Pet Insurance Coverage Guide: Why Your Puppy Might Need More Than Basic Protection

Treatment costs can reach staggering amounts—over $4,000 for cancer, congestive heart failure, respiratory problems, and gastrointestinal conditions. Cat parents face similar challenges, with cancer treatment expenses easily exceeding $3,500. These costs can make annual pet insurance premiums—roughly $749 for dogs and $386 for cats—seem reasonable.¹

Accident and illness pet insurance offers more complete protection than accident-only plans. Monthly premiums for a medium-sized dog range from $31.69 to $113.18, depending on provider and coverage level.^1,2

The Risks of Relying on Accident-Only Plans

Accident-only coverage includes coverage for unexpected injuries such as broken bones, poisoning, or foreign object ingestion, but excludes illnesses entirely.

Once a medical condition is diagnosed or shows symptoms, it’s typically considered pre-existing and will not be covered by future policies, which can create permanent coverage gaps.

Common Puppy Illnesses Not Covered by Simple Plans

Common puppy health issues such as parvovirus, respiratory infections, ear infections, skin conditions, and hereditary disorders are not typically covered by accident-only plans and can require costly treatment.

What Each Plan Covers

Accident-only pet insurance can help cover unexpected injuries and their related diagnostics and treatments, while accident and illness pet insurance plans can also help cover the eligible costs of infections, cancer, hereditary conditions, and chronic diseases.

Cost Differences and Long-Term Value

Accident-only plans average about $16 per month for dogs, compared to $62 per month for accident and illness coverage.⁴ Emergency care can cost two to three times more than routine vet visits, and treating foreign object ingestion alone can range from $1,600 to nearly $22,000.⁶

When Accident-Only Coverage May Make Sense

Accident-only insurance may be appropriate for senior pets, highly injury-prone pets, or pet parents seeking minimal emergency protection.

Optional Wellness Coverage

Wellness add-ons may help cover the eligible costs of preventive care such as exams, vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, heartworm prevention, dental cleanings, and spay/neuter procedures.

Waiting Periods and Pre-Existing Conditions

Most pet insurance policies include waiting periods, and conditions diagnosed before coverage begins, including during a waiting period, are usually considered pre-existing and excluded from coverage.