How Much Does Pet Health Insurance Cost? 5 Plans Compared

 How Much Does Pet Health Insurance Cost? 5 Plans Compared

No matter how responsible you are, accidents can happen to anyone — including your beloved pet.
A trip to the veterinarian’s office, emergency care or the emergency vet can easily add up to thousands of dollars, especially if you have more than one pet! Even if you don’t have an emergency, it’s likely that your pets will need regular annual checkups and preventive care throughout their lives. If pet health insurance seems like something you should look into, here’s what you need to know about pet health insurance costs before making your decision about which plan is right for you and your fur baby!

1) Pet health insurance 101

You love your pet, and you want to give them the best care possible. But veterinary bills can be expensive, and sometimes pet healthcare costs can seem unpredictable. That's where pet health insurance comes in. Pet health insurance is a type of insurance that helps cover the cost of your pet's medical care. It provides peace of mind by giving you financial protection against big pet healthcare expenses. It may also cover preventative care, which means it may save you money in the long run!

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2) Premiums

Pet health insurance premiums can vary based on the type of pet, where you live, your pet's age and health history, and the level of coverage you want. That's why it's important to compare different pet health insurance plans before you decide which one is right for you and your pet.

Here are the average monthly premiums for five popular pet health insurance plans in 2018. PetFirst offers an affordable pet insurance plan with an annual premium that ranges from $100-$150 depending on your state. Healthy Paws has been recognized as a leader in providing quality veterinary care at affordable prices with an annual premium that ranges from $250-$350 per year. Petplan has two levels of pet health care plans to choose from: Platinum and Gold.

3) Co-pays and deductibles

The cost of pet healthcare has been on the rise in recent years, and pet health insurance can help offset some of those costs. There are a variety of pet health care plans available, and each has its own co-pays and deductibles. Here are five popular pet health care plans and how they compare in terms of cost.

4) Choosing a plan

The first step is to consider what type of pet health care you want for your pet. There are five main types of pet healthcare plans: accident only, comprehensive, major medical, preventive, and wellness. Accident only plans are the most basic and only cover unexpected accidents or injuries. Comprehensive plans cover both accidents and illnesses. Major medical plans cover serious illnesses and injuries. Preventive plans help keep your pet healthy by covering routine check-ups, vaccinations, and other preventive care. Wellness plans are similar to preventive care plans but also cover things like routine blood work and urine tests.

5) Exclusions

Most pet health insurance plans exclude pre-existing conditions, so if your pet is already sick or injured when you enroll them, their policy won’t cover it. Other common exclusions include dental care, routine wellness check-ups, vaccinations, and alternative therapies. 

 Some insurers also exclude breeds that are prone to certain health problems, so it’s important to read the fine print before enrolling your pet. 

 And finally, most pet health insurance plans have a waiting period of 14 days to a year for coverage to kick in, so if your pet needs immediate treatment, you’ll likely have to pay out of pocket.