Is Pet Insurance Worth It?

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Yes, pet insurance is worth it—if you can afford the monthly payments, of course.

Like all insurance policies, pet insurance is designed to cover situations that come out of nowhere. It’s the go-to plan for everything you can’t plan for, and it prevents you from making the awful decision to either remain financially stable or say goodbye to your beloved pet way too soon. I’ve been there, and it’s the worst.

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That said, pet insurance premiums can be costly, especially if your pet's breed is infamous for hereditary and congenital issues. Premiums also increase with your pet’s age, and you’ll still need to pay out of pocket for preventative care.

Often, though, the cost of surgery or treatment means pet insurance pays for itself. It just may take some time for your investment to come to fruition.

Learn more: How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?

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What does pet insurance have to do with safety?

We believe pet insurance plays a role in improving financial security, reducing the incidence of parasites and communicable diseases, and promoting safe medical treatments for four-legged family members.

Pet insurance vs. personal savings

I used to think it made more sense to set aside the money I would’ve spent on a pet insurance premium and use it for vet emergencies. That way, I wouldn’t lose any money if my pet didn’t need critical care.

But I never kept the money around just for my pets’ use. I spent it as needed for all of life’s emergencies. So when my dog got a cancer diagnosis and needed $15,000+ in treatment, I felt helpless. Yes, I had saved nearly that much money over his lifetime by not paying pet insurance premiums, but it didn’t do me much good when I got that staggering estimate.

Weighing pros and cons of pet insurance

I recommend crunching some numbers and figuring out how much money you might spend on premiums over your pet’s lifetime. Then, weigh that against their risk.

Cancer, hip dysplasia, diabetes, renal failure, and cruciate ligament tears are just a few examples of injuries that may happen more often in some breeds than others. For mixed-breed pets, consider using Embark’s Breed and Health test to find out if they carry any genetic markers for hereditary diseases.

You also don’t want to forget about non-genetic risk factors, like the possibility of your pet getting hit by a car, swallowing something they shouldn’t, or getting attacked.

Get insurance while your pet is young

If you think it might be worth enrolling your pet in an insurance plan, go ahead and do it while they’re young. Pet insurance plans won’t cover certain conditions until after a waiting period. If a diagnosis for a condition happens during the waiting period, it’s considered a pre-existing condition and won’t be covered. Get that waiting period over while your pet is still young and the picture of health.

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Need pet insurance?

Check out Lemonade pet health insurance; it's one of the most affordable  options available, with customizable policies starting at $10/mo. Read our full Lemonade review.


Compare the top pet safety products

Product
Best for
Price
Standout feature
Learn more
Read review
Affordable pet insuranceDeductible: $100–$500 (annual)
Affordable GPS pet trackerCollars for cats and dogs
Best pet cameraMotion and bark sensor

Treat dispenser

Best pet-friendly security systemAdjustable motion sensitivity
Best dog harnessReflective; 4-point adjustment
Best pet gateCat door

Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. SafeWise uses paid Amazon links.

Cathy Habas
Written by
Cathy Habas
With over eight years of experience as a content writer, Cathy has a knack for untangling complex information. Her natural curiosity and ability to empathize help Cathy offer insightful, friendly advice. She believes in empowering readers who may not feel confident about a purchase, project, or topic. Cathy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Indiana University Southeast and began her professional writing career immediately after graduation. She is a certified Safe Sleep Ambassador and has contributed to sites like Safety.com, Reviews.com, Hunker, and Thumbtack. Cathy’s pride and joy is her Appaloosa “Chacos.” She also likes to crochet while watching stand-up comedy specials on Netflix.

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