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Compare pet insurance quotes for your dog or cat

One short form about your pet. Pet insurance companies and agents compete to quote you — free, with no obligation to buy.

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  • About 2 minutes
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How pet insurance works

Most pet insurance works by reimbursement. You take your pet to any licensed veterinarian, pay the bill, and submit a claim. After your deductible, the insurer pays back a percentage of covered costs, up to your plan's limit. Three choices shape every plan and its price:

Plan choiceWhat it means
DeductibleWhat you pay before coverage starts, usually once a year. A higher deductible lowers your monthly price.
Reimbursement rateThe share of covered costs the plan pays back after the deductible — commonly 70%, 80% or 90%.
Annual limitThe most the plan pays in a policy year. Some plans offer unlimited annual coverage.

What pet insurance usually covers

  • Accidents — broken bones, cuts, swallowed objects, bite wounds and other injuries.
  • Illnesses — from ear and skin infections to cancer, diabetes, allergies and digestive problems.
  • Emergency and specialist care — emergency visits, surgery, hospital stays, imaging and lab tests.
  • Hereditary and congenital conditions on many accident-and-illness plans, if they weren't present before coverage began.
  • Prescriptions for covered conditions.

What it usually doesn't cover

  • Pre-existing conditions — problems your pet showed signs of before coverage started. Some insurers will cover a condition that's been cured for a set time; check each policy.
  • Routine and preventive care like vaccines, checkups and flea prevention — unless you add a wellness plan.
  • Anything during the waiting period right after you enroll, often a few days for accidents and around two weeks for illnesses. Some conditions, like cruciate ligament injuries, can have longer waits.
  • Elective and cosmetic procedures, and breeding costs.

Types of pet insurance plans

  • Accident and illness — the most common choice. Covers both unexpected injuries and sickness.
  • Accident only — a lower-cost plan for injuries alone. Illnesses aren't covered.
  • Wellness add-on — an optional extra that helps pay for routine care such as exams, vaccines and dental cleanings.

What affects the price

  • Species and breed. Dogs usually cost more to insure than cats, and breeds prone to certain conditions can cost more.
  • Age. Prices typically rise as pets get older, and enrolling while your pet is young means fewer conditions are excluded as pre-existing.
  • Where you live. Vet costs vary by area, so your ZIP code affects the price.
  • The plan you choose. Deductible, reimbursement rate and annual limit all change the monthly cost.

Pet insurance by breed

Some breeds are prone to specific, sometimes costly conditions. See what to watch for and what to look for in a policy:

Tips for choosing a plan

  • Enroll early. The sooner your pet is covered, the fewer conditions can be ruled out as pre-existing.
  • Read the exclusions. Compare how each plan handles hereditary conditions, dental illness and exam fees.
  • Match the deductible to your savings. Pick an amount you could pay comfortably if your pet needs care.
  • Compare several companies. Prices and coverage for the same pet can vary a lot between insurers.

FAQ

Pet insurance questions

Is pet insurance worth it?

It depends on your budget and how you'd handle a large, unexpected vet bill. Pet insurance spreads the cost of accidents and illnesses into a predictable monthly payment, which many owners find easier than paying for emergency surgery or ongoing treatment at once.

Can I use any veterinarian?

With most pet insurance plans, yes. Because they reimburse you after you pay, you can usually visit any licensed vet, emergency clinic or specialist in the US.

Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

Generally no. Conditions your pet showed signs of before coverage began are excluded. Some insurers will cover a condition that has been cured and symptom-free for a set period — check each policy's terms.

Is there a waiting period?

Yes. Most plans have a short waiting period after you enroll before claims are covered — often a few days for accidents and around two weeks for illnesses, with longer waits for some orthopedic conditions.

Is there an age limit?

Many insurers cover pets from about 8 weeks old, and many have no upper age limit to enroll, though prices are higher for older pets. Rules vary by company.

Does pet insurance cover routine care like vaccines?

Not usually on its own. Routine and preventive care is typically covered only if you add a wellness plan to your policy.

Can I insure more than one pet?

Yes. Many insurers let you cover several pets and offer a multi-pet discount. Each pet usually has its own policy and price.

How does comparing work here?

You answer a few questions about your pet and your contact details. We share your request with pet insurance companies and agents in our network, who may contact you with quotes. It's free and you're never obligated to buy.

This page is general information, not insurance advice. Coverage, exclusions, waiting periods and prices vary by insurer and plan — read the policy before you buy.

Compare pet insurance quotes

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