The best pet insurance companies recognize this reality, offering several policy types to match your specific situation.
Before selecting a policy for your pet, understanding the different types of pet insurance will help you make an informed decision that balances cost with care. Here's what you need to know about each pet insurance option available.
Types of Pet Insurance
Each pet insurance company has its own offerings. However, in most cases, you’ll find the following products:
1. Accident-Only Plans
Accident-only plans are designed to reimburse you for unexpected injuries and emergencies. For many pet owners seeking emergency pet insurance at affordable rates, these plans provide essential coverage with low premiums. However, they do have some exclusions you should understand before enrolling.
“If your dog swallows a sock and needs surgery, for example, an accident-only plan would cover it, but not treatments for allergies or diabetes,” explains Dr. Sabrina Kong, staff veterinarian at WeLoveDoodles.com.
What they cover:
Accidental injuries
Broken bones
Car accidents
Cuts and lacerations
Poisoning
Toxic ingestions
What they don't cover:
Allergies
Diabetes
Cancer and other serious illnesses
Congenital and hereditary conditions
Elective procedures
Infectious diseases
Pre-existing conditions
Wellness care
Best for: Budget-minded pet owners looking for bare-bones coverage and those with older pets.
Insurers that offer accident-only plans: ASPCA Pet Health, Spot, Embrace, and Pets Best.
2. Accident-and-Illness Plans
Accident and illness plans are the most comprehensive type of insurance plan as they cover both accidents and illnesses. While they’ll cost you more than other types of coverage, these policies might be worthwhile, especially if you hope to save as much as possible on out-of-pocket vet bills.
“For instance, this plan would cover a cat’s urinary blockage surgery or a dog’s lymphoma treatment. It’s the most comprehensive option but costs more, suiting pets prone to breed-specific or age-related health issues,” says Dr. Kong.
What they cover:
Allergies
Alternative therapies, such as acupuncture and chiropractic care
Broken bones or fractures
Cancer
Cuts and lacerations
Diagnostic tests
Gastrointestinal issues
Hospitalization
Infectious diseases
Ingesting foreign objects
Injuries
Poisoning
Select prescription medications
Treatments
Surgeries
What they don’t cover:
Elective procedures
Wellness care
Best for: Pet parents who prefer robust coverage and don’t mind paying more for it.
Insurers that offer accident-and-illness plans: ASPCA Pet Health, CarePlus by Chewy, Healthy Paws, Lemonade, Spot, Embrace, Figo, and Pets Best.
3. Wellness Plans
Sometimes called preventative care, wellness plans are usually add-ons to accident-only and accident and illness policies to help pay for routine care services. Although wellness coverage is optional, it can help you stay on top of your pet’s health and reduce the risk of serious illnesses.
“Think of wellness plans as 'maintenance packages'—great for offsetting predictable costs but not a substitute for traditional insurance. For example, a wellness plan might refund $50 for a check-up but won’t help with a $3k broken leg surgery,” explains Dr. Kong.
What they cover:
Annual wellness exams
Blood and urine testing
Dental exams
Flea/tick/heartworm prevention
Microchipping
What they don’t cover:
Accidents
Illnesses
Elective procedures
Pre-existing conditions
Best for: Pet owners who want to take a proactive approach to their pet’s health and offset routine care costs.
Insurers that offer wellness plans: ASPCA Pet Health, CarePlus by Chewy, Lemonade, Spot, Embrace, Figo, and Pets Best.
5. Additional Pet Insurance Riders
Some pet insurers offer add-ons or riders in addition to wellness plans that allow you to customize their coverage based on your particular needs. In most cases, riders cover the following:
Alternative therapies
Dental procedures
End of life care
Exam fees
Rehabilitation
How to Pick a Pet Insurance Plan Type
Since there are multiple standard and optional insurance policies available, it might be difficult to nail down the right coverage. However, these tips can help you choose the right insurance for your pet.
Evaluate Your Needs
Like humans, pets are unique creatures with their own unique needs. “Before you move forward with a pet insurance policy, consider factors like breed, age, and health history,” says Batteiger.
Note that some breeds are prone to certain conditions (e.g., hip dysplasia in large dogs, heart disease in some small breeds), so you might want to look for plans that cover hereditary and chronic conditions.
Expand Beyond Accident-Only Coverage
Accident-only plans are cheaper but limited. “If you want broader protection, an accident & illness policy ensures your pet is covered for both unexpected injuries and long-term illnesses,” explains Batteiger. Without it, you may face hefty out-of-pocket costs in the event of an unforeseen illness.
Read the Fine Print
All pet insurance policies have exclusions, such as pre-existing conditions and elective/cosmetic procedures. It’s essential to understand these before you commit to a plan.
“At Embrace, for example, if your pet has a ‘curable’ pre-existing condition and remains symptom-free and treatment-free for a year, we will cover that condition if it returns,” says Batteiger.
Some examples of potentially curable pre-existing conditions include respiratory infections, urinary tract/bladder infections, and vomiting and diarrhea.
Consider Your Budget and Preferences
Choose a deductible, reimbursement rate, and annual limit that fits your financial comfort level. Fortunately, many pet insurance companies allow flexibility with these options. This lets you tailor your policy to your budget. So, shop around and get at least a few free pet insurance quotes.
Think About Routine Care
If you want to lock in coverage for routine care services, such as wellness exams, vaccinations, flea prevention, and spay/neuter procedures, a wellness plan can come in handy. It may help you budget for these predictable expenses. Typically, you can add it to a standard accident-only or accident and illness plan.
Check for Hidden Limits or Restrictions
“Some policies have per-condition limits, lifetime caps, or breed-specific exclusions,” explains Batteiger. Some pet insurers don't impose per-condition limits, so you don’t have to worry about maxing out coverage for a particular illness.
Read Reviews and Customer Experiences
Look for real-world experiences from other pet parents on reputable, third-party review sites like TrustPilot and Better Business Bureau. “Customer service, claims processing, and overall satisfaction can make a big difference in your insurance experience,” says Batteiger.
Bottom Line
Understanding the different types of pet insurance—from basic accident coverage to comprehensive illness plans and wellness add-ons—empowers you to make the best choice for your pet's needs.
By carefully evaluating each option against your budget and your pet's specific health profile, you'll find the right balance of protection and affordability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best pet insurance to have?
The best pet insurance depends on your particular budget, pet, coverage needs, and personal preferences. For comprehensive coverage, an accident and illness plan makes sense. If you prefer more affordable insurance to help pay for accidents, you may find that an accident-only policy is a better fit.
How do I know which pet insurance to get?
To determine the right pet insurance policy, do some research and compare all your options. Also, consider your budget, your pet's health status, and goals. Your vet can also help you make an informed decision.
