Foster City, CA – Aug. 13, 2020 – Increasingly, pet owners consider their furry friend a member of the family and care for them accordingly. In its new guide, Insurance.com explains what pet insurance covers, how it works, what it costs and which companies offer it.
North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) reports there were nearly 2.43 million pets insured by the end of 2018, an increase of 17% from 2017. In our recent survey of 800 pet owners, 46% report having pet insurance. Of those respondents, 48% say having that coverage saves money and 32% claim it has been a huge help keeping their pet healthy.
The largest group of respondents, 36% of those with pet insurance, spends between $201 and $300 annually on coverage. An annual investment of $300 or less can provide access to up to $5,000 in benefits, according to this research.
Insurance.com’s team reviews pet insurance options and provides detailed information on the following:
- What is pet insurance? Technically, pet insurance operates much like car or homeowners insurance.
- What does it cover? The three main types of coverage include accident, illness and wellness.
- What doesn’t pet insurance cover? Procedures and care such as cosmetic surgery, supplements and pregnancy-related veterinary costs are typically not covered.
- A comparison of 16 top pet insurance companies: This growing list includes detailed information on such companies as Trupanion, Nationwide, PetFirst, Prudent Pet and Healthy Paws.
- Cost factors: The number of animals in the home, location and age of the animal all matter.
- Eligibility: Pet insurance is harder to secure as the pet ages.
- How to file a claim: Some offer the option to pay the veterinary clinic directly; most reimburse after a claim is filed.
Premiums vary, but the average annual cost for accident and illness coverage for a dog is $566.40, whereas the average annual cost for accident-only coverage for a cat is $140.88 Much like health insurance for humans, pet insurance usually establishes a co-pay and deductible amount as part of the package. The most common health issue plaguing the family dog is a skin allergy, and the number one medical condition for a cat is bladder/urinary tract disease, according to statistics.
The top 10 most treated conditions for dogs and cats:
Number | Dogs | Cats |
1. | Skin allergies | Bladder/urinary tract disease |
2. | Ear infection | Dental disease |
3. | Non-cancerous skin mass | Chronic kidney disease |
4. | Diarrhea/intestinal upset | Vomiting/upset stomach |
5. | Skin infection | Diarrhea/intestinal upset |
6. | Vomiting/upset stomach | Excessive thyroid hormone |
7. | Arthritis | Upper respiratory infection |
8. | Dental disease | Skin allergies |
9. | Anal gland inflammation | Diabetes |
10. | Bladder/urinary tract disease | Heart valve malfunction |
Dental disease is costliest for canines, with an average treatment expense of $450. The most expensive medical condition for cats is diabetes, which hisses at about $871 to treat.
Find the full resource here: Pet Insurance: What you need to know.
Insurance.com editor Les Masterson is available for commentary.
About Insurance.com
Insurance.com is owned and operated by QuinStreet, Inc. (Nasdaq: QNST), a pioneer in delivering online marketplace solutions to match searchers with brands in digital media. QuinStreet is committed to providing consumers and businesses with the information and tools they need to research, find and select the products and brands that meet their needs. Insurance.com is a member of the company’s expert research and publishing division.
Insurance.com is a trusted online resource dedicated to educating consumers on auto, home, health and life insurance, developing relationships directly with carriers to offer consumers comparison rates from multiple companies. Since 2001, Insurance.com’s industry-first online tools, data-based reporting and experienced experts have helped consumers make informed insurance-related decisions, so they can choose the right insurance for their individual needs.
Twitter: @InsuranceDotCom
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsuranceDotCom/
Media Contact
Charlene Arsenault
Public Relations Assistant
508-832-8918