The three main types of pet insurance are comprehensive (accident and illness), accident-only, and basic wellness care. More than 4.8 million pets are covered by one of these pet insurance types, which can help reimburse veterinarian bills keeping your furry friend healthy and happy.
Each type of pet insurance includes different coverage, so you’ll want to pick the one that best meets your needs.
Your state of residence determines the pet insurance policies available to you.
Comprehensive (accident and illness) pet insurance covers veterinarian care for most accidents, medical problems, and breed-specific conditions.
Accident-only pet insurance kicks in if your dog or cat is injured or in an accident.
Wellness and preventive care pet coverage is an add-on benefit covering well-pet exams, vaccinations, and other types of routine care.
Pet insurance often contains significant fine print that may limit claim reimbursement—read it to learn more.
What comprehensive coverage includes
While the exact terms vary from one insurer to another, comprehensive plans usually provide reimbursement for any surprising incident, including:
- Accidents: Such as bite wounds, swallowed objects, broken bones
- Chronic conditions: Such as cancer, arthritis, and diabetes
- Common illnesses: Such as skin infections and urinary tract infections
- Behavioral problems: including excessive licking or destructive chewing
- Dental care: Including root canals, broken teeth, periodontal disease
- Diagnostic testing: X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and blood work.
- Prescription medications and supplements
Breed-specific, inherited conditions such as hip dysplasia and heart disease may be covered, but many plans don’t cover these conditions as they’re considered “pre-existing.”
What it doesn’t include
As comprehensive as this insurance is, it doesn’t cover everything. Most policies may contain dozens of exclusions. Here are some standard exclusions:
- Pre-existing conditions or conditions occurring during the waiting period
- Breeding and pregnancy
- Deliberate injury by you or someone in your home
- Cosmetic procedures
- Cloning
- Procedures and treatments deemed not medically necessary
- Grooming and boarding
Accident-Only Coverage
Accident-only coverage excludes illnesses. Vet bills can add up quickly after an injury or accident. If your pet can’t get a comprehensive pet insurance plan due to age or health or if you need more affordable pet insurance, an accident-only policy may be a good fit.
What accident-only coverage includes
This plan typically includes all diagnostic tests, treatment, surgery, exam fees, and prescription medication for emergency vet care due to an accident.
Here are some common mishaps covered by an accident-only plan:
- Swallowing a foreign object or something toxic
- Laceration
- Heat stroke
- Breaking a bone
- Bee sting
- Getting hit by a car
What is doesn’t include
Accident insurance doesn’t cover illnesses or inherited conditions. Other exclusions often include:
- Breed-specific conditions
- Cancer
- Dental illness
- Pre-existing conditions
- Behavioral care
- Routine checkups
Pet Wellness and Health Maintenance Coverage
Wellness and preventive care coverage is typically sold as an add-on product (or “rider”) to one of the two insurance types above. It’s not exactly an insurance product, but a plan that reimburses you at a flat rate for routine checkups and preventive care.
In 2021, the average cost of routine medical care was $225 for a dog and $160 for a cat. To help with these costs, some pet parents opt for wellness and preventative care coverage.
What wellness coverage includes
These plans include routine care, such as:
- Wellness exams
- Vaccinations and titers
- Microchipping
- Parasite prevention
- Dental cleanings
- Deworming
- Fecal tests
- Urinalysis
Many wellness plans are offered in tiers with different procedure coverages. For example, spaying and neutering is not included on some basic wellness plans and requires an upgrade to a premium level of coverage.
What it doesn’t include
Wellness and preventative care plans are about keeping your dog or cat healthy through routine care and excludes emergencies, illnesses and injuries. More basic plans will have longer lists of exclusions.
Common exclusions include:
- Pregnancy
- Cosmetic and elective surgeries
- Grooming and nail trimming
- Chronic conditions
Other Pet Coverage Options
You may be able to select pet coverage riders for:
- Chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hip dysplasia
- Breeding
- Boarding and kenneling
- Pre-existing conditions
- Prescription food
- Dental care
- Hereditary/chronic/conditional conditions
- Senior pets
- Behavioral health
- End-of-life care
- Physical therapy
Choosing the Right Coverage for Your Pet
Now that you have a better understanding of the types of pet insurance, how do you decide which one is right for you? The best pet insurance plan for you depends on your goals, budget, animal’s age, and each policy’s terms.
Comprehensive: Is It Right for You?
If you want the peace of mind that comes with complete coverage for illness or injury, a comprehensive plan is your best option. However, it will be more expensive than most plans, particularly as your pet grows older.
Vet bills from injuries or illnesses can crush your budget. If your cat is diagnosed with cancer, the treatment can easily surpass $6,000.
Accident-Only: Is It Right for You?
Pet owners who want the peace of mind that insurance provides, but don’t have much room in the budget for premiums, can consider an accident-only plan. While this won’t cover illnesses, the plan will help if, for example, your dog needs emergency surgery after eating a foreign object (which can cost $1,600 to almost $22,000) or has a different type of accident.
Wellness Coverage: Is it Right for You?
You’ll also need to determine if you want to add to a wellness plan. While some research shows that this type of coverage may not save you a lot of money, it can help you spread your vet costs out over the whole year instead of paying for them all at once.
When choosing wellness coverage, you should also consider your pet’s age. Some companies have a maximum age requirement. If your four-legged friend is too old, they may only be eligible for accident-only coverage.
Finally, since each pet insurance company has different terms and conditions, you’ll want to carefully review the policies you’re considering.
Pet Insurance: What To Look For
When reviewing plans, pay close attention to how claims are handled for reimbursement, including waits.
You’ll also likely be able to choose the following for comprehensive and injury-only plans:
- Annual limit: The upper limits of your annual reimbursement, which may range from $2,500 to unlimited amounts
- Percentage of reimbursement: How much you’ll be reimbursed for a vet bill or procedure; often ranges from 70% to 90%
- Deductibles: You can set a higher deductible to reduce the costs of your plan; it ranges from $50 to $1,000.
Also, carefully how each plan addresses the following:
- Coverage: Conditions, illnesses, injuries, exams, and procedures covered.
- Constraints: Including waiting periods, pre-existing condition coverage, and exclusions
- Veterinarian choice: Network or your choice?
- Overall costs: Discounts available and fees charged.