Selecting the best pet insurance can be a challenge, but we’re here to help you discover the ideal plan for your pet!
Pet insurance is a smart and valuable financial resource that:
- Safeguards you and your finances from unexpected veterinary expenses.
- Enables veterinarians to deliver the best possible care for your pet, using the latest medical treatments available.
- Helps pet owners avoid the difficult decision of economic euthanasia when they can't afford necessary medical care for their pet.
- Gives pet parents peace of mind, removing the hesitation to seek prompt veterinary care or waiting to see if a pet’s condition worsens before seeking help.
What Should You Know?
Insuring your pet while they’re still young locks in coverage before any pre-existing conditions arise, giving you protection from day one. Older pets face more health risks, so purchasing insurance early helps you avoid exclusions or higher age-related premiums.
Certain breeds are more likely to develop specific health conditions. Understanding the potential risks for your pet’s breed can help you choose the right level of insurance coverage.
Gender typically doesn’t impact insurance coverage or premium costs. However, some providers may offer optional add-ons for gender-specific procedures like spaying or neutering.
Coverage helps protect your pet’s medical needs by outlining which treatments and expenses the insurance policy will reimburse. It defines the scope of care your plan includes.
The deductible affects how much you pay out of pocket before your insurance begins to cover costs. A lower deductible reduces upfront expenses when you file a claim but usually comes with higher monthly premiums. A higher deductible can lower your monthly payments but means you’ll pay more before coverage applies. Choosing the right deductible helps you strike a balance between affordability and financial risk.
We’re happy to help! For eligible visits, our team can submit claims on your behalf directly to your insurance provider—typically within two weeks of your appointment. You can track your claim status through your insurance company’s online portal. Prefer to file yourself? No problem—we’re still here to assist however we can.
Since pet insurance providers differ in what they offer, it’s important to explore your options to find the plan that fits your pet’s needs and your budget. With a wide range of policies available, there’s likely a good match for every pet and family situation—so take the time to compare what’s out there.
At Clarion Animal Hospital, we generally recommend choosing a plan that:
- Includes coverage for hereditary and congenital conditions
- Uses an annual deductible rather than a per-condition or per-incident one
- Provides at least 90% reimbursement on eligible expenses
- Covers veterinary exam fees
- Offers a minimum annual coverage limit of $20,000
Common Diseases for Common Breeds
French Bulldogs
- Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome
- Eye issues (Conjunctivitis, Cherry eye, Corneal ulcers)
- Allergy/Skin dermatitis
- Intervertebral Disc Disease
- Medial Patellar Luxation
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Eye Issues
- Caudal Occipital Malformation Syndrome
- Heart disease
Doodles
- Allergies
- Skin/Ear Infections
- Hip dysplasia
- Neoplasia
Golden Retrievers
- Skin/Ear infections
- Hip dysplasia
- Osteoarthritis
- Neoplasia
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. Since pets are legally regarded as personal property, pet insurance falls under the Property and Casualty category, much like auto or homeowner’s insurance. It operates as an indemnity-based policy, which means you pay the veterinary costs up front and then file a claim for reimbursement.
Unlike human health plans, pet insurance does not use provider networks. You’re free to visit any licensed veterinarian in the U.S., and often even in Canada.
The best time to purchase pet insurance is as soon as you bring your pet home—even before the first vet visit. Why? Because no pet insurance policy covers pre-existing conditions. The earlier you enroll, the more comprehensive your coverage will be, and the fewer exclusions you’ll encounter later.
To determine whether your pet has any pre-existing health issues, insurance providers often require a review of your pet’s complete medical history. This typically includes records from any veterinary visits prior to enrollment. Some companies may also request a physical exam before coverage begins.
Yes! Most pet insurance plans allow you to see any licensed veterinarian in the U.S. Because pet insurance is based on reimbursement, there’s no need to worry about “in-network” providers—you simply pay the vet bill and submit a claim for reimbursement.
With a per-condition or per-incident deductible, you must meet a new deductible each time your pet is treated for a different issue. For example:
- Vomiting: one deductible
- Broken nail: another deductible
- Ear infection: yet another deductible
This can become costly and unpredictable. That’s why we recommend policies with a single annual deductible, which is easier to manage and often more cost-effective in the long run.
We’re happy to help! For eligible visits, our team can submit claims on your behalf directly to your insurance provider—typically within two weeks of your appointment. You can track your claim status through your insurance company’s online portal. Prefer to file yourself? No problem—we’re still here to assist however we can.
If your claim is denied and you feel it was done in error, you have the right to appeal the decision. We’re more than willing to assist you with the appeal process—from reviewing your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) to helping you prepare the appeal paperwork.
Not all plans offer the same level of value. Be cautious of:
- Policies with per-condition or per-incident deductibles
- Plans based on a benefit schedule (fixed payout amounts per condition)
- Low reimbursement rates (less than 70%)
- Low annual coverage limits (under $20,000)
“Wellness plans” or membership discount programs posing as insurance (these are not true insurance policies)
Helpful Pet Insurance Resources
If you’re new to the world of pet insurance and want to start comparing plans, check out Pawlicy Advisor. It’s a user-friendly tool that provides customized plan recommendations based on your pet’s breed, age, and your budget, while allowing you to compare providers side by side.
