Choosing pet Health Insurace

In a recent DVM 360 online article, Rising Costs Pose New Barriers to Care, writer Stephanie Skernivitz shares a remark from practicing veterinarian, Peter Weinstein. “Pet owners unfortunately have to decide where discretionary income is going. Today's pet owners are even waiting longer to see if pets will get better on their own."


Today, many budget-minded pet parents—and you may be one of them—find themselves comparing prices for vaccinations, wellness services, and essential procedures like spaying or neutering. For some, the rising cost of veterinary care forces difficult decisions about what they can reasonably provide for their pets’ basic medical needs.



If this sounds familiar, pet health insurance may be worth considering. Much like human health plans, pet insurance typically involves:

  • Deductibles
  • Co-payments
  • Annual or lifetime payout limits
  • Monthly premiums
  • Waiting periods before coverage begins
  • Exclusions for pre-existing conditions

In practical terms, this means one important thing: choosing a pet insurance plan requires careful comparison and research.

When evaluating different companies and coverage options, experts—including veterinarians and trusted animal welfare organizations—recommend asking thoughtful questions so you fully understand what you’re paying for. These initial questions are especially important and often quite personal, as they help you determine what matters most for your financial comfort and your pet’s well-being.

  • Can you afford the "Worst Case Scenario Costs" for your geographic location out of pocket?

    Dr.Wilkerson argues that “pet insurance is used to offset a catastrophic, financial hit”. 


    She details what those could be, in relation to your pet:


    • Emergencies (e.g. Fractures, Foreign Body Ingestion, Accidental Poisonings, Bloat, Urinary Blockage) 
    • Chronic diseases (e.g. Chronic Renal Failure, Heart Disease, Liver Disease, Diabetes Mellitus, Cancer) 
    • Sudden, Severe diseases (e.g. Acute Renal Failure, Acute Pancreatitis)

    The costs, she tells readers of the online article, Deciding if Pet Insurance is Right for You, “will vary across the country, though they tend to be higher in metropolitan areas. To find out the ‘Worst Case Scenario Costs’ in your area, ask your veterinarian. Make sure you let them know if you will opt for high-end treatments and diagnostics, as these will affect the cost. And she tells readers a simple truth: “If you can afford these costs out of your pocket, then you do not need pet insurance.”

  • Will paying more in premiums than you get back in reimbursement bother you?

    “It is very likely,” shares Dr. Wilkerson, “that you could pay $5,400 or more in premiums over the life of your pet and not see any of that money back in reimbursement because your pet stayed relatively healthy. If this scenario is bothersome, then pet insurance is not for you. Some people will not be concerned by this scenario because the peace of mind they are given knowing they are covered is more valuable to them than the money paid.” How do you stand on that issue?

  • Are you willing to do the individual research to find a plan that is the right fit for you?

    Obviously, it’s important to find the companies that fit your monetary and medical coverage requirements. And, it’s also important that you read the terms and conditions to find out policy exclusions, limitations, and requirements. “If you rely solely on the marketing of the pet insurance companies when making your decision,” shares Dr. Wilkerson, “you will end up with the wrong plan for your situation. So it’s better to stop now,” she writes “if you are not willing to research pet insurance companies and their plans.”