Paul Sanchez
Dog insurance is a form of property insurance that covers veterinary treatment costs for your dog in the event of an accident, illness, or emergency. It is designed to give dog owners peace of mind that their dog will receive the appropriate care without the worry of unexpected financial burdens. Dog insurance operates on a reimbursement basis, where the policyholder pays the veterinary bill upfront and then files a claim to be reimbursed by the insurer for a pre-agreed percentage of the cost. The average monthly premium for dog insurance in 2024 was $62.44, although the cost can vary depending on the insurer, breed, age, location, and selected coverage. Dog insurance typically covers accidents, illnesses, and emergencies but may also include third-party liability insurance, which covers damage caused by the insured dog to another person's property.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Covering veterinary costs |
| Coverage | Accidents, illnesses, wellness, hereditary and congenital conditions |
| Companies | ASPCA, Lemonade, Trupanion, Wagmo, Figo, Pets Best, Spot, Nationwide |
| Cost | Average premium: $84.94/month |
| Cost Reimbursement | 90% |
| Deductible | $250 |
| Annual Coverage Limit | $5,000 or unlimited |
| Waiting Period | 2-14 days for accidents, 6 months for cruciate ligament conditions |
| Payout Limit | No limit for Trupanion |
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What You'll Learn
Dog insurance cost
The cost of dog insurance varies depending on several factors, including the location, breed, age, and health of the dog, as well as the chosen insurance provider and the level of coverage desired.
On average, dog insurance costs around $62 per month for the most common type of policy, which is about $30 more per month than cat insurance. The average annual cost for accident and illness coverage is $749, while an accident-only policy averages $193 per year. It is important to note that these averages may vary across different US jurisdictions and insurance providers.
The cost of veterinary care can differ by region, resulting in variations in insurance costs. For example, insuring a 2-year-old mixed-breed dog in New York City may cost around $63 per month, while similar coverage in Columbus, Ohio, could be as low as $28 per month.
Some insurance providers, like ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, offer customizable accident-and-illness and accident-only policies, as well as different tiers of wellness coverage. The cost of insurance can also be influenced by the dog's age, with older dogs generally being more expensive to insure due to an increased likelihood of health issues.
It is recommended to enrol in dog insurance as early as possible to keep premiums low and ensure eligibility for the desired plan. Dog insurance provides peace of mind by helping to manage the costs of unexpected accidents and illnesses, allowing owners to focus on their pet's health and treatment.
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Accident and illness coverage
Dog insurance is a way to manage the costs of your dog's healthcare, so that you can focus on getting the care your pet needs without worrying about hefty vet bills. It is recommended to enrol your dog in an insurance plan as early as possible, before chronic health conditions develop, or your dog needs any medical care that could put limitations on your coverage.
Accident-only plans cover the costs of treating certain injuries and accidents, including minor bumps and bruises, broken bones, poisoning, eye injuries, and deep lacerations. These plans do not cover illnesses, hereditary conditions, behavioural issues, dental illness, or preventive care. Accident-only plans are a more affordable option, with lower premiums, and are a good choice if you are looking for financial protection in case of unexpected accidents and emergencies.
In contrast, accident and illness coverage provides broader protection, including eligible costs of treating accidents and illnesses. This type of coverage typically includes a range of diagnostic services and treatments prescribed for emergencies, injuries, and illnesses. Accident and illness plans often offer different tiers or levels of coverage, allowing you to choose the best option for your dog's needs and your budget. For example, you may be able to select different annual coverage limits, reimbursement percentages, and deductible amounts.
When choosing a dog insurance plan, it is important to compare different providers and plans to find the one that best suits your dog's needs and your budget. Consider factors such as the level of coverage, exclusions, waiting periods, reimbursement policies, and the convenience of submitting claims. By enrolling in a comprehensive accident and illness coverage plan, you can ensure that your dog receives the best possible care without financial strain.
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Wellness coverage
Wellness plans can be particularly useful for puppies as they grow into adulthood, helping you budget for vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, spaying/neutering, and other routine treatments. They can also be beneficial for senior dogs, helping to cover the costs of regular check-ups and any necessary treatments to maintain their health.
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Pre-existing conditions
Pet insurance providers may define and handle pre-existing conditions differently, so it depends on the plan. For example, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance states that a condition will no longer be considered pre-existing if it is curable, cured, and free of symptoms and treatments for 180 days, except for knee and ligament issues. Similarly, AKC Pet Insurance offers coverage for pre-existing conditions after 365 days of continuous coverage.
Some insurers may request medical records following a claim to check for pre-existing conditions. Generally, insurers will cover "curable" pre-existing conditions like kennel cough but will not cover "incurable" pre-existing conditions such as cancer and hip dysplasia. It is important to note that symptoms can be considered a pre-existing condition even without an official diagnosis.
To avoid issues with pre-existing conditions, it is recommended to enroll in a pet insurance plan as early as possible. Younger pets are less likely to have a pre-existing condition, and enrolling early helps to mitigate future illnesses.
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Dog insurance companies
Dog insurance helps you cover the costs of your dog's medical care, so you can focus on your dog's health rather than the bills. It is a good idea to enrol your dog in a health insurance plan as early as possible, before chronic health conditions develop, or your dog needs any medical care that could put limitations on your coverage.
There are several dog insurance companies in the market, and they offer different types of plans. Here are some of the top dog insurance companies:
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance is rated the best overall pet insurance company by US News. It offers customizable accident-and-illness and accident-only plans, as well as two tiers of wellness coverage for dogs and cats. ASPCA also offers two base policies and two tiers of wellness coverage for horses. There is no upper age limit for pets, and its sample monthly premiums are towards the middle of the pack. ASPCA offers pet insurance for dogs and cats in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., and for horses in 12 states. There is a 14-day waiting period for all conditions, which can be waived in certain states, and reimbursement for covered claims may take up to 30 days.
Pets Best
Pets Best offers pet insurance for dogs and cats in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Canada. The company has three tiers of customizable accident-and-illness coverage, a set accident-only policy, and two tiers of wellness coverage. Pets Best can pay certain veterinarians directly, but claims are otherwise processed within three to seven days, depending on the reimbursement method. The company's sample premiums are the lowest in the US News analysis for both dogs and cats.
Spot
Spot offers pet insurance for dogs and cats in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. It provides customizable accident-and-illness and accident-only coverage, plus two tiers of optional wellness coverage. If you enrol more than one pet in Spot policies, you’ll receive a 10% discount on your second pet's premium. Spot has a 14-day waiting period for all accidents and illnesses, and claims are reimbursed in about five to seven business days.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin offers pet insurance for dogs and cats in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. It provides customizable accident-and-illness coverage, an optional wellness coverage add-on, and standalone wellness coverage. Pumpkin has a 14-day waiting period for all conditions, which may be waived in select states. The company aims to review claims within five business days.
Trupanion
Trupanion is #1 Pet Insurance in America chosen by vets. It offers unlimited payouts and robust coverage for all breeds of dogs and cats, including those at higher risk of certain conditions. Trupanion is the only pet health insurance company that can pay veterinarians directly at the time of checkout, with no payout limits.
Nationwide
Nationwide is one of the largest and most trusted financial services companies in the world. Its dog insurance plans cover accidents, illnesses, and wellness, allowing you to bring your dog to any licensed veterinarian anywhere in the world. Once your dog has been treated, you can submit the paid vet invoice through Nationwide’s online portal to get reimbursed for the costs covered under your policy.
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Frequently asked questions
Dog insurance is a form of property insurance that covers certain veterinary costs. It gives dog owners peace of mind that their dog will receive the appropriate care without facing a significant financial burden.
Dog insurance works on a reimbursement basis. You pay the vet bill upfront and then file a claim to be reimbursed by your insurer. You can generally choose any veterinarian as long as they're licensed and operate in the country where your insurer offers coverage.
Dog insurance covers medicine, surgery, hospitalization, and other expenses if your dog is sick or injured. Most plans cover accidents and illnesses, such as car accidents, urinary tract infections, allergies, diabetes, and cancer. Some British policies for dogs also include third-party liability insurance.
The cost of dog insurance varies depending on factors such as breed, age, location, insurer, and coverage terms. In 2024, the average monthly premium for an accident-and-illness policy was $62.44 for dogs. Generally, an accident-only plan is cheaper than having accident-and-illness coverage.
