Getting pet insurance doesn't have to be complicated. It involves five straightforward steps, which can be easily completed online.
How to Get Pet Insurance
Updated: August 11, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Assess your pet's needs, compare several providers and get your vet's input before choosing pet insurance.
Make sure to choose the right coverage options for your pet and complete your application online.
Once you have your policy, understand the waiting periods, claims process and reimbursement timeline.
The Best Way to Buy Pet Insurance
1. Consider Your Pet's Needs and Your Budget
Your pet's breed matters when it comes to health problems. Great Danes have different issues than Chihuahuas do. Knowing what's common for your pet helps you pick the right coverage. Here's what some treatments cost:
Vet Treatment | Cost for Dogs | Cost for Cats |
|---|---|---|
Cancer therapy | $5,351 | $3,980 |
Cruciate ligament surgery | $2,299 | $4,160 |
Diabetes (diagnosis) | $391 | $51 |
Ear infection | $680 | $151 |
Upper respiratory infection | $205–2,076 | $101 |
With this in mind, set a realistic budget for premiums by reviewing your current pet expenses, including routine vet visits, medications and your emergency fund. Decide how much you can add to these without straining your finances.
LIFE STAGE CONSIDERATIONS FOR PET INSURANCE COVERAGE
Your pet's age matters when you're setting a budget. Young pets are furry tornadoes — they get into everything, and accidents happen. Older pets tend to develop health issues that cost serious money over time, so illness coverage becomes more important.
2. Research and Compare Providers
Comparing multiple providers ensures you get the best value for pet insurance. When you're comparing companies, focus on:
Monthly premium
Get quotes from at least three insurers using identical pet information (same age, breed, weight and ZIP code) to see real price differences.
Coverage scope and exclusions
Check whether hereditary conditions, chronic diseases or specific treatments are excluded from coverage.
Claims processing speed
Research how quickly each company processes claims and pays reimbursements.
Financial stability ratings
Check each insurer's AM Best rating to ensure it'll be financially stable when you file claims. Companies with A+ ratings or higher demonstrate strong financial health, while anything below B+ signals potential payment issues.
Customer service quality
Read customer reviews about claim denials, customer support responsiveness and overall satisfaction with the claims experience.
EVALUATING PET INSURANCE COMPANIES AND COVERAGE OPTIONS
To find the best pet insurance, weigh the pros and cons of each company. Check what types of coverage it offers and if special policy features suit your pet.
3. Consult Your Vet
Your vet knows your pet better than any insurance company does. They can tell you what health problems to watch out for based on your pet's breed and lifestyle. Here's what to ask about:
Hereditary and genetic conditions
Ask about inherited diseases that run in your pet's breed. German Shepherds often get hip dysplasia, while certain cat breeds develop heart problems. Your vet can tell you when these conditions typically show up and the treatment costs.
Size-related health problems
Discuss how your pet's size affects its health risks. Large breeds face joint problems, while small breeds may have breathing or dental issues. Ask about weight management strategies and whether your pet's current size puts them at higher risk for specific conditions.
Activity and lifestyle risks
Discuss how your pet's daily activities affect their injury risk, whether they're indoor/outdoor pets or participate in high-energy activities. Ask about common accident types your vet treats for pets with similar lifestyles and activity levels.
Age-specific concerns
Talk about health changes your vet expects as your pet ages and what conditions emerge at different life stages. Ask about preventive care recommendations and when certain health screenings become important for early detection.
4. Choose Your Pet's Coverage
Three key decisions shape your policy's cost and value. Get these right, and you'll have affordable protection that covers what your pet needs:
Coverage Option | Detail |
|---|---|
Deductible | The amount you pay out of pocket before insurance coverage begins. Higher deductibles, like $500 or more, mean lower monthly premiums but more upfront costs during vet visits. |
Reimbursement rate | The percentage of your vet bill that the insurance company pays back after you meet your deductible. Pick the highest rate if you want maximum coverage and can afford higher premiums. Choose 60% to 70% if you're on a budget but still want substantial financial relief. |
Annual coverage limit | The maximum amount your insurer will pay out each policy year for covered expenses. Choose unlimited coverage if your pet is prone to expensive conditions, or select capped limits like $5,000 to $10,000 if you want protection against most scenarios while keeping premiums lower. |
5. Apply Online
Before you start the application, gather your pet's details: exact breed, birth date, weight and any current medications or health issues. You'll need your vet's contact info and your pet's medical records from the past year, too. Don't skip anything or fudge the details — insurance companies will deny claims if they find out you weren't honest upfront.
What You Need to Know After You Buy a Policy
Your new pet insurance doesn't work like flipping a switch; you need to understand some important details. Here's what to expect:
- 1
Waiting periods
Your coverage doesn't start right away, even after you're approved. Most companies make you wait 14 days for illness coverage and 24 hours to 5 days for accidents. Joint problems like torn cruciate ligaments have even longer waits: sometimes 6 to 12 months.
- 2
Monthly payments
Your premium is due on the same date each month. Late payments typically give you a 10-day grace period before coverage lapses, but claims during this time might be denied.
- 3
Vet bills
You'll still pay your veterinarian's full bill at the time of service since pet insurance works on a reimbursement model. Bring your insurance information, but expect to cover the expenses out of your pocket initially.
- 4
Claims process
After your vet visit, submit your claim through your insurer's app or website within 90 days. Send along your receipts and any other paperwork they ask for. Once they have everything, expect them to review your claim within 5 to 10 business days.
- 5
Reimbursement timeline
After approval, most companies send your money within a week. Here's how it works: say you have a $1,000 vet bill with a $250 deductible and 80% coverage. You pay the $250 deductible first, leaving $750. Your insurer pays you back 80% of that $750, which comes to $600.
Get Pet Health Insurance: Bottom Line
Getting pet insurance involves researching insurance providers, talking to your vet about what conditions your pet's breed faces and picking coverage that fits your budget. Once you complete the application online, learn how waiting periods work and how to file claims so you're ready when your pet needs care.
How to Get Pet Health Insurance: FAQ
Got questions about how to get pet insurance? We've got answers:
What information do I need to apply for pet insurance?
You'll need your pet's exact breed, birth date, current weight and complete medical history from the past 12 months (or from birth if under one year old). Additionally, gather your veterinarian's contact information, your pet's current medications and details about any previous injuries, surgeries or ongoing treatments.
What's the difference between accident-only and comprehensive pet insurance?
Accident-only policies cover injuries from unexpected events like broken bones, cuts or poisoning but exclude illnesses like cancer, infections or chronic conditions. Comprehensive plans cover both accidents and illnesses, providing broader protection.
How long does it take to get approved for pet insurance?
Most pet insurance applications provide instant approval decisions after completing the 10 to 15-minute online process. However, your coverage won't start immediately due to waiting periods.
When does my pet insurance coverage actually start?
Your pet insurance has waiting periods before coverage begins: 24 hours to 5 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses and 6 to 12 months for orthopedic conditions like cruciate ligament tears. These periods start from your approval date, not your application date.
How do I file a pet insurance claim?
After your vet visit, submit receipts and medical records through your insurer's app or website within 90 days of treatment. You'll pay the full veterinary bill upfront, then file for reimbursement. Most companies process claims within 5 to 10 business days and send payment via direct deposit or check within 5 to 7 business days once approved.
Should I get pet insurance for an older pet?
Older pets can benefit from pet insurance, especially comprehensive illness coverage, since senior pets face higher health risks. However, premiums increase with age, and pre-existing conditions won't be covered.
What's typically not covered by pet insurance?
Pet insurance typically excludes pre-existing conditions, routine preventive care (unless you add wellness coverage), cosmetic procedures, breeding-related costs and behavioral issues. Most policies also exclude experimental treatments, grooming and conditions caused by neglect or abuse. Review your policy's exclusions list, as coverage varies between insurers.
Can I use any veterinarian with pet insurance?
Most pet insurance companies work with any licensed veterinarian. Always verify network requirements before purchasing, especially if you have an established relationship with your current vet.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
sources
- CareCredit. "Veterinary Exam and Procedure Costs." Accessed August 27, 2025.