Start with your own numbers
The NAIC suggests first deciding whether you need coverage: estimate your pet's health costs over its expected life and how much you could afford for an emergency or a long illness [1]. Our calculator shows your yearly cost with and without a policy for any bill you enter.
The comparison checklist
The NAIC recommends comparing benefits, deductibles, limits and exclusions, and lists these questions to ask an agent or company [1]:
- Can I choose any veterinarian?
- What is the deductible and copay?
- Does the policy cover annual wellness exams?
- Is there a dollar limit for office fees?
- Are prescription drugs covered?
- What about spaying or neutering charges?
- Does the policy have renewable benefits?
- Is there a waiting period before coverage becomes effective?
- Does my pet need a health exam to qualify?
- If my pet has a pre-existing or chronic condition, how is it covered or excluded?
- How long do you take to pay claims?
- Does the plan have end-of-life benefits?
Compare like with like
Check how each deductible applies (per year or per incident) and what kind of limit applies (annual, lifetime, per procedure or per incident), because policies use different combinations [2]. Then run the same vet bill through each policy in the calculator to see what you would actually pay.
Check the exclusions carefully
Coverage can vary by type of pet or breed, and many plans exclude preventive care, routine dental care, behavior problems, breed-specific hereditary conditions or elective procedures [1]. If your breed is prone to particular problems, ask how those are handled.
Verify the seller
Your state insurance department regulates pet insurance and can confirm an agent is licensed [1]. VetExpenses doesn't rank or recommend insurers.