As a pet owner, it’s important to consider pet insurance as part of your pet’s overall health and wellness care. In the event of an emergency, veterinary costs can quickly become expensive and even exceed the cash on hand. Pet insurance can help you ease the burden of high veterinary costs.
While some people may consider it just another monthly expense, pet insurance can help you afford necessary medical care for your pet, such as emergency surgery or cancer treatment, without breaking the bank. Pet insurance is also worth considering if you have a breed that is more susceptible to certain health conditions or diseases.
Pet insurance can help cover your pet’s medical expenses if they get sick or injured. But how much does it really cost?

what are some things that you should know before buying coverage?

Pet insurance policies typically have two parts: Part A covers routine care like vaccinations, spaying/neutering, microchipping, and heartworm prevention; Part B pays for emergency care like surgery, hospitalization, and treatment at specialty veterinary clinics.
Most companies offer both Parts A and B, but some only cover Part A. If you’re looking for comprehensive coverage, look for a policy that includes both.
Some companies charge annual premiums based on the age of your pet. Others base their rates on the number of pets you own.
You may want to consider getting multiple policies from different companies. This way, if one company goes out of business, you’ll still have other options.

Make sure you understand any exclusions in your policy.

These could include pre-existing conditions, breed restrictions, and limitations on the types of treatments covered.
Pet insurance is a great way to protect your pet from unexpected health issues that could cost thousands of dollars. However, not all pet insurance plans are created equal. Here’s what you need to know about pet insurance before signing up.

How much does pet insurance cost?

The average annual premium for pet insurance can range anywhere from $50-$200 per year depending on your dog breed, age, and medical history. If you have multiple pets, you may want to consider getting separate policies for each animal.

Do I really need pet insurance?

If you own a dog, cat, rabbit, bird, fish, reptile, or other small animals, then you definitely need pet insurance. Pets are prone to many different types of illnesses and accidents that can cause significant damage to your home and belongings. In fact, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), over half of all households with dogs and cats have experienced at least one pet-related emergency.

Do I need to renew my policy?

Most pet insurance plans require you to renew them annually. However, some companies allow you to purchase a yearly renewal at any time. Check with your provider to find out what their policy is regarding annual renewals.

Do I need to have my pet spayed/neutered?

Spaying and neutering your pet reduces their risk of developing certain cancers and other health problems. Spaying and neutering also prevents unwanted pregnancies.

Is There Any Way to Lower My Premiums?

You may want to consider lowering your premiums by choosing a lower deductible. A higher deductible means that you pay less money each month, but you are responsible for larger out-of-pocket payments.

 Is There Any Discounts Available?

If you pay your premiums annually instead of monthly, you could save money. Also, if you have a good credit score, you could qualify for discounts.

How to Find the Best Pet Insurance Company?

Choosing the best pet insurance coverage is a big decision. There are so many options out there, and each has its pros and cons. How do you choose the best plan?
Pet owners often worry about their pets’ health care costs. In addition to paying for veterinary bills, they also have to pay for medications, treatments, and other medical expenses. The cost of these services can add up over time, especially if you have multiple animals.
There are three major pet insurance companies in the U.S. — Trupanion, Petplan, and Healthy Paws — that offer some of the best coverage and highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry.
However, there are other pet insurance companies that have similar offerings as these top three companies at a lower cost. They may not be as well-known or have as many options for coverage, but they could be worth a look if you’re considering pet insurance but want to do some more research first.
The best pet insurance company is Healthy Paws Pet Insurance, because it has the highest limits, the most comprehensive coverage, and doesn’t require a waiting period. However, it’s also the most expensive pet insurance provider on our list.
There are a number of other pet insurance companies that have plans that will fit your needs and budget, but Healthy Paws had the best overall coverage when we compared plans from the top eight providers.
Here’s a list of other pet insurance providers, along with what makes them different from the top three companies:

Embrace Pet Insurance

You can get Embrace Pet Insurance by visiting its website or signing up through its partnership with several credit unions and banks, including Navy Federal Credit Union, Allstate Bank, and First Tech Federal Credit Union. Your premiums will be higher if you buy it through a credit union or bank than through Embrace directly.
Embrace provides several different levels of coverage, including accident-only plans, comprehensive plans, and wellness plans that range from $500 to $5,000 in annual coverage. In addition to covering illnesses, accidents, and wellness care, Embrace also offers free alternative therapies like acupuncture, chiropractic care, and hydrotherapy. It also lets you choose your own deductible — which is rare among pet insurance.

ASPCA Pet Health Insurance

ASPCA Pet Health Insurance is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which means it meets BBB’s standards for trustworthiness. ASPCA doesn’t have a mobile app and doesn’t offer much information on its website about what types of services are covered under its policies and how much you’ll pay for them.

Figo Pet Insurance

Figo also offers three levels of coverage, but they’re all comprehensive plans that cover accidents and illnesses. You can choose between a $100 or $250 deductible. Basic preventive care (like immunizations and vaccinations) is included in all plans.

Nationwide Pet Insurance

Nationwide is another well-known brand in the world of pet insurance, with a few different options to choose from. You can select its Accident & Illness plan, which covers accidents and most illnesses, or its Whole Pet with Wellness plan if you want to add routine care into your coverage. If you just want accident protection, Nationwide also has an Accident-Only plan available.

Pets Best

Pets Best covers both cats and dogs and can reimburse you up to 90% of your vet bills, depending on the plan. In addition to accident and illness coverage, they offer a separate wellness rider you can add to your policy to cover routine vet care like vaccinations, teeth cleaning and spay/neutering surgeries.

PetFirst Pet Insurance

PetFirst doesn’t charge deductibles but instead issues a flat $200 reimbursement per incident. That means if your pet needs two surgeries in a year, you’ll get $400 back — not $200 per surgery. This is helpful because often, multiple illnesses are related to the same problem or condition. The company also offers add-ons like behavioral therapy and alternative treatments like acupuncture.

Conclusion

Although this list is not comprehensive, it shows you that there are many pet insurance providers available to choose from, whether you want to go with one of the top three companies or a lesser-known company. While each company is different, they all have the same common goal: to make your premiums affordable and to deliver the best possible customer service. The fine print may vary, but for the most part, these companies offer many of the same benefits. It’s up to you to decide which one fits your needs best.