Pet insurance is becoming an important part of responsible pet ownership. Veterinary care costs are rising, and unexpected illnesses or injuries can be expensive. Finding the right coverage ensures that pets receive the care they need without creating financial stress for their owners.
Many new pet owners ask, Is there pet insurance that truly covers their needs? The answer is yes, and at PetCoverage.ai, pet owners can compare plans tailored to their budget, their pet’s age, and their health profile. In fact, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 6.4 million pets in the U.S. were insured in 2024, up from 5.7 million in 2023. Dogs made up 75.6% of insured pets, while cats accounted for the rest.
This guide explains how to get pet insurance that fits a pet’s breed, age, and health. It also covers the types of coverage available and common exclusions so pet owners can make informed decisions.
What Is Pet Insurance and How It Works
Before exploring how to get pet insurance, it’s important to understand what it is and how it works. Pet insurance helps cover veterinary expenses for pets, helping owners manage unexpected medical costs.
Many owners also wonder, Is there health insurance for dogs? Pet health insurance reimburses eligible vet costs rather than paying the clinic directly, while life insurance for dogs is less common and usually reserved for service, breeding, or show animals.
Most plans work on a reimbursement basis:
The pet owner pays the veterinary bill at the time of service.
A claim is submitted to the insurance provider.
The provider reimburses eligible expenses based on the plan’s coverage level, deductible, and reimbursement rate.
Types of Pet Insurance Coverage
Accident-only coverage: Covers treatment for injuries such as broken bones, cuts, swallowed objects, or toxic ingestion.
Accident and illness coverage: Includes accident coverage plus illnesses such as cancer, arthritis, diabetes, and infections.
Wellness coverage: Helps with routine care such as annual exams, vaccinations, dental cleanings, and parasite prevention.
Understanding coverage limits, waiting periods, and exclusions is essential before signing up for a policy.
How to Get Pet Insurance for Your Pet’s Breed and Health – Step-by-Step
Finding pet insurance that truly fits your pet’s breed-specific health risks, age, and lifestyle isn’t just about picking the first policy you see; it’s about making an informed choice that protects them in the long run. Platforms like PetCoverage.ai can help you compare providers, coverage types, and pricing tailored to your pet’s unique profile.
1. Assess Your Pet’s Breed-Specific Risks
Begin by identifying common health issues associated with your pet’s breed. For example, Bulldogs are prone to respiratory problems, Dachshunds often face back issues, and Golden Retrievers have a higher risk of cancer. Cats have breed-specific concerns, too. Persians may be at risk for developing kidney disease, while Maine Coons can be susceptible to heart conditions. Factor in your pet’s age and lifestyle: a young, active dog that hikes with you regularly might benefit from accident coverage, while an older pet may need illness coverage for age-related conditions.
2. Compare Policy Types for Your Pet’s Needs
Not all plans are created equal. Accident-only policies may be suitable for young, healthy pets at low risk of genetic diseases, while accident-and-illness plans offer broader protection for breeds prone to chronic conditions. Consider wellness add-ons if your pet requires frequent preventive care. PetCoverage.ai allows you to filter by breed-specific coverage so you can quickly find policies that match your pet’s health risks.
3. Look Beyond Monthly Premiums
A low monthly cost can be misleading. For high-risk breeds, check the deductible, reimbursement rate, and annual or lifetime coverage limits. A plan with a slightly higher premium but comprehensive breed-specific coverage could save thousands in the long run, especially for pets with known hereditary risks.
4. Watch Out for Breed-Specific Exclusions
Many pet insurance providers exclude coverage for certain hereditary conditions, which is critical if your breed is prone to them. For example, some plans may exclude hip dysplasia in large dogs or eye disorders in flat-faced breeds. Always read the fine print to ensure your pet’s most likely health needs are covered.
5. Understand Waiting Periods for Your Pet’s Risks
Waiting periods vary, and some conditions (like orthopedic issues in large breeds) may have extended waiting times. Enrolling your pet early, before symptoms appear, ensures those conditions aren’t labeled as pre-existing and excluded from coverage.
6. Apply and Keep Records Organized
Once you’ve chosen a plan that fits your pet’s breed, age, and health profile, apply online and set up billing. Keep all vet records and invoices for quick reimbursement. Having an organized file can make claims processing faster and easier.
Pro Tip: For high-risk breeds, it’s almost always more cost-effective to enroll while they’re young and healthy, before breed-specific issues develop. This helps avoid exclusions and maintains your coverage when you need it most.
What Pet Insurance Covers (and What It Doesn’t)
Commonly Covered
Emergency surgeries and hospital stays
Cancer treatment
Chronic illness management
Injuries such as fractures, cuts, or toxic ingestion
Preventive care (if wellness coverage is included)
Commonly Not Covered
Pre-existing conditions
Elective or cosmetic procedures
Breeding or pregnancy care
Grooming and boarding costs
Certain breed-specific health conditions
Reading the fine print is crucial. Coverage varies between providers, and similar plans can have very different exclusions.
Case Study: Reducing Surgery Costs Through Better Coverage
Knowing how to get pet insurance can mean the difference between huge bills and major savings. Many owners ask what is pet insurance or is there health insurance for dogs without realizing some plans have hidden gaps.
Sarah, the owner of a 9-year-old Labrador, discovered that her policy excluded cancer treatment for senior dogs. After checking options, including whether there is life insurance for dogs, she switched to a plan that clearly indicated there is pet insurance for older pets.
One month later, Max needed $14,000 for cancer care. Her new plan reimbursed 90%, saving her over $12,000. The old plan would have paid nothing. This illustrates why selecting the right coverage early is crucial.
Breed and Health-Specific Insurance Tips
Certain breeds have a higher risk of specific health problems. Examples include:
Dogs: Bulldogs (respiratory issues), German Shepherds (hip dysplasia), Golden Retrievers (cancer risk)
Cats: Persians (eye disorders, kidney disease), Maine Coons (heart disease)
Tips for choosing coverage:
Enroll pets early to avoid exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
Select plans with high annual limits for breeds that are considered high-risk.
Consider wellness add-ons for preventive care and early detection.
