Is Pet Insurance Worth It?
Why More Pet Owners Are Saying Yes.

If you’re a new pet owner or have never considered pet insurance before, you might wonder if it’s really worth the monthly cost. With the rising expense of veterinary care and the unpredictability of pet health, more owners are turning to pet insurance for peace of mind. Here’s what you need to know—and why it’s worth serious consideration.

Why Consider Pet Insurance?

Unexpected veterinary bills are more common than you might think. Every six seconds, a pet owner in the U.S. is faced with a vet bill over $1,000. Common claims include skin issues, gastrointestinal problems, ear infections, seizures, and urinary tract infections—conditions that can lead to costly diagnostics and treatments. Emergency surgeries, cancer treatments, or chronic illness management can quickly run into the thousands.

The Real Costs of Pet Care

Routine care for dogs averages $225 per year, but preventative medications, dental work, and spay/neuter procedures can add hundreds more. For cats, annual routine care averages $160, with similar additional costs for dental and preventative care. These numbers don’t include emergency visits or treatment for serious illnesses, which can easily surpass $1,000 in a single incident.

How Pet Insurance Works

Pet insurance typically covers 70–100% of eligible expenses after a deductible. With most plans, you pay your vet for the care and submit receipts to your insurance provider for reimbursement. Most plans are customizable, letting you choose your deductible, reimbursement rate, and annual coverage limit.

Is It Worth the Cost?

While you’ll pay annual premiums—averaging $566 for dogs and $354 for cats—pet insurance can save you thousands if your pet faces a serious illness or accident. As pets age, premiums rise, but so does the likelihood of needing expensive care. Having insurance means you won’t have to choose between your pet’s health and your finances.

Why So Few Have It — And Why That’s Changing

Despite the benefits, only about 4% of dogs and 1% of cats in the U.S. are insured. But the market is growing rapidly, with double-digit increases in insured pets each year. As awareness spreads and more people experience the financial shock of emergency vet bills, pet insurance is becoming a standard part of responsible pet ownership.