How much does pet insurance cost?

If you've ever had a pet get injured or sick, then you know that vet bills can add up quickly. Fortunately, pet insurance — a type of health insurance that's just for cats and dogs — can help offset those costs or even cover them entirely.

Like human health insurance, you pay a monthly premium and, in exchange, get coverage for a variety of medical treatments, prescriptions and sometimes preventative measures, too.

Whatever your pet's breed, gender or age, it's always a good idea to have some added protection. And there are even more benefits of pet insurance for new owners. However, prices do vary, so compare quotes and see which company fits your needs best.

Do you have a furry friend and don't want vet bills draining you dry? Here's how pet insurance can help.

How much does pet insurance cost?

Pet insurance costs vary widely, but with most companies, you will pay between $30 to $70 per month for a dog and $15 to $40 per month for a cat.

The exact price you pay will depend on a number of factors, including:

The type of animal you haveYour pet's breed and genderThe age of your petWhere you live

The insurance company you choose matters, too, which is why it's important to shop around when getting pet insurance. Always compare at least a few quotes to ensure you're getting the best deal and coverage.

You may also be able to get pet insurance through an existing insurance company you work with (the one that provides your car insurance, for example). Many companies offer discounts for consumers with multiple coverage lines.

There are other reliable ways to get cheap pet insurance. Here are two important tips:

Speak with your veterinarian. While they won't directly influence your rates or coverage they can help advise you on plans that benefit your dog or cat. Tailor your policy accordingly so you don't wind up paying for coverage that you don't need. Get an accident-only policy. An accident-only policy is exactly what it sounds like - coverage for accidents only. While this baseline coverage won't be comprehensive (it won't cover medication, for example) it could be enough for your needs. And it won't break the bank.

A pet insurance expert can help you build a cost-effective and reliable plan.

How does pet insurance work?

Pet insurance policies usually work on a reimbursement basis. So, you'll pay your vet directly and then file a claim with your insurer afterward. They'll then process that claim and reimburse you for the appropriate amount. Depending on your policy and the treatment, it may be the full amount or a percentage of what you were originally charged.

In some cases, these policies have a deductible. This means you have to pay a certain amount out of pocket before your insurer will contribute.

If this sounds like something that could benefit you consider providing some basic information to get a free price quote.

What does pet insurance cover?

Don't fall for any misconceptions. There are many advantages of pet insurance, though coverage varies by insurer and plan. Generally, pet insurance covers unexpected injuries and emergencies, as well as larger items, like surgery.

Here's a look at what most insurance companies cover:

Accidents and injuries, like broken bones, cuts or swallowed objectsIllnesses, including allergies, infections and diabetesSurgeryTreatment for heredity and congenital conditions, like hip dysplasia, cherry eye or glaucomaTreatment for behavioral issues, including pacing, chewing or lickingAlternative therapy, like acupuncture or chiropractic careTesting and diagnostics, like blood tests, MRIs and X-raysEmergency exam feesCancer treatment Certain medications and prescription foods

Keep in mind that all pet policy plans will have coverage limits — a maximum amount the insurer will contribute annually. You'll want to keep these in mind when choosing your policy.

Pet insurance typically doesn't include routine care, like vaccinations, heartworm/flea preventatives or annual check-ups — at least automatically. However, many insurers do allow you to add coverage for these items at an extra fee.

Pet insurance usually won't cover pre-existing conditions either. So if your pet has a documented condition before you take out the policy, any treatments related to it will not be eligible for reimbursement.

Types of pet insurance

There are many types of pet insurance plans. Some insurers offer accident-only plans, which only cover treatment for injuries and accidents, like a snake bite or ingesting a toxic substance, for example. These tend to be the most budget-friendly options, as the coverage is limited.

Companies usually offer a more comprehensive plan, too, which includes accidents and injuries, as well as testing, diagnostics, medications and various other medical treatments your vet deems necessary.

Finally, many insurers also have a routine care or wellness package you can add as a supplement to your main policy. This will cover things like annual check-ups, vaccinations, microchipping and more.

Have more questions? Consider reaching out to a pet insurance expert to find out more.

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