Pet insurance guides

Whether it's worth it, and how to choose a plan for a puppy, a senior dog, a cat or a tight budget.

• How Does Pet Insurance Work? A Step-by-Step Guide

  How does pet insurance work? You buy a plan, sit out a waiting period, pay the vet, file a claim and get back 70% to 90% of covered costs past your deductible.

• Should I Get Pet Insurance? A Simple Test Before You Buy

  Should I get pet insurance? Yes if a $3,000 to $8,000 vet bill would force a hard choice. Here is the savings test, break-even math and when to skip it.

• Is Puppy Insurance Worth It? When to Enroll and What It Covers

  Is puppy insurance worth it? Usually yes: puppies cost less to insure, have clean records, and one parvo stay can run $700 to $5,000. When to enroll and why.

• Is Cat Insurance Worth It? Costs, Indoor Cats and Common Claims

  Is cat insurance worth it? Often yes: it averages about $36 a month, and blockage surgery can cost $1,500 to $5,000. Indoor cats, kittens and seniors compared.

• Best Pet Insurance for Older Dogs: Age Limits, Costs and Catches

  The best pet insurance for older dogs accepts your dog's age, covers new illnesses and fits your budget. Age limits, senior premiums and pre-existing rules.

• Senior Cat Insurance: Age Limits, Costs and What It Covers

  Senior cat insurance is still available at most insurers, but cutoffs, higher premiums and pre-existing rules apply. What older cats cost to insure and treat.

• Low Income Pet Insurance: Cheaper Plans and Help With Vet Bills

  There is no free low income pet insurance, but accident-only plans, higher deductibles, vet payment plans and charities can cut the cost of care. What works.

• Pet Insurance Comparison: 7 Insurers Side by Side on the Facts

  A pet insurance comparison chart of 7 US insurers: waiting periods, reimbursement, direct vet pay, wellness, exam fees and age limits, each from a source.

• Is Pet Insurance a Scam? Why Owners Feel Cheated, and the Facts

  Is pet insurance a scam? No, it is regulated insurance, but exclusions, waiting periods and rising premiums catch owners out. See the data and how to avoid it.

• Pet Insurance for Multiple Pets: Discounts, Policies and Deductibles

  Pet insurance for multiple pets usually means one policy per pet with a 5% to 10% multi-pet discount. How discounts, separate deductibles and limits work.

• Pet Insurance for Rescue Dogs: Unknown History and What's Covered

  Pet insurance for rescue dogs works like any policy, but shelter records set what counts as pre-existing. Enroll fast, book a vet exam and keep every record.

• Switching Pet Insurance: Free Look Periods, Refunds and Timing

  Switching pet insurance is allowed any time, but a new insurer treats current conditions as pre-existing. Free look periods, refunds and when to switch.