Calculate Potential Costs

The average dog owner spends $242 per year on routine vet care for their pet, but that spikes to $882 if an emergency occurs. For cats, routine annual costs average $178, and emergencies average $640. One major incident could set you back thousands in vet bills. Having insurance significantly reduces your out-of-pocket costs when these unpredictable situations happen.

Get Quotes 

Pet insurance premiums range widely based on factors like your pet’s species, breed, age, pre-existing conditions, and the level of coverage you select. Quoting with multiple top-rated providers helps you compare plans to find the optimal balance of affordable monthly payments and reimbursement coverage that fits your budget.

Determine Your Deductible

The annual deductible, which ranges from $100 to $1,000, is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in. Choosing a higher deductible lowers your monthly premium but means more upfront costs per claim. Select your deductible wisely based on what you can afford.

Choose Your Reimbursement Rate

Insurers repay a percentage of costs after you meet the deductible, typically 70%, 80%, or 90%. The higher the reimbursement rate, the pricier the monthly premiums but less you shell out per claim. Evaluate tradeoffs to strike the right balance for your finances.

Read Reviews

It’s wise to read pet insurance reviews on sites like TrustPilot and Google before choosing a provider. Look at factors like claim approval rates, reimbursement speed, customer service reputation, and whether they raise rates or deny coverage based on your pet’s age or health conditions.

Enroll at the Optimal Age

Ideally, you should enroll pets while young and healthy before illness or injury occurs. Most plans don’t cover pre-existing conditions. And premiums understandably increase with age. Insure puppies and kittens as early as 6-8 weeks old for maximum benefit. 

Submit Claims Correctly

When you need to file a claim, pay your vet bill upfront, then submit the detailed invoice and medical records to your pet insurer. Reimbursements are typically sent within 2 weeks via check or direct deposit. Some vets even file claims directly with the provider, saving you effort.