The three main types of pet insurance are comprehensive (accident and illness), accident-only, and basic wellness care. More than 4.8 million pets are covered by one of these pet insurance types, which can help reimburse veterinarian bills keeping your furry friend healthy and happy.

Each type of pet insurance includes different coverage, so you’ll want to pick the one that best meets your needs. 

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive pet insurance provides the broadest coverage for your beloved pet and may be called accident and illness coverage. If your companion is injured or develops an illness, this insurance helps you shoulder the financial burden of nose-to-tail treatment.

The most common medical conditions among dogs include urgent illnesses like ear infections, bladder infections, vomiting, and diarrhea. Common chronic conditions include diabetes, allergies, kidney disease, and arthritis.

Most plans will only help reimburse the cost of chronic conditions if you have pet insurance before your pet is diagnosed with the chronic condition. Some plans exclude conditions like cancer. And even if it is currently covered, some providers won’t continue coverage of the chronic condition at renewal, instead deeming it a pre-existing condition. Ask before buying.  

What comprehensive coverage includes

While the exact terms vary from one insurer to another, comprehensive plans usually provide reimbursement for any surprising incident, including: 

• Accidents: Such as bite wounds, swallowed objects, broken bones 
• Chronic conditions: Such as cancer, arthritis, and diabetes
• Common illnesses: Such as skin infections and urinary tract infections
• Behavioral problems: including excessive licking or destructive chewing
• Dental care: Including root canals, broken teeth, periodontal disease
• Diagnostic testing: X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and blood work.
• Prescription medications and supplements

Breed-specific, inherited conditions such as hip dysplasia and heart disease may be covered, but many plans don’t cover these conditions as they’re considered “pre-existing.”

What it doesn’t include

As comprehensive as this insurance is, it doesn’t cover everything. Most policies may contain dozens of exclusions. Here are some standard exclusions: 

• Pre-existing conditions or conditions occurring during the waiting period
• Breeding and pregnancy
• Deliberate injury by you or someone in your home
• Cosmetic procedures
• Cloning
• Procedures and treatments deemed not medically necessary
• Grooming and boarding 

Accident-Only Coverage

Accident-only coverage excludes illnesses. Vet bills can add up quickly after an injury or accident. If your pet can’t get a comprehensive pet insurance plan due to age or health or if you need more affordable pet insurance, an accident-only policy may be a good fit. 

What accident-only coverage includes

This plan typically includes all diagnostic tests, treatment, surgery, exam fees, and prescription medication for emergency vet care due to an accident. Here are some common mishaps covered by an accident-only plan: 

• Swallowing a foreign object or something toxic
• Laceration 
• Heat stroke 
• Breaking a bone
• Bee sting
• Getting hit by a car

What is doesn't include

Accident insurance doesn’t cover illnesses or inherited conditions. Other exclusions often include: 

• Breed-specific conditions
• Cancer
• Dental illness
• Pre-existing conditions
• Behavioral care
• Routine checkups

Pet Wellness and Health Maintenance Coverage

Wellness and preventive care coverage is typically sold as an add-on product (or “rider”) to one of the two insurance types above. It’s not exactly an insurance product, but a plan that reimburses you at a flat rate for routine checkups and preventive care.

In 2021, the average cost of routine medical care was $225 for a dog and $160 for a cat. To help with these costs, some pet parents opt for wellness and preventative care coverage. 

What wellness coverage includes

These plans include routine care, such as: 

• Wellness exams
• Vaccinations and titers
• Microchipping
• Parasite prevention
• Dental cleanings
• Deworming
• Fecal tests
• Urinalysis 

Many wellness plans are offered in tiers with different procedure coverages. For example, spaying and neutering is not included on some basic wellness plans and requires an upgrade to a premium level of coverage.

What it doesn't include

Wellness and preventative care plans are about keeping your dog or cat healthy through routine care and excludes emergencies, illnesses and injuries. More basic plans will have longer lists of exclusions. Common exclusions include: 

• Pregnancy
• Cosmetic and elective surgeries
• Grooming and nail trimming
• Chronic conditions

Other Pet Coverage Options

You may be able to select pet coverage riders for: 

• Chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hip dysplasia
• Breeding 
• Boarding and kenneling
• Pre-existing conditions
• Prescription food 
• Dental care
• Hereditary/chronic/conditional conditions
• Senior pets
• Behavioral health
• End-of-life care
• Physical therapy

Choosing the Right Coverage for Your Pet

Now that you have a better understanding of the types of pet insurance, how do you decide which one is right for you? The best pet insurance plan for you depends on your goals, budget, animal’s age, and each policy’s terms.

Comprehensive: Is It Right for You?

If you want the peace of mind that comes with complete coverage for illness or injury, a comprehensive plan is your best option. However, it will be more expensive than most plans, particularly as your pet grows older. 

Accident-Only: Is It Right for You?

Pet owners who want the peace of mind that insurance provides, but don’t have much room in the budget for premiums, can consider an accident-only plan. While this won’t cover illnesses, the plan will help if, for example, your dog needs emergency surgery after eating a foreign object (which can cost $1,600 to almost $22,000) or has a different type of accident.

Wellness Coverage: Is it Right for You?

You’ll also need to determine if you want to add to a wellness plan. While some research shows that this type of coverage may not save you a lot of money, it can help you spread your vet costs out over the whole year instead of paying for them all at once. When choosing wellness coverage, you should also consider your pet's age. Some companies have a maximum age requirement. If your four-legged friend is too old, they may only be eligible for accident-only coverage.

Finally, since each pet insurance company has different terms and conditions, you’ll want to carefully review the policies you’re considering.

Pet Insurance: What To Look For

When reviewing plans, pay close attention to how claims are handled for reimbursement, including waits. You’ll also likely be able to choose the following for comprehensive and injury-only plans: 

• Annual limit: The upper limits of your annual reimbursement, which may range from $2,500 to unlimited amounts 
• Percentage of reimbursement: How much you’ll be reimbursed for a vet bill or procedure; often ranges from 70% to 90%
• Deductibles: You can set a higher deductible to reduce the costs of your plan; it ranges from $50 to $1,000.

Also, carefully how each plan addresses the following: 

• Coverage: Conditions, illnesses, injuries, exams, and procedures covered.
• Constraints: Including waiting periods, pre-existing condition coverage, and exclusions
• Veterinarian choice: Network or your choice?
• Overall costs: Discounts available and fees charged.

Bottom Line

Pet insurance can help cover the cost of unexpected veterinarian bills. If you’re looking for coverage, consider which of the three main types of pet insurance is right for you. Then remember that not all plans are created equal, so it’s essential to read the fine print before making a final decision.