and the costs of vets in your area have a big impact on the cost of pet insurance. Pet owners in expensive cities like NYC have higher insurance costs than those in lower-cost areas.
Pet age. In general, the younger your pet is, the lower your insurance costs will be. My dog is a senior, so has higher premiums.
Pet breed. Some breeds are more prone to certain health issues. French Bulldogs, for instance, generally have more respiratory problems than longer-nosed dogs such as shepherds.
Coverage level. The amount and type of coverage you choose will affect your pet insurance costs. If you want coverage for preventative treatments and alternative therapies, your premiums will be higher than basic accident and illness coverage.
Deductible. Your deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in. If you have a lower deductible, your premiums may be higher.
Reimbursement percentage. Pet insurance usually reimburses between 70 and 90 percent of the cost of care. If you choose a plan that reimburses you for 90 percent of costs, your deductible will be higher.

Pet Insurance Perks

Pet insurance is one of the best ways to make sure your furry family member gets the medical care they need. Unfortunately, vet costs can be very high, especially for emergency visits, surgeries, and specialty veterinarians. Pet insurance can reimburse you for the majority of your pet’s vet bills and medical costs and ensure you don’t end up in debt for vet care. There are many different options for pet insurance coverage and care, and you can shop around to find the best fit for you and your pet. Getting pet insurance can be a life-saving decision that will help you and your pet live happily together for years to come.

Marnie Kunz is a NASM-certified trainer and USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach, dog lover, Akita mom, and writer based in Brooklyn, NY. She is the founder of Runstreet and the Book of Dog.

What Does Pet Insurance Cover and How Much Does It Cost?