Comparing Pet Insurance Plans and Quotes (2024)

Pet owners in the U.S. spent $136.8 billion on pet expenditures in 2022 alone. Pet insurance is becoming more popular as vet care costs increase nationwide. Pet owners are turning to pet health insurance to offset the increasing costs they spend on their pets.

From 2016 to 2020, the total number of pets insured grew by 24.2%, with more than 3.1 million pets covered by insurance, according to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association. It’s important to compare pet health insurance plans as different coverage options are available at various price points. Several factors are used to determine your price, including your ZIP code, pet’s age, breed, and species.

• Pet Insurance Plan Options
• Why You Should Compare Insurance Plans
• Why Pre-Existing Conditions Matter
• Factors to Consider
• How to Compare Pet Insurance Plans
• Pet Insurance Plan FAQs

Pet insurance is not a one-size-fits-all product, and owners should compare pet insurance plans before choosing a policy. There are generally three types of pet insurance plans available, including wellness plans, accident-only coverage, and accident and illness plans. Which you choose will affect the price of pet insurance and the savings you receive.

Accident-only pet insurance is typically used in an emergency, like your pet receiving an insect sting or ingesting a foreign object. For the broadest coverage available, consider accident and illness coverage, which also includes congenital and hereditary conditions. Most pet health insurance plans don’t cover preventive measures, like vaccines, wellness exams, tests, and medication for fleas, heartworm and ticks. A standalone or add-on wellness plan package can be valuable for covering these routine visits.

You should also consider different elements of the plan when you compare pet health insurance coverage. Though coverage types vary by company, most offer various coverage limits, deductibles and reimbursement amounts. The level of care your pet requires and how much you want to cover can help you choose which plan fits your needs best.

The average annual cost of vet care is between $700 and $1,500, so $5,000 in yearly coverage could be all you need. This plan comes with a $500 deductible and reimburses 80% of the covered vet costs after the deductible is met. In the pet insurance comparison chart below, Pets Best is the cheapest, while 24 Pet Watch is the most expensive for this level of coverage.

You never know when an emergency can occur, and $10,000 can go much further than $5,000. With the average emergency surgery cost ranging from $1,500–$7,000 or more, the added coverage may be a wise choice. These plans include a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursement, with Figo being the cheapest and Nationwide the most expensive.

Though it costs the most, an unlimited coverage pet insurance plan could be the best solution. After all, we can’t predict the future, and your pet could need a lot of vet care later on. With a $250 deductible and 90% reimbursement percentage, Pets Best offers the cheapest rate. Spot has the most expensive plan, as shown in the pet insurance comparison chart below.

You should compare pet insurance coverage plans because options and costs vary by company. You want to get the best deal with the most coverage, and the only way to do that is with a veterinary insurance comparison. Cats usually have fewer health issues than dogs and see the vet less often, so don’t be surprised when you compare dog insurance to cat insurance and find that it’s more expensive.

Your pet’s gender and age also matter, especially if they already have health issues when you apply for the policy. If you want to ensure your pet is covered, a cat insurance comparison or dog insurance quote comparison is key to understanding the policy and making the right choice before you buy.

A pre-existing condition is an accident or illness your pet has already been treated for before buying pet insurance. This condition could be a ligament tear, ear infection, urinary tract infection or injury. Pre-existing conditions are not covered by any pet insurance policy.

If your pet has a pre-existing condition, it can significantly limit how much value you get from your pet insurance plan. You can avoid having uncovered pre-existing conditions by acquiring your policy while your pet is still young and before health issues occur.

There are several factors that affect the price you pay for a pet insurance plan. Where you live and your pet’s age are just two elements that impact your pet insurance costs. Be sure to consider the following factors when you compare pet health insurance coverage.

It’s not surprising that pet owners have many questions about insurance coverage. By understanding the answers to the most frequently asked questions about choosing and buying pet insurance plans, you can find the best policy for your pet.