How Much Is Pet Insurance


‘How much is pet insurance’ is a valid question because more than 90 million households in the U.S. have pets. There are a variety of options for your furry friend’s needs to protect you against unexpected veterinary bills. 

Your pets deserve the best care, this includes medical care, too. Therefore, you need to safeguard yourself from potentially expensive vet bills by getting the right insurance for your furry companion. Moreover, getting insurance for your fur baby will give you peace of mind. This will help you to better care for your pet than worry about potential medical bills.

In this guide, we’ll cover the cost of pet insurance and why you need to get one.

What is Pet Insurance?

Is a type of insurance policy that provides financial coverage for your pet’s medical bills during an injury or illness. The policy pays for treatments such as surgeries, hospitalization, medications, and other veterinary services. Pet insurance allows owners to provide their pets with necessary medical care without having to worry about the cost. With the increasing cost of veterinary care, pet insurance has become a popular option for owners to ensure the health and well-being of their furry companions.

how much is pet insurance
How Much Is Pet Insurance

What are The Benefits of Pet Insurance?

The main benefit is that it can provide financial protection for veterinary expenses. It can help pet owners provide their pets with necessary medical care without worrying about the cost. It can also enable access to better medical care, stabilize budgets, and provide options for routine care. Below are the main benefits of getting your pet insured:

Save money on unexpected veterinary costs

Owners can provide their pets with necessary medical care without worrying about the cost.

Visit any vet that you choose

Pet insurance is unique in that it gives you the freedom to go to any vet. You also don’t need to have a referral from a doctor to choose a specialist. 

Access to better care 

Pet insurance enables you to provide your pets with better medical care since you won’t have to worry about compromising the healthcare of your pet because of the cost.

Budget stability 

Getting pet insurance can help stabilize owners’ budgets by spreading the cost of veterinary care over a year. Instead of having to face a large, unexpected bill.

Peace of mind 

Pet insurance offers peace of mind by providing financial security in case of an emergency or unexpected illness.

Expensive treatments are covered

In the case of hospitalization, this includes the cost of hospitalization stay, the cost of the vet stay, and any required testing. This means, you no longer have to worry about whether you can afford expensive treatment!

Annual Cost of Pet Insurance

The annual cost varies. But, on average, it can range from $300 to $840 for dogs and $120 to $480 for cats. The exact cost can depend on factors such as the type of pet, its age, breed, location, and the level of coverage desired. It’s important to compare pet insurance policies and understand their coverage before making a decision. This is to ensure you choose an affordable and comprehensive plan for your pet. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate and the actual cost may be higher or lower.

How Much Is Pet Insurance A Month?

The answer to how much is pet insurance a month depends on a host of factors. On average, the monthly premium cost ranges from $25 to $70 for dogs and $10 to $40 for cats. The exact cost can depend on factors such as the type of pet, its age, breed, location, and the level of coverage desired. As mentioned above, you should compare policies and understand their coverage to ensure you choose an affordable insurance plan for your pet. 

how much is pet insurance a month
How Much Is Pet Insurance a Month

What Does It Cover?

Now that we’ve covered the monthly cost, it’s important to know what goes into the coverage for which you’re paying. When it comes to pet insurance policies, they typically cover the expenses you incur when visiting the vet because your furry friend suffers from an illness or injury. The coverage can include a range of treatments, like surgeries, hospitalization, medications, diagnostic tests, X-rays, specialists’ visits, cancer treatments, chronic conditions, alternative therapies, and accidental injury. Some plans may also cover routine or preventive care, such as vaccinations, teeth cleaning, and wellness exams.

There are diverse pet insurance policies that offer different coverage and benefits, so you should carefully review the policy before purchasing. This is to ensure that the insurance meets the needs of your pet. You should also look out for any exclusions or limitations that may apply, like a waiting period for coverage to take effect, annual or lifetime coverage limits, and restrictions based on pre-existing conditions. 

How Much Is Pet Insurance For A Dog

Although we have already mentioned the cost of insurance for dogs, we will go over the list of factors that determine the cost. As mentioned, the average insurance cost for a dog can range from $25 to $70 per month or $300 to $840 per year. The exact cost will depend on several factors listed below:

Type of dog 

Certain breeds, such as bulldogs and retrievers, may be more expensive to insure due to their higher risk of certain health issues.

Age of dog 

Older dogs typically have more health problems, so their insurance premiums may be higher.

Location 

Insurance costs can vary depending on where you live, as certain areas may have higher veterinary costs.

Level of coverage 

Different insurance policies offer different levels of coverage, with some offering more comprehensive coverage and higher premiums.

Deductible 

The deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in. A higher deductible will lower your monthly premium, but you will be responsible for paying more in case of an emergency.

Reimbursement level 

The reimbursement level refers to the percentage of veterinary costs that the insurance company will pay after you pay your deductible. A higher reimbursement level will result in a higher monthly premium.

How Much Is Pet Insurance For A Cat

Similarly to dogs, we have mentioned the average cost of insurance for cats, which can range from $15 to $30 per month or $180 to $360 per year. Moreover, the list of factors that determine the exact cost of the insurance is the same as the ones we have listed for dogs above. 

The only difference is regarding the type of cat. Certain breeds, such as Siamese and Persians, may be more expensive to insure due to their higher risk for certain health issues.

How Much Would Treatment Cost You Without A Pet Insurance?

The cost of veterinary care without insurance can vary greatly. The cost depends on the type of treatment or procedure your pet needs. It can range from a few hundred dollars for routine check-ups and vaccinations to several thousand dollars for major surgeries or emergency treatments. 

The cost of major surgeries or emergency treatments for dogs or cats without pet insurance can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. The factors largely depend on the type of procedure, the veterinary facility, and the location. For example, some procedures, such as a broken leg, can cost upwards of $4,000. Other emergencies, such as ingesting a foreign object, can cost over $10,000. These costs can paralyze pet owners financially if their pets aren’t insured. Therefore, many instead prefer to purchase an insurance plan to help offset the financial burden.

Where Can You Find The Best Pet Insurance Plans?

You can find the best pet insurance plans by comparing quotes from different providers. You can visit their websites, read reviews, and compare coverage options and pricing to find the best plan for you and your pet. Additionally, you can also consult with veterinarians or animal organizations to get recommendations.

Pet Insurance Becoming A Necessity

Getting pet insurance is increasingly becoming popular and necessary for a lot of pet owners. Due to the rise in treatment costs, many pet owners may not be able to afford to pay out of pocket. Therefore, it’s important to research the best plan that fits your budget, as well as your pet’s needs. Don’t let the cost of treatment get in the way of your fluffy friend’s health.

Having insurance can bring pet owners peace of mind knowing that they are financially prepared to provide the best possible care for their furry companions without having to worry about the financial burden of unexpected vet bills.

References

[1] Pet Insurance Cost in 2023. “How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost In 2023? “ ForbesAdvisor, January, 2023.

[2] Average Cost of Insurance For Pets. “Average Cost of Pet Insurance: 2023 Quotes “ ValuePenguin, January, 2023.

[3] Cost of Insurance For Pets. “How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost? (2023 Guide)” MarketWatch, December, 2022.

[4] Insurance of Pets: Cost in 2023. “How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost? “ USNews, June, 2022.