Updated July 2, 2026
What does pet insurance cover, and how much does it cost?
Pet insurance reimburses you for covered vet bills after a deductible, turning a surprise $5,000 surgery into a manageable expense. Here's how it works and how to decide if it's right for your pet.
What pet insurance covers
Most policies are accident-and-illness plans: they cover injuries, illnesses, surgeries, diagnostics and sometimes prescriptions. They do not cover pre-existing conditions, routine wellness (unless you add it), or elective procedures. Accident-only plans are cheaper but skip illness, the bulk of claims as pets age.
How reimbursement works
You pay the vet, then file a claim. The payout is the bill minus your annual deductible, times your reimbursement rate (commonly 70-90%), capped at your annual limit. See exactly what you'd get back with the reimbursement calculator.
What it costs
Premiums depend on species, age, breed and coverage, typically $20-60/month, rising as your pet ages. Insuring young and healthy locks in lower rates before conditions become pre-existing exclusions. Estimate your premium with the cost calculator.
Is it worth it?
For healthy pets with minor issues, self-insuring (saving the premium) can win. For accident-prone breeds, or if a surprise five-figure bill would be a crisis, insurance usually pays for itself the first time it's needed. Weigh it with the worth-it calculator and check typical bills in the vet cost estimator.
Things to know before you buy a policy
- The three numbers: deductible, reimbursement rate, annual limit.
- Whether it pays on actual vet bills (most do) vs a benefit schedule.
- Waiting periods and how pre-existing conditions are defined.
- Whether premiums rise with age (most do).