Pet Insurance That Protects Your Dog or Cat and Your Wallet

In 2026, accident-and-illness pet insurance averages about $45 to $65 a month for dogs and roughly $25 to $35 for cats, though figures vary by source. Accident-only plans often run $10 to $20 a month. Your price depends on breed, age, location, deductible, and reimbursement level. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for a free, personalized quote.

Most pet insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions, which are illnesses or injuries that showed signs before your policy or waiting period began. Some carriers may cover certain curable conditions after your pet is symptom-free for a set period, often 180 days. A plan still protects against new accidents and illnesses, so coverage is usually still worthwhile.

Comprehensive accident-and-illness plans typically cover diagnostics like X-rays and bloodwork, surgery, hospitalization, emergency care, prescription medications, and treatment for covered illnesses and injuries. Many carriers also offer optional wellness add-ons for routine care. Coverage details vary by carrier, so call 1-800-MEDIGAP to compare exactly what each plan includes.

You pay your vet directly, then submit a claim. After you meet your annual deductible, the insurer reimburses your chosen percentage of covered costs, commonly 70%, 80%, or 90%, up to any annual limit. For example, on a $3,000 covered bill with a $500 deductible and 80% reimbursement, you would get back about $2,000.

For many owners, yes. A single emergency such as a torn ligament, swallowed object, or cancer diagnosis can cost thousands of dollars at once. Pet insurance converts that unpredictable bill into a manageable monthly premium, so cost is less likely to limit your pet's care. Enrolling early, while your pet is healthy, gives the most protection.

Yes. Several carriers cover senior pets, and some have no upper age limit for enrollment. Premiums are usually higher and any existing health issues may be excluded as pre-existing, but new accidents and illnesses can still be covered. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP to find carriers that accept older dogs and cats.

Yes. Most plans have a waiting period before coverage begins, commonly 14 days for illnesses and a shorter window for accidents, sometimes just a few days or the next day. Certain conditions like orthopedic injuries may carry longer waits. This is why enrolling before a problem arises is important, since waiting periods only apply going forward.

In most cases, yes. Unlike human health insurance, the vast majority of pet insurance plans have no networks. You can visit your regular veterinarian, a specialist, or any licensed emergency animal hospital in the US, then submit a claim to be reimbursed for covered costs after meeting your deductible.

Accident-only plans cover injuries like broken bones, cuts, and swallowed objects, and cost less. Accident-and-illness plans add coverage for sicknesses such as infections, cancer, allergies, and chronic conditions, giving broader protection. A licensed agent can compare both side by side and help you choose what fits your pet and budget.

A higher deductible and lower reimbursement percentage lower your monthly premium but mean you pay more out of pocket at claim time. A lower deductible and higher reimbursement cost more each month but pay back more on bills. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP and an agent will help you balance the two for your budget.

The quickest way is to call 1-800-MEDIGAP (dial 1-800-633-4427). A licensed US agent will compare multiple reputable carriers, explain the differences in plain English, and give you free quotes for your dog or cat in a single phone call, with no obligation and no spam.