“The look in Bella’s eyes said it all—she trusted me to make her feel better. But when the vet handed me a $3,000 estimate for her emergency surgery, my heart sank. What would I do?”
Stories like this happen every day. In fact, one in three pets will need emergency veterinary treatment each year and it is estimated a pet receives emergency care every 2.5 seconds in the U.S.
If you think you’ll never face that moment, consider this: the average cost of treating a broken bone in dogs is $2,700. Cancer treatments? Up to $10,000.
It’s why so many pet owners say their biggest regret isn’t the vet bill—it’s not having pet insurance when they needed it most.
Vet Emergencies Can Cost Thousands. Are You Prepared?
Imagine rushing your pet to the ER only to realize you can’t afford the life-saving treatment. Do you dip into savings meant for your family, max out a credit card, or face the unimaginable choice of walking away?
A swallowed sock, a torn ACL, or a sudden illness can happen out of nowhere, leaving you with tough choices. Without insurance, most owners have two options: dip into savings or put vet bills on a credit card.
But with a good pet insurance plan, you can be reimbursed for up to 90% of covered costs. That means your $5,000 emergency bill could shrink to just $500 out of pocket. Sound worth it?
What Does a “Great” Pet Insurance Plan Look Like?
Not all pet insurance is created equal. When comparing plans, here’s what to look for:
| Feature | Without Insurance | With Insurance (Example Plan) |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Vet Bill | $5,000 | $500 |
| Monthly Cost | $0 | $25–$35 |
| Peace of Mind | ❌ | ✅ |
| Access to Best Care | ❌ | ✅ |
Core Coverage of a Great Plan
- Accidents & Illnesses: Covers emergencies like broken bones, swallowed objects, or sudden illnesses.
- Diagnostics: Includes lab work, blood tests, X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds.
- Surgeries & Hospitalization: Coverage for major procedures and overnight stays.
- Prescription Medications: Includes medications for recovery or chronic conditions.
Extra Benefits to Look For
- Annual Physical Exams: Routine checkups to monitor your pet’s health.
- Dental Care: Cleanings, X-rays, and treatments for dental illnesses.
- Behavioral Therapy: Covers conditions like anxiety or aggression.
- Alternative Therapies: Acupuncture, hydrotherapy, and physical rehabilitation.
Policy Features That Make a Difference
- Reimbursement Rates: Plans that cover 70%, 80%, or even 90% of eligible costs.
- Speed of Reimbursement: Fast claim processing so you’re not stuck waiting for funds.
- No Annual Caps: Unlimited coverage to avoid maxing out in a crisis.
- Customizable Deductibles: Options for lower deductibles to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Why It Matters
- Peace of Mind: Focus on care, not costs, when emergencies strike.
- Financial Protection: Avoid draining savings or racking up credit card debt.
- Comprehensive Care: Access to the best treatments, therapies, and preventative measures.
The average cost of a solid pet insurance plan is around $35/month for dogs and $25/month for cats. That’s less than you spend on coffee runs or streaming subscriptions—but it could save you thousands when it matters most.
Hope Isn’t a Plan—Insurance Is
Every year, thousands of pet owners are hit with vet bills they didn’t see coming. Some are forced to choose between draining their savings or denying their pet life-saving care.
Ask yourself: “If an unexpected $5,000 vet bill hit tomorrow, could I afford it?”
If the answer is no, it’s time to get covered.
You’ll be the hero your pet already thinks you are, with coverage that protects their health and your wallet.
What We Like
These days, we expect a lot from insurance companies. They should evolve with the times: be easy to work with, upfront about the coverage, and make it simple to learn about the benefits they provide.
Looking at the pet insurance options, companies like Lemonade stand out. Why?
They have a great app that actually works, they have an instant chatbot that is faster and, dare we say it, friendlier than most companies’ “real” customer service and a quick scroll through Reddit will uncover… pet parents are really positive (yes, positive sentiment on the internet!).
They must be doing something right, and we’d agree, so don’t wait until it’s too late. See if they fit your pet’s needs and rest easy tonight.
