Pet insurance is pretty similar to health insurance for people in a lot of ways. The biggest difference is the limitations that come with most pet health insurance plans. For instance, you’ll find that pet insurance usually doesn’t cover preexisting conditions. So What’s Included in Pet Insurance Coverage?
But don’t worry! Even with these limitations, you can still find pet insurance that covers a lot, ranging from regular check-ups to major surgeries. There are three main types of policies that provide this coverage.
Types of Pet Insurance
You’ll usually find three main types of pet insurance options when you’re looking to buy a policy:
Accident
This kind of insurance helps cover the costs when your pet accidentally eats something they shouldn’t, gets into an accident, or faces other physical injuries. It’s a popular choice for pet owners with older animals who no longer qualify for full coverage. Usually, it includes treatments for:
- Bloat
- Foreign body ingestion
- Hit by car
- Torn cruciate ligament
- Poisoning
- Cuts and lacerations
- Prescription drugs (for a covered event)
- Insect/snake bites
- Eye injuries
- Sprains
- Broken bones
Accident and Illness
In 2022, more than 90% of pet insurance premiums in the U.S. were for comprehensive plans. These plans cover accidents, illnesses, and diseases like cancer. They offer all the benefits of an accident-only plan, along with additional coverage.
- Breed-specific conditions
- Cancer treatment
- Chronic conditions
- Diagnostic testing and imaging
- ER and specialist care
- Surgery, hospitalization, and nursing care
- Prescription drugs
- Dental illness
Health and well-being (Wellness)
Wellness coverage is basically all about routine or preventive care for your pet. It’s a small slice of the pet insurance pie and usually comes as an add-on to a more comprehensive policy. Most of these wellness plans or add-ons don’t have a deductible, and they typically provide a set dollar amount or a percentage for various covered services, which often includes things like:
- Spaying/neutering
- Annual checkups
- Vaccinations
- Flea and tick control
- Heartworm prevention
- Certain tests
- Teeth cleaning
Pet Insurance Options and Coverage Available
| Accident & illness plans | Accident-only plans | Wellness plans | |
| Accidents and injuries | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Testing and diagnostics | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Chronic illnesses plans | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Common illnesses | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Congenital conditions | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Hereditary conditions | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Prescription drugs, food, and supplements | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Microchip11 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alternative therapies | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Medical procedures | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Behavioral issues | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Wellness Care | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
You can read What Does Pet Insurance Not Include? if you want.
Conclusion
Pet insurance offers dog and cat owners some reassurance when it comes to handling their pets’ medical bills and regular check-ups. It’s kind of like health insurance for humans, but keep in mind it won’t cover any pre-existing conditions. Most policies come with a list of things they don’t cover and might have limits on how much you can claim each year or over a lifetime. Still, a lot of pet owners feel that having insurance makes it easier to agree to the treatments their furry friends require. It’s the end of “What’s Included in Pet Insurance Coverage?” article, thank you for reading.