Table of contents
- Pet insurance for dogs
- How pet insurance works
- How to buy pet insurance
- What it covers
- What isn’t covered
- Dog insurance cost
- Common claims
- FAQs
Table of contents
- Pet insurance for dogs
- How pet insurance works
- How to buy pet insurance
- What it covers
- What isn’t covered
- Dog insurance cost
- Common claims
- FAQs
Dogs are the most common pet in the country. In fact, around 49 million U.S. households have one or more dogs.[1] Owning a dog comes with both routine and unexpected expenses. Pet insurance minimizes the financial burden you can face if your dog becomes ill or needs surgery.[2] It’s similar to healthcare insurance for humans in that it comes with annual deductibles, premiums, and copays.[3]
With so many options to choose from, it’s hard to know which pet insurance company is best for you. Here’s what you should know about how pet insurance works, as well as the five best pet insurance options for your dog.
Quick Facts
Like other types of insurance, pet insurance can have a deductible that you must pay out of pocket before the insurance begins to pay.
Pet insurance typically covers illness and injury, while a pet wellness plan can help with the cost of preventive care.
Comparing pet insurance quotes from multiple providers is the best way to find the coverage you need at an affordable price.
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Best pet insurance for dogs
When it comes to pet insurance, you have many different options to choose from. The best plan for you depends on your pet’s health status, age, and breed.
Here are the five best pet insurance plans available.
Spot: Best for annual coverage options
Average monthly quote: $70
Spot offers accident-only pet insurance plans and accident and illness plans. If you choose the accident and illness plan, you’ll receive coverage for your dog’s vet exam fees, dental illnesses, and alternative therapies, like acupuncture. Spot has an unlimited annual plan and doesn’t have per-incident or lifetime caps on coverage.
Pros
Annual unlimited coverage option
Covers some care other pet insurers don’t, like alternative therapies
You can visit any licensed vet in the U.S.
Cons
Doesn’t offer as many discounts as other insurers
Requires a 14-day waiting period for coverage
Your premiums will increase as your pet ages
Trupanion: Best for reimbursem*nt
Average monthly quote: $63
Trupanion provides coverage for all dog breeds. The company provides extensive coverage that includes hereditary conditions, unidentified issues, and congenital issues developed before birth. Trupanion doesn’t have caps on insurance payouts, and the company pays your claims for vet bills as soon as you submit them.
Pros
No caps on insurance payouts
Won’t raise your premiums as your pet ages
Instant claim payouts
Cons
Doesn’t pay for exam fees
Doesn’t offer a wellness plan add-on
More expensive than some other insurers
Lemonade: Best for puppies
Average monthly quote: $54
Lemonade is the best option for puppies, thanks to the company’s preventative care package. This plan covers procedures like spaying and neutering, microchipping, and certain vaccines and boosters. And you can use coverage for visits at any licensed veterinarian office in the U.S.
Pros
Offers a preventative care package for puppies
Known for processing claims quickly
Offers a 5% multi-pet discount if you purchase dog and cat insurance together
Cons
Only available in 22 states and the District of Columbia
Costs extra for acupuncture or chiropractic care
Six-month waiting period for coverage of cruciate ligaments
Pets Best: Best for potential savings
Average monthly quote: $33
When you sign up for Pets Best, you can choose between accident-only coverage and accident and illness coverage. You also have the option to add routine care coverage, which pays for annual checkups and routine vaccinations. The company’s claims process is fairly simple, and you can sign up for direct deposit to receive your reimbursem*nts faster.
Pros
You can choose an accident-only plan to save money
Can reimburse your vet directly
Routine care available for annual checkups and vaccinations
Cons
Rates increase as your dog ages
Doesn’t cover food or supplements
Doesn’t cover alternative therapies
Figo: Best for pre-existing conditions
Average monthly quote: $32
Figo is one of the only pet insurance companies that may offer coverage for curable pre-existing conditions. To qualify, pets must be symptom-free within 12 months of treatment. Figo is also one of the few pet insurers that offer a 100% reimbursem*nt option.
Pros
May cover curable pre-existing conditions
No per-incident caps
Up to 100% reimbursem*nt on certain plans
Cons
Doesn’t offer an accident-only plan
Coverage for exam fees available at an added cost
Six-month waiting period for orthopedic problems, like hip dysplasia
How pet insurance works
Pet insurance provides financial support for routine and emergency care so your dog can always receive the care it needs. Most companies offer accident and illness and accident-only protection, and some let you pay extra for routine care, dental procedures, alternative therapies, and more.
You should always review policy details to understand what your coverage includes before purchasing. In particular, you’ll want to pay attention to the following factors:
Waiting periods: Nearly all pet insurance policies come with mandatory waiting periods. Once the waiting period is up, your pet’s coverage will apply for all eligible claims.
Deductibles: A deductible is the amount you have to spend out of pocket when you file a claim before your coverage kicks in. The lower you set your deductible, the more you’ll pay for monthly premiums.
Reimbursem*nt rate: Once you meet your deductible, your insurance company will pay a certain percentage of all eligible claims. Most pet insurance plans will reimburse between 60% and 100% of eligible costs.
Payout limits: Some insurance companies have annual limits, so you’ll want to understand these limits. Payout caps are typically either per condition or per year.
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How to buy pet insurance
Buying pet insurance is fairly easy, and most pet insurance companies let you sign up online. Here are the steps you need to take to buy pet insurance.
1. Compare pet insurance quotes
Start by comparing quotes from at least three different pet insurance companies. You can receive free quotes online, and you’ll see what your coverage includes, how much the plan costs, and what your out-of-pocket expenses will be.
It’s also a good idea to read the reviews of any companies you’re considering. Online reviews will help you see what kind of experiences other customers have had with that company.
2. Find the best coverage for you
The plan that’s best for you will depend on your pet, your budget, and the level of coverage you need. You should think about how much coverage you want and the type of deductible you’re willing to pay.
You should also find out how the claims process works, as well as how the company will reimburse you for any approved claims. For example, can you sign up for direct deposit? Or will the company reimburse your vet directly?
3. Purchase the policy
Once you’ve found the right company and plan, you can usually purchase the policy on the company’s website. You’ll enter your personal information, as well as details about your dog, and you can pay for your monthly or annual premium online.
What pet insurance for dogs covers
Your dog’s exact coverage will vary depending on the company and policy you choose, but here are the services pet insurance commonly covers:
Accidents: Pet insurance will pay for injuries sustained during an accident, like a broken bone.
Illnesses: It can cover pet illnesses, including ear infections, allergies, and diabetes.
Testing: This includes X-rays, MRI scans, and other diagnostic tests.
Surgery: Policies can cover portions of scheduled or emergency surgeries.
Medication: It will often pay for prescription medication for chronic conditions.
Hospitalizations: Pet insurance coverage also usually includes overnight hospital stays.
What pet insurance for dogs doesn’t cover
Like most types of insurance, pet coverage has a number of common exclusions. You should always familiarize yourself with your pet’s policy to understand what it includes.
Here are some common pet insurance exclusions:
Pre-existing conditions
Grooming services
Hereditary disorders
Wellness exams and preventative care
Anything not outlined in your plan
How much does pet insurance for dogs cost?
The average cost of pet insurance varies based on how much coverage you want for your dog. On average, an accident and illness policy for a dog costs $640 annually, or $53 per month. If you choose an accident-only plan for your dog, you’ll pay an average of $201 annually, or around $17 per month.[4]
The following factors affect the cost of pet insurance:
Your location
Your dog’s breed
Your dog’s age
Your dog’s health status
Your coverage
Your insurance company
Common dog insurance claims
Here are five of the most common conditions seen in pet insurance claims for dogs and cats, according to a study of member claims data from Nationwide:
Atopic or allergic dermatitis: Skin allergies have been the most common health issue for dogs for 11 years in a row.
Otitis externa: Ear infections are another common problem for dogs.
Enteropathy: This refers to a group of diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract.
Gastropathy: This is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach.
Pyoderma: This is a bacterial skin infection in dogs.[5]
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Dog insurance FAQs
Here’s some additional information for pet owners who want to find the best price for coverage that meets their dogs’ needs.
Does pet insurance cover dental?
Some plans offer dental coverage for dogs, though you may have to pay extra. If you have an accident-only policy, you’ll receive coverage for dental emergencies but not routine dental care.
Does pet insurance cover spaying and neutering?
Most pet insurance plans don’t cover spaying and neutering since it’s an elective procedure. However, some companies, like Lemonade, offer a preventative care plan for puppies that includes spaying and neutering.
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
No, pet insurance typically doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions.
Why do dogs need pet insurance?
Pet insurance can help you offset the costs of veterinary bills during your pet’s lifetime and ensure your dog receives necessary medical care.
Does pet insurance cover vet visits?
It depends on the company and type of coverage you choose — some pet insurance companies won’t ever cover routine visits to the vet. However, some pet insurers do offer routine care plans that includes vet visits for a higher premium.
Sources
- United States Census Bureau. "American Housing Survey: 2021 Household Pets." Accessed September 20, 2023
- American Animal Hospital Association. "How Does Pet Insurance Work?." Accessed September 20, 2023
- Insurance Information Institute. "Facts about pet insurance." Accessed September 20, 2023
- North American Pet Health Insurance Association. "Section #3: Average Premiums." Accessed September 20, 2023
- Nationwide. "Dermatitis, otitis externa continue to top common conditions that prompt veterinary visits." Accessed September 20, 2023
Jamie Johnson
Jamie Johnson is a Kansas City-based personal finance writer whose work has been featured on several of the top finance and business sites in the country, including Insider, Credit Karma, Bankrate, Rocket Mortgage, Fox Business, Quicken Loans, and The Balance. For the past six years, she's dedicated more than 10,000 hours of research and writing to more than 2,000 articles about personal finance topics.
Edited byKatie PowersAuto and Life Insurance Editor
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
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Reviewed byMark FriedlanderDirector, Corporate Communications
Corporate communications director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
As Director, Corporate Communications for Triple-I, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.
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