It really depends (on a lot of things)

So, what goes into the numbers?

Your pet’s unique – and so is the quote pet insurance companies will come up with for them. Let’s take a quick run through some of the questions insurers might ask to work out how much to charge.

Where are you?

What you pay for your insurance is often linked up with the price of care where your pet lives. Vet fees are higher in some towns than in others. That’s why (even with the most affordable pet insurance company) you’ll probably pay more for coverage in New York than you will in Arkansas.

Cat insurance or dog insurance?

Pet medical insurance is generally more expensive for dogs than for cats. Dogs tend to live more active, outdoor lives (meaning more chances for mischief), while cats sleep for around 16 hours every day. That doesn’t mean though, unfortunately, that cats don’t run into trouble.

How big are they?

The bigger the pet, the bigger the risk of some health issues – especially things like arthritis in dogs. So pet insurance tends to be more expensive for bigger animals, since they’re more likely to need treatment for these health issues somewhere along the line.

What’s their breed?

Some dog and cat breeds are prone to health problems passed down from their parents. For example, best pet insurance plans for Persian cats and English bulldogs can be pricier because certain breed characteristics, like their very ‘smooshed’ snouts, can cause breathing and digestive issues. If your pet’s breed tends to have certain health issues, your insurance payments might be higher. Mixed breed dogs are usually cheaper to insure because they have a wider gene pool and lower risk of inherited conditions.

How old are they?

Just like humans, as pets get older (and wiser!), they’re more likely to need medical care. So, you’ll likely see the price of best pet insurance increase with your pet’s age.

Can I choose how much to pay for my pet insurance plan?

Yes – up to a point. Here’s what you’ll need to think about.

Coverage level

Accident-only plans are the cheapest, but they don’t provide any coverage when your pet is sick. A plan that covers illness and accident care is a bit more expensive (but worth it!). If you choose to add routine care or alternative treatment coverage to your pet’s insurance plan, that’ll cost a bit extra.

Your deductible

This is the amount you’ll have to pay out of pocket for your vet bill before pet insurance starts covering costs. If you choose a higher deductible, then you’ll pay a lower monthly amount (known as a ‘premium’).

Your reimbursement

This is the percentage of your bill that we pay you (after you’ve paid your deductible). So, if you have a 90% reimbursement, you just pay your deductible, and your pet insurance pays you back 90% of the rest of your covered expenses.

How does it all come together?

Different pet insurance plans offer different choices, but with our plans, you can pick 70%, 80%, 90% or 100% reimbursement. And an annual deductible of $0, $100, $250, $500 or $750.

Your monthly pet insurance payment will be higher if you go for a lower deductible and higher reimbursement. And your monthly payment will be lower if you choose a higher deductible and lower reimbursement (just remember, you can’t pick both a $0 deductible and 100% reimbursement).

Let's say you've picked a plan with a 90% reimbursement and a $250 annual deductible, and you get a $10,000 bill from your vet for an emergency surgery for your dog. After taking off your $250 deductible, you'd receive a reimbursement of $8,775 (90% of $9,750) for the total cost of the surgery.

How can I find a good deal on a pet insurance plan?

First up, with any pet insurance company, make sure you’re getting a plan that covers what your pet really needs help with, like injuries and illnesses. And make sure you read the fine print so you know exactly what’s covered and you won’t be faced with any unwelcome surprises.

We offer affordable pet insurance plans that give dogs and cats the coverage they need (even if they don’t really want to go to the vet). Get a quote that squeezes into your budget, instead of stretching yourself.

We’ll protect your pals when they get into a scrape or start to sniffle. And if you’re looking for a little more, we offer a pet insurance wellness plan for their routine care, to keep them in tip-top shape.

And if you’re lucky enough to live with more than one pet? Check out how our multi-pet medical insurance discount works!