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Best Pet Insurance for Dogs: Companies & Plans September 2023

Unlimited claims
No upper age limit
No credit checks
Multiple pet discounts
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KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Based on our review, the best dog insurance plans of 2023 are offered by: Lemonade, Healthy Paws, Pets Best, Figo, Spot, Embrace, Paw Protect, Care Plus, Pumpkin, and Fetch (skip ahead to view these plans).
  • Dog insurance is money well spent and can end up saving you thousands of dollars over the life of your pet, depending on how often you use it. 
  • The cost of dog insurance can vary dramatically from just $25 per month to around $175 per month depending on the age of your dog, the type of policy, and other factors.
  • Dog insurance policies can be tailored to your needs and budget and can include accident-only coverage, accident & illness coverage, and wellness coverage which can pay for routine expenses and things like dental care. 
  • We always recommend that our readers use a comparison tool when searching for dog insurance plans as this allows you to view multiple quotes at once and compare coverage from many providers all in one place.

As we all know, on a bad day, trips to the vet can end up costing thousands of dollars. While you may be willing to do anything for the sake of your trusty canine companion, it’s important to know that you don’t always have to sacrifice your budget to ensure your dog is in good health.

That’s where dog insurance comes in.

For a small monthly fee, you can get basic protection for your animal that can cover the most expensive vet bills and spare you the brunt of having to pay out of pocket.

In this guide, we’ll give you an overview of dog insurance and how it works, and also show you:

To begin, here is a list of our top picks for the best dog insurance plans of 2023.

Our top picks for dog insurance

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Best for Multi-Pet Discounts

Embrace Pet Insurance

COMPARE PLANS via Petinsurer.com's secure website
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000 - Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000

Why We Like It

Embrace offers highly customizable plans for dogs and ample discounts to customers with multiple pets (10% off) or who are military members (5% off). Embrace offers an accident & illness plan with optional wellness coverage as an add-on. This also includes optional coverage for exam fees and prescription drugs.

Their plans can be tailored for up to unlimited coverage, which is what we recommend opting for. With the unlimited option combined with 90% reimbursement, you could save thousands of dollars over your dog’s lifetime or if your dog ever develops a serious illness.

In case of an emergency, you’ll also get access to 24/7 virtual assistance via telemedicine calls which can help you diagnose if it’s necessary to rush to an in-person emergency vet. This feature alone could save you hundreds on vet bills, which is another reason we love Embrace.

Coverage Highlights

With Embrace’s accident and illness plan you’ll have a two-day waiting period for accidents and a 14-day waiting period for illnesses. There is a six-month waiting period for canine orthopedic conditions, which can be reduced to 14 days if you complete an orthopedic exam and waiver process.

Examples of inclusions
  • Surgery
  • Hereditary and Congenital Conditions
  • Dental Disease
Examples of exclusions
  • Chronic Conditions
  • Pays Vet Directly
  • Microchipping
Best for Paying the Vet Directly

Paw Protect

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Maximum annual coverage
$5,000 - Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500

Why We Like It

Paw Protect is a relatively new provider but has taken the market by storm. One of its main draws is that it offers customers a $2,000 interest-free charge card that can be used to pay the vet directly, so you have no out-of-pocket expenses when your dog sees the vet for a covered reason. Most other providers require you to pay upfront and be reimbursed later.

Paw Protect offers an accident & illness plan for dogs, as well as an optional Wellness plan available as an add-on. Like some other providers, it comes with 24/7 telemedicine coverage which allows you to speak to a vet in case your pup has an emergency and you aren’t sure whether to take him in for a visit. It also offers considerable discounts if you have multiple pets (10% off) or are a military member (5% off).

We recommend opting for the unlimited plan with 90% reimbursement. However, if you are tight on cash, there are several other plan limits ($5,000, $10,000 & Unlimited) that offer great coverage at an affordable price.

Coverage Highlights

Paw Protect accident and illness plan has a two-day waiting period for accidents and a 14-day waiting period for illnesses. There is a six-month waiting period for canine orthopedic conditions, which can be reduced to 14 days if you complete an orthopedic exam and waiver process.

Examples of inclusions
  • Chronic Conditions
  • Prescription Medication
  • Pays Vet Directly
Examples of exclusions
  • Boarding
  • Microchipping
Best for Range of Reimbursement Options

Healthy Paws Pet Insurance & Foundation

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Maximum annual coverage
Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$50, $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000

Why We Like It

Healthy Paws has excellent customer reviews and is one of the few providers on the market that can pay the vet for you directly. This is a huge draw for many dog owners as it means next to no out-of-pocket costs to you. The only caveat is that you must call and request a simple authorization before the vet treats your dog. Otherwise, you can pay and be reimbursed.

Healthy Paws also offers lots of choices for coverage levels and deductibles, which is great for those wanting to tailor a plan to fit their budget. Healthy Paw offers only an accident & illness plan with unlimited coverage and no wellness options. As long as you don’t mind handling your dog’s wellness needs (like vaccines) on your own, you’ll get the highest level of inclusions and peace of mind that all vet bills for covered illnesses will be reimbursed regardless of the cost.

Coverage Highlights

With the Healthy Paws accident and illness plan there’s a 15-day waiting period for accidents and illness and a 12-month waiting period for conditions linked to hip dysplasia or if your pet is under the age of six. These are some of the longest waiting periods in the industry, which could be a deal-breaker for some people. Otherwise, it makes sense to sign up as soon as possible.

Examples of inclusions
  • Surgery
  • Alternative Therapies
  • Cancer Treatment
Examples of exclusions
  • Dental Disease
  • Breed Specific Issues
  • Behaviorial issues
Best for Pup Parents on a Budget

Lemonade, Inc.

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Maximum annual coverage
$5,000 - $100,000
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500

Why We Like It

Lemonade is renowned for its affordable accident & illness coverage and its plethora of customizable plans. They are one of the few dog insurance providers that offer dental coverage and have a convenient phone app that allows you to manage your policy online.

Add-ons from Lemonade include coverage for preventative care, vet visit fees, dental illness, physical therapy, behavioral conditions, and end-of-life care and remembrance.

Coverage limits can be customized, but for the most comprehensive coverage for your pup we recommend opting for the $100,000 limit with a 90% reimbursement and a dental & vet fee add-on.

Coverage Highlights

With Lemonade’s accident and illness plan, there is a two-day waiting period for accidents and a 14-day waiting period for illnesses. Additionally, there is a six-month waiting period for cruciate ligament events. While Lemonade offers excellent coverage at an affordable price, they don’t offer telemedicine, don’t cover spay/neuter costs for pets over 2 years old, and vet fees are extra unless you purchase the add-on. You may also face certain age restrictions for certain breeds.

Examples of inclusions
  • Surgery
  • Chronic Conditions
  • Emergency Vet Visits
Examples of exclusions
  • Prescription Food
  • Alternative Therapies
  • Breed Specific Issues
Best for Prescription Coverage

CarePlus by Chewy

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Maximum annual coverage
Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$250

Why We Like It

CarePlus is one of the only companies that offer up to 100% reimbursement for prescription products. There is no maximum age of enrollment and it offers unlimited coverage limits. With all CarePlus accident & illness plans, you’ll get access to telemedicine via chat/video which gives you free vet consultations. This can save you time and money before going into an office by ruling out whether something is an emergency.

CarePlus offers various levels of plans including their Accident Only plan, Value Accident & Illness plan, Essential Plus Accident & Illness plan, and the Complete Accident & Illness plan. No matter what your dog’s coverage needs are, CarePlus has a plan for you. You can also customize your plan with optional add-ons such as the Preventive and Preventative+ plans and the Wellness and Comprehensive plan. These add ons can save you money on things you dog needs to stay well, like annual check-ups, dental cleanings and vaccines.

We recommend the Value Accident & Illness Plan which is provided through Lemonade. The 2-day waiting period for accidents is very competitive and exam fees are included.

Coverage Highlights

Depending on the plan you choose, you will have a 2-5 day waiting period for accidents, a 14-day waiting period for new illnesses, and either a 14-day, 30-day, or 6-month wait for cruciate ligament conditions. On the downside, dental disease and exam fees are not covered in all plans.

Examples of inclusions
  • Chronic Conditions
  • Behaviorial issues
  • Laboratory Testing
Examples of exclusions
  • Dental Disease
  • Pays Vet Directly
  • Alternative Therapies
Best for Dog Breeds Predisposed to Joint Injuries

Pumpkin Pet Insurance

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Maximum annual coverage
$10,000 - Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500, $1,000

Why We Like It

Several dog breeds are known for having common hip and joint problems. If this is a concern for your pup, Pumpkin is a great choice for your dog insurance needs. They have no extended waiting period for hip dysplasia or knee injuries, where some other providers’ waiting periods can be up to 6 months.

We love Pumpkin for its wide-reaching coverage and reimbursement level. Where other companies let you choose low reimbursement levels, Pumpkin ensures you get 90% back from covered claims and has no maximum age of enrollment. As an added benefit, owners with multiple pets get a 10% discount on policies. When it comes to coverage, what is offered as add-ons from other companies comes standard at Pumpkin.

Pumpkin has a standard accident & illness plan that covers exam fees, dental illnesses, behavioral issues, hereditary & congenital conditions, rehab therapies, and end-of-life services. You can also customize your plan with an optional add-on for preventative care.

We recommend opting for the unlimited coverage limit with a preventative care add-on.

Coverage Highlights

With Pumpkin’s accident & illness plan, there is a 14-day waiting period. While this is longer than some other providers, Pumpkin has no extended waiting period for hip dysplasia or knee injuries making it a great option for animals prone to joint issues. On the downside, their add-on plan for preventive care doesn’t have a lot of coverage.

Examples of inclusions
  • Multi-pet Discount
  • Dental Disease
  • Hereditary and Congenital Conditions
Examples of exclusions
  • Breed Specific Issues
  • Boarding
  • Pays Vet Directly
Best for Deductible Options

Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC

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Maximum annual coverage
$5,000 - Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000

Why We Like It

We like Pets Best as it offers competitively priced plans with a wide range of deductible options. This is great for dog owners on a budget as it allows you to tailor your plan to what you can afford. There is also no age limit for sign-ups, meaning you can purchase coverage for your pet later in life, and accident coverage kicks in 3 days from sign-up. You’ll also get unlimited access to a 24/7 emergency vet hotline for quick consultations at all hours of the day. Pets Best offers multiple plans including an Accident-only plan, as well as 3 tiers called Essential, Plus, and Elite. You can also opt for an add-on for wellness / routine care plans for an extra fee which offers good coverage versus other plans on the market.

Last, but not least, Pets Best is one of the few providers who can pay the vet directly for you. Simply download the reimbursement release form from their website and have your vet’s office sign and agree to receive payment directly from the provider and Pet’s Best will handle the rest.

Coverage Highlights

With Pets Best you can expect a waiting period of 3 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, and 6 months for cruciate ligament conditions. When choosing, note that exam fees are not included in the Essential plan, which is why we recommend opting for a higher-tier plan, such as the Elite plan, with a wellness add-on.

Examples of inclusions
  • Surgery
  • 24/7 Vet Chat
  • Exam Fees
Examples of exclusions
  • Alternative Therapies
  • Breed Specific Issues
  • Prescription Food
Best for Fast Reimbursement

Figo Pet Insurance

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Maximum annual coverage
$5,000 - Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%, 100%*
Deductible choices
$100, $200, $500, $750, $1,000, $1,500

Why We Like It

Figo is known for its fast claim processing which is a huge benefit to its customers as most providers require you to pay upfront and be reimbursed. Figo is also one of the few providers that offer 100% reimbursement (on plans with deductibles of $500+).

It’s also great for elderly dogs as it has no age limit for enrollment, and the waiting period for accidents is one of the shortest in the industry (1 day).

Figo has lots of plan options to suit all types of budgets. It offers several pre-set accident & illness plans but also allows you to customize your plan based on your desired coverage limits, deductible, and reimbursement level.

You can also opt for add-ons that offer continued wellness coverage and reimbursement for vet exam fees. All plans come with 24/7 vet assistance text-chat, however, video/phone telehealth consultations are also available as part of the wellness add-on.

Coverage Highlights

With Figo, there is a 1-day waiting period for accidents and injuries and 14 days for illnesses.

For dogs, there is also a 6-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions. However, this can be waived if you get an orthopedic exam within the first 30 days of your policy and your pet is deemed healthy.

In some cases, Figo can also treat curable pre-existing conditions if your pets show no symptoms within 12 months of treatment.

Examples of inclusions
  • Chronic Conditions
  • Dental Disease
  • Breed Specific Issues
Examples of exclusions
  • Prescription Food
  • Microchipping
  • Pays Vet Directly
Best for Senior Dogs

Spot Pet Insurance

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Maximum annual coverage
$2,500 - Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000

Why We Like It

We love Spot because there is no maximum enrollment age, meaning elderly dogs can get coverage at any time.

Spot offers a wide range of annual coverage and deductible options to suit all budgets and is one of a few providers that offer a discount for owners with multiple pets (10%). They also tend to cover more things than other providers such as advanced care and alternative therapies, which can be especially important for older dogs.

Spot offers several plan options including an accident-only plan, an accident & illness plan, and 2 tiers of wellness add-ons (Gold & Platinum) which can cover things like teeth cleaning. Another benefit to Spot is that euthanasia and exam fees (for covered conditions) are included with their accident & illness plan.

Coverage Highlights

Spot has a 14-day waiting period for accidents, illnesses, and ligament/knee conditions. Spot will also cover pre-existing conditions if they are considered curable and your pet has not had symptoms or treatments for at least 180 days.

Examples of inclusions
  • Multi-pet Discount
  • Dental Disease
  • Chronic Conditions
Examples of exclusions
  • Boarding
  • Pays Vet Directly
Best for Boarding and Other Perks

Fetch by The Dodo

COMPARE PLANS via Petinsurer.com's secure website
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000 - $15,000
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$300, $500, $700

Why We Like It

Fetch by The Dodo offers simple and straightforward plans with some of the most comprehensive coverage on the market. There is no age limit for enrollment and it covers things most other providers don’t offer. As an example, if your dog is lost, Fetch will cover expenses for lost dog ads and will even chip in to offer a reward.

If you are going on a trip, they’ll pay for boarding & kennel costs, and will also reimburse you for non-refundable pet expenses due to a canceled vacation. They also offer a 10% discount to military members.

Fetch only offers their Standard accident & illness plan which includes TeleVet services and dental coverage at no extra cost. However, unlike other providers, there is no preventative/wellness plan option with this provider.

Coverage Highlights

Fetch has a waiting period of 15 days for accidents & illness and a 6-month waiting period for injuries for knee & hip injuries. However, this can be waived if you get an orthopedic exam within the first 30 days of your policy and your pet is deemed healthy with no pre-existing orthopedic conditions.

Examples of inclusions
  • Emergency Vet Visits
  • Dental Disease
  • Allergies
Examples of exclusions
  • 24/7 Vet Chat
  • Prescription Food
  • Pays Vet Directly

What is dog insurance?

Dog insurance is a type of pet insurance policy that can cover your dog’s vet bills and pay for expensive medical interventions like surgery when your dog falls ill or is in an accident. Depending on the plan you choose, dog insurance can cover part of the bill, or many cases, all of it.

Dog health insurance works a lot like health insurance for people. Therefore, the type of coverage your plan offers is key. A good pet insurance plan can cover the costs of treating illnesses, accidental injuries and even pay for some routine care.

In a way, dog insurance is actually made to protect dog owners and their budgets from the impact of any unexpected costs that can stem from pet healthcare bills.

What does pet insurance for dogs typically include?

Like human health insurance, what is included in a dog insurance plan depends on the specific policy.

Dog insurance policies typically come in three forms:

  1. Accident-only coverage
  2. Accident and illness coverage
  3. Wellness coverage

We break down these types of coverage below. For an in-depth look, you can also check out our guide on what pet insurance covers, which also explains how to choose the right one for your needs.

1. Accident-only coverage

Accident-only coverage only kicks in when your dog has a physical injury.

This type of plan may cover broken bones, torn or sprained muscles and even poisoning or accidental ingestion of foreign bodies. The plan would not, however, cover treatment for your dog’s illnesses. 

Some examples of situations accidental-only coverage may help pay for include:

2. Accident and illness coverage

This is a more comprehensive type of insurance policy for your dog. It covers treatment for injuries due to accidents as well as treatments for illnesses and related symptoms. Some policies may even include pet dental coverage.

Some examples of situations accident and illness plans might cover include:

3. Wellness insurance

It’s important to note that wellness coverage is typically offered as an optional add-on to an accident or illness plan. However, some pet insurance plans are wellness policies only, which means they are designed to cover routine and preventative care.

If you opt for a wellness only plan, your plan would not cover treatment for major injuries or illnesses. Instead, wellness plans are meant to cut down on the general cost of dog ownership and help ensure dog owners can afford routine care.

Some examples of services a wellness plan might cover include:

What isn’t included in dog insurance plans?

While a dog insurance plan covers many types of expenses, it doesn’t typically cover regular day-to-day expenses, kennel or boarding fees, and costs for breeding or grooming.

Most pet insurance companies won’t cover pre-existing conditions either. Therefore, it’s important to purchase insurance early in your dog’s life to ensure they are adequately covered.

Some common dog insurance exclusions include:

Dog owners should always consider the details of their pet health insurance plan to ensure they understand what is covered.

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Compare dog insurance coverage from different providers

Compare Coverage
Accident & Illness Coverage
Available
Available
Accident-Only Coverage
Available
Not Available
Surgery
Covered
Covered
Hereditary and Congenital Conditions
Covered
Covered
Chronic Conditions
Covered
Covered
Dental Disease
Covered
Covered
Allergies
Covered
Covered
Cancer Treatment
Covered
Covered
Physical Therapy
Covered
Covered
Alternative Therapies
Covered
Covered
Behaviorial issues
Covered
Covered
Breed Specific Issues
Covered
Covered
Emergency Vet Visits
Covered
Covered
Telehealth Visits
Covered
Covered
24/7 Vet Chat
Covered
Covered
Specialist Visits
Covered
Covered
Exam Fees
Covered
Covered
Bloodtests
Covered
Covered
Laboratory Testing
Covered
Covered
X-Rays & CT Scans
Covered
Covered
Wellness Coverage
Add On
Add On
Prescription Medication
Covered
Covered
Prescription Food
Covered
Add On
Microchipping
Covered
Not covered
Boarding
Not covered
Not covered
Euthanasia
Covered
Covered
Pays Vet Directly
Not covered
Covered
Multi-pet Discount
Covered
Covered
Max Enrollment Age
No Max
14 years
Accident Waiting Period
14 days
2 days
Illness Waiting Period
14 days
14 days
Orthopedic Waiting Period
14 days
6 months

How much does dog insurance cost?

Dog insurance is more expensive than cat insurance. You can expect to pay from around $25 to around $170 per month for your dog insurance policy. 

The cost of pet insurance depends on a variety of factors, including:

To best understand how much pet insurance will cost for your dog, you’ll need to get a quote from pet insurance providers.

Some basic averages are provided below for illustrative purposes:

Which dog breeds are the most expensive to insure?

The most expensive dog breeds to insure are those that tend to require the most health care or have higher average claim amounts.

Here’s a look at five of the most expensive breeds to insure and what an average claim cost might be for each:

Which dog breeds are the cheapest to insure?

Typically, the cheapest dogs to insure are mixed breeds, as such dogs tend to have less risk of health problems.

Here’s a look at some of the cheapest dogs to insure and the average cost of claims associated with their treatment:

How can I choose the best pet insurance for my dog?

Follow the steps below to find the best pet insurance plan for your pup.

1

Check whether your dog is eligible.

Not all pet insurance companies cover all types of dogs. Some may also have an upper age limit, so your senior dog may not be eligible for any of those plans.

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2

Decide on a type of pet health insurance and how much coverage you want.

Think about how much you are likely to spend on vet bills for your dog throughout the year. You may need less coverage for a puppy or a healthy younger dog than for a senior dog with age-related health conditions.

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3

Ensure you understand how reimbursements and deductibles work with the plan.

For example, if a plan has a reimbursement rate of 80%, you will get $80 back for every $100 you spend on eligible claims. If you have a deductible of $1,000, however, you have to pay $1,000 in eligible claims and file them before you receive any reimbursement.

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4

Read the fine print for exclusions and waiting periods.

Ensure you understand if any pre-existing conditions are excluded. Hip dysplasia is a common example, as it may be an excluded condition if your dog already has it or if the breed is known for developing it.

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5

Consider any extra costs.

It’s important to take a big-picture approach to pet insurance costs. Consider normal pet expenses you pay each year and add them up, considering what the insurance may cover, how much deductibles are and what you’re left paying for out-of-pocket.

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6

Compare quotes for pet insurance.

Using the information you gathered in the previous step, compare the total expected costs with various policies to find one that seems right for your budget.

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7

Routinely review your policy.

Never set and forget any type of insurance, even pet insurance plans. Review your situation and your policy at least annually and decide if you can make any changes to get cheaper pet insurance. You may also want to get periodic quotes to see if a competitor now offers a better deal.

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Is dog insurance worth it?

Dog insurance is worth it if your policy premiums and veterinary costs balance out. Even opting for a cheap pet insurance plan can work out saving you thousands of dollars in the long run.

Let’s take a look at a few factors worth considering when deciding whether or not to purchase pet insurance.

Pet insurance may be worth it if:

It may not be worth it to purchase pet insurance if:


For a more in-depth evaluation, check out our guide on if pet insurance is worth it.

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Dog insurance FAQs

When is the best time to buy dog insurance?

The best time to buy insurance for your dog is before you need it. If you purchase insurance as soon as you bring your furry friend home, you typically get the most comprehensive coverage. That’s because your dog could develop pre-existing conditions over time that won’t be covered by insurance if you buy it later.

Does dog insurance cover vaccinations?

Some policies cover preventative care, including vaccinations, while others don’t or only cover certain vaccinations. Read the benefits information for your pet’s plan to understand what is covered.

For a more detailed guide on the cost of dog vaccinations and what vaccines your dog will need, read our article: How Much Do Dog Vaccinations Cost?

Does dog insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

Most insurance for dogs does not cover pre-existing conditions. Always read the benefits information for a plan to understand what is covered for your pet and whether there are any exclusions.

Is prescription dog food covered by insurance?

Some policies will cover prescription dog food that is deemed medically necessary by a vet. Look at the details of your pet’s plan to see if food is ever covered.

Does dog insurance cover service dogs?

Yes, you can buy pet insurance to cover your service dog. In fact, since a service dog provides a valuable service and has a unique relationship with its owner, it can be important to invest in its health and wellness. Insurance can help you do that.

Can I use any veterinarian?

In most cases, you can use any vet you want. You don’t use insurance at the vet like you would at your own doctor’s appointment. Instead, you typically pay for the vet care costs yourself and file for reimbursement with your pet insurance.

On the other hand, some providers offer pet insurance that pays the vet directly. This type of coverage may require your vet to have specific software (as is the case with Trupanion), so be sure to check on this before purchasing a plan.

Sarah Stasik
Sarah Stasik Pet Insurance Expert

Sarah Stasik is an editorial writer and a Six Sigma certified project manager. She is well versed in personal finance thanks to her previous role as a Revenue Cycle Manager for a Fortune 500 healthcare company. Using her inside knowledge and expertise, Sarah often covers topics ranging from insurance and the economics of private healthcare to personal finance and small business management.

Over the past 12 years, Sarah has contributed to numerous publications in the personal and small business finance sector, including content on budgeting, bankruptcy, small business accounting, and financial tech. Her writing focuses on making complex or seemingly daunting financial topics more accessible and providing helpful, relevant resources for readers.

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