Enter your ZIP code below to view quotes for the Cheapest Pet Insurance Rates.
How much does Pet insurance cost?
Dog insurance usually costs $20-$50 a month for accident and illness coverage. Cat insurance a little less at around $10-$30 a month. The more high-risk breeds like French Bulldogs & German Shepherds can increase that amount to $70 a month because of the likelihood of hip dysplasia and respiratory issues.
If your dog is a puppy under a year, or a senior over 10, you're looking at 20-40% higher premiums overall. As for rates, Illinois and Texas tend to be pretty mid-range for the US, whereas California ends up running 15-20% higher because of the higher vet costs.
The cost of pet insurance can change depending on several factors listed below.
The type of pet: Generally, insurance for dogs is more expensive than for cats, and insurance for exotic pets can be even more costly.
The breed: Some breeds have specific health issues that can make insurance more expensive.
The age: Younger pets are typically cheaper to insure than older ones.
Your location: Costs can vary widely depending on where you live.
The type of coverage: Comprehensive plans that cover accidents and illnesses are more expensive than accident-only plans or wellness plans that cover routine care.
The deductible and reimbursement level: A lower or higher reimbursement level will increase the premium.
These are the main factors that can affect your pet insurance cost.
What types of Pet insurance plans can you choose from?
Accident only Pet insurance
Coverage for when your pet is hurt
Prudent Pet's accident-only plans cover things like a broken bone, a laceration, or a dog eating something it shouldn't have. The policy includes things like X-rays, surgery, hospital time, and emergency vet visits. Keep in mind, you've got to wait 14 days from the start of the policy before you can start filing claims.
Any prior ailments before the policy started is excluded from coverage, and there's no upper age limit to sign up at all. The per-incident cap is there, but it's on a case by case basis rather than an annual limit.
Essential Pet insurance
Coverage for when your pet is hurt or sick
The Essential policy steps it up a notch by adding in illness coverage on top of the accident protection. Covered illnesses include cancer, infections, digestive issues, diabetes, allergies and UTIs. The waiting period is still 14 days for accidents, and 14 days for illness. But, the waiting period is 6 months for cruciate ligament conditions & hip dysplasia. You get to choose from 70-90% reimbursement rates, and deductible options range from $100 to $500 a year.
Ultimate Pet insurance
Unlimited coverage for when your pet is hurt or sick
The Ultimate plan really takes things up a notch with its unlimited annual coverage - no per-incident caps here. This includes things like dental illness coverage (which is different from routine cleanings).
It also covers physical therapy, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, chiropractic care and specialist consultations. On top of that, you also get behavioral therapy coverage for anxiety, aggression and compulsive disorders. You opt for 90% reimbursement, that's an option too. Emergency & specialty clinic visits are covered, no matter where in the US you are.
What are some Pet insurance coverages you can buy?
Pet insurance policies vary in what kinds of things they cover and have different payout limits.
When getting a pet insurance policy, remember that there may be age limits and maximum age limits on enrollment. Some insurers have waiting periods before covering certain health conditions or routine care services like preventative care. And some policies have annual or lifetime limits on benefits paid out.
Plus, some insurers offer discounts on premiums when multiple pets are insured under one policy.Optional coverage
Exam Fee Coverage
Exam fee coverage helps out with the bill when your pet needs to see the vet for a covered accident or illness. With Prudent Pet's exam fee add on, you can also get the consultation fee covered for sick or injury visits. Exams fees are usually around $50-$75 per visit. Keep in mind this isn't included in wellness check ups. Standard exclusions still apply if its a pre-existing condition's or the visit is just for a routine checkup that isn't part of a covered claim.
Wellness Coverage Add-Ons
Alternative therapy is a great way to add on to traditional veterinary care for pets. Wellness Coverage Add-Ons can cover costs for acupuncture, chiropractic care, and other alternative therapies. These can help your pet manage pain or recover from an injury. This coverage benefits pets with chronic medical conditions like hip dysplasia or heart disease.
Congenital issues are common in many dog and cat breeds. These include genetic disorders that affect the heart, joints, eyes, or other organs.
Wellness Coverage Add-Ons can provide coverage for these conditions if they are diagnosed after you enroll in the policy. With this add-on, you wont be paying out-of-pocket expenses for expensive treatments like surgery or medication.
Behavioral therapy is another type of treatment that Wellness Coverage Add-Ons cover. Pets sometimes have anxiety or behavioral issues like aggression towards people or other animals. This coverage pays for sessions with a certified animal behaviorist. They will work with you and your pet to address problem behaviors.
How do Pet insurance claims work?
Prudent Pet gets back to you on claims within 24 hours. You always get reimbursed in 2-3 business days via direct deposit. Fill out a claim through the app or the online portal, and don't worry about which vet you go to. Prudent Pet accepts any licensed vet in the US.
In addition to covering congenital issues and alternative therapy treatments, Prudent Pet’s Wellness Coverage Add-Ons also cover dental cleanings up to $60; annual wellness exams; bite wounds; hospitalization due to accidents; law enforcement injuries (for working animals); and even installment fee reimbursements!
Pet insurance discounts
Prudent pets provides discounts when insuring multiple pets under one policy.