Common pet illnesses and vet costs.

An unexpected vet visit can come with a big bill. Having pet insurance can give you one less thing to worry about if your pet gets sick.

 

How much could unexpected vet bills cost without insurance

We all want to keep our playful pups and adventurous cats happy and health, but let’s face it — sometimes they can get into something they shouldn’t. They might have an emergency, or they could develop an unexpected health issue. A routine vet visit can be manageable – typically ranging from $50 to $250. But emergency visits or a serious illness? Those vet bills can add up fast.

An emergency vet exam alone averages $96 to $236 for dogs and $94 to $228 for cats, but this is just the starting point. Treatment costs can escalate quickly:

Treatment Costs for Common Illnesses

  • Gastroenteritis (severe vomiting/diarrhea):   $250 – $3,750
  • Poisoning:  $250 – $3,750
  • Seizures:  $625 – $6,250
  • Wound treatment and repair:  $800 – $2,500
  • Dog bite wounds:  $1,000 – $10,000+
  • Urinary tract obstruction:  $1,500 – $3,000+
  • Hospitalization (1–2 days):  $600 – $1,700; (3–5 days): $1,500 – $3,500
  • Toxin ingestion:  $250 – $6,000

And just that’s for the initial visit. It doesn’t include any necessary follow-up care, medications, or diagnostic tests like ultrasounds, which alone can run you $300–$600.

When you add up all the regular annual vet costs — wellness check ups, dental care, lab tests, and vaccines — you're looking at anywhere from $700 and $1,500. But a single emergency visit can far exceed that. Without pet insurance, you’re on the hook for the full cost of these treatments out-of-pocket, which could be a significant financial strain in the event of an unexpected illness or injury.

What’s the bottom line? Your furry friend's health is priceless – but the bill doesn't have to be a budget-breaker. A comprehensive pet plan can help you manage the costs that can come with accidents and illnesses, so you can give your pet the best possible care.

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