Pet insurance for dogs: how it works and how to get a quote

How dog insurance works

You pay a monthly or annual premium. When your dog is treated, you usually pay the vet first, then submit a claim. After you have met your deductible, the provider reimburses a percentage of the eligible bill, up to the plan's limit.

• Premium: what you pay to keep the policy active.
• Deductible: what you pay before the plan pays. Some plans reset it every year, others apply it once per condition.
• Reimbursement rate: the share of the bill the provider pays. Many providers offer a choice of percentages.
• Limits: a cap per year, per condition or for the dog's lifetime.
• Waiting periods: a delay after you enroll before certain claims can be made.

Types of cover

Accident-only plans cover injuries such as a broken leg or swallowing something harmful, and usually cost the least. Accident and illness plans add conditions like infections, allergies and cancer, and are the most common choice. Wellness or routine care is usually an optional add-on toward vaccines and check-ups. Work out whether the add-on is likely to pay back more than it costs.

What to check before you buy

• Pre-existing conditions. A condition your dog already has, or has shown signs of, is generally not covered. Some plans treat curable conditions differently after a symptom-free period.
• Breed and hereditary conditions. Check how hip dysplasia, ligament injuries and other inherited problems are handled, since large breeds are prone to some of them.
• Waiting periods for illness and orthopedic claims.
• Annual or lifetime limits and whether they apply per condition.
• How premiums change as your dog ages and how often they can increase.
• How you are paid. Ask about claim turnaround and whether any vets are paid directly.
• Exclusions for dental disease, exam fees, behavioral therapy and prescription food.

When to buy

The best time is usually when your dog is young and healthy. Anything that appears before your cover starts, or during a waiting period, can be treated as pre-existing. Providers also set minimum ages for puppies and may limit new enrollments for older dogs. Our guide to insuring a puppy covers the timing in more detail.

Is dog insurance worth it?

Insurance is protection against large unexpected bills, not a way to pay for routine care. It tends to make most sense if an emergency of several thousand dollars would be hard to cover, or if your breed is prone to costly conditions. If you can comfortably self-fund that kind of bill, setting money aside may suit you better. Either way, it is your decision. K9PN is not a financial adviser, so use the quotes to compare real numbers for your dog.

Working, sport and protection dogs

Standard pet policies are written for pets. Dogs used for protection work, sport, police or security work, or breeding may be excluded or need a different type of cover. If your dog does any of this, ask the provider before you buy and keep the answer in writing. See our guides to buying a protection dog and protection dog training.

Insurance and training

Most policies do not pay for obedience training. Some cover behavioral therapy when a vet prescribes it, but the rules vary. If your dog needs training help, K9PN can refer you to a professional dog trainer in your area.

Common questions

Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

Generally no. A condition your dog had, or showed signs of, before the policy started or during a waiting period is usually excluded. Terms differ between providers, so read the exclusions.

Can I insure a puppy?

Many providers accept puppies from around eight weeks old, though minimum ages vary. Enrolling early means fewer conditions can be classed as pre-existing.

Does pet insurance cover vaccines and routine check-ups?

Usually only if you add a wellness or routine care option. Standard accident and illness plans focus on unexpected problems.

Does dog insurance pay for training or behavior problems?

Training is normally excluded. Some policies cover vet-prescribed behavioral therapy, so check the wording or ask the provider.

Will my premium go up?

It often rises as your dog ages and as vet costs increase. Ask each provider how and when premiums can change.

Is pet insurance regulated?

In the US, pet insurance is regulated at the state level, and many states have been adopting rules on disclosures such as waiting periods and pre-existing conditions. Check what applies where you live.

Related

• Pet insurance for dogs, explained
• Insuring a puppy: when to buy
• New dog checklist
• Puppy training: the first year
• Find a dog trainer
• K9PN blog