Is pet insurance worth it?

It can be, if a large surprise vet bill would be hard to afford. It protects against big emergencies rather than saving on routine costs. Younger pets get the best rates.

Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

Almost never — pre-existing conditions are typically excluded. That's why enrolling a pet while young and healthy gets the best coverage and price.

How to Choose Pet Insurance

4 min readReviewed by Dr. Jane Mitchell, DVM

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Pet insurance can save you from a huge surprise bill — if you pick the right plan. Here's how to choose.

What pet insurance covers

Most pet insurance reimburses a portion of covered accident and illness costs after a deductible. Plans vary — some add wellness coverage for routine care. It's protection against large, unexpected bills, not a way to save on everyday costs.

Save on your pet's care: Our [free pet savings card](/card) can lower the cost of prescriptions at thousands of pharmacies — no fees, no catch.

Key things to compare

Compare what's covered vs excluded (pre-existing conditions are usually excluded), the deductible and reimbursement percentage, annual limits, waiting periods, and the monthly premium. Read the fine print carefully.

Is it worth it for you?

Insurance makes most sense if a sudden multi-thousand-dollar bill would be hard to cover. Younger, healthy pets get the best rates. Alternatively, a dedicated pet emergency fund can serve a similar purpose for disciplined savers.

Pair it with everyday savings

Insurance handles emergencies; for routine costs, prevention and price comparison save the most. Our [free pet savings card](/card) lowers eligible medication prices, and comparing products at [PetMedPal](/products) stretches your budget further — a smart combination.

Save on your pet's meds

Grab our free Rx discount card — accepted at thousands of pharmacies.

Frequently asked

Is pet insurance worth it?: It can be, if a large surprise vet bill would be hard to afford. It protects against big emergencies rather than saving on routine costs. Younger pets get the best rates.
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?: Almost never — pre-existing conditions are typically excluded. That's why enrolling a pet while young and healthy gets the best coverage and price.